Sports

Women’s Indoor Track & Field Season Preview

Published

1 month ago

December 2, 2025

By Jim Fenton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Three school record-holders return for one final women’s indoor track & field season at Bridgewater State University.

Graduate student Serenity Sands (East Bridgewater, Mass.) plus seniors Kiara Abrantes (Somerset, Mass.) and Naomi Cass (Westport, Mass.) headline a Bears’ roster that includes 12 returners and 14 newcomers.

BSU begins the season on Saturday morning at the Suffolk Relays, which will take place at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Mass., at 10 a.m.

Sands, a two-time NCAA Division III first-team indoor All-American high jumper, will finish her BSU career when the season ends in March.

She owns the Bears’ indoor record for the high jump at 5 feet, 8.50 inches set at the NCAAs in 2024. Sands went to the national championship meet four straight years during the outdoor season.

Abrantes has BSU indoor records in the 200-meter runs (25.25), the 400 (55.78) and the 500 (1:15.71), all set during the 2024-25 season.

Cass, who won three straight Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference cross country championships, set the Bears’ indoor record for the 3,000 in 10:09.92 last winter.

Those three give BSU a strong nucleus to build around.

The Bears lost five members of the 2024-25 team to graduation, including Alison McDonough, who owns two indoor and two outdoor records at BSU.

With nine freshmen and 11 sophomores on the 26-women roster, the Bears have strong leadership from the experienced and accomplished veterans.

“That’s what you hope to have,” said coach Christine Kloiber. “You hope to have the upperclassmen be leaders in terms of everything they’ve learned. They represent what can occur if you go through the program and listen and follow instruction and are dedicated. That’s what we have.

“We have a bunch of seniors and graduates and fifth-year seniors that have reaped the benefits of everything they have worked hard for. The fact they have another opportunity to go after some pretty serious goals is an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Sands thought her BSU career was going to end at the NCAAs in Geneva, Ohio. But she had one indoor season of eligibility remaining because the Bears’ 2022-23 season was canceled, providing her one final chance to compete.

Sands was fourth nationally at the 2003-24 NCAAs, finishing tied for the best high jump but fell to fourth in a tiebreaker. She was eighth a year ago at the NCAAs.

“The level she’s at is a quarter-inch from being a national champion,” said Kloiber. “Any little bit she improves is going to be propositionally a big improvement.

“I know for a fact that she definitely has a lot more in there and I would not be surprised in any way, shape or form if she breaks her own school record and continues on an upward trend.”

Abrantes made her NCAA debut last March in Rochester, N.Y., competing in the 400 after her record-setting season.

She earned All-New England Division III honors by placing second in the 400 and received All-NEICAAA honors by finishing second in the 200.

“It’s a result of working hard, being dedicated, staying focused, listening to the coaches,” said Kloiber. “She has benefited because she has improved every single year. Every single season she’s gotten a little better, a little better.

“She maintained that focus and momentum in the summer. She’s coming in in terrific shape.”

Cass took part in her third straight NCAA Cross Country Championships in South Carolina last month, finishing 47th in the nation.

Last winter, Cass established the BSU record in the 3,000 when she finished ninth at the New England Division III Championships.

She received All-NEICAAA honors by finishing fourth in the 5,000 in 17:48.91, the top time for a Division III runner.

“She’s going to ride that momentum from cross country,” said Kloiber. “We’ve made some adjustments as we’ve done each year with every single athlete as they get a little stronger.”

While Sands and Abrantes are suiting up for BSU the final time this winter, Cass will be on the outdoor team in the spring.

“They don’t need additional motivation,” said Kloiber of the farewell season. “They’re already internally motivated to be the best they can be.”

The list of other returns includes sophomore Grace Inacio (Taunton, Mass.), who had a solid freshman season during the winter and spring.

Inacio was a first-team All-American last May as part of the 4×100 relay team that finished sixth in 46.33 seconds. She joined McDonough, Abrantes and Jailene Escalera on the first BSU women’s relay team to make the nationals.

Inacio was the MASCAC Rookie of the Week seven times in the winter season and five times in the spring.

She placed fifth in the 200 at the NEICAAA Championships.

“She had a terrific freshman year,” said Kloiber. “Like Kiara, it’s about learning as we go. If she follows the program, we’ll guide her there and we’ll make sure every step of the way she’s prepared for it.”

Sophomore Olivia Downin (Hudson, Mass.) joins the winter team after competing last spring and in the cross country season for BSU.

Downin was the MASCAC champion last spring in the 800.

Sophomore Bella Grover (Warren, Mass.) will compete in the high jump and 400 after making steady progress as a freshman.

Sophomore Emerson Ricciardi (Freetown, Mass.) is back as a hurdler and sprinter along with sophomores Chloe Davies (Foxborough, Mass.) and Madison Root (Rehoboth, Mass.) in the jumps and sprints.

“They all improved over the course of last year and will make their presence felt,” said Kloiber.

Also back is graduate student Lisa Jaeger (Halle, Germany), a distance runner.

The Bears will have an eye on improving for the future with the 14 freshmen and sophomores.

“When I started (in 2022), there were two freshmen cross country and track & field women athletes and 15 men,” said Kloiber. “We had to change that. The women’s team definitely needed a little bit more attention in terms of building.

“We knew it’d take a few years to kind of reload. That’s what we’ve done. We stayed patient and are building it right.

“If we do it right, we can build this team up and in another year or two be just as dominant as the men’s team has been. That’s the ultimate goal.”

BSU has two meets before the semester break. The Bears are hosting the MASCAC Championships at Wheaton College on Sunday, Feb. 15.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

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Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

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Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Hosts The North American Challenge

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – With the season just around the corner, the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball team will host the North American Challenge, a preseason exhibition tournament featuring four teams from the United States and Canada. The two-day event will take place Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4, with matches held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

Joining the Beach in the tournament are UC San Diego, Calgary, and Alberta, bringing together a competitive mix of NCAA and U SPORTS programs for early-season action. The tournament will feature eight total matches across the two days, providing fans with a full slate of high-level volleyball.

Schedule
Friday, January 2

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
11:30 AM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta
2:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
4:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
7:00 PM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary

Sunday, January 4

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
10:00 AM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary
12:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
3:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
5:30 PM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta

Following each match, a Player of the Match from each team will be recognized. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be selected.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Live statistics for all matches will be available via BeachLiveStats.StatBroadcast.com.

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Pitt volleyball | Panthers add Kentucky MB Jordyn Dailey

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Pitt received a commitment from former Kentucky middle blocker/right-side hitter Jordyn Dailey.

Dailey is a redshirt sophomore and will have two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-2 North Carolina native racked up 188 kills, 116 blocks and 42 digs over the past two seasons. Dailey recorded 142 kills, 82 blocks and a .314 hitting percentage in 2024. Her numbers dipped to 46 kills, 34 blocks and a .211 hitting percentage in 2025.

Pitt lost middle blocker Ryla Jones to Penn State through the transfer portal.

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Kats sign six to 2026 roster

Published

5 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston volleyball program and head coach Brenda Gray announced the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Bearkats for the 2026 season.

The signing class consists of outside hitters Annika Brooks, Brenlin Garlitz, Justice Rachal, Kameron Rector, Lauren Pyle and Sarah Odell.

“All of these young ladies bring a passion and energy that Sam Houston Volleyball thrives upon,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They all come with numerous accolades both on the court and in the classroom.”

Annika Brooks • 6-3 • RS • Halletsville, Texas • Sacred Heart Catholic School / Blinn College

Blinn College

– 2025 second team all-conference selection

Ovilla Christian School

– 2021 second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2022 first team all-district selection as a sophomore

– 2022 honorable mention all-area

– 2023 first team all-district selection as a junior

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2023 honorable mention all-area selection

– 2023 TAPPS academic all-state selection

– 2024 first team all-district selection as a senior

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2024 TAPPS academic all-state selection

Texas Tornadoes (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– 18s bid to nationals

Gray on Brooks …

“Annika brings size and a blocking presence to our game on the right side. We are so fortunate to have her join us this spring.”

Brenlin Garlitz • 5-10 • S • Waxahachie, Texas • Ovilla Christian School

Ovilla Christian School

– 2022 TAPPS second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 Ellis County All-Star Team

– 4-time state champion

Texas Advantage Volleyball (Club)

– NRG 15s bid to nationals

– NRG 16s bid to nationals

– TAV 18s Black: 5th at nationals

Gray on Garlitz …

“We are excited to bring in a dynamic setter to help run our floor. Brenlin runs a quick offense and brings a passion and love for the game that is undeniable.”

Justice Rachal • 5-8 • OH • Cypress, Texas • Bridgeland HS

Bridgeland HS

– 2-time first team all-district selection

– District Offensive Player of the Year

– AVCA Phenom Watch List

– 2-time academic all-district selection

– GHVCA postseason second team choice

– 2023 honorable mention all-district selection

TAV Houston (Club)

– GJNC 16U all-tournament team (Liberty)

– GJNC Third place 17 American

– GJNC 17U all-tournament team (American)

Gray on Rachal …

“Justice will be a crowd favorite from the start. She has a contagious energy and a vertical leap that will add to the excitement on the outside position.”

Kameron Rector • 5-11 • OH • Midlothian, Texas • Midlothian HS

Midlothian HS

– 2023 District Utility Player of the Year

– 2024 Academic All-District selection

– 2025 district MVP

Mad Frog (Club)

– Girls Junior National Championship

– All-Tournament team

– 16 & Under USA Tournament

Gray on Rector …

“Kameron is just so solid all around and will bring a defensive prowess and ball control that a team always needs to continue their success.”

Lauren Pyle • 5-8 • S • Longview, Texas • Hallsville HS / Tyler JC

Tyler JC

– 2025 Region XIV Setter of the Year

Hallsville HS

– 2021 first team all-district selection

– 2021 honorable mention all-state

– 2022 District Setter of the Year

– 2022 all-state selection

– 2023 District MVP

– 2023 All-East Texas Player of the Year

– 2023 all-state selection

– 2023 academic all-state selection

East Texas Alliance (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– Won Lonestar Classic

Gray on Pyle …

“It is good for us to get an experienced floor leader on the roster and we are excited to have her join us in the spring to begin running our offense and bring her expertise that she delivered in junior college”.

Sarah Odell • 5-11 • OH • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS

Tomball HS

– 2023 first team all-District 15-6A selection

– 2024 and 2025 District 15-6A Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year

– 2024 and 2025 first team all-District 15-6A

– 2024 and 2025 academic all-District 15-6A

– Played club at North Houston Elite Volleyball

Gray on Odell …

“There is an explosiveness to the outside that is needed in this league, which Sarah immediately gives us as a complete, six-rotation player who will help balance our offense.”