Sports
Tennessee eliminates Florida at Women's College World Series
OKLAHOMA CITY — Alannah Leach had two hits and knocked in four runs, and Tennessee run-ruled Florida 11-3 in a Women’s College World Series elimination game Friday night.
Tennessee (46-16) pounded out 12 hits and set a record for its highest run total in a World Series game. The seventh-seeded Lady Vols advanced to play the loser of Saturday’s Texas Tech vs. UCLA game in an elimination game on Sunday.
Third-seeded Florida (48-17) was knocked out in two games.
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Tennessee lost its World Series opener to Oklahoma on a walk-off home run by Ella Parker on Thursday. Tennessee coach Karen Weekly said her team responded well after the disappointing loss.
“This morning when I walked into breakfast, it was all laughter and noise and joking and smiles, and you never would have known what happened last night,” Weekly said. “And that’s the way you want your team to be.”
The Lady Vols rallied to support ace pitcher Karlyn Pickens, who gave up the walk-off.
“Obviously an emotional night, but these guys said two things in the locker room last night,” Weekly said. “Number one, they said, Karlyn, it’s not your fault; and, number two, Karlyn, we got your back.”
They meant it. Pickens started against Florida, and the Lady Vols supported her with seven runs on seven hits in the first inning. Alannah Leach’s twin sister, Gabby Leach, got it started with a triple, and she scored on a single by Taylor Pannell. A double by Alannah Leach knocked in three runs.
The Lady Vols’ seven first-inning runs were the most by any team at the Women’s College World Series since 2011, according to ESPN Research.
Tennessee struck again in the second when back-to-back solo shots by Sophia Nugent and McKenna Gibson pushed the lead to 9-0 and chased reliever Ava Brown.
Florida’s first hit of the game was a two-run homer by Reagan Walsh in the fourth. Korbe Otis followed with a solo shot to make it 10-3.
The Volunteers’ early lead allowed them to rest Pickens. She started and threw one hitless inning with two strikeouts. Erin Nuwer got the win in two innings of relief.
The Gators did not play ace Keagan Rothrock. All four batters Florida starter Kara Hammock faced scored, and she was pulled without registering an out.
Florida coach Tim Walton said Rothrock had a blister that had popped previously, and it was being managed.
“Ultimately, she could have pitched today, and being good or not good, we don’t know what that would have been,” he said. “But got a long road to go, and you blow her out in the first inning of this game, and then what? I know we’re done now, but the decision was really to just try to go as much as we can with everyone else given the circumstances.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Five Cougars named All-American by Phil Steele; ten named All-Big 12 – BYU Athletics – Official Athletics Website
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ten BYU football players received Phil Steele postseason honors today, including five who were named All-American among 10 who received Big 12 All-Conference recognition.
All-American honorees include safety Faletau Satuala, who was named second team, and running back LJ Martin, who was a third-team selection. In addition, linebacker Jack Kelly, center Bruce Mitchell and safety Tanner Wall received honorable mention honors.
SATUALA, a 6-4, 210-pound sophomore from Bountiful, Utah, was previously named second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America. He played in all 14 games for No. 12-ranked BYU, leading the Cougars in tackles (84) and forced fumbles (2) and was third on the team in interceptions (3) and tackles for loss (7.5). He was also previously named All-Big 12 First Team by Sports Info Solutions and All-Big 12 Third Team by the conference coaches.
MARTIN was previously named second-team All-American by Pro Football Network as well as Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first team Big 12 by the conference coaches. In addition, he was named first-team All-Big 12 by both Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior from El Paso, Texas, led the Big 12 in yards rushing (1,305), yards per game (100.4) and all-purpose yards (1,560). He was also second in the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns (12).
KELLY was previously honored by the Big 12 coaches as first-team All-Big 12 and received honorable mention honors as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-2, 240-pound senior captain from Kearns, Utah, finished the regular season third in the Big 12 in sacks (10), fourth in tackles for loss (13.5) and tied for fifth in forced fumbles (2). He was also previously named to the Pro Football Network All-Big 12 Third Team.
MITCHELL was also honored by the Big 12 coaches as first-team All-Big 12 and honorable-mention Offensive Lineman of the Year. He was also named Pro Football Network first team All-Big 12 and to the 2025 Pro Football Focus All-Big 12 Football Team. The 6-4, 305-pound junior from Kearns, Utah, was on the midseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy and was the sixth-highest graded center in the country during the regular season by PFF. He was also twice named to the PFF National Team of the Week at center.
WALL, a two-year captain, helped lead BYU to a 25-4 record as the starting safety. He was previously honored as first-team All-Big 12 by the conference coaches. The 6-1, 205-pound senior from Arlington, Virginia, finished the year second on the team in tackles (71) and interceptions (4). In September, Wall was named to the prestigious 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team by the American Football Coaches Association. He was also a finalist for both the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and the Pop Warner College Football Award and was a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
PHIL STEELE BIG 12 ALL-CONFERENCE
Phil Steel first team Big 12 All-Conference selections included Kelly, Martin, Mitchell, Satuala and punt returner Parker Kingston, who was also named second-team All-Conference at wide receiver. Wall was also named to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
Third-team honorees included long snapper Garrison Grimes and defensive tackle John Taumoepeau, while fourth-team selections included linebacker Isaiah Glasker and cornerback Evan Johnson.
First Team
– LJ Martin (running back)
– Bruce Mitchell (center)
– Jack Kelly (linebacker)
– Faletau Satuala (safety)
– Parker Kingston (punt returner)
Second Team
– Parker Kingston (receiver)
– Tanner Wall (safety)
Third Team
– John Taumoepeau (defensive tackle)
– Garrison Grimes (long snapper)
Fourth Team
– Isaiah Glasker (linebacker)
– Evan Johnson (cornerback)
The top high school volleyball players in the state regardless of class are featured in the AL.com Super All-State team.
The team was compiled by the AL.com high school sports staff with input from coaches.
AL.com named Player of the Year, Attacker MVP, Setter MVP, Defensive MVP and Coach of the Year. Award winners are listed separately, but considered part of the Super All-State team.
AL.COM SUPER ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL TEAM
(Players listed alphabetically)
Ava Bartlett, Addison, 5-11, Jr., Middle
Bennett Boulo, St. Paul’s, 5-10, Sr., Setter/Right Side
Kendall Buckley, Bob Jones, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, 6-1, Sr., Outside Hitter
Camryn Collier, Hazel Green, 5-7, Sr., Libero
Caroline Downey, Spanish Fort, 5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter
Haley Eldridge, Mobile Christian, 5-6, Sr., Setter
Lindsey Faison, Auburn, 5-10, Jr, Outside Hitter/Middle
Cami Huff, McGill-Toolen, 6-2, Sr., Middle
Cailyn Kyes, Spain Park, 5-7, Sr., Setter
Macy Lea, Cherokee County, 5-7, Sr., Setter
Sullivan Lell, Mountain Brook, 5-4, Jr., Libero
Maggie Jae Marsh, Austin, 5-8, Jr., Setter
Catherine McClain, McGill-Toolen, 5-9, Sr., Outside Hitter
Kennedy Moss, Huntsville, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Kayleigh Nguyen, Hewitt-Trussville, 5-10, Jr., Setter
Melissa Patel, Mobile Christian, 5-5, Sr., Libero
Charli Pearce, Saraland, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter/Setter
Emma Rigsby, Jasper, 5-11, Jr., Setter
Julie Roberts, Briarwood, 5-10, Jr., Outside Hitter/Right Side
Hayley Robinson, Bayside Academy, 6-3, Sr., Right Side
Baylee Rogers, Prattville Christian, 5-8, Sr., Setter
Mary George Vandergriff, Guntersville, 5-8, Sr., Setter
Elise Wheeler, Pleasant Valley, 5-9, Jr., Setter
Bea Wiggins, Spain Park, 5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alice Wood, McGill-Toolen
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Ella Lomax, Daphne
5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Kenzly Foote, Thompson
5-7, Sr., Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Cailyn Boykin, Spanish Fort
5-8, Jr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tiffany Rieger, Cherokee County
HONORABLE MENTION
Abby Tingle, Hoover, Jr., Outside Hitter
Addilyn Gustafson, Madison County, Sr., Setter
Adeline Dickerson, Lauderdale County, Sr., Libero
Adily Alberti, Danville, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Alanah Fitch, Ohatchee, Sr., Outside Hitter
Alex Grimes, Brantley, Jr., Middle
Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea, Jr., Outside Hitter
Amelia Smith, St. Luke’s, Sr., Outside Hitter
Anna Simone, Wilson, Sr., Middle
AnnaBeth Powell, Addison, So., Setter
Annie Ricard, Faith Christian, Jr., Outside Hitter
Baker Garside, St. Luke’s, Sr., Setter
Bekah Mouser, Madison Academy, Jr., Outside Hitter
Bella Rumley, Orange Beach, So., Outside Hitter
Brenna McReath, Hartselle, Jr., Right Side
Bri McCulloch, Russellville, So., Libero
Bristol Hannah, Pelham, So., Setter
Callee Taylor, Donoho, Sr., Setter
Carleigh Lanford, Madison County, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Caroline Coulter, Decatur, Sr., Outside Hitter
Charlie Barnes, Austin, Sr., Outside Hitter
Christiana Callens, Hewitt-Trussville, So., Libero
Elizabeth Rohling, St. John Paul II, Jr., Setter
Ella Estave, Covenant Christian, Sr., Libero
Ellie Causey, Trinity, Sr., Setter
Ellisan Givens, Cherokee County, Sr., Libero
Faith Odom, Plainview, Sr., Outside Hitter
Gracie Rhoades, Kinston, Jr., Outside Hitter
Grier Broughton, Bayside Academy, Sr., Outside Hitter
Hadley Kelly, Mobile Christian, Jr., Middle
Haniyah Standridge, West Morgan, So., Outside Hitter
Holly Warren, Samson, Sr., Outside Hitter
Isleigh Hicks, Southeastern, Sr., Middle
Johnna Cox, Hewitt-Trussville, So., Outside
Joi McGuire, Montgomery Catholic, Sr., Outside Hitter
Kaci Armistead, Montgomery Academy, Jr., Libero
Kalyn Jones, Lindsay Lane, Jr., Outside Hitter
Ka’miah Walker, Athens, Sr., Outside Hitter
Kamryn Coleman, Homewood, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Kate James, Mars Hill Bible, So., Setter
Kaylin Corley, Saint James, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Kenleigh McArthur, Fayetteville, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Kenly Nelson, Fairhope, Jr., Outside Hitter
Kohl Tittle, Lynn, Jr., Outside Hitter
Kryslin Martin, Rehobeth, Sr., Middle/Outside Hitter
Layla Hendrix, Arab, Jr., Middle
Lydie Varnadore, Fort Payne, Jr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Lynleigh Cobb, Winston County, Sr., Outside Hitter
Maddie McKinley, Washington County, Sr., Middle
Maddy Henderson, Thompson, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Maddy Johnson, Hartselle, Sr., Setter
Madison Schwabe, Pleasant Valley, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Maren Diefenderfer, Prattville Christian, Jr., Middle
Marion Haskell, John Carroll, Sr., Right Side
McKenna Phillips, Buckhorn, Jr., Outside Hitter
Mia Talbot, Glencoe, So., Outside Hitter
Millie Gay, Houston Academy, Jr., Middle
MK Whitehurst, Bayside Academy, Sr., Libero
Molli Sandlin, Meek, So., Libero
Molly Wright, Mars Hill Bible, Jr., Outside Hitter
Mya Lacey, Bob Jones, Sr., Right Side/Setter
Nevaeh Gaidurgis, Cherokee County, Sr., Outside Hitter/Middle
Noelle Suellentrop, Briarwood, So., Setter
Payton McClarren, McGill-Toolen, Sr., Libero
Raylee Neal, Westbrook Chrisitan, Sr., Setter
Riley Green, Lindsay Lane, Jr., Setter
Rylee Jo Harbin, New Hope, Jr., Libero
Sawyer Hughes, G.W. Long, Jr., Setter
Shayna Russell, DAR, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sydnie Broom, Hoover, Sr., Middle
Virginia Townsend, Providence Christian, Sr., Outside Hitter
Zaria Rudolph, Montgomery Catholic, So., Middle/Setter
Zoe Griffin, Covenant Christian, Sr., Outside Hitter
Coming off the Aggies first NCAA national title, Waak was signed to Atlanta’s roster ahead of the 2026 MLV season. The setter directed the Maroon & White’s explosive offense, as she paced the nation in assists per set at 11.50 and ranked third in overall assists with 1,357 which earned her AVCA Third Team All-America honors.
“I’m so proud of Maddie [Waak] and can’t wait to watch the start of her pro career,” head coach Jamie Morrison said. “It’s been a goal of ours since I joined the program to help players reach the next level of the game following college, and I know Maddie will do incredible things in Atlanta. She has developed into an elite setter and all-round player and will thrive in the MLV.”
The Katy, Texas, native orchestrated the most efficient offense in Texas A&M history, as the group hit at .297 percent as a unit which was a program record. Her 1,357 assists and 11.50 dimes per set both rank as rally-scoring records, while she became the first Aggie since 2019 to log back-to-back 1,000 assist seasons. Waak’s consistency was on full display throughout the 2025 campaign, as she eclipsed 40 assists 19 times, 50 assists six times and set her career high of 63 versus Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight.
Her versatility is what separated her from other setters in the country, as she set single-season career highs in all facets of the game. Offensively she recorded 59 kills and 34 aces, while on the defensive end she registered 238 digs and 50 blocks.
Waak’s impressive performances with the Aggies earned her a plethora of honors to go with her All-America nod, including becoming an All-Region selection, All-SEC First Team member, NCAA Lincoln Regional All-Tournament Team pick and five-time SEC Setter of the Week.
FOLLOW THE AGGIES
Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter/X by following @AggieVolleyball.
LONGVIEW – Division I state champion Decatur landed the two top honors in voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.
Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Stormi Snider, Decatur
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ava Green, Decatur
FIRST TEAM
Middle blockers: Keoni Williams, Eagle Mountain; Emma Pollard, Gatesville; Rebecca Lucksinger, Bellville
Outside hitters: Ava Green, Decatur; Elizabeth Corbitt, Spring Hill; Paisley Pavliska, La Vernia
Setter: Molly Aubert, Eagle Mountain
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Lexi Nichols, Eagle Mountain
SECOND TEAM
Middle blockers: Shaelyn Ward, Aubrey; Alyssa Potts, Lindale; Harper Smith, Decatur
Outside hitters: Libby Tedder, Springtown; Allegra Foreman, Stephenville; Avery Keck, La Vernia
Setter: Grace Fortune, Decatur
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Hannah Forshee, Sweeny
THIRD TEAM
Middle blockers: Sayler Peck, Decatur; Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard; Giselle Webster, Kilgore
Outside hitters: Savannah Irwin, Spring Hill; Brooke Lacewell, Eagle Mountain; Belle Seibert, Sweeny
Setter: Bailey Hampton, Aubrey
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Kaylee Londeau, Spring Hill
HONORABLE MENTION
Middle blockers: Janey Baker, China Spring; Addison Kramer, Lorena; Makenna Hertless, Floresville; Brooke Gisell, Lindale; Alli Bitter, Carthage; Elsie Law, Salado; Jadyn Lindgren, CC Calallen; Maggie Thompson, Sulphur Springs; Bella Elliott, Liberty; Jessa Cox, Cuero; Austyn Flowers, Seminole
Outside hitters: Charlee Mack, Hillsboro; Meredith Muramoto, China Spring; Julia Guidry, Bullard; Trinity Laney, Wimberley; Peighton Purser, Farmersville; Lilli Sandoval, Wimberley; Mazzy Johnson, Salado; Preslee Hardy, Sulphur Springs; Jordan Flodder, Van; Kayla White, Van; Addison Alexander, Canton; Kalia Andres, Bullard; Ella Hutchens, Lindale; Rainey Johnson, Sulphur Springs; Bryleigh Mayhan, Pine Tree
Setter: Carly Chadwick, Pine Tree; Elle Litchenburg, Kilgore; Caroline Cockerham, Carthage; Julia Garrick, Bullard; Caitlyn Gerick, China Spring; Stevie-Kate LaDuque, Stephenville; Charli Niu, Salado; Grace Martinez, CC Calallen; Harper Hodges, Sulphur Springs; Macy Luster, Lindale
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Emma Conley, Aubrey; Peyton Taylor, Sulphur Springs; Hope Escobar, Decatur; Brooklyn Quintanilla, Springtown; Karis Carpenter, La Vernia; Laney Alexander, Carthage
HONOLULU – The second-ranked University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a straight-set win over NJIT, Friday, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Set scores were 25-11, 25-16, 25-14.
The Rainbow Warriors (1-0) extended their win streak in season-openers to 13 dating back to 2014 and did so in dominant fashion, hitting .517 as a team with 13.5 blocks and six aces.
Kristian Titriyski led the way with a match-high 12 kills, hitting .455 with two aces, four digs, and two blocks. Setter Tread Rosenthal ran an efficient offense as Hawai’i only recorded four attack errors in 60 attempts in the match. The junior tied his career high with eight blocks to go along with a team-high three aces. Newcomer Trevell Jordan added four kills and six blocks.
The Highlanders (0-1) hit .045 as a team and did not record a block or ace in the match. Andre Aleixo recorded a double-double with team-highs of 10 kills and 10 digs.
Shut down. ❌ pic.twitter.com/YMA306cZJv
— Hawai’i Men’s Volleyball (@HawaiiMensVB) January 3, 2026
UH scored the first five points of Set 1 and never looked back. The Warriors later bunched up six unanswered to push their lead to double digits at 17-6. Titriyski finished the set with four kills while Rosenthal tallied four of his eight blocks in the frame. UH hit .556 and held the Highlanders to .000.
The second set was much more competitive as NJIT trailed by just three until the middle of the set. A 7-2 run, capped by Rosenthal’s third ace made it an eight-point UH lead. Hawai’i tallied five blocks in the set and hit .550 while NJIT had its most efficient set offensively with 11 kills.
UH used a 7-1 run to break open Set 3 with a 13-6 lead. Reserves Ofeck Hazan and Finn Kearney got in the mix as each recorded a pair of blocks in the frame and the Warriors once again held the Highlanders to .000 hitting.
The teams play again on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at Bankoh Arena.
#HawaiiMVB
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