Sports

Virginia Volleyball | Virginia Set For Smithfield Commonwealth Clash at Virginia Tech

Published

2 months ago

October 19, 2025

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – After a dramatic come-from-behind victory to open the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, the Virginia Volleyball team (9-8, 2-5 ACC) is set to host Virginia Tech (9-9, 1-6 ACC) on Sunday (Oct. 19) at John Paul Areana.

Match Information
Matchup: Virginia Tech at Virginia
Date/Time: Sunday, Oct. 19 • 3 p.m.
Location: John Paul Jones Arena (Charlottesville, Va.)
Watch: ACCNX
Live Stats: Statbroadcast

SEATING AND PARKING INFORMATION

General admission tickets are on sale at UVATix.com or by calling the ticket office at 434-924-8821.
Single-game general admission tickets start at $9, while JPJ general admission season passes for all five matches can be purchased for $33.
Parking will be available to the public free of charge in all surrounding JPJ lots, including the JPJ garage.
Fans interested in purchasing a suite should call the ticket office at 434-924-8821 to learn more about pricing and availability.

PROMOTIONS

Early arriving fans will receive Virginia Pom Poms while supplies last.
The first 200 Virginia students will receive free Raising Cane’s. Students must present their student ID card at the marketing table in the John Paul Jones Arena to be eligible.

THE SMITHFIELD COMMONWEALTH CLASH

The Smithfield Commonwealth Clash, originally called the Commonwealth Challenge (2005-2007), has been a part of the UVA-Virginia Tech rivalry since 2014. It is an all-sports, points-based program with the Commonwealth Clash trophy presented to the winning school each year for its dominance in head-to-head competitions.
Virginia currently leads the 2025-26 Clash, 2.0-0.5.

SEASON OVERVIEW

This year marks the 47th season of Virginia Volleyball, which held its inaugural season in 1979.
In 46 complete seasons, UVA is 694-768 (.470) all-time.
The Cavaliers are set to host 14 matches on Grounds this season, including five matches at John Paul Jones Arena.
Head coach Shannon Wells is in her fifth season at the helm.

SERIES HISTORY

The Cavaliers of Virginia and Hokies of Virginia Tech are meeting for the 85th time on Sunday.
UVA leads the all-time series 44-40 and has won the last seven matches dating back to 2022.
The seven-match win streak is tied for the longest streak by Virginia in the series. UVA also won seven straight matches over the Hokies from 1995-01 and 1988-91.
In the very first volleyball match played at John Paul Jones Arena, UVA downed Virginia Tech in a thrilling five-setter in front of a program record 3,162 on October 29, 2023.
For a complete list of series results, visit the Virginia Volleyball Record Book.

EARLY ENNIST

After tallying over 2,000 kills during her prep career, freshman Reagan Ennist has a team-best 160 kills this season. Ennist’s 160 kills are the second most by a freshman in the Shannon Wells era, only behind Brooklyn Borum’s 234 kills in 2021.
Entering the primetime showdown with Virginia Tech, Ennist is averaging 3.077 kills per set, which ranks sixth all-time among UVA freshmen.

ROAD LIFE IN THE ACC

To conclude the first road weekend of ACC play, Virginia fell 3-1 at No. 5 Louisville on Sunday. The third set win over the Cardinals was the first set win over a top-5 opponent on the road in program history.
Overall, the set win was just the third ever taken off a top 5 team for Virginia. All three wins have come in the last 365 days (No. 3 Louisville, 11/22/24 & No. 3 Stanford, 9/27/25).

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS

Freshman outside hitter Reagan Ennist had a game for the ages in UVA’s thrilling five-set victory over Syracuse en route to her first ACC Freshman of the Week honor.
In the win, Ennist racked up a Virginia freshman record 32 kills. The 32 kills were the most by a Cavalier since Deanna Zwarich tallied 33 kills against Duke in 2000.
The freshman’s 32 kills are the fifth-most ever by a Cavalier in a single match. Her 32 kills came on 89 swings, which set a record for most attempts in a single match.

OPENING THE JPJ RESIDENCY

To open ACC play, the Virginia Cavaliers hosted No. 3 Stanford and Cal at John Paul Jones Arena.
Virginia’s third set win over Stanford tied for the highest set win over a ranked opponent in program history.
In the Cal match, Reagan Ennist tallied 13 kills—the most by a UVA freshman since Brooklyn Borum in 2021, up until that point.

IMPORTED A PAIR OF WINS

To close out non-conference play, Virginia headed to the Ohio State-hosted Sports Import Classic against OSU and Troy.
UVA opened the weekend with a five-set thriller over Ohio State. It was only the program’s second win ever over a team from the Big 10 and second in as many weeks.
In the sweep over Troy, Kate Dean recorded 11 total blocks. The most by a Hoo in a match since Abby Tadder in 2023.

DOUBLE DIP AGAINST MICHIGAN

To wrap up the home non-conference portion of the 2025 season, Virginia hosted Big 10 foe Michigan for a pair of matches at the Aquatic and Fitness Center.
Virginia’s five-set win in the weekend opener was the Cavaliers’ first win over a power conference opponent in non-conference play since 2016 and the first-ever win over a Big 10 program in program history.

HOT START HOOS

To start the season, Virginia opened the year by dominating the DC Challenge over Georgetown, George Washington and Howard. The 3-0 start for UVA was the first of the Wells era and the first since 2014.
In the Shannon Wells era, the Cavaliers are 40-21 in matches played during August and September, including an 11-2 mark during the historic 2024 season.

VIRGINIA WELCOMES NEWCOMERS

Of UVA’s 16 players on its 2025 roster, seven are new to the roster.
The Cavaliers’ roster features four transfers: Katie Barrier (DS/L) from Tennessee, Vivian Miller (OH) from Ole Miss, Hannah Scott (S) from College of Charleston and Jasmine Robinson (MB) from Virginia Tech.
Virginia welcomed the freshman trio of Reagan Ennist (OH), Marin Black (MB) and Charlottesville-native Caroline Lang (RS/MB) to Grounds this summer.

LOOK HOOS BACK

The UVA returners are highlighted by seniors Kate Johnson (DS/L), Kadynce Booth (OH) and Kate Dean (MB). Johnson is the only Cavalier who has been in the program all four seasons.
Meredith Reeg (DS/L), who missed most of the 2024 season due to injury, and Lauryn Bowie (OH/RS) represent the junior class.
The sophomore class is led by 2024 All-ACC freshman team member Zoey Dood (S) and Becca Wight (RS). Sarah Brodner (OH/RS) and Teagan Hogan (DS/L) round out the rest of the class.

THE YEAR THAT WAS IN ‘24

The Cavaliers’ 21 wins during the 2024 season were the most by UVA since winning 23 during the 2006 season.
UVA’s 11 ACC wins are the most since winning 11 in 2013.
Virginia rode the 21 wins to a berth in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. It was the first postseason appearance since making the NCAA Tournament in 1999.

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South Carolina Gamecocks Defensive Back Plans to Enter the Transfer Portal

Published

37 minutes ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

After transferring to South Carolina prior to the 2025 season, defensive back Myles Norwood will enter the transfer portal in hopes of finishing his last year of eligibility elsewhere next fall. Norwood began his career at Iowa State, transferred to Ball State, and then to South Carolina. He will be looking for his fourth home this offseason.

Norwood was a collegiate track star turned defensive back in his college career. His journey began at Iowa Western Community College where he was a track and field participant for the Reivers. Following his freshman year in track he moved on to Iowa State to play for then head coach Matt Campbell (now Penn State). He spent two seasons with the cyclones appearing in just one game against West Virginia in 2022. In 2024, he transferred to New Mexico State in February, but never played for the Aggies before transferring to Ball State just three months later.

At Ball State, Norwood appeared in all 12 games for the Cardinals making seven starts. He was credited with with 38 tackles including 2.0 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and a team-leading 10 pass breakups. After his breakout season with the Cardinals, Norwood commited to the Gamecocks for the 2025 season. He appeared in 10 games, with two starts, in his time in Columbia as he racked up 19 total tackles this past season.

Updated Transfer Portal Tracker

Cason Henry enters the transfer porta — South Carolina offensive lineman Cason Henry (75) blocks Louisiana State University defensive end Bradyn Swinson (4) during the third quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, September 14, 2024. | Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In addition to Norwood, 11 other Gamecocks have entered the portal so far with the offensive line room taking the biggest hit. That list includes OL Tree Babalade, OL Cason Henry, WR Brian Rowe Jr., QB Air Noland, OL Mac Walters, OL Nick Sharpe, OL Trovon Baugh, DL Zavian Hardy, LB Jaron Willis, LB Taeshawn Alston, and K Peyton Argent.

A few others have already declared their move to the 2026 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Jared Brown was the latest to make his intentions known. He joins defensive tackle Monkell Goodwine, defensive tackle Nick Barrett, and defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. as those entering their names in the 2026 NFL Draft, with tight end Jordan Dingle expected to be the next name as his eligibility is out.

Join the community:

Follow Alex Joyce on Twitter: @AlexJoyceSI
Follow Joey Walraven on Twitter: @thejoeywalraven

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking “Follow” on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest and on Facebook!

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Sports

Tennessee Tech Closes 2025 with Tennessee State at Eblen Center

Published

3 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Jeff Bowe, TTU Athletics Media Relations

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech (6-7, 1-1) men’s basketball plays its final game of 2025 against Tennessee State (7-5, 1-1) at Hooper Eblen Center at 7:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The Golden Eagles return to the hardwood after an extended break for the holidays to face the Tigers. TSU has won five of the last seven games but most recently fell, 91-82, to SEMO, opening OVC competition 1-1. Tech has won three of the last four games and opened conference play with an 85-74 victory over SEMO, then fell to UT Martin (L, 62-86).

TTU enters today’s game 4-2 at home this season with wins over SEMO, Bethel (101-69), Berea (86-64), and Va. Lynchburg (118-58), and losses to West Ga. (L, 59-61) and UT Martin (L, 62-86).

GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Tennessee Tech (6-7, 1-1 OVC) vs. Tennessee State (7-5, 1-1 OVC)
Date & Time: Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Venue: Hooper Eblen Center
Watch: ESPN+ | Dylan Vazzano (PxP) and Frank Harrell (Analyst)
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle | Noah McKay (PxP) and Jacob Vinson (Analyst)
Promotion: Purple Haze – WEAR PURPLE!

INSIDE THE SERIES
Overall: TSU leads, 41-39
In Cookeville: Tech leads, 23-17
In Nashville: TSU leads, 18-22
Neutral sites: TSU leads 2-0
Current Streak: TTU won 1
Last Meeting: TTU won 77-74 in Cookeville (Feb. 22, 2025)

TECH NOTES
Dani Pounds leads Tech in scoring, averaging 12.5 points per game (19th in OVC), and Mekhi Cameron is second on the team with 12.2 points per game (20th in OVC). Pounds is fourth in the OVC in free-throw percentage, shooting 84.1 from the line. Pounds leads the Golden Eagles in rebounds with 4.8 per game (20th in OVC).

JaJuan Nicholls is second on the team in rebounds per game (4.7), which is 23rd in the conference.

Tennessee Tech’s 118 points against Va. Lynchburg (W, 118-58, 11/10/25) mark the third-most points scored in a single game by an OVC team this season.

Ty Owens is second in the OVC with 4.2 assists per game (54 total). Nicholls is tied for fifth in the conference in blocks per game (1.2) and fourth in the OVC in total blocks (16).

The Golden Eagles are second in the conference in points per game (79.7), as well as fourth in the conference in scoring margin (3.5). TTU holds the second-best shooting percentage in the OVC (47.0, 365-777), making three fewer shots than the conference leaders (Lindenwood, 47.4).

OPPONENT NOTES
Tennessee State (7-5, 1-1) leads the all-time series 41-39 as the teams split the last two matchups during the 2024-25 season.

The Tigers are coming off a hard-fought 91–82 loss to Southeast Missouri at the Gentry Center, while the Golden Eagles also enter the contest following a defeat.

The game marks the return to action for both programs after a 10-day break. Tennessee State will open the 2026 calendar year on the road at Little Rock on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Aaron Nkrumah leads the Tigers in scoring with 17.0 points per game, averaging 4.8 rebounds per contest and 2.6 assists per game. Travis Harper II is second on the team with 15.8 points per game, and Dante Harris is third on the squad per contest with 12.6 points on average.

PURCHASE TICKETS
Tickets for Tennessee Tech Men’s Basketball are on sale now – call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office, or order online at TTUsports.com.

FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Fans can be sure to follow the Golden Eagles men’s basketball team on X (@TTU_Basketball), Instagram (TTUMBB), and Facebook (TTU MBB) for all of the news, notes, and updates.

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Sports

Top 25 Moments of 2025

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Helms, a transfer from Texas A&M, bested his previous Heptathlon score of 5394 which he earned at the Stan Scott Invite and Multis taking place on Jan. 30-Feb. 1, hosted by Texas Tech. He has had immense success in the Key City, posting three different splits at the Red Raider open in the 60m hurdles (8.30), 4x400m (3:16.21, 49.27 split) and pole vault (16-2/4.93m).

At the Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Robertson has etched herself in the record books. At the NCAA Outdoor National Championships, she recorded the best finish by a Bronco since the 2022 campaign by finishing 53rd in a field of 254 total runners.

Robertson was the first Bronco woman to earn All-America honors in the 1,500 since 2019 (Emma Bates). Hanna Ackermann also posted a top finish while in Eugene. Ackermann recorded a time of 9:54.21 in the steeplechase. The time was the third-fastest time in Boise State history.

Helms registered a score of 7,696 in the decathlon. His mark ranks third in Boise State school history and improved his previous mark in the decathlon at the 2025 Mountain West Outdoor Track and Field Championships which were hosted by Fresno State in Clovis, California.

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Sports

Shondell Inks Transfer Lameen Mambu – Purdue Boilermakers

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Outside hitter Lameen “Mimi” Mambu is set to transfer to Purdue volleyball, announced by head coach Dave Shondell. Mambu joins the Boilermakers after spending her freshman season at Georgia Tech, where she led the Yellow Jackets’ offense with 345 points and 304 kills.

“What a wonderful Christmas gift to get the commitment from a smart and dynamic student-athlete,” Shondell said. “We’re excited to have this hard-hitting high-flyer join our team after such a strong first season at Georgia Tech where she helped lead them to an NCAA tournament appearance. We watched Mimi play in high school and knew she would be a special player. Mimi learned so much about our program from Kash [Akasha Anderson] and Isabelle Bardin who are good friends from the D.C. area.”

2025 // AS A FRESHMAN AT GEORGIA TECH

Played in all 30 matches as a freshman, making 25 starts
Led Georgia Tech’s offense with 345 points, 304 kills and 854 attempts while averaging 2.92 kills per set
Posted 10 digs, seven kills and two block assists at Purdue in Georgia Tech’s 3-1 win at Purdue (9/3).
Averaged one dig per set with .46 blocks per set
Recorded a season-high 17 kills vs. Georgia (9/19)
Secured a career-high 20 points vs. Arkansas State (8/31), including a career-high 16 digs and 16 kills
Registered three double-doubles
Went nearly errorless on the attack in the sweep at Clemson (11/12), posting a .481 attack % behind 14 kills and one error on 27 swings
Saw at least 20 attacks in 25 matches and 40 attacks in four matches
Served up four aces in the season-opener vs. Wofford (8/29), a career-high
Totaled 14 kills, second-most on the team, along with four digs and a block assist in the five set loss to UCLA in the NCAA First Round

HIGH SCHOOL

Spent four years playing at Chantilly High School
A three-time District Player of the Year award winner (2022-2024)
Three-time All-State First Team honoree (2022-2024)
Four-time All-Region First Team honoree (2021-2024)
Led her to team to become three-time District Champions (2021, 2022, 2024) and two-time Regional Champions (2022 And 2024)
2025 Under Armor Next Volleyball All-American competitor
Won a silver medal with the United States U19 National Team during the summer of 2025

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Best of small school volleyball in Palm Beach

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 28, 2025, 10:54 a.m. ET

The 2025 Palm Beach Post All-County teams are here!

The Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards is proud to announce the Player of the Year nominees for small school volleyball.

Player of the Year winners will be announced at the South Florida Fair in a live ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24. Nominees will be able to register to attend for free, thanks to sponsors. For more information about the show, please reach out to deputy sports editor Eric J. Wallace (ejwallace@pbpost.com).

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