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Water Polo’s Bella Shining Through Early Stages of European U18 Championships

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ORADEA, Romania – Pepperdine water polo freshman Csanád Bella has made his mark early at the European U18 Championships in Romania this week, representing Hungary.

Bella has helped Hungary to a pair of victories over the Netherlands and Greece in the first two games of pool play with six total goals to help ensure a quarterfinal berth later this week.

In the opening game of the tournament versus the Dutch on Monday, Bella scored three times as the Hungarians led wire-to-wire in an eventual 15-11 victory.

Returning for the second match of group play on Tuesday against Greece, Bella once again notched a hat trick to help push Hungary to a 19-13 victory.

Hungary will return for its final group play contest tomorrow with a matchup against Italy at 10:30 a.m. PT. The tournament will then move to the knockout stages with the Championship match set for Sunday, August 24.

Bella’s six goals through two games ranks second on the team as Hungary is one of five nations to remain undefeated through two games of group play along with France, Malta, Italy and Montenegro.

Bella is no stranger to seeing success at the national level, having won the 2024 U18 World Championship in Buenos Aires this past year. 

At the club level, Bella was a two-time U17 & U19 Hungarian champion while winning a pair of U23 Béla Komjádi CUPs throughout his club career with Asi and Ferencváros. He also recently won the Hungarian Division I National Championship with Ferencvàros.

For the full tournament schedule and results, visit here.

Bella and the Waves will begin the season at the Triton Invite hosted by UC San Diego, with the Waves opening the season on Saturday, August 30th with neutral-site fixtures with Navy and Pomona-Pitzer.

ABOUT PEPPERDINE WATER POLO

Pepperdine water polo has seen success spanning decades under Terry Schroeder who gave the reins to Merrill Moses following the 2023 season. Highlighted by its national championship in 1997 with Moses as the starting goalie, the Waves have reached the NCAA Tournament on 13 occasions and recently won the inaugural WCC Regular Season Championship in 2023. Overall, the program has seen 60 athletes garner All-American honors while boasting a winning record in 36 of 50 seasons.

TICKETS

For more information and to purchase tickets to upcoming home events, visit here.

FOLLOW

To stay up-to-date on the latest Pepperdine water polo news, follow the Waves on social media @PepperdineMWP.



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Wisconsin volleyball to Sweet 16 after back-to-back sweeps

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December 11, 2025

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No. 3 seed Wisconsin volleyball swept Eastern Illinois and North Carolina in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday and Friday at The Field House, setting up a Dec. 12 date with No. 2 seed Stanford in the Sweet Sixteen. 

Eastern Illinois

Wisconsin swept Eastern Illinois in three short sets Thursday night at the Field House. The Badgers held the Panthers to a .022 shooting percentage while Wisconsin raked in 47 kills on 85 attempts. 

The Badgers found incredible momentum in set one, recording separate 4-0, 8-0 and 5-0 runs against the Panthers. Outside hitter Mimi Colyer recorded six kills in this set, two of which came in the final four points for the Badgers. 

Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan ended the set with a kill of her own, capping off  a commanding 25-11 victory. 

Wisconsin pulled away from Eastern Illinois quickly into the second set as well. The Badgers recorded four service aces during this set, two coming from setter Charlie Fuerbringer late. 

When the Badgers went up 19-6, they didn’t allow the Panthers to record another point. Set two ended 25-6 in favor of Wisconsin. 

The third set was the most competitive of the night. Badgers tallied kills across the board, including ones from Colyer, Egan, Fuerbringer, outside hitter Una Vajagic and middle blocker Alicia Andrew. 

Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield slowly worked his bench into the game as the set progressed. Sophomore libero Maile Chan and freshman outside hitter Madison Quest saw action halfway through set three. 

Middle blocker Carter Booth recorded back-to-back kills that put the Badgers ahead 15-9. Andrew and Fuerbringer then made a pair of big-time blocks down the stretch before a kill from sophomore middle blocker Tosia Serafinowska gave Wisconsin the 25-19 win. 

“You certainly don’t go into the match thinking you’ll empty the bench,” Sheffield said. “We have a lot of people who work hard and when an opportunity presents itself in the NCAA Tournament where you can add year played to their experience, especially in the Field House, that is pretty special.” 

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North Carolina

North Carolina defeated sixth-seeded UTEP in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before facing the Badgers. 

Wisconsin welcomed North Carolina to Madison with a quick kill from Colyer to kick off the first set. The Badgers rattled off a 4-0 run after a block assist from Booth and Colyer, a kill from Colyer and two North Carolina errors. 

The Badgers pulled ahead and maintained a steady lead  the rest of the set. A 4-0 run at the end, with kills from Booth, Colyer and Fuerbringer, finalized the set for Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s momentum picked up where it had left off, and the Badgers recorded another 4-0 run to start the second set strong. Colyer dominated this set with eight kills and one block. 

Fuerbringer also played well in this set, tallying three kills and 16 assists. She ended the night with a .375 hitting percentage. 

Wisconsin won set two 25-21 off a serve from Fuerbringer and a kill from Egan. 

Egan got the third set going with a kill, starting a 4-0 run for Wisconsin. With the Badgers ahead 7-4, Vajagic recorded back-to-back kills. 

North Carolina stayed close the rest of the set, at various times pulling ahead by a point. Andrew and Colyer teamed up on a block to tie the game 18-18. 

The competition stayed tight down to the end of the set, with Wisconsin and North Carolina constantly exchanging the lead. Booth and Egan both recorded back-to-back kills in a row, bringing the Badgers ahead 23-22. 

The game moved into extra points and Vajagic, Andrew and Colyer made the final three kills to push Wisconsin to the Sweet Sixteen. 

Colyer and Egan both ended the night with double-doubles in kills and digs. Wisconsin recorded a hitting percentage of .365 off 60 kills and 126 attempts. 

Sheffield applauded Wisconsin’s effort after the game. “It’s earned through work. Confidence is earned by the work you put in; it’s earned by how you talk to yourself,” Sheffield said.

The Badgers have now swept 20 of their 30 opponents this season. Wisconsin holds a season record of 26-4, needing to win four more games to win their second National Championship.

Their next game will be Dec. 12 at the [arena] in [city], Texas, where they will face the No. 2 seed Standford Cardinal at 1:30 p.m. CST. 

The Daily Cardinal has been covering the University and Madison community since 1892. Please consider giving today.



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Amadi Garners MEAC Weekly Honor

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December 11, 2025

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NORFOLK, Va. – With the first indoor meet completed, the Eagles earned a weekly conference honor, announced by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Wednesday afternoon. North Carolina Central’s Zion Amadi was named the MEAC Men’s Track Athlete of the Week.

Amadi had podium finishes in two races at the Visit Winston-Salem College Kick-Off on Dec. 6, while moving up the school record books. He won the men’s 400m seeded race with a time of 47.78 seconds, which moved him up to third all-time at NCCU in the Division I era. Amadi now sits behind Gordon Lewis (47.11 – 2019) and Donnell Carter (47.70 – 2022).  

The sophomore placed second in the 200m seeded race at the JDL Fast Track. Amadi would also break the school record in the event in 21.13 seconds. Lewis held that record since the 2019-20 season (21.27). Amadi broke meet records in both events as well.

The Eagles are back to work after the holiday break, staying local for the Dick Taylor Challenge on Jan. 16-17, hosted by North Carolina at the Eddie Smith Field House in Chapel Hill.        

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.



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Banwo, Lyons Receive MEAC Weekly Accolades

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December 11, 2025

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NORFOLK, Va. (December 10, 2025) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) revealed its women’s track & field weekly accolades where Howard University swept the awards. The announcement came Wednesday afternoon.
 
Senior thrower Temi Banwo (Allen, Texas) won Field Athlete of the Week while junior sprinter Yahnari Lyons (Hampton, Ga.) took home Track Athlete of the Week.
 

At the HBCU & Ivy Challenge (Dec. 5), Banwo placed fourth in the shot put with a MEAC-best mark of 13.88 meters and earned bronze in the weight throw with another conference-leading toss of 16.92 meters.
 
For Lyons, she won the 200-meter dash with a MEAC-leading time of 24.11, which sits 11th in the country.
 
On Dec. 13, HU returns to the Northeast for the Seahawk Shootout, hosted by Wagner College.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com.



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Cincinnati Enquirer names 2025 girls volleyball all-city teams

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5 hours ago

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December 11, 2025

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Updated Dec. 10, 2025, 8:20 p.m. ET

The 2025 high school girls volleyball season brought two state championships to Cincinnati and a state runner-up to Northern Kentucky.

But more than that, the action on the court each night showcased some of the best talent each state had to offer.

Here are The Enquirer’s 2025 all-city teams for each division in Ohio, plus Northern Kentucky and Indiana.



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Pitt volleyball to host 2026 Opening Spike Classic

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6 hours ago

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December 11, 2025

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Pitt volleyball will begin the 2026 campaign with two major tests, as the Panthers were announced as hosts for the Opening Spike Classic, featuring matchups against Kansas and Wisconsin.

The two-day event at Petersen Events Center will be televised nationally on ESPN and see Pitt play the Jayhawks Aug. 28 and Badgers on Aug. 30. Stanford and Wisconsin also play on the event’s first day, followed by the Jayhawks vs. the Cardinal on Day 2.

The Opening Spike Classic debuted last season with the Badgers playing host to matches featuring Kansas, Creighton and Texas.

“We’re excited to kick off opening weekend by hosting three of the best teams in the country,” Pitt coach Dan Fisher said in statement. “Fans can look forward to high-level volleyball right here in Pittsburgh. If we want to be the best, we have to play the best, and we’re doing that right away.”

The No. 1-seeded Panthers (28-4, 18-2 ACC) host No. 4 Minnesota at 7 p.m. Thursday in the NCAA Tournament regional semifinals.

A win over the Gophers would propel the Panthers, who have advanced to the Final Four for the last four consecutive seasons, to the Elite 8, where they’d face the winner of the regional semifinal match between No. 2 SMU and No. 3 Purdue.

Next year’s Opening Spike Classic participants — Stanford, Kansas and Wisconsin — are all also currently competing for a national title.

No. 4 Kansas faces No. 1 Nebraska on Friday night, while No. 2 Stanford and No. 3 Wisconsin square off in the afternoon.

The Opening Spike Classic is organized by PlayFly Sports in collaboration with JMI Sports, exclusive multimedia rights holder for Pitt Athletics.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this event back for a second year and to build on the momentum we created with the event launch last year,” said Michael Neuman, co-head of Playfly Sports Consulting. “The Opening Spike Classic is a celebration of women’s achievements in sports, and there is no better way to recognize that than by bringing together these top college volleyball teams to compete.”

Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.





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Nebraska Huskers Dominate All-Region Volleyball Honors

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December 11, 2025

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Nebraska is once again taking the collegiate volleyball world by storm, entering the 2025 NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. So it’s no surprise the Huskers dominated some of the sport’s top honors announced on Tuesday.

AVCA West All-Region Team

Bergen Reilly

Bergen Reilly sets the ball to a slide attack.

Bergen Reilly sets the ball to a slide attack. | Amarillo Mullen

Junior setter Bergen Reilly showcased Nebraska’s excellence on multiple levels. She was one of five Huskers named to the AVCA West All-Region Team, which is an impressive accomplishment on its own. This marks her third straight year earning All-Region recognition, and she has continued her high-level play this season. Thanks in part to Reilly’s elite setting, Nebraska is on track to break the single-season school record with a .353 team hitting percentage. That mark leads the nation and is the best posted by any Big Ten team since Penn State in 2009.

Reilly’s standout season did not end there. She was also named the AVCA West Region Player of the Year, becoming the fourth Husker and the third in a row to earn the honor, joining Kelly Hunter (2017), Merritt Beason (2023) and Lexi Rodriguez (2024). She continues to collect accolades this season as the 2025 Big Ten Setter of the Year and a First-Team All-Big Ten selection. She also earned the 2025 Big Ten Volleyball Player of the Year, the first time she has received that award.

Rebekah Allick

Rebekah Allick (5) celebrates a Husker point in set two.

Rebekah Allick (5) celebrates a Husker point in set two. | Amarillo Mullen

Senior middle blocker Rebekah Allick is putting together one of the strongest seasons of her Husker career. She continues to be a reliable presence on both sides of the net, contributing efficient offense while anchoring Nebraska’s front-row defense. Her play earned her All-Big Ten First Team honors for the first time, a deserved recognition after years of consistent contributions.

Allick has also climbed into rare company in the program’s rally-scoring era. With 536 career blocks, she now ranks fifth all-time at Nebraska, a mark that also places her fifth among active Division I players. Her presence at the net has been a integral part of Nebraska’s identity this season, and she continues to rise to the moment when it matters most.

Laney Choboy

Laney Choboy receives a Michigan serve.

Laney Choboy receives a Michigan serve. | Amarillo Mullen

Junior libero Laney Choboy has been the steady heartbeat of Nebraska’s backcourt all season. She’s the one holding things down defensively, reading attacks and keeping rallies alive with the kind of confidence and toughness every championship team needs. Her efforts earned her a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team.

Choboy has already totaled 276 digs on the year and counting, a testament to just how reliable she is in big moments. She’s delivered several standout performances, including a career-best 20 digs against Illinois and another strong night with 15 at Minnesota. When the Huskers need a spark on defense, she’s almost always the one providing it.

Andi Jackson

Andi Jackson (15) gets a kill on the slide.

Andi Jackson (15) gets a kill on the slide. | Amarillo Mullen

Junior middle blocker Andi Jackson has been one of Nebraska’s most consistent and explosive attackers this season. She continues to elevate her game year after year, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors for the second consecutive season.

Jackson has also established herself as one of the most efficient hitters in the country. Her hitting percentage not only leads the nation but also stands as the best single-season mark in Nebraska volleyball history. Combined with her reliable performance at the net defensively, Jackson has become a foundational piece of the Huskers’ success.

Harper Murray

Nebraska volleyball player Harper Murray (27) spikes the ball against Penn State.

Nebraska Cornhuskers outside hitter Harper Murray (27) attacks against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the third set. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Junior outside hitter Harper Murray has emerged as one of Nebraska’s top offensive threats this season, setting career highs with 3.51 kills per set and a .299 hitting percentage. Her strong play earned her All-Big Ten First Team honors for the first time.

Murray contributes in every phase of the game. She averages 2.14 digs per set, leads the team with 30 aces, and adds 58 blocks, giving her a team-leading 4.16 points per set. Her all-around skill and steady production make her a key piece of the Huskers’ success.

Honorable Mention

Virginia Adriano

Virginia Adriano (9) starts the match with a kill.

Virginia Adriano (9) starts the match with a kill. | Amarillo Mullen

Freshman opposite hitter Virginia Adriano is already giving a glimpse of Nebraska’s future, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in her debut season. Originally from Turin, Italy, Adriano has quickly made an impact on both sides of the net, averaging 2.20 kills per set with a .284 hitting percentage, along with 0.66 blocks per set and 14 service aces.

She has risen to the occasion in conference matches as well, contributing 2.34 kills per set with a .318 hitting percentage. Beyond her on-court contributions, Adriano’s presence shows the growing opportunities for international athletes in college volleyball, opening doors for future players from around the world. Her all-around play and poise as a freshman indicate she will be a major contributor for the Huskers for years to come.

Taylor Landfair

Taylor Landfair collected seven kills of her own in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Taylor Landfair collected seven kills of her own in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. | Amarillo Mullen

Senior outside hitter Taylor Landfair has been a key player for Nebraska this season, hitting a career-best .316 and averaging 2.09 kills per set, which earned her All-Big Ten Second Team honors.

Landfair’s impact goes beyond this season. She was a 2022 AVCA All-American and has appeared in the most career matches of any active Division I player, with 151 contests. She also ranks 20th among active Division I players with 1,517 career kills, reflecting her consistency and durability throughout her Husker career.

Head Coach

Dani Busboom Kelly is introduced during a break.

Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball head coach Dani Busboom Kelly is introduced during a break in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Pinnacle Bank Arena. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The players can only go as far as their head coach allows, and Nebraska head coach Kelly Busboom has given them every opportunity to flourish. Busboom was honored as the AVCA West Region Coach of the Year.

In her first year at the helm, Busboom led the Huskers to a perfect 30-0 regular-season record, including a 20-0 mark in Big Ten competition. Her debut earned her AVCA West Region Coach of the Year honors and the Big Ten Coach of the Year award, making her the first coach in program history to capture a conference title in their inaugural season.

Given the dedication and performance of these players, it was clear that Busboom was the coach most deserving of such recognition.

These awards and honors are well-earned, but they also tell a bigger story. The Huskers extended their win streak to 32 with a sweep of Kansas State on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, remaining undefeated. This team is full of talented players who understand what it takes to win.

Week after week, they perform at the highest level, delivering a masterclass in volleyball and making a definitive statement in the collegiate game. Many of these athletes are on their way to becoming Nebraska volleyball legends, leaving a lasting mark on the program.

More From Nebraska On SI

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.





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