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Sant Andreu stun Sabadell to secure Champions League crown

Sant Andreu’s players and coaches were presented with the trophy after downing Sabadell in the final. Photo: Aniko Kovacs CN Sant Andreu led just once in the women’s Champions League final – 2.4 seconds from time. Queralt Anton’s winning goal completed a miraculous comeback as they staged a 0-3 run in the last three minutes […]

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3 weeks ago

May 5, 2025

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*Sant Andreu’s players and coaches were presented with the trophy after downing Sabadell in the final. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

CN Sant Andreu led just once in the women’s Champions League final – 2.4 seconds from time. Queralt Anton’s winning goal completed a miraculous comeback as they staged a 0-3 run in the last three minutes of the game, which title-holders Astralpool CN Sabadell were dominating – especially at three goals up in the middle of the third – but they were unable to break their fellow Spaniards. This is a historical first for Sant Andreu, while Sabadell’s plan for a three-peat and an all-time record-tying eighth trophy was ruined. Elsewhere, on a dramatic final day, the bronze went to hosts Olympiacos SFP after they swept FTC Telekom Waterpolo aside 18-11.

2024/25 Champions League Women
Final Four, Finals
Saturday, 3 May 2025

Olympiacos SFP (GRE) 18-11 FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) – Bronze Medal Game
Astralpool CN Sabadell (ESP) 8-9 CN Sant Andreu (ESP) – Gold Medal Game

Sant Andreu completed a stunning comeback to claim the title. Photo: Aniko Kovacs

Sabadell may have been dominant in the Spanish league, but it was St Andreu that managed to break their reign in single-game finals, notably by claiming back-to-back Spanish cup titles.

Still, this was the Champions League final – the biggest match in the club’s history – and it unsurprisingly took some time for the underdogs to settle.

In the opening four and a half minutes, title-holders Sabadell went about their business and quickly established a 3-0 lead, thanks to a stunning Simone van de Kraats hat-trick.

The Dutch star put away two man-ups and lobbed a nice one from a counter, while St Andreu looked a little bewildered in attack.

But once they got going, the contest really began to heat up. Olympic champion Elena Ruiz opened St Andreu’s account after five minutes with a fierce shot from the perimeter, then, after killing a Sabadell six on five, Paula Camus scored a great goal from the centre for 3-2.

*Sabadell goalkeeper Laura Aarts made several great saves in the final. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

St Andreu also forced two more six on fives to go even before the first break, but they couldn’t beat Sabadell’s defence and goalkeeper Laura Aarts.

That proved painful as Sabadell struck first in the second quarter, with Rita Keszthelyi’s exquisite lob doubling the defending champions’ lead. They were far from playing perfect, as they missed two six on fives, but St Andreu also lacked the necessary energy to catch up their arch-rivals.

After three minutes of back-and-forth, Sabadell could finally launch a clean three on two counter and Bea Ortiz gently put the ball in the net for 5-2.

Their fellow Catalans also overcame their difficulties, as after an eight-minute-long drought, Nona Perez sent the ball home from a six on five. Since the remaining two minutes of the half brought only battling with no real chances, the game remained tight at 5-3.

*Sabadell’s Simon van de Kraats fired in four goals, but it wasn’t enough to help guide her team to a third successive title. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

Perez’ great individual action goal reduced the gap to one shortly after the restart, and after another denied six on five, St Andreu had a possession to go even. Aarts’ saves kept them at bay, though, and van de Kraats returned to the stage with a fantastic shot from distance.

St Andreu then missed a crucial six on five and Ortiz’s rocket gave Sabadell a three-goal lead once more.

It didn’t last long, though, as Alba Munoz’s great centre shot, plus a brilliant six on five play and Perez’s third of the night cut St Andreu’s deficit to one again, with 1:38 to go.

Both sides had a woman-up, but each side’s defence worked hard to keep the score at 7-6 before the final quarter.

The chess-like game continued there – it was a big tactical battle, where defences ruled the field. Sabadell couldn’t create any real danger in their first six on five, and St Andreu couldn’t even force an exclusion.

Sabadell had another woman-up, played after a time-out, and even though their first attempt hit the frame of the goal, their second attempt succeeded – Keszthelyi’s blistering shot bouncing in off the post for 8-6.

The Hungarian star then let two more shots fly, but couldn’t hit the target, so Sabadell missed the opportunity to maybe end the contest.

*Sant Andreu’s Nona Perez scored a hat-trick against Sabadell and was also awarded the MVP trophy. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

Instead, a time-out 3:07 from the final buzzer helped St Andreu to regroup and Ariadna Ruiz hammered in a stunning strike from action for 8-7.

And soon it was even, for the first time since 0-0, as Queralt Anton’s shot was an even more spectacular rocket from the perimeter with 1:58 to go.

St Andreu had a chance to take the lead, but Aarts produced a massive stop. Van de Kraats’ lob then hit the woodwork and the chasers had their golden moment coming – a six on five after another time-out with 19 seconds on the clock.

And it was sheer joy for St Andreu. It looked for a while that Sabadell’s defence could clear the ball, but Anton somehow found it among the defenders and fired it in from 7m – with just 2.4 seconds remaining.

There was no way back for Sabadell, as an easy block sealed a famous victory for St Andreu and completed a remarkable comeback.

Indeed, it was a miracle in the water – a 0-3 run in the last three minutes. It was a special way to write history and lift the most prestigious trophy for the first time in the club’s histroy – as well as denying Sabadell a three-peat.

Sabadell – stuck on seven titles – will now have to wait at least another year to catch up Orizzonte on the all-time ranks where the Italians still lead with eight trophies.

*Sant Andreu’s players celebrated a famous victory against Sabadell. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

Earlier on Saturday – in the bronze medal game – hosts Olympiacos started brightly and jumped to a 4-1 lead in a span of two and a half minutes.

That was bad news for FTC, as the game was following a similar pattern to their semi, where they scored first then conceded four in a row.

The Hungarians fought back to 5-3 early in the second, but two fine perimeter shots from Vasiliki Plevritou and Abby Andrews quickly put the hosts on the path to the medal podium.

Vanda Valyi pulled one back from a penalty, then the Magyars killed three Greek six on fives, but they were still unable to penetrate Olympiacos’ stubborn defence, and their French international goalkeeper Mia Rycraw was also doing a splendid job.

*Olympiacos’ Australian star Abby Andrews scored twice in her team’s victory against FTC. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

The hosts’ Maria Myriokefalitaki then did what they were failing to do in their six on fives, as she scored from the centre with a brilliant backhander to make it 8-4, 22 seconds before the turnaround.

To have a small chance of a close match, FTC needed to convert their extras, but they kept on struggling, just like they did on Friday. After netting their first, they missed their next six, while Olympiacos hit two from action in 31 seconds to make it 10-4.

Even though Fradi had a better spell a little later, when they scored two from back-to-back possessions, the Plevritou sisters on Olympiacos’ side were doing a way better job.

*Vasiliki Plevritou had a game to remember, scoring seven goals to help steer her team to the Champions League bronze medal. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

Vasiliki hit three goals in a row, and captain Margarita was outstanding in defence – while Fradi’s Eleftheria couldn’t come up with her usual great contributions in this match.

Indeed, Olympiacos were a class apart in the third period. After hitting eight in the first half, they added seven in the penultimate quarter to go 15-6 up to secure the bronze medal before the fourth had even started.

The Greek defence loosened up a bit once the game was sewn up, which allowed FTC to come a little closer, but Vasiliki Plevritou continued to fire in some brilliant shots – she stopped at seven goals, so considering the final result, 18-11, it could even be said she made the difference.

*Olympiacos’ swept FTC aside to win the bronze medal. Photo: Aniko Kovacs*

More photos from today’s action can be found by clicking here, credit Aniko Kovacs. Watch live water polo on www.euroaquaticstv.com, and stay up-to-date with live results/tables and real-time updates through the European Aquatics App. Download it here: Google Play.

Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics

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Brownwood ISD quickly fills volleyball coach opening

Kristen Grimes is the new head volleyball coach of the Brownwood Lady Lions. Brownwood Bulletin The Brownwood ISD volleyball head coaching position was vacant for just one day. After Cheyanne Lovelady resigned as the Lady Lions’ head coach… Previous Post Brownwood distance runner Windham signs with ACU Next Post New Lions’ coach Brixey talks about […]

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22 minutes ago

May 25, 2025

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Kristen Grimes is the new head volleyball coach of the Brownwood Lady Lions.

Brownwood Bulletin The Brownwood ISD volleyball head coaching position was vacant for just one day. After Cheyanne Lovelady resigned as the Lady Lions’ head coach…

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Four Explorers Qualify To Race In NCAA Regionals

Story Links INDIANAPOLIS – The La Salle men’s and women’s track and field teams have four Explorers that qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field East Regionals. The Regional meet will be held in Jacksonville, Florida from Wednesday, May 28 through Saturday, May 31, with the men’s competition beginning Wednesday, and the […]

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45 minutes ago

May 25, 2025

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INDIANAPOLIS – The La Salle men’s and women’s track and field teams have four Explorers that qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field East Regionals. The Regional meet will be held in Jacksonville, Florida from Wednesday, May 28 through Saturday, May 31, with the men’s competition beginning Wednesday, and the women’s competition starting Thursday. All events will stream on ESPN+.

Gwenno Goode and Helene Usher qualified from the women’s team, with Goode racing in the 3k steeplechase and Usher running in the 10k. This is Goode’s second straight year racing in that event for La Salle at the NCAA Regional meet.

Goode raced to a third place finish in the 3k steeplechase at the Raleigh Relays to start the outdoor season, finishing with a time of 9:56.8. Her time was the third fastest in the NCAA at the time, and is overall the seventh fastest time among the NCAA Division I East qualifiers. The event will commence at 5:40 p.m. on Saturday.

Usher qualified to run in the 10k thanks to her time of 34:13.65 that she ran at the Raleigh Relays. At that meet, she placed 10th overall with that performance. The 10k race at NCAA Regionals will happen at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday.

On the men’s side, MacCallum Rowe will make his NCAA track debut in the 10k, while David Butts will race in the 3k steeplechase in the NCAA Regional meet, his second appearance in the event at this stage.

Rowe’s time of 28:21.64 qualified him to race at NCAA Regionals, which he earned at the Raleigh Relays. At that meet, he placed 12th overall. Currently, his 10k time is the 14th fastest among the NCAA Division I qualifiers. He will race at 9:10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Butts made the Regional meet at the last second, qualifying with his time of 8:52.33 at the Princeton Elite meet, the most recent meet for the La Salle track teams. At that meet, he finished second overall. He last ran in the NCAA Regional meet in 2023. He will run on Friday at 5:40 p.m.

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North Allegheny rallies past Seneca Valley to return to top of WPIAL 3A volleyball mountain

By: Ted Sarneso Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 4:39 PM Christopher Horner | TribLive The North Allegheny boys volleyball team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating Seneca Valley in the Class 3A final Saturday. Christopher Horner | TribLive The North Allegheny boys volleyball team celebrates after defeating Seneca Valley in the WPIAL Class […]

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May 25, 2025

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By:

Ted Sarneso

Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 4:39 PM

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley01-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

The North Allegheny boys volleyball team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating Seneca Valley in the Class 3A final Saturday.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley02-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

The North Allegheny boys volleyball team celebrates after defeating Seneca Valley in the WPIAL Class 3A championship match Saturday.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley06-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

North Allegheny’s Brendan Moore (right) celebrates with Garen White after scoring against Seneca Valley during the WPIAL Class 3A championship match Saturday.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley07-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

North Allegheny head coach Dan Long celebrates after the Tigers scored in the fourth set against Seneca Valley during the WPIAL Class 3A championship match on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Twp.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley08-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

North Allegheny’s Brendan Moore scores against Seneca Valley during the WPIAL Class 3A championship match on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peters Twp.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley05-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

The North Allegheny boys volleyball team celebrates after defeating Seneca Valley in the WPIAL Class 3A championship match Saturday.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley03-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

The North Allegheny boys volleyball team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating Seneca Valley in the Class 3A final Saturday.

8534536_web1_ptr-WPIAL3Avolley04-052525 — Christopher Horner | TribLive

North Allegheny’s Brendan Moore (right) celebrates with Garen White after scoring against Seneca Valley during the WPIAL Class 3A championship match Saturday.

North Allegheny was back in its familiar position of favorite entering this year’s WPIAL boys volleyball playoffs.

That wasn’t necessarily the case last year when North Allegheny lost to Shaler in the 3A finals, but the Titans subsequently dropped down to Class 2A and the Tigers brought back a team loaded with plenty of talent.

This year, North Allegheny was the hunted once again.

“This was the year we were supposed to come through and win it, and it put some pressure on us, but it’s good to check that box,” North Allegheny coach Dan Long said after North Allegheny defeated Seneca Valley, 3-1, in the Class 3A championship match Saturday at Peters Township. “I’m so proud of the way we competed.”

It didn’t look like the top-seeded Tigers (15-1) would come away with the win after they were dominated by second-seeded Seneca Valley (14-4) in the first set Saturday, but North Allegheny rallied to win the next three sets and come away with the Class 3A title.

“It felt like we were a bit tight in the first set, and we weren’t playing like ourselves and couldn’t find our comfort level,” Long said.

Everything that went wrong for the Tigers went right for the Raiders, who took the first set 25-17.

“It was all jelling,” Seneca Valley coach Brett Poirier said. “When you’re siding out, blocking, hitting and everything is going well, you’re going to play well.”

The Raiders set the tone early, exactly how Poirier had hoped they would, but he knows taking a set doesn’t guarantee another.

“I’ve seen so many times where you win by seven or eight points, and you turn around and you lose the next set,” Poirier said. “The guys knew they had to get that second set. We set the tone with the first set, so could we set the tone and get that second set and really push them to go.”

Seneca Valley senior Jordan Hoover led the way in the first set with four kills and a pair of blocks. Malach DeGraaf added three kills, and Chase Crawford added a pair. Abheek Nelikil had two blocks for the Raiders.

The Tigers got a pair of kills from Elijah Braun and three kills from Will Robertson. Dominic Laswell had two blocks.

After the set, Long asked his players in the huddle if everything was good.

“The responses I got back were pretty encouraging,” Long said. “They were ready to kick the dust off.”

North Allegheny roared to life in the second set, taking a 7-6 lead and not relenting in a 25-15 win.

Braun had three kills and a block, Garen White chipped in two kills and a block and Robertson had two kills.

What really opened it up for the Tigers was their service game, specifically the final two serves from senior Matthew LaMay, who closed the set with two aces.

“The biggest thing was losing that bad in the first set to a team we’re supposed to beat. It was a wake-up call for us and shocked us into working a lot harder and reaching levels we hadn’t reached yet this year,” said LaMay, who finished with five aces.

Robertson led the team with 17 kills, Brendan Moore added 10 and Jackson Failla dished out 25 assists.

Libero Emmett Morris led the team with 17 digs, and Elliott Swierczynski had 16 assists.

North Allegheny knew there would be added pressure this year being the top team.

“It’s something were familiar with having to play the teams we did in our section,” Long said. “We constantly preach first to five and 21-21 situations. We don’t fear those situations. We relish them.”

The Tigers won sets three and four by scores of 25-20 and 25-18.

“We were hoping this was going to be our day, but it wasn’t. It was their day,” Poirier said. “We face each other more than any other teams during the year. We know each other well. We hope to see them in states.”

Nelikil led the Seneca with 36 assists, DeGraaf had 11 digs and eight kills and libero Mario Ardolino had 12 digs.

Hoover finished the day with 17 kills and six total blocks for the Raiders.

“He’s a big-time player,” Poirier said. “He’s as good offensively as he is defensively, and he had 130 blocks last year, which is unheard of. He will carry it on to the next level at Division II, and I wish him the best.”

For North Allegheny’s LaMay, who had been to the championship match the last two years and came away with losses, this win was very fulfilling.

“It’s unbelievably satisfying,” LaMay said. “To come here again and come away with the win is a big deal for me and my fellow seniors.”

Tags: North Allegheny, Seneca Valley

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Did Ashley Beat the Ball Balance Record?

Did Ashley Beat the Ball Balance Record? – Good Day Sacramento Watch CBS News A man in Cuba is trying to gain the attention of Guinness World Records with a unique balancing act. The former water polo player set a new time for balancing a ball on his head while treading water for 31 minutes […]

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56 minutes ago

May 25, 2025

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Did Ashley Beat the Ball Balance Record? – Good Day Sacramento

Watch CBS News

A man in Cuba is trying to gain the attention of Guinness World Records with a unique balancing act. The former water polo player set a new time for balancing a ball on his head while treading water for 31 minutes and two hundredths of a second. Ashley and Tina try to beat his time.

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Lake Central boys volleyball advances to state

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May 25, 2025

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