Sports
Returning Home: Zion Chapel native Faith Bates takes over volleyball program – The Troy Messenger
Returning Home: Zion Chapel native Faith Bates takes over volleyball program Published 11:32 am Thursday, July 17, 2025 Faith Bates, left, will lead the Zion Chapel volleyball program going forward as head coach. Pictured, from left, are Faith Bates, Clayton Bates and Jack Bates. (Submitted) Recently, Zion Chapel High School announced the hiring of alumnus […]
Returning Home: Zion Chapel native Faith Bates takes over volleyball program
Published 11:32 am Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Faith Bates, left, will lead the Zion Chapel volleyball program going forward as head coach. Pictured, from left, are Faith Bates, Clayton Bates and Jack Bates. (Submitted)
Recently, Zion Chapel High School announced the hiring of alumnus Faith (Dewberry) Bates as the school’s new head volleyball coach.
Bates played volleyball and softball and went on to graduate from Troy University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training. During her time at Troy, Bates interned as an athletic trainer with Troy’s football, volleyball, soccer and basketball programs.
“I went to Troy to be an athletic trainer and I’ve been around athletics since high school,” Bates said. “It’s just one of those things almost like a ministry, being around sports and seeing the coaching side of things made me want to pursue (coaching). Ethan Deal mentioned my name (to the principal) and they contacted me and it all sort of laid out in a way where it just felt right for me to come back to Zion Chapel.”
Over the last several years, Zion Chapel has had a number of volleyball coaches and Bates said she wants to bring some consistency to the position.
“I would love for these girls to just have some stability,” she said. “The last few years it’s been sort of a revolving door (of coaches) and I feel like they know I’m coming in with high expectations. The talent is there, I think the girls have more talent at Zion Chapel than they’ve had in a long time across all athletics right now.”
Bates is trying to develop a cohesive team as she takes over the program.
“My goal is to get them to play as a team and play to the ability they have,” she continued. “I want them to have the confidence and trust in themselves that they can be a winning team and play up to their highest potential.”
Bates said the Lady Rebels got a taste of their potential at a recent team camp.
“As soon as I started, the next week we started workouts and started practicing in July,” said Bates. “It’s been going really well. We went to a team camp at the beginning of July in Enterprise at Deep South Volleyball. It was really our first chance to play together and I think the girls surprised themselves.
“With the little practice we had had, they picked things up so quickly. It was a good place to see the potential they have and what we can be with some more tweaking.”
Sports
San Giljan win BOV Water Polo Premier Division Knockout Competition for 16th time
San Giljan 16 Neptunes 10 (7-1, 2-2, 5-4, 2-3) San Giljan clinched their fifth BOV Water Polo Knockout title in the past six years – the 16th time in the club’s history – after overcoming arch-rivals Neptunes 16-10 in the final. The Saints, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of jubilant supporters, […]
San Giljan 16
Neptunes 10
(7-1, 2-2, 5-4, 2-3)
San Giljan clinched their fifth BOV Water Polo Knockout title in the past six years – the 16th time in the club’s history – after overcoming arch-rivals Neptunes 16-10 in the final. The Saints, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of jubilant supporters, were superior from the start and delivered a commanding performance, showcasing their attacking firepower and defensive resilience, while Neptunes could not find a solution to break San Giljan’s strength, sealing yet another chapter of dominance in the competition.
They opened a 7-1 lead in the first session, an advantage that they held on to for the rest of the game, with Neptunes unable to bridge the gap.
The Saints pushed harder to establish a 9-1 gap at the start of the second session, and it was clear there and then that Neptunes had already thrown in the towel.
San Giljan continued to respond to Neptunes’ goals to retain the healthy advantage they had, and, in spite of missing two penalties, their victory was never in doubt.
Younger was instrumental in the saints victory, scoring three goals and setting up others. Matthew Zammit, Daniel Tully, Jake Bonavia, Nikolai Zammit and Darren Zammit also scored two goals each, with Russell Caruana, Ben Plumpton and Jeremy Abela netting the others.
Neptunes goals were scored by Jordan Camilleri (3), Stevie Camilleri and Gergo Zalanki and Sam Gialanze (two each) and Alec Fenech.
The two sides will meet again for the league final, with the team winning two of three games scheduled later this month to be crowned champions.
The BOV Water Polo Premier Division Knockout Trophy was presented in a celebratory ceremony held poolside at the National Pool in Tal-Qroqq. Bank of Valletta’s Chief Operations Officer, Ernest Agius, together with ASA President Karl Izzo, handed over the prestigious silverware to the San Giljan’s Captain Matthew Zammit. The moment was met with jubilant cheers from fans as the team lifted the trophy high, marking yet another milestone in their storied legacy.
This year’s knockout competition holds special significance as the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta celebrates its 100th anniversary. Bank of Valletta is proud to stand alongside the ASA in marking this historic milestone, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the development of aquatic sports in Malta. Through continued sponsorship and collaboration, BOV remains dedicated to nurturing local talent and promoting excellence in water polo and swimming across generations.
Sports
2025 AVCA First Serve: Schedule, teams, how to watch the college volleyball event
The 2025 college volleyball season opens at the AVCA First Serve from Aug. 22-24 in Lincoln, Neb., and Aug. 25 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Some of the nation’s premier programs are slated for competition in the first few days of the season. The matches are set to broadcast across FOX, FS1, ESPN and Big Ten […]
The 2025 college volleyball season opens at the AVCA First Serve from Aug. 22-24 in Lincoln, Neb., and Aug. 25 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Some of the nation’s premier programs are slated for competition in the first few days of the season.
The matches are set to broadcast across FOX, FS1, ESPN and Big Ten Network throughout the weekend.
Check out the storylines, schedule and teams below.
2025 AVCA First Serve Schedule
All times ET
- Friday, Aug. 22 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.:
- No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 3 Pittsburgh | 7 p.m. | FOX | Live Stats
- No. 6 Stanford vs. No. 16 Florida | 9 p.m. | FOX | Live Stats
- Saturday, Aug. 23 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.:
- No. 15 Kansas vs. Vanderbilt | 3 p.m. | FS1 | Live Stats
- No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 12 Creighton | 5 p.m. | FS1 | Live Stats
- Sunday, Aug. 24 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.:
- No. 3 Pittsburgh vs. No. 16 Florida| 1 p.m. | ESPN | Live Stats
- No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 6 Stanford | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN | Live Stats
- August 25, 2025 at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.:
- No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 15 Kansas | 6:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network | Live Stats
- No. 9 Texas A&M vs. No. 11 Minnesota | 8:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network | Live Stats
History of AVCA First Serve
The 2024 AVCA First Serve in Louisville marked the revival a similar preseason event that the association sponsored from 1995-2011 and 2014. Due to new NCAA exemptions prior to the 2024 season, the AVCA was once again able to host four of the nation’s top teams.
In 2024, the then one-night, two-match event featured Nebraska, Kentucky, Louisville and Wisconsin at the KFC Yum! Center. The Huskers defeated the Wildcats 3-1, while the Cardinals rallied for a 3-1 comeback win over the Badgers.
REMEMBER: Nebraska and Louisville post wins in 2024 AVCA First Serve Showcase
All four teams concluded the 2024 season by at least reaching a NCAA regional finals, with the KFC Yum! Center welcoming back Nebraska for the Final Four and Louisville in the National Championship match.
RELIVE: Penn State wins the 2024 National Championship
Storylines to watch this year
The start of the 2025 season kicks off with a wave of new names, faces and stories to watch unfold.
First of all, the AVCA First Serve Showcase is shifting from four to 10 teams and is set to take place over two locations: Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., and the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The first six matches over the first three days are in Lincoln, with the fourth and final day of competition taking place at the Sanford Pentagon in South Dakota with No. 14 Kansas vs. No. 2 Penn State and No. 9 Texas A&M vs. No. 11 Minnesota. The Sanford Pentagon venue holds 3,250 fans and is home to the NBA G League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
The high-profile nonconference matchups between volleyball’s top programs make this event just a taste of the regular and postseason ahead.
No. 1 Nebraska team brings high expectations and a stacked lineup to the field at the helm of a new head coach in Dani Busboom Kelly. Veterans like Harper Murray and Rebekah Allick plus a highly touted freshmen round out their roster. They are set to face No. 3 Pittsburgh. No. 6 Stanford, equipped with experience in Elia Rubin and Lizzy Andrew, will challenge the Huskers to round out their showcase.
Coming in at No. 2 in the preseason rankings, defending national champion Penn State looks to make a statement. Though the Nittany Lions lost some veteran players in the offseason, they bring back plenty of experience and some big-name newcomers. Penn State opens up against No. 12 Creighton in a rematch of the 2024 regional finals, where the Nittany Lions knocked off the Bluejays in a five-set thriller. They finish with a matchup against No. 14 Kansas.
The championship moment 🏆 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/5CSn8AvBdF
— Penn State Women’s Volleyball (@PennStateVBALL) December 23, 2024
2024 NCAA tournament top overall seed No. 3 Pitt comes to Lincoln, bringing back National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock. With some big moves in the portal and veteran leadership under coach Dan Fisher, the Panthers should make some waves against No. 1 Nebraska and No. 16 Florida.
LEARN ABOUT THE AVCA Player of the Year Award
After an impressive run to the regional semifinals, No. 9 Texas A&M looks to continue its momentum in 2025. The Aggies bring back star talent in Logan Lednicky as they face No. 11 Minnesota.
The AVCA First Serve marks not just a new season but the beginning of several new tenures in college volleyball.
Besides Nebraska having a new coach No. 12 Creighton arrives with a new leader in Brian Rosen. No. 14 Kansas will additionally kick off the season under fresh leadership in Matt Ulmer, and the No. 16 Florida Gators begin a new era as Ryan Theis steps into his first year following the retirement of legendary coach Mary Wise.
Vanderbilt joins the field for one match against No. 14 Kansas, as the newly instated Commodores compete for the first time since 1980. The Commodores brought in talent from Ivy League Player of the Year Kamryn Chaney.
READ MORE: Storylines to know before the 2025 season
Sports
New RBVL Champions Crowned, on a Heartbreaking Day – THE ROCKAWAY TIMES
By Sean Shevlin The 2025 Rockaway Beach Volleyball League (RBVL) playoffs kicked-off on Saturday, August 9, under beautiful, sun-splashed skies and temperatures in the 70s at Riis. Perfect weather for the league to conclude its 36th season. Sixty-six teams across 10 divisions gathered to compete for a championship and, the ultimate prize, the vaunted sweatshirt. […]
By Sean Shevlin
The 2025 Rockaway Beach Volleyball League (RBVL) playoffs kicked-off on Saturday, August 9, under beautiful, sun-splashed skies and temperatures in the 70s at Riis. Perfect weather for the league to conclude its 36th season. Sixty-six teams across 10 divisions gathered to compete for a championship and, the ultimate prize, the vaunted sweatshirt.
Spirits were high as players, friends and family packed the beach for the commencement of the first round, at 10:30 a.m. However, during the early afternoon ambulances could be seen by the flagpole, at the top of the beach, and all play soon stopped as word filtered down that a player had suffered a heart attack and was being treated in one of those ambulances. That player was Rockaway resident Charles Nopper, who later died. He was 43. Nopper, beloved by many, was a former DSNY worker, who spent time behind the bar at Jamesons and as manager at Bishops Barn. The RBVL committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Nopper family, on this devastating loss. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church.
Meanwhile, all but the Sun division, Charles’ division, elected to continue play, and nine champions were crowned. Congratulations to all!!
The winners include Storage Place of the Ocean Division, Rockaway Soda of Ocean Breeze, BHYC Snotty Yachties of the Wave Division, the 123 Bangouts of Beach, Leo’s Tavern of Beach Breeze, Danger Zone of Boardwalk, Boarder’s Surf Shop on Sun Ray, DysFUNctional of Moon and the BHYC Social Yachties of the Star Division.
Sports
Women's Soccer Falls to Falcons in Tightly Contested Season Opener
Next Game: Valparaiso University 8/17/2025 | 7 PM Aug. 17 (Sun) / 7 PM Valparaiso University History BOWLING GREEN, Oh. – The Golden Grizzlies fell to the Bowling Green Falcons (BGSU) 1-0 in the 2025 season opener, despite a hard fought effort on both sides of the ball. The Falcons secured the victory with a second-half […]
Next Game:
Valparaiso University
8/17/2025 | 7 PM
Aug. 17 (Sun) / 7 PM
Valparaiso University
History
The Falcons secured the victory with a second-half goal by Ella Kane. Both teams finished with three shots on goal, while BGSU outshot Oakland 10 to five total.
The first half opened with defensive plays from both sides as Oakland and Bowling Green were evenly matched. Maryn Weiger made a couple of crucial saves, including a diving punch-out in the 37th minute, denying Lexi White a chance to score. In the final minutes, Oakland increased offensive pressure with shots by Mia Tuka, Kimee Liu, and Dakota Jarrett, but each attempt was halted by Payton O’Malley, keeping the score 0-0 at the end of the half.
BGSU quickly took the lead out of the break as Kane snuck in a lefty shot on a deep cross from Isabella Mazzaferro in the 52nd minute. Oakland responded with multiple corner kick opportunities, including one at 56′ and another at 76′, keeping pressure on the home team, but were unable to capitalize. Weiger made a crucial save at 80′, stopping a shot by Emme Butera, but Oakland couldn’t find the equalizer.
Liu, Jarrett, and Tuka each contributed offensively with one shot on goal apiece, leading the team’s efforts in that category. Tuka and true freshman Corinne Jenkins also stood out on defense, making several key plays to halt BGSU runs into Oakland territory.
Oakland prepares to host Valparaiso University on Sunday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m.
How to Follow Oakland Women’s Soccer: For complete information on Oakland Women’s Soccer, follow the team on Instagram and X @oaklandwsoc.
Sports
Walk of Fame ceremony kicks off 65th Manhattan Beach Open volleyball tournament – Daily Breeze
The 2025 Manhattan Beach Open kicked off this week by honoring last year’s winners of the national volleyball tournament. A standing-room-only red carpet ceremony for the 2024 victors on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Manhattan Beach Pier set the stage for the 65th annual installment of the popular beach volleyball competition, part of the Association […]
The 2025 Manhattan Beach Open kicked off this week by honoring last year’s winners of the national volleyball tournament.
A standing-room-only red carpet ceremony for the 2024 victors on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Manhattan Beach Pier set the stage for the 65th annual installment of the popular beach volleyball competition, part of the Association of Volleyball Professionals‘ Heritage Series.
Men’s champions Theo Brunner and Trevor Crabb, and and women’s champions Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss accepted their plaques at the Thursday afternoon ceremony, and revealed the newly installed bronze that will remain etched into the pier.
This was Crabb’s fourth Manhattan Beach Open victory, while Brunner, Kloth and Nuss each won the event for the first time.
Both teams nearly didn’t compete last year, but were glad that they ultimately did, as they would’ve otherwise missed the shot at victory that was waiting for them at the end of the 2024 open. Kloth and Nuss rose out of defeat in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, while Brunner and Crabb weren’t sure if they were going to play together — or at all.
“A year ago, we had the most amazing experience when we made it to the Paris Olympics,” Kloth said. “Then, a devastating experience when we lost.”
The day after the Olympics loss, Kloth said, Nuss brought her out of her slump and urged her to try to show the world again what she’s capable of on the sand. After all, the two maintained a 36-0 record togetehr at Louisiana State University.
“She said, ‘We should go play the Manhattan Beach Open. We’re way better than this; we have to go play,’” Kloth said, recalling Nuss’ encouragment. “When I was at my lowest, she picked me up exactly when I needed it.”
Nuss, meanwhile, said she’s extremely grateful they didn’t let the international defeat weigh them down.
“Now that our names are on the plaques, I’m glad we came and played,” Nuss said. “It could’ve been so different.”
Crabb, meanwhile, said that before entering the 2024 competition, he considered finding a new partner after he and Brunner didn’t qualify for a different tournament together that year, but never did. So Brunner took the initiative, asking Crabb to team up for what ended up being their fourth and first wins, respectively.
Now, Crabb is working on a potential fifth title in this year’s tournament.
The MBO has “become a second home for me,” Crabb said. “I’ve always thought this was the best beach volleyball tournament ever.”
Brunner said he was especially excited to win, and somewhat surprised, after nearly reaching the championship title a handful of times previously.
“I’ve been in the finals here four times,” Brunner said. “So going into the finals last year was like, here we go again.”
But he was wrong.
A”This was the one thing I got that I can show my kids,” Brunner said, adding that it was a special moment for him for his children to watch him win.
The Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame was dedicated in 1996 and honors champions from as far back as the beginning of the competiton in 1960.
Crabb and Brunner were unbeaten throughout last year’s tournament, topping their Paris Olympian competitors 21-18, 21-18 in the final. The pair lost only one set over the three days of the 2024 games.
Kloth and Nuss, meanwhile, beat the defending champions, Julia Scoles and Betsi Flint, in the final match last year. Kloth and Nuss dropped the first set, but went on to win, 18-21, 21-17, 15-9.
Both winning teams’ victories earned them spots in the AVP League last year.
All four will compete once again this weekend in the 2025 open.
AVP Commissioner Bobby Corvino applauded Kloth and Nuss’ tenacity on Thursday, adding that they’ve now secured titles as some of the best players in history.
“Fresh off the Paris Olympics, you guys came home just days later and captured the MBO title,” he said. “No breaks, no excuses, just pure determination and joy for the game.”
Corvino also called Brunner one of the most dominant blockers in beach volleyball, and said that Crabb is not just building a record, but also creating a family dynasty along with his brother, Taylor Crabb, who won the 2023 Manhattan Beach Open.
Brunner, after all, has been named AVP’s Best Block in 2013, 2014, 2022 and 2023, earned a 2013 AVP Championship, and has had international success.
“All four of your names will be etched here alongside others who were the best to play the game,” Corvino said.
Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser presented each champion their keepsake plaques, then the players uncovered the awards that will honor their names on the city landmark for years to come.
As she introduced the 2024 inductees, four-time MBO champion April Ross said winning the local tournament is a testament to their hard work and commitment to each other, adding that Nuss is one of the best defenders and attackers on the planet.
“It’s hard to win, even when you’re one of the best teams in the world,” Ross said. “Taryn and Kristen stay calm under pressure and continiue to play their game.” a
The 2025 Manhattan Beach Open, meanwhile, will take place from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 15-17.
But on Thursday, 200 teams competed in the qualification tournament, vying for official spots in the Manhattan Beach Open.
The opening rounds begin on Friday. Over the course of the tournament, 32 teams will compete in several rounds of matches until the semifinals and finals on Sunday.
More information about the 2025 Manhattan Beach Open, parking and street closures, go to manhattanbeach.gov.
Originally Published:
Sports
USA Women Into Semifinals At U20 World Championships After 24-6 Win Over Croatia
Story Links Salvador, Brazil – August 14 – The USA Junior Women beat Croatia 24-6 today at the World Aquatics U20 World Championships. Meghan McAninch scored five and was named player of the match while Lauren Steele and Christine Carpenter combined for 12 saves in net. Team USA advances to the semifinals on […]
Salvador, Brazil – August 14 – The USA Junior Women beat Croatia 24-6 today at the World Aquatics U20 World Championships. Meghan McAninch scored five and was named player of the match while Lauren Steele and Christine Carpenter combined for 12 saves in net. Team USA advances to the semifinals on Friday at 6pm et/3pm pt against the winner of Netherlands-Italy. Live streaming of all matches is available through the World Aquatics YouTube page by clicking here. Live stats of all matches are provided from Microplus by clicking here.
Team USA struck first when Julia Bonaguidi rang the register on the opening possession of the game followed by Allison Cohen skipping home the Americans’ second score. Croatia would level the score behind its own pair of goals before Emily Ausmus put the United States back on top with a nice sidearm skip shot. McAninch doubled the advantage before Cohen rose up and fired home her second score. Then it was McAninch again prior to Croatia netting its third on the day to send this contest to the second quarter at 6-3.
Ausmus scored on a counter attack to begin the second and then Cohen scored once again to register a hat trick on the afternoon. The Croatian side was able to sink a long range shot but Charlotte Raisin answered on the other end to regain a five-goal cushion. Midway through the period, Croatia got a skip shot to fall before Rosalie Hassett broke free on the counter attack for another American goal. Raisin scored again late to give Team USA an 11-5 lead at the break.
On the first possession of the second half, Bonaguidi muscled one through the defense and she recorded a hat trick on the ensuing possession with another goal. Next it was Ausmus drawing a penalty and converting on the five meter attempt before another sweet sidearm strike gave Team USA a double digit lead. Midway through the third, Raisin registered a hat trick with her third score coming on another counter attack opportunity and then McAninch fired a cross cage shot into the back of the net for yet another American hat trick. From there, Hassett scored her second before Croatia finally got on the scoreboard in the quarter to leave the score at 18-6 entering the final frame of play.
The fourth quarter brought much of the same from both sides. Quinn Healy, McAninch (2), Raisin, Cohen, and Kamryn Barone all scored for the United States to set the final score at 24-6.
Team USA went 2/3 on power plays and 4/4 on penalties while Croatia went 2/13 on power plays and 0/1 on penalties.
Scoring – Stats
USA 24 (6, 5, 7, 6) M. McAninch 5, E. Ausmus 4, A. Cohen 4, C. Raisin 4, J. Bonaguidi 3, R. Hassett 2, K. Barone 1, Q. Healy 1
CRO 6 (3, 2, 1, 0) J. Butic 3, I. Rozic 2, R. Glas 1
Saves – USA – L. Steele 9, C. Carpenter 3 – CRO – L. Medvesek 2, E. Hanza 1
6×5 – USA – 2/3 – CRO – 2/13
Penalties – USA – 4/4 – CRO – 0/1
