Sports

‘Proud and saddened’: UCLA men’s volleyball loses NCAA title to Long Beach State

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The month of May became synonymous with UCLA magic the past two years. Spring of 2023 and 2024 were painted blue and gold, as the Bruins stood atop collegiate men’s volleyball and returned to Westwood with national hardware. And after the Bruins extinguished the Beach’s championship hopes last year at their home […]

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1 week ago

May 13, 2025

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The month of May became synonymous with UCLA magic the past two years.

Spring of 2023 and 2024 were painted blue and gold, as the Bruins stood atop collegiate men’s volleyball and returned to Westwood with national hardware.

And after the Bruins extinguished the Beach’s championship hopes last year at their home gym, it seemed only right for the favor to be returned, albeit on neutral ground.

No. 1 seed Long Beach State (30–3, 8-2 Big West) swept No. 3 seed UCLA men’s volleyball (22-7, 10-2 MPSF) in the NCAA tournament final Monday night at the Covelli Center. The Beach’s steamroll marked their first championship since 2019 – simultaneously burying the Bruins’ bid for a historic three-peat, which could have been their first since 1983.

“It’s the stuff we have expected since day one,” Hawks said. “I’m trying to think of the bright side of it, the growth that we have had … and I’m just grateful, and proud and saddened for these guys, and that’s really where my heart is, with these guys and these seniors.”

Despite entering the national finals ranking second nationally with a .369 hitting percentage, the Bruins’ own misfires wrote their downfall in Ohio. UCLA finished with 15 attack errors in the match, with 10 unraveling in a costly second set – a stanza that slipped through the Bruins’ fingers after a 18-13 cushion.

At the tail end of the second frame, costly blunders – two attack errors from junior outside hitter Zach Rama and a service error each from senior outside hitter/opposite Ido David and Rama – cracked the door open for the Beach as the Bruins watched a golden opportunity vanish.

The errors allowed Long Beach back into a set – one that was the Bruins’ to lose – with a two-ace service run from AVCA Player and Newcomer of the Year setter Moni Nikolov.

The errors didn’t stop at the attacking realm either, as the Bruins racked up two blocking errors and 18 service errors. After committing 16 blunders from the line and six laser aces in their sweep of the Rainbow Warriors in the semifinal, the Bruins somehow yielded a worse ace-to-error ratio, with just three aces Monday.

Across the net, Nikolov – who broke Long Beach’s single-season service ace record in his freshman season – single-handedly outshone UCLA’s service attack, tallying four aces to tilt the match in his team’s favor. Heightened pressure sunk the Bruins’ reception game, as redshirt junior libero Matthew Aziz and sophomore outside hitter Luca Curci – both of whom serve as the team’s backline defensive specialists – combined for just three digs.

Two of UCLA’s AVCA All-American offensive threats in Rama and junior middle blocker Cameron Thorne strung together sub-.150 hitting percentages while All-MPSF Honorable Mention and freshman outside hitter Sean Kelly could muster up just three kills – and as many attacking errors – after pacing the team with 13 kills Saturday in the semifinal.

Despite the lack of production from the Bruins’ offensive stalwarts, MPSF Player of the Year and AVCA First Team All-American Cooper Robinson led the way with 10 kills on a .381 clip, bearing the team’s weight in the dying embers of the match.

“UCLA has 21 championships for a reason. There’s a formula that we have and it works, and there’s a reason why we are here every year,” Robinson said. “This year, we had new leadership, and it was pretty difficult at first, but the guys really took control and began to become great leaders towards the end.”

Orchestrating the team’s attack, junior setter Andrew Rowan finished with his lowest assist total since March 15.

The three-time AVCA First Team All-American built off Robinson, adding that prevailing through adversity helped the team grow most.

“There’s a point in time where you’re not practicing the best or the team culture of the court isn’t the greatest, and I think the way we overcame that, and that was the biggest lesson as a leader and a player,” Rowan said.

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Sports

Gilstrap Qualifies for 2025 NCAA Track And Field East Preliminaries

Story Links INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Stony Brook men’s track and field student athlete Collin Gilstrap was announced as an individual qualifier for the NCAA outdoor Track and Field East Preliminary Round by the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee on Thursday. Gilstrap will compete in the […]

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7 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Stony Brook men’s track and field student athlete Collin Gilstrap was announced as an individual qualifier for the NCAA outdoor Track and Field East Preliminary Round by the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee on Thursday.

Gilstrap will compete in the 1,500-meter run for a second straight season at the 2025 NCAA East Prelims hosted by the University of North Florida from May 28-31 in Jacksonville.

His qualification comes after numerous stellar outdoor season performances, during which he defended his crown as CAA champion in the 1,500-meter, winning gold for a second year in a row.

Gilstrap made program history on April 18, breaking his own program record in the 1,500-meter run with an outstanding run at the Wake Forest Invitational (3:40.94).

In addition to his record-breaking run, Gilstrap added a first-place finish in the 1,500-meter run during the regular season. Winning the event at the Colonial Relays (3:47.39).

The 2025 NCAA Preliminary meets are from Wednesday, May 28, to Saturday, May 31, in Jacksonville, Fla. (East) and College Station, Texas (West). At the end of the second round on Friday, the field will be narrowed to 12 participants from each region. These individuals will advance to the NCAA Division I Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship hosted by the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore., from June 11-14.

For an inside look at the Seawolves track & field program, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Rogan ’28 runs in NCAA track and field championships on Thursday, May 22

Story Links Hamilton College’s Keira Rogan ’28 runs in the preliminary heats of the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, on Thursday, May 22. The first 11-runner heat begins at 7:35 p.m., and Rogan […]

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25 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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Hamilton College’s Keira Rogan ’28 runs in the preliminary heats of the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, on Thursday, May 22.

The first 11-runner heat begins at 7:35 p.m., and Rogan is one of 11 athletes in the second heat. The steeplechase final is the last event on Friday, May 23 with a start time of approximately 4:55 p.m.

Rogan owned the third-fastest performance in Division III in the event this spring with a time of 10:27.88, which she recorded in Hamilton’s outdoor invitational on April 4. She set team records in the steeplechase, the 1,500-meter run and the 5,000-meter run this season. Rogan finished second in the steeplechase at the NESCAC championships on April 26 and earned all-conference honors for the event.

Rogan is trying to collect her third all-America award in her first year with the Continentals’ cross country and track and field teams. She ended up in 15th place out of 290 finishers at the 2024 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships, and landed in fifth place out of 20 athletes in the 3,000-meter run at the 2025 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships.

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Sports

Volleyball Loses in City Quarters

Carlos GrayPhoto: Steve Galluzzo For the second year in a row the Palisades High boys volleyball team began the City Section Open Division playoffs on the road at Granada Hills. Last spring it was the Dolphins who swept but on May 7 the Highlanders returned the favor with a 25-21, 25-16, 25-16 quarterfinal victory, bringing […]

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26 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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Kyle Radde is helping new generation of Penn boys volleyball

MISHAWAKA ― Mark Watts had seen enough. After Kyle Radde dunked the basketball, stole an ensuing pass and dunked the ball again, Watts knew he had a volleyball player on his hands. He walked across the gym floor and approached Radde about trying out the sport. The rest, as they say, is history. Two decades […]

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30 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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MISHAWAKA ― Mark Watts had seen enough.

After Kyle Radde dunked the basketball, stole an ensuing pass and dunked the ball again, Watts knew he had a volleyball player on his hands. He walked across the gym floor and approached Radde about trying out the sport.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Two decades later, the two are on the same coaching staff — Watts a co-head coach with his wife, Kelley, and Radde an assistant for the Penn High School boys volleyball team. After being one of 16 programs to win an inaugural IHSAA sectional title in the sport, the Kingsmen will look to add regional hardware this weekend in Valparaiso.

“It’s awesome,” Radde said. “It’s where my roots started. And it all started in that gym that we’re practicing in now.”

A decorated pro volleyball career

As he alluded to, Radde is a Penn alum. Watts, a former teacher and girls volleyball coach at the school, was overseeing the intramural basketball teams at Penn when Radde showed off his athletic display.

A club boys volleyball team was formed in Radde’s junior and senior years, but it fizzled out once he graduated. While the team at Penn was over, Radde’s career in the sport was just starting.

He would play collegiately in the NAIA at Calumet College before transferring to the club team at Michigan State University in East Lansing. Radde would then spend some time overseas playing the game, including in countries like Austria, Belgum and Denmark.

Beach volleyball is where Radde would find his niche. He became one of the better players in the country at it, using his 6-foot-8 frame and dynamic leaping ability to be a force around the net. In 2014, he and his playing partner were one of four teams in a 104-team field to advance to the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Main Draw in St. Petersburg, Florida.

He has continued to play locally, as well as starting his coaching career. That journey has taken him to the University of Olivet in Michigan and the Northern Indiana Volleyball Association, among other places, along with his current assistant gig with Penn.

At age 39, Radde is still playing. He needs shoulder surgery to fix some things this fall, but he plans on pursuing his pro career next summer after he’s healed up.

“I told the boys: I didn’t start until I was 17 or 18, and then I ended up playing professionally for 16 years … a lot of people would say that’s a late start, but it’s better late than never,” Radde said. “I’m glad I took that opportunity to play because, honestly, in my mind, there’s no better sport than volleyball.”

Helping the next generation of Penn boys volleyball

It was unknown if Penn would field a team for the first-ever IHSAA season as late as mid-February. Once the Watts committed to being the head coaches, though, the season became a reality.

“It’s amazing,” Mark Watts said. “It feels impossible. I’m enjoying it. Sometimes I sit back and think, ‘How the heck did we get here?’”

Radde’s impact is felt by everyone on the team, especially sophomore Liam Carter. The 6-foot-6 middle hitter has played at NIVA for four years, with Radde being one of his first coaches. He was unsure if he wanted to play for the high school team, but Radde convinced him to be part of history.

“I went to one practice, and it was definitely challenging,” Carter said. “I talked to (Radde) at another place I play at (NIVA) and he told me how much of a big deal this is with it being the first year and how big it could be for college.”

Like most teams in the area, there have been growing pains for Penn this year. They were able to put it all together in last week’s sectionals, though, beating three solid teams in Warsaw, South Bend Riley and Saint Joseph to claim the title.

“That’s why we coach,” Radde said. “It’s not for me to come out here and win a state title; it’s for the look on their faces when they won sectionals and how they felt. I’ve had some big wins in my career, and it means a lot. To see them having that same feeling, that’s where all the reward comes from coaching.”

Penn (13-10) now enters regional weekend as the underdog. They will face Washington Township (19-3) in the second semifinal at approximately 1 p.m. ET/noon CT Saturday, May 24, at Valparaiso High School. The first semifinal pits Lake Central (27-6) against Boone Grove (23-4) at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT. The final is set for 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT.

The Kingsmen know it’ll be an uphill battle, but they’re ready for the challenge.

“I’m going to tell them to go out there and swing away,” Radde added. “Play aggressive, dive on the ground and be ready.”

Follow Austin Hough on X (formerly Twitter) @AustinRHough and on Facebook at “Austin Hough – South Bend Tribune.” Hough can be emailed at ahough@gannett.com.

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USA Cadet Women Unbeaten Midway Through 2025 PanAm Aquatics Water Polo Championships

Story Links Medellin, Colombia – May 22 – The U.S. Women’s Cadet National Team is unbeaten through four games at the 2025 PanAm Aquatics Water Polo Championships in Medellin, Colombia. USA 20, Brazil 7 Team USA opened play with a 20-7 victory over Brazil. Madison Mack and Kiernan Hogan led the charge offensively […]

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35 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Medellin, Colombia – May 22 – The U.S. Women’s Cadet National Team is unbeaten through four games at the 2025 PanAm Aquatics Water Polo Championships in Medellin, Colombia.

USA 20, Brazil 7

Team USA opened play with a 20-7 victory over Brazil. Madison Mack and Kiernan Hogan led the charge offensively with four goals each while Gianna Adams notched six saves and three steals in net.

USA 28, Mexico 3

The United States handled Mexico 28-3 on Day 2 of the tournament. Kiernan Hogan was named match MVP after four goals, four assists, and two steals. Paige Segesman was the top scorer as she shot 5/5 from the field while adding three steals and an assist.

USA 22, Peru 1

The Americans put forth a dominant display on both ends in a 22-1 win against Peru. Match MVP went to Caroline Daniel who scored three goals and earned nine exclusions in the contest. Teodora Diaconu scored a team-high four goals in the big win.

USA 16, Canada 10

Team USA outlasted Canada 16-10 for a fourth straight win in Medellin. A trio of hat tricks from Campbell Pence, Kiernan Hogan, and Caroline Daniel led the way on offense.

The USA Women return to action on Friday, May 23 versus Argentina at 10:00am ET/7:00am PT and Saturday, May 24 against the home nation of Colombia at 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT. After those contests, the United States will play one final game on Sunday, May 25 with opponent and time TBD.

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Vandal Track and Field Sends Three to College Station for NCAA West First Round

Story Links MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho Track and Field had a lot to be proud of in the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Championships in Sacramento. The record books saw some tweaks as ten total Vandals earned spots on the all-conference team for their efforts, with Jesuye Doherty and Mia Sylvester collecting conference […]

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51 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho Track and Field had a lot to be proud of in the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Championships in Sacramento.

The record books saw some tweaks as ten total Vandals earned spots on the all-conference team for their efforts, with Jesuye Doherty and Mia Sylvester collecting conference titles in the long jump and shot put, respectively.

The efforts of three Idaho athletes have earned them the right to continue their season, as Sylvester, Katja Pattis, and Constanze Paoli have secured spots in the NCAA West First Round for their work in the conference championships from May 28-31.

Sylvester, one of two Big Sky Champions for the black and gold, recorded a meet-best mark of 15.73m (51’7.25) to secure the conference title and a placement in the regional. This throw currently stands as the 42nd best in all of DI Track and Field, as well as the third-best by a Big Sky athlete this season.

Pattis has been a mainstay at the 3,000m steeplechase throughout the conference championships. Her second-place finish of 10:03.05 in the outdoor meet is currently the 20th-best time in DI Track and Field, and she secured all-conference honors for her efforts in Sacramento.

Paoli had a career day at the conference championships in the steeplechase alongside Pattis. She finished third overall with a time of 10:10.24, locking down all-conference honors as well as the 27th best time in all of Division I.

All four days of the first round will be broadcast on ESPN+, and live results are available on govandals.com. The women’s shot put will take place on Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 PM CST / 4:00 PST, and the women’s 3,000m steeplechase will commence on Saturday, May 31, at 5:40 PM CST / 3:40 PM PST.

FOLLOW THE VANDALS

To stay up to date with Idaho Track and Field, follow the team on instagram (idahotrack) and visit govandals.com.

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