Syracuse Mets 10, Charlotte Knights 3 (Statcast box)
The Knights (52-58) got beat up by the Mets (59-52) after Chase Plymell endured a rough, six-run inning in the fourth, and the Charlotte offense wasn’t able to make up the difference, falling to Syracuse, 10-3. Righthander Yoendrys Gómez has been solid for his last several outings, and worked through a three-inning start Thursday and gave up just one run on four hits — the run coming from a solo shot in the third — with two walks and three strikeouts. Since the bats didn’t get going until way after the Mets scored seven runs, Gómez unfortunately ended up with the loss.
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White Sox Minor League Update


Syracuse poured it on Plymell in the fourth, with six scores on seven hits (including a homer), a walk and strikeout, which was quite a bit of damage done for just three outs. The pitching then rebounded for a few innings: Peyton Pallette threw two lovely scoreless innings where he gave up just one hit and struck out four, and Elvis Peguero didn’t allow any hits in the seventh, though he did walk two before working out of it. The Mets struck once more in the bottom of the eighth as Fraser Ellard gave up a three-run bomb after walking the first two batters of the inning.
On the other side of the ball, Charlotte was only able to scrape together three runs on four hits, and Jacob Gonzalez drove in the first run on an RBI double in the fifth. On the next at-bat, Vinny Capra accounted for the other two RBIs with a two-run homer to bring him and Gonzalez in.
Dominic Fletcher and Dru Baker had the only other hits of the day, and the Knights ended up 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left three on base … not that those three would have helped them any more.
Knights MVP
Vinny Capra: 1-for-4, HR, R, 2 RBI
Other Notables
Dominic Fletcher: 1-for-4, 2B
Jacob Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2B, R, RBI
Dru Baker: 1-for-3, H, 2 SB, 2 K
Peyton Pallette: 2 IP, H, 4 K, HBP
Knights Cold Cat
Chase Plymell: 1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, BB, K, HR
Others Chilled
Yoendrys Gómez: 3 IP, 4 H, R, 2 BB, 3 K, HR, LOSS (4-3)
Fraser Ellard: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
Tim Elko: 0-for-4, 2 K
Korey Lee: 0-for-4, K
Birmingham Barons 4, Chattanooga Lookouts 2
If you are also doing a double-take on the score, yes it is the same as last night, meaning the Barons (65-40) continued to dominate and won their sixth game in a row, beating the Lookouts (53-47), 4-2. Connor McCullough had the start and was decent in his four innings, but gave up two runs on three hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Those were the only runs that Chattanooga would score, however, and the Barons bullpen was lights-out for the rest of the game.
Birmingham’s offense put up five hits in the game and went 3-for-6 with runners in scoring position, but just two players were responsible for driving in all of the runs: Ryan Galanie and William Bergolla. Galanie’s first hit was an RBI single to cut the lead in half in the fourth, and William Bergolla had brought in the tying run in the eighth. Galanie stayed hot, and his second hit happened to be a two-run triple that tacked on two runs in the eighth to give Bham the lead, 4-2.
Jake Palisch, Jared Kelley, and Caleb Freeman all were able to hold the lead and mostly keep the Lookouts off the bases, with just combined three hits given up across five innings with three walks and two strikeouts; Kelley snagged his second win of the season.
Barons MVP
Ryan Galanie: 2-for-4, 3B, 3 RBI, GIDP
Other Notables
William Bergolla: 2-for-4, 2 R, RBI, SB
Sam Antonacci: 1-for-3, R, K
Jake Palisch: 3 IP, 2 H, BB, K
Jared Kelley: 1 IP, H, BB, WIN (2-1)
Caleb Freeman: 1 IP, 0 H, BB, K, Save (1)
Barons Cold Cat
Connor McCullough: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, BB, 4 K
Others Chilled
Wilfred Veras: 0-for-4, K
Braden Montgomery: 0-for-3, K
Michael Turner: 0-for-3, K
Winston-Salem Dash 6, Bowling Green Hot Rods 4
The Dash (41-62) were trailing the Hot Rods by four going into the fifth, but were able to battle back to score six unanswered runs to seal the victory against Bowling Green, 6-4. Dylan Cumming was the Winston-Salem starter, and allowed four runs (just two earned) in his four innings with a walk and four strikeouts; his line does not look the best, the two unearned runs was a tough pill to swallow. Though Cole McConnell did account for the two unearned runs with his two errors on one play in the first, he was able to make up for it with two RBIs of his own, including a solo home run in the fifth.
McConnell’s homer was the first run scored for the Dash, but the Hot Rods seemed to melt down a bit in the sixth as they allowed two more runs by hitting and walking batters with the bases loaded. Winston-Salem wasn’t able to capitalize further with the bases juiced, but they did bring the game within one. The Dash then officially took the lead the following inning as Alec Makarewicz mashed a three-run blast, and the bullpen was able to hold it together to close it out.
Righthander Jack Young managed the two innings of relief following Cumming exiting the game, and he ended up with the win with two hitless innings and three strikeouts, and Morris Austin was able to record the save.
Dash MVP
Alec Makarewicz: 2-for-5, HR, R, 3 RBI, 2 K
Other Notables
Jeral Perez: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, CS
Cole McConnell: 1-for-3, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K, 2 E
Jack Young: 2 IP, 0 H, 3 K, WIN (2-1)
Jarold Rosado: 1 IP, 2 BB, K, Hold
Morris Austin: 2 IP, H, BB, 2 K, Save (2)
Miguel Santos: 1-for-3, BB, K
Dash Cold Cat
Wes Kath: 0-for-4, 2 K, 2 GIDP
Others Chilled
Dylan Cumming: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R / 2 ER, BB, 4 K
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 6, Salem Red Sox 3 (Opener, 7 innings)
The Cannon Ballers (50-54) took a three-run lead by the third inning. Even with the Red Sox (43-59) trimming the lead a bit in the bottom half of that inning, George Wolkow fought back by smoking a three-run bomb that ultimately won them the game, 6-3:
Mathias LaCombe was in charge of the first 2 2/3 innings on the mound, and allowed two runs on one hit and a walk while striking out four. The bullpen was fairly solid even with six hits given up, two walks, and two strikeouts, but Jake Peppers was the right pitcher at the right time, vulturing the win.
The Kannapolis offense was out-hit by four (7-3) and were 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position, but they also drew eight walks, which helped them reach the six total runs. Outside of Wolkow, Arxy Hernández also drove in two runs, and Grant Magill accounted for the final run by grounding out with the bases loaded to score a run on a fielder’s choice.
Ballers Game 1 MVP
George Wolkow: 1-for-2, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB, K
Other Notables
Arxy Hernández: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB
Jake Peppers: 1 1/3 IP, 2 H, BB, WIN (1-0)
Pierce George: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, Save (2)
Ballers Game 1 Cold Cat
Mathias LaCombe: 2 2/3 IP, H, 2 R, BB, 4 K, WP
Others Chilled
Carlton Perkins: 2 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 2 K, HR
Bryce Eblin: 0-for-3
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 2 vs. Salem Red Sox 1 (Night cap, 7 innings)
Even with five more hits than the opener, the Ballers (51-54) were able to score just two runs, which were thankfully enough to sweep the doubleheader against the Red Sox (43-60). The offense had plenty of opportunities to score, but it went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base. Kannapolis didn’t even really get any hits to actually win the game, as the first run was scored on a throwing error in the second, and the second was brought in on a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Bryce Eblin was responsible for and involved in both runs scored — a much stronger performance than his earlier game:
Anthony DePino accomplished his first professional hit, and ended up racking three hits for Kanny in Thursday’s win. Both George Wolkow and Jordan Sprinkle had two-hit games, but thankfully the pitching staff locked in to keep the Ballers in the game and take the win. Luis Reyes made his 19th start of the season and was efficient for three scoreless innings of just two hits while striking out three. The win would end up with Hale Sims, however, as he was responsible for the next three frames, and gave up one run on a solo bomb from the Red Sox while striking out four and giving up just three hits.
Ballers Game 2 MVP
Luis Reyes: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 K, HBP
Other Notables
Hale Sims: 3 IP, 3 H, R, 4 K, HR, WIN (2-1)
Kevin Davis: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 K, Save (1)
Bryce Eblin: 0-for-2, RBI, Sac Fly, K
Anthony DePino: 3-for-4, SB
Jordan Sprinkle: 2-for-3, R, 2 SB
Nathan Archer: 1-for-3, 2B, R, K
Ballers Game 2 Cold Cat
Adrian A. Gil: 0-for-4, 3 K
Others Chilled
Colby Shelton: 0-for-3, HBP
Ronny Hernandez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Arxy Hernández: 0-for-4
Sports
Oldani Named Week 1 MPSF Defensive Player of the Week – BYU Athletics – Official Athletics Website
Oldani had a match-high and career-high 10 digs in BYU’s season opener Friday night in Provo. He added another three digs on Saturday. Oldani also had five blocks over the two matches, as the Cougars started the season 2-0 for the fourth consecutive season.
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BREAKING: Ahen Kim named head volleyball coach at Duke
Duke University hired American University volleyball head coach Ahen Kim to the same role on Jan. 12, 2026. Kim joins the Blue Devils after his best season, posting a 24-5 record and winning a Patriot League championship.
The Eagles went 64-25 during Kim’s three seasons as the head coach of the Eagles. His latest saw the Eagles clinch their 17th Patriot League title in program history and an NCAA Tournament berth.
American swept the conference awards in 2025, taking home all five honors on Nov. 17, 2025. This included a Barry Goldberg Coaching Staff of the Year award for Kim and his staff. Kim’s team went 15-1 in Patriot League play in 2025, only dropping the team’s first conference match to the Colgate Raiders on Sept. 19, 2025.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ahen for everything he has given to American University volleyball,” said American University Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro in a statement. “His connection to this program runs deep…We wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”
Duke went 5-26 in the 2025 season, finishing last in the Atlantic Coastal Conference’s standings. The Blue Devils have not won the conference since 2013. The head coaching position opened up when long-time head coach Jolene Nagel retired on Dec. 1, 2025 after 27 seasons with the team.
“I’m forever grateful to American University Volleyball and will cherish the time I’ve had coaching here both as an Assistant and as Head Coach,” Kim said in a statement. “It has been an honor to serve the program after Coach Barry, and I am extremely proud of the work by our student-athletes and staff to restore its competitive legacy.”
American will conduct a national search for its next volleyball coach.
This article was edited by Jack Stashower and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Avery Grossman.
sports@theeagleonline.com
Sports
South’s Ellie Kleven named Alaska Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year
After leading the South Anchorage High volleyball team to a Cook Inlet Conference title and a dominant record of 41-5-1, senior Ellie Kleven this month became the seventh player in program history to be named Gatorade Alaska Volleyball Player of the Year.
“Winning this award means so much to me,” Kleven said. “I have always looked up to previous Gatorade Player of the Year winners and to be included in this group is really special.”
The elite setter is the second Wolverine to receive the award this decade, joining 2021-22 recipient Hanna Henrie, who was a standout outside hitter and led the program to its last state title.
“For a South athlete to receive this honor is incredibly rewarding for our coaches and players and something I hope future athletes will aspire to,” South head coach Julie Kleven said.
On the court, Ellie led the state with 1,196 assists and also recorded 434 digs, 121 service aces and 97 kills. Some of her other accolades include earning First Team All-Cook Inlet Conference and First Team All-State honors as well as receiving American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American honors.
“Ellie has worked incredibly hard over the past four years and seeing her effort recognized in this way is truly special,” Julie said. “She is a player who gives 100 percent all of the time. Over the years she has also been so fortunate to have had excellent coaches and teammates that have contributed to her success. She is an elite athlete that is truly deserving of this honor.”
[‘It takes every single one of us’: South High’s volleyball success has been a collaborative effort at every level]
As Ellie’s mother and head coach, Julie couldn’t be prouder as this award recognizes a student-athlete for not only their feats of athleticism on the court, but also exceptional academic achievement and exemplary character displayed in and out of the gym.
“I have watched her be humble and selfless through her entire volleyball career and these traits are a big part of what has made her such a great player, teammate and leader,” Julie said. “I have also witnessed her put the same level of commitment into her academics and community service.”
Ellie maintained an 3.71 grade point average and volunteered with multiple causes, including with Western Alaska typhoon relief, organizing a food and clothing drive for displaced families. She has also donated her time to community service initiatives through South’s National Honor Society chapter, including sock drives for those in need, putting together floral arrangements for seniors and making toys for cats at a local animal shelter.
“I’m incredibly honored to have even been considered for this award and grateful to my teammates and coaches who have made me the player I am today,” Ellie said after the honor was announced Friday. “My friends, family, and anyone I’ve ever been athletically involved with has played a part in this accomplishment and I couldn’t be more thankful to them.”
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Three From Men’s Volleyball Selected to FrogJump Preseason All-America First Team
Springfield, Mass. – January 12, 2026 – Springfield College men’s volleyball seniors Dylan Mulvaney (Reston, Va.), Carter Durivage (East Greenbush, N.Y.) and Jake DesLauriers (Eastport, N.Y.) have all been named to the FrogJump Division III Preseason All-America First Team ahead of this week’s season opener in California.
A nationwide voting committee selected 20 student-athletes from across the country to the 2026 FrogJump Division III Preseason All-America Team, which recognizes the NCAA Division III men’s volleyball players projected to be the best in the nation during the upcoming year. Springfield was the lone institution to have three selections this fall as Messiah, NYU, Santa Cruz, Mount Union and Vassar all had two honorees.
The 14-member voting committee for this award consisted of 11 DIII Men’s Volleyball Head Coaches from across the nation and three members of the FrogJump coverage team. The 20 players receiving the most votes were named FrogJump Preseason All-Americans. The committee unanimously chose four players for preseason honors; Josh McLellan (Aurora), Alex Kagoro (Messiah), Ben Heise (Carthage), and Dylan Mulvaney (Springfield).
Mulvaney ranked second in the nation with 10.37 assists per set dishing out a total of 861 helpers and powered Springfield College to the second-best hitting percentage in the country at a .354 clip. He also registered 30 kills, 26 aces, 99 digs, 36 blocks and hit .418. In addition to his third straight All-America award, Mulvaney was tabbed as the FrogJump Volleyball Division III National Setter of the Year and as the Region I Player of the Year for the second time in his career.
DesLauriers made his transition from the baseball diamond to the volleyball court last season and made an immediate impact. He registered 204 kills (2.46 per set) and hit .359, which ranked 30th in Division III this year. DesLauriers also posted 40 aces and 116 digs (1.40 per set) and earned his first career AVCA All-America accolade in 2025.
Durivage powered Springfield’s offense with a team-best 221 kills (3.16 per set) and his .369 on the season. He also totaled 27 blocks and 81 digs. Durivage’s .369 hitting percentage ranked 25th nationally, while his 3.80 points per set ranked 64th in Division III a season ago as he earned his first nod to the AVCA All-America team in 2025.
Last season, these three student-athletes led Springfield to 25 wins and back to the NCAA Division III National Championship match for the first time since 2022.
Springfield will open its 2026 campaign as the top-ranked team in both the AVCA Division III National Poll and the FrogJump Volleyball Division III rankings. The Pride will take on Hope International and Concordia Irvine on Friday, January 16 before returning east for its Division III opener at Baruch on Friday, January 23.
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ODAC Athletes of the Week: Week 20
The ODAC docket was busier over the past week with the return of swimming and the first matches of men’s volleyball joining basketball and wrestling as active sports. There were surprising – or eye-opening – results throughout with nationally-ranked upsets, inaugural program wins, and new conference records among the highlights.
Those earning ODAC Athlete of the Week awards for Week 20 include:
Most weeks this season, the following schedule will be used for releasing weekly awards winners when the sports below active:
- Sundays: football
- Mondays: baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, wrestling
- Tuesdays: cross country, single-discipline equestrian, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field
- Wednesdays: golf
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Men’s Volleyball Sweeps EIVA Weekly Awards – Penn State
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men’s volleyball swept the first conference awards of the season as Sean Harvey was named EIVA Offensive Player of the Week and Ryan Merk was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week. The Nittany Lions picked up the honors after opening the season with a four-set win over Mount Olive and a sweep over Manhattan at Rec Hall.
Harvey earned a weekly award from the conference for the first time after hitting .426 with 27 kills (3.86/set) over the two wins. He opened the season with 13 kills, three blocks, and five digs in the win over Mount Olive. The outside hitter followed that by hitting .667 with 14 kills, one block, one dig, and one ace in the victory over Manhattan
Merk led Penn State’s defensive effort that resulted in the opposition hitting just .158 over the two matches. He totaled 18 digs with nine in each match, giving him 2.57/set for the week. The redshirt senior libero also helped get the offense going with a 36-36 mark on serve receive. Merk is now a five-time EIVA Defensive Player of the Week honoree.
No. 13 Penn State is back at Rec Hall when it hosts St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Nittany Lions then host No. 9 Lewis on Saturday at 7 p.m. Both matches will stream on B1G+.
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