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Track And Field’s Miller Attends White House Amid Foster Care Executive Signing

Published

1 month ago

December 3, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida junior track and field hurdler Serenity Miller is going over hurdles on and off the track, most recently making her way to the White House.

On Nov. 13, Miller attended the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families executive order signing in Washington D.C. where she had the opportunity to meet President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

“I didn’t really get nervous until everyone was sitting and Trump and Melania walked in,” Miller said.

The Fostering the Future for American Children and Families tackle a plethora of topics including modernizing the child welfare system, developing an initiative to aid in creating educational and employment opportunities for foster care youth, assisting foster care individuals with their needs through a new online platform, and increasing partnerships with faith-based organizations to aid families.

Serenity Miller Feature Story Photo

Being a student-athlete has instilled immense discipline and a strong work ethic in Miller. The junior hurdler is a double-major in political science and Spanish, the president of the Florida Youth Shine Jacksonville chapter, the legislative chair of the Florida Youth Shine organization, chapter president for a local non-profit organization called Fostering Connections and a UNF student government senator.

Her passion for foster care organizations stem from Miller’s experience living in one prior to being adopted with her little sister.

“It meant a lot as someone who has come out of the system and who has been doing advocacy work and volunteering for two years,” Miller said. “Seeing it being recognized on the national level [meant a lot] with hope and changes for the future.”

While enjoying a morning coffee in D.C. on the day the executive order was signed, Miller’s phone buzzed. Though, it wasn’t a typical Instagram notification that a college student would receive.

“I get a call [that said] ‘hey you’ve been chosen to stand behind the president’,” Miller said. “I got to shake his hand, Melania’s, [Vice President] Vance’s and speak with him [President Trump] a little.”

Serenity Miller - Feature Story Photo 2025

Miller was unsure exactly what the executive order was going to hold for youth in the foster care system, but she was astonished to see there was one centered around foster care youth. Miller received the opportunity to speak with Melania Trump and noted her excitement about the executive order.

“I had no idea the first lady had an initiative like that [and it] was pleasing to hear,” Miller said. “Despite all the politics around it I was like, wow, someone cares about foster youth.”

When asked what made Miller a strong candidate for being selected to go to the White House, Miller attributed her involvement as a student-athlete at North Florida.

“What I study was taken into account, my role in various organizations are also being built around it, being an athlete [and] being a part of the community in Jacksonville. I think those were all things that they looked at,” Miller said.

The excitement and support from Miller’s coaching staff was evident upon her invitation to the White House. North Florida Track and Field head coach Jeff Pigg was filled with jubilation, noting it was an amazing opportunity for Miller.

“I was extremely happy to see Serenity at the White House for the signing of the executive order,” Pigg said. “She has taken action on her passion She is working to make a difference in the lives of children. I am incredibly proud of her.”

Serenity Miller

After graduating from North Florida, Miller plans to continue on to law school. Miller mentioned that her experiences and involvement in the youth foster care system will play a valuable role in reaching her future career goals.

“[I’ll] hopefully be working in family law or public policy and helping implement change either on a personal level with cases or just on the legal level,” Miller said.

One of the reasons behind Miller’s aspirations for working in family law or public policy is her brother.

“He was adopted to a different family, which also ties into why I push for initiatives and hopefully improvement in the system,” Miller said. “Sibling separation is big.”

Attending the White House gave Miller a platform to advocate the importance of youth foster care systems. Miller plans on using this momentum to show continued support for the foster care system.

“We’re [Florida Youth Shine] going to go to Tallahassee in January [to] push our bill so that’s my next step, and possibly interning in Washington [D.C.],” Miller said … “I think public speaking and getting your voice out there and getting it heard is so important. Getting people speaking on national levels is so important to getting change out there.”

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State police find no evidence of misconduct following Greater Latrobe volleyball coach’s resignation | Local News

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6 minutes ago

January 3, 2026

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Five Cougars named All-American by Phil Steele; ten named All-Big 12 – BYU Athletics – Official Athletics Website

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22 minutes ago

January 3, 2026

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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)

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AL.com Super All-State volleyball team features top state players

Published

38 minutes ago

January 3, 2026

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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

McGill-Toolen's Alice Wood — McGill-Toolen’s Alice Wood sets the ball during a 2025 match. (Erin Nelson Sweeney)Erin Nelson Sweeney

Alice Wood, McGill-Toolen

5-9, Jr., Setter

ATTACKER MVP

Daphne's Ella Lomax — Daphne’s Ella Lomax attacks during a 2025 match. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory

Ella Lomax, Daphne

5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter

DEFENSIVE MVP

AHSAA Volleyball 7A Championship — Thompson’s Kenzly Foote readies for play against McGill-Toolen during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory

Kenzly Foote, Thompson

5-7, Sr., Defensive Specialist

SETTER MVP

AHSAA Volleyball 6A Championship — Spanish Fort’s Cailyn Boykin sets the ball against Hazel Green during the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory

Cailyn Boykin, Spanish Fort

5-8, Jr., Setter

COACH OF THE YEAR

AHSAA Volleyball 4A Championship — Cherokee County coach Tiffany Rieger walks to receive the trophy during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory

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

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Waak Signs Professional Contract with MLV’s Atlanta Vibe – Texas A&M Athletics

Published

54 minutes ago

January 3, 2026

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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M volleyball’s Maddie Waak signed her first professional contract with Major League Volleyball’s (MLV) Atlanta Vibe, the organization announced Saturday.

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.

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Blue Bell/TSWA Class 4A All-State Volleyball Team

Published

1 hour ago

January 3, 2026

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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

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Men’s Volleyball Sweeps NJIT In Season Opener

Published

1 hour ago

January 3, 2026

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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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