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Stevenson girls, Naperville North boys win state titles in thrilling fashion

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After winning the past two IHSA girls state water polo championships, undefeated No. 1-ranked Stevenson (36-0) was going for the three-peat Saturday evening against No. 5 Lyons in its home pool.

Trailing 4-2 after three quarters, the Patriots’ dynasty was in jeopardy of a huge upset by the Lions. But they came through in the fourth quarter to pull out a 6-5 victory to raise the first-place trophy for the seventh time in school history.

It was the 15th top-three trophy for Stevenson since taking second place in 2005, and its seventh first-place trophy since 2015.

After losing to the Patriots 18-9 on March 15, Lyons (23-6-1) played a fantastic game. Junior Avery Watanabe lofted a shot into the left corner of the net for a 4-2 lead 20 seconds into the third quarter.

The second goal by Stevenson’s Victoria Duncan from close range cut the lead to 4-3 with 6:25 left to play in the defensive struggle. Then Stevenson’s Jillian Carlson scored on a rebound goal to deadlock the score at 4-4 with 4:52 remaining.

Stevenson junior Olivia Spieth missed a penalty shot with 4:13 to go, but she got her own rebound and scored to give the Patriots the lead for good at 5-4. Then Spieth scored her third goal off of a Lyons turnover for a 6-4 lead with 1:19 left.

“I think it was definitely a challenge for us. We came back strong and we definitely wanted it,” said Spieth. “Honestly it was our defense that did it because offense wins games, but defense wins championships is what our coach (Jeff Wimer) always says.”

The Lions kept their hopes alive when freshman Maddie Wieczorkiewicz scored on a rebound goal past goalie Elsa Kusevskis to cut the gap to 6-5 with 35 seconds to play. But the Pats were able to run out the clock to seal the win and set off a huge celebration by the home crowd.

“They had a great game plan. We played into their hands, and fortunately we were able to overcome it,” said Wimer, who has 13 top-three trophies at Stevenson since 2008. “We’re very resilient, many times they’ve been down in games and they’ve come back and both goalies (Lyons goalie Delaney Judkins) played outstanding.”

Senior Maya Mladjan scored the first two goals for Lyons before teammate Isabella Recker’s goal gave the Lions a 3-2 lead which they held at halftime.

“All I can say is we tried our best and the last time we played Stevenson we lost by like 10 goals,” said Lyons coach Megan Jacobs, whose team beat York 14-11 in overtime in the semifinals. “We got all of our nerves out on Thursday (in the quarterfinals), and we’re ecstatic to take second.”

No. 2-ranked Naperville North (28-7-1) lost to Stevenson 9-7 in the semifinals before defeating York (22-6) 12-9 in the third-place game. Ava Podkasik scored 4 goals for the Huskies in the third-place game while teammate Payton Schrier had 3 goals. Emily Jensen had 4 goals for the Dukes while the Huskies got 4 assists and 2 goals from Molly Depies.

Boys championship

The IHSA boys state water polo championship was a game for the ages Saturday night at Stevenson as No. 2-ranked Naperville North trailed No. 1-ranked two-time defending state champion New Trier 6-2 at halftime.

But the Huskies (32-4) completely outplayed the Trevians (32-3) by shutting them out 5-0 in the second half to take home their first state championship in school history by a score of 7-6.

Naperville North’s stunning comeback started innocently enough as a goal by Mason Hofmann 51 seconds into the third quarter cut the lead to 6-3. But then Hofmann scored again just 27 seconds later to pull within 6-4.

Senior Jack Reif, whose Mom (Kelly Reif) is Naperville North’s head coach, cut the lead to 6-5 with 2:59 left in the third quarter before Hofmann’s third goal from the point tied the game at 6-6 with 5:32 to play.

Then came what proved to be the game-winning goal as Caden Tsao scored from close range to the left of goalie Zach Asinski. Huskies goalie Caleb Uson was flawless in the second half.

“We’ve been in situations like this and we never gave up,” said Hofmann, whose team took third in the state last year and now has five top-three trophies in school history. “We really just opened up the middle in the second half and it allowed our center (Reif) to drive in without a double team.”

The Huskies took a 1-0 lead 1:14 into the contest on a goal by John Riordan (2 first half goals). But New Trier rolled off five unanswered goals for a 5-1 lead midway through the second period.

“To be able to shut them out in the second half was incredible. We just had a lock down plan on No. 11 (Hank Woodman), and if we could limit his chances we could win a state championship,” said Kelly Reif, whose team was outshot 24-20 overall. “I feel very pleased to have the opportunity to be Mom and coach, and it is such a special bond I have with this team.”

The Trevians did have a shot hit the crossbar with 1:14 to play, but the Huskies were able to run out the clock after a save by Uson with eight seconds to go.

“They made a good defensive adjustment, and we just sort of ran out of time in the second half,” said New Trier coach David Rafferty-Flatter. “They have a lot of good players on that side of the pool, but I’m super proud of our guys.”

York (28-7) won the third-place game 9-5 over Whitney Young after losing to New Trier 8-6 in the semifinals. The Huskies beat Whitney Young 17-10 in the semifinals. Tim Jensen had 4 goals and 2 assists for the Dukes in the third-place game.

 
Lyons’ Avery Watanabe (10) moves the ball forward during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Stevenson’s Caroline Bichkoff (11) and Elsa Kusevskis (1) celebrate their win during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Lyons’ Delaney Judkins (1) with a block during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Stevenson’s Elsa Kusevskis (1) with a block during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Lyons’ Maya Mladjan (9) is pressured by Stevenson’s Jillian Carlson (6) and Dhanani Seneviratne (4) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Stevenson celebrates their victory during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Lyons’ Avery Watanabe (10) tries to defend against Stevenson’s Caroline Bichkoff (11) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Lyons’ Isabella Recker (3) looks to shoot past Stevenson’s Allison Bichkoff (13) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Lyons’ Head Coach Megan Jacobs is thrown in the pool after her team took second place against Stevenson during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Lyons’ Isabella Recker (3) gets wrapped up by Stevenson’s Olivia Spieth (10) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Mason Hofmann (6) looks for an open teammate over New Trier’s Hank Woodman (11) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s John Riordan (3) shoots and scores over New Trier’s Ethan Kim (10) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Mason Hofmann (6) looks to shoot against New Trier during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Jack Boudeman (4) shoots over New Trier’s Caden Carberry (8) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
New Trier’s Caden Adrianopoli (2) celebrates a goal over against Naperville North during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
against the Naperville North fans celebrate a goal during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s John Riordan (3) tries to block a shot by New Trier’s Caden Adrianopoli (2) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Jacob Podkasik (7) tries to block a shot by New Trier’s Ethan Kim (10) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Jacob Podkasik (7) looks for an open teammate during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North celebrates their win in the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Caleb Uson (1) reacts after stopping a late 4th period shot during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Jack Reif (2) shoots over New Trier’s Brendan Fijol (9) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Jack Reif (2) shoots against New Trier during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North’s Caden Tsao (11) shoots against New Trier to put them up during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
 
Naperville North celebrates their win during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com



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NCAA Volleyball Regional Schedule Set

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2 hours ago

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December 8, 2025

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The fourth-seeded Indiana volleyball team (25-7, 14-6 B1G) will play in the Sweet 16 for just the second time in program history. The NCAA announced start times and dates for next week’s regional semifinals on Sunday (Dec. 7) afternoon. The Hoosiers will play top-seeded Texas at Gregory Gymnasium on Friday (Dec. 12) afternoon at Noon ET on ESPN.

 

Following the greatest regular season in program history, IU was awarded a top-16 national seed and the chance to host the opening two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers made quick work of their first two matchups, sweeping Toledo and fifth-seeded Colorado in Bloomington to advance to the Sweet 16.

 

IU is one of five Big Ten programs remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Of the 16 schools left in the big dance, IU is one of two teams (Cal Poly) that didn’t make the big dance last year. The Hoosiers have already set a single-season program record for wins (25) and will attempt to advance to the regional final for the first time in program history.

 

The other matchup in the Austin Regional will pit second-seeded Stanford and third-seeded Wisconsin against each other. Their match will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of IU’s. The winners of both regional semifinals will meet on Sunday (Dec. 14) afternoon for a spot in the national semifinals in Kansas City.



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Louisville volleyball NCAA Tournament bracket, Texas A&M vs UofL game

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3 hours ago

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December 8, 2025

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Dec. 6, 2025Updated Dec. 7, 2025, 6:08 a.m. ET

After defeating Marquette 3-2 in the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament on Saturday night, No. 2 Louisville will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, and take on No. 3 Texas A&M in the Sweet 16 at 7 p.m. Friday.

This will be the Cardinals’ seventh consecutive regional appearance but first with Dan Meske as head coach.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep up with the match from home:

No. 2 seed Louisville versus No. 3 seed Texas A&M will be broadcast live on ESPN or ESPN2.

Authenticated subscribers can access ESPN2 via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app.

Those without cable can access ESPN2 via streaming services, with Fubo offering a free trial.

Buy Louisville volleyball tickets here

After defeating Marquette, UofL will play Texas A&M in the Lincoln, Nebraska, Regional Friday at 7 pm. Here’s a look at the tournament schedule:

  • First and second rounds: Dec. 4-6
  • Regionals: Dec. 11-14
  • Semifinals: Dec. 18 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
  • Championship: Dec. 21 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri



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The Omaha World-Herald’s Nebraska All-Class volleyball teams

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December 8, 2025

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Men’s T&F Opens Season at Diplomat Open

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6 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Lancaster, PA (December 6, 2025) – The DeSales University men’s track & field team opened the 2025-26 indoor T&F season competing at the Diplomat Open at Franklin & Marshall College on Friday.

The Bulldogs posted 10 MAC qualfying times/marks in the meet.

Among the qualifying times were junior Bryce Guthier taking second in the 400-meters with a time of 52.08. It is the fifth fastest time in indoor history.  Senior Davis Trump also qualified in the 5K with a time of 16:20.32.

In the field events, DSU posted eight qualfying marks. Junior Weston Simak qualified for the MAC Championships in both the long jump (6.52m) and triple jump (13.72m). His triple jump mark was the second best in team history.  First-year Luke Heimann also qualfied in the triple jump (11.86m).

Junior Jonathan Castronovo took home first place in the long jump with a mark of 6.58m, the second best long jump in team history.

First-year John Amoretti qualified in the shot put (12.33m), seniors Jonathan Eudja and Giovanni Wellington qualified in the weight throw with marks of 14.85m and 14.23m. First-year Ryan Rodriguez also quallified in the weight throw (11.89m).

The Bulldogs won’t return to action till the New Year at the Blue and Grey Invitational on Jan. 17th.

 



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Women’s Track & Field Turns in Multiple High Marks to Begin Season at Cornell

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6 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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RESULTS

ITHACA, N.Y. –

The Ithaca College women’s track & field team opened its 2025-26 season over the weekend as the Bombers made the short trip across town to compete in the Greg Page Relays hosted by Cornell University on December 5-6.

Lola Gitlin posted a time of 10:25.57 in the 3000-meter run to finish third overall.

Rachel Larson was a fourth place finisher with a time of 8.58 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles. That time is currently No. 1 in Division III after the opening weekend of the season.

Aynisha McQuillar took fifth in the 200-meter dash in a time of 26.61 seconds. McQuillar also ran in the 60-meter dash and posted the 11th fastest time in DIII during the prelim with a performance of 7.78 seconds.

Lyla Powers was fifth in the 500-meter dash with a time of 1:21.75.

Lily Seyfert claimed fifth in the shot put with a heave of 12.78 meters, which is currently ninth in the nation.

Bree Boyle and Erin Eastwood each cleared 3.54 meters in the pole vault, which is tied for 11th on the Division III performance list.

Alexis Brown turned in a leap of 11.02 meters in the triple jump for the 17th best mark in the country.

Ithaca is off for the remainder of 2025 and will return to Cornell on January 10 for the Southern Tier Invitational.

 



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Men’s Track & Field Opens Indoor Season at Cornell Greg Page Relays

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December 7, 2025

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RESULTS

ITHACA, N.Y. –

The Ithaca College men’s track & field team opened its 2025-26 season over the weekend as the Bombers made the short trip across town to compete in the Greg Page Relays hosted by Cornell University on December 5-6.

Anik Vossschulte claimed third in the 200-meter dash in a time of 23.32 seconds, while Jacob Antilety was seventh at 23.71 seconds.

Matt Lokshin posted a time of 8.65 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles to place third in the event. Aidan Irwin took fourth in the high jump with a mark of 1.70 meters.

Quinten Lewis posted a mark of 13.73 meters in the triple jump to place fourth and Sebastien-Oliver Lacrete was sixth at 12.68 meters, while Evan Cherry secured fifth in the long jump with a leap of 6.84 meters.

IC’s 4×400-meter relay team of Damian Simmonds, Griffin Lupes, Noah McKibben and George Nilson placed sixth in 3:34.49.

Luke Ellor finished sixth in the shot put with a mark of 14.40 meters.

Three Bombers finished within the top eight in the 500-meter dash as Brad Kellogg was sixth in 1:09.73, Peter Tysiak followed in seventh with 1:10.74 and Matthew DeJulio was next at 1:11.59.

Kaiden Chandler and Luke Ferrer posted times of 4:41.29 and 4:53.44 in the mile to finish in seventh and eighth.

Raf Campanile was seventh in the pole vault with a clearance of 4.25 meters.

Ithaca is off for the remainder of 2025 and will return to Cornell on January 10 for the Southern Tier Invitational.

 



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