Sports

Women's World Cup expanding to 48

Published

7 months ago

May 9, 2025

The Women’s World Cup is set to expand from 32 to 48 countries after the proposal was approved at a meeting of the FIFA Council.

The approval from the decision-making arm of FIFA, world football’s governing body, has been confirmed to The Athletic by sources with knowledge of Friday’s meeting. The Athletic reported in December that FIFA was considering the idea.

The expansion of the Women’s World Cup is set to come in for the 2031 tournament, which the United States is hosting. It was most recently increased from 24 teams to 32 in July 2019, following the tournament in France that year, with this coming into effect for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which was won by Spain.

The move will bring the women’s tournament in line with its men’s equivalent, which was expanded to 48 nations for its 2026 edition in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. There have been controversial calls to expand that further, to 64 teams, for 2030.

The 32-team 2027 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, with the tournament running from June 24 to July 25.

Last month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that the U.S. and the United Kingdom are the sole respective bidders for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups.

U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Soccer Federation announced in April 2024 their intention to lodge a joint bid for the 2031 tournament. The two federations withdrew their bid for the 2027 World Cup to instead focus on 2031. Infantino did not mention Mexico but said “potentially some other Concacaf members” could be involved in 2031.

The U.S. last hosted in 2003, having previously done so four years earlier, while the U.K. — which see matches played in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — has never hosted the finals but did host the delayed European Championship in 2022.

Friday’s FIFA Council meeting was originally slated to take place in person in Paraguay next week but was brought forward and moved to videoconference format so Infantino could accompany U.S. President Donald Trump in the Middle East.

Analysis from Meg Linehan

Expanding the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams offers potential opportunities for the growth of the women’s game in both the football and the business worlds — but that’s not to say the plan doesn’t carry risks. For all the angst over the previous expansion of the major tournament to 32 teams, the final product on the field in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 did not suffer at all. In fact, it proved to be one of the most exciting versions of the tournament, with plenty of packed stadiums and fan zones across the two countries.

The greater rewards lie on the commercial side, especially with both the United States and the UK eying 2031 (or 2035) bids. More games equals more revenue, more attendance, more inventory to sell against for sponsors, media rights deals, you name it. There will be limitations on the commercial side too, with fewer nations equipped to host a larger tournament. More combined bids will solve this problem, but the Women’s World Cup might lose some of what makes it so special and accessible in its existing format.

An even larger question remains at the youth levels. Currently, the Under-20 Women’s World Cup has 24 teams. If the hope is to match this tournament to the senior tournament, especially in advance of the 2031 edition for the full senior teams, that’s a massive project. That’s where there will be questions about quality on the field, in addition to the same logistical ones at senior level.

While it’s still in the discussion phase, the 48-team expansion feels like a matter of when, not if. The challenge is not just keeping the pressure on FIFA to equalize prize money if the tournament does expand, but for FIFA to actually govern and ensure its member nations are properly investing in women’s football at all levels.

(Photo: Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

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Golden Eagles fall in NCAA Second Round to No. 9 Louisville

Published

4 minutes ago

December 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Marquette University women’s volleyball team (18-11, 11-5 BIG EAST) fell to two-seed and No. 9 Louisville (26-6, 16-4 ACC) Saturday evening in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at the L&N Federal Credit Union Arena.

Natalie Ring led the Golden Eagles with 29 kills and a .324 hitting percentage, also adding six digs. Hattie Bray put up 11 kills and a season-high nine blocks, while Elena Radeff tallied 10 kills and seven digs. Isabela Haggard set a new MU NCAA match record with 55 assists, while Adriana Studer tallied 20 digs.

It was a game of runs to start, with a four-point burst from MU led by four kills from Ring to put the Golden Eagles up early. Louisville responded with a four of their own to take the advantage, but Parks tallied a pair of kills to string three together and lead again, 10-9. Another Cardinal run brought the lead back, and each team traded points with MU holding a 15-14 advantage at the media timeout. MU continued to side out, but another Ring kill forced a Cardinal timeout, up 21-18. A Bray and Radeff block, followed by an ace set up set point for Marquette, and a service error gave MU the 25-21 set one win.

Louisville started the second strong, building a three-point edge, but the big block of Bray and Haggard kept MU within striking distance. A three-point burst from the home team forced a Marquette timeout trailing 9-4, and the Cardinals extended that rally to six to open a 12-4 lead. Despite the fight from Marquette, Louisville continued to side out at a high pace and kept the pressure on the Golden Eagles. The home team took the second set, 25-11, to even the match at one set each.

Marquette held the advantage in the third, starting with a 5-1 run fueled by blocks from Bray, Ring, and Radeff, with a Radeff ace to force a break from Louisville. MU kept the gas pedal down, running a string of five points together to break open a 7-1 lead. Louisville put together a 3-0 stretch to cut the MU lead to three and force a timeout, with Radeff ending the run on a kill. Ring showed her prowess, keeping Marquette ahead by a slim two-point margin, with both teams fighting to take the important third set. Marquette was the first to 20, with Ring going on a solo three-point burst to put the Golden Eagles ahead, 22-19, forcing a Louisville timeout. Out of the timeout, Louisville clawed back to take a 23-22 advantage, but Marquette responded with authority and rallied off three-straight to take the third, 25-25, and a pivotal third set victory.

The Cardinals responded to their setback in the last set, jumping out to a 10-4 advantage early, but the Golden Eagles stayed scrappy, snapping off a 3-0 run to trim the deficit to three. Louisville maintained their steady attack, with another run forcing a Marquette timeout trailing 19-13. With the pressure put on, Louisville secured a 25-19 fourth set win to force a decisive fifth set.

It was a thriller in the fifth, with Louisville taking an early advantage. Marquette kept fighting, keeping it tight, but UL was the first to eight as the Golden Eagles switched to their starting bench in front of the Blue and Gold faithful. The Cardinals were first to double digits, with the Golden Eagles taking a timeout to settle the crowd, down three points. MU fought back with a three-point run powered by a pair of kills from Ring, pulling the Golden Eagles within two. Louisville would then find the match winner with a high kill off the block, winning the match in five sets.

NOTABLES

Natalie Ring extended her double-digit kills streak to 32 with 29 today, hitting the mark in every match since 11/30/2024.

Natalie Ring set a new career-best with 29 kills.

Natalie Ring tallied 20+ kills for the eighth time this season.

Hattie Bray set a season-high in blocks with nine.

Isabela Haggard set a new MU NCAA match record with 55 assists.

Elena Radeff tallied her highest kill total (10) since a 10 kill effort at Creighton on 11/1.

MU dropped to 2-6 in five-set matches in 2025.

POSTGAME COMMENTS

Coming soon.

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IUP track and field opens indoor season with strong multi-event win, several top-10s at Bucknell

Published

10 minutes ago

December 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Indiana University of Pennsylvania opened its indoor track and field season with a series of top-10 performances, highlighted by senior multi-event standout Renee Simmonds, who won the women’s pentathlon at the Bucknell Bison Opener on Friday and Saturday.

Simmonds totaled 3,102 points to take the event, finishing first in the shot put (12.03 meters) and adding top-four marks in the hurdles, high jump and long jump. She also placed 11th in the open shot put with a throw of 10.95 meters.

On the track, freshman Sterlene Scott posted IUP’s top sprint performance of the weekend, running 7.84 seconds in the 60-meter dash prelims to tie for 10th in a field of nearly 50 sprinters. Emma Laughlin finished close behind in 7.95.

In the hurdles, Bryna Kelly advanced to finals with an 8.95 preliminary time before finishing seventh overall.

The Crimson Hawks also earned several solid mid-distance results. Cailey Trosch ran 1:04.08 in the 400, placing 10th, and freshman Alyssa Hoover opened her collegiate career with a 13th-place finish in the 800 (2:30.93). Sarah Pidcoe followed in 1:07.58 in the 400.

In field events, IUP landed four top-20 finishes in the long jump. Nataiah Robertson led the group with a ninth-place leap of 5.09 meters. Maura Penrod (4.91) and Hannah Yeykal (4.80) also scored top-20 placements. In the pole vault, Jenna Wilt cleared 3.25 meters to tie for eighth.

In the triple jump, sophomore Jahnaya Wimberley placed fourth with a mark of 11.09 meters, while Sara Dewyer (9.82) and Ava Blair (9.56) added depth for the Hawks.

On the men’s side, Alex Amador recorded IUP’s top individual track finish, taking fifth in the 800 meters in 2:00.23. Gabe Pacyna (2:02.07), Gavin McGinn (2:06.42) and Jason Clifford (2:09.16) helped IUP place four runners inside the top 20.

In the sprints, Demitrius Carter ran 7.18 in the 60-meter dash prelims, while Donovan Ellis clocked 7.20. Antonio Harrison placed 26th in the 200 with a time of 23.80.

Hurdler Zach Debose narrowly missed the 60-meter hurdle final after finishing ninth in the prelims in 8.67. Freshman Gabriel Olaniyi followed in 9.66.

The men also produced a trio of 3,000-meter efforts, led by Anthony Solis, who ran 9:56.65, and throwers who contributed multiple entries in the shot and weight fields.

IUP will continue its indoor schedule next weekend as the Crimson Hawks prepare for the full PSAC slate leading into championship season.

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NCAA Volleyball Tournament live recap

Published

24 minutes ago

December 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLLEGE STATION — It’s time for a rematch.

Texas A&M volleyball swept Campbell Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament behind 18 kills from Logan Lednicky. Now, in the second round with a trip to Lincoln, Neb. on the line for the Sweet Sixteen, the Aggies (24-4) have to battle their way through TCU, a team that beat them in five sets earlier this season.

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Texas A&M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth (4) is blocked by TCU setter Ella Foti (20) during the NCAA Division I volleyball playoff game at Reed Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 in College Station, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

The Horned Frogs swept Stephen F. Austin Friday night to reach the second round.

MORE: What a conference semifinals exit means for NCAA Tournament

MORE: Jerritt Elliott welcomes challenges as UT a No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament

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The September match in Fort Worth between the Horned Frogs and Aggies was a close finish. Both teams traded sets until the fifth when unfortunate A&M errors gave way to a 4-1 TCU run to give the Horned Frogs the win. Outside hitter Emily Hellmuth led the Aggies with 20 kills and middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla had six blocks.

TCU is the sixth seed in the NCAA Tournament after finishing the season 20-10. Despite a few stumbles in the season the Horned Frogs are a scrappy team led by outside hitters Evan Hendrix and Becca Kelly who combine for 837 kills.

Texas Longhorns setter Ella Swindle (1) celebrates a score during the game against Texas A&M at Reed Arena on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Here are updates on Texas A&M’s second round game against TCU:

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Texas A&M vs TCU live updates

FINAL TEXAS A&M 29, TCU 27

Set 4: Texas A&M 29, TCU 27

TCU gets into the redzone first on a hard kill from Hendrix and she follows it up with her fifth kill in the last six TCU points. A&M gets a gift with a bad TCU set and Cos-Okpalla goes to the service line. The Horned Frogs respond by swinging at Stowers. Fitch goes for the kill to put the Aggies in the redzone but a TCU kill finds its way inside the backline. Texas A&M finds Fitch again for the kill. TCU swings and gets set point 24-21. But Stowers cuts the deficit to two and TCU challenges there was a net violation, the call stands and A&M keeps the point. TCU pulls the challenge card again saying there was an Aggies touch on a TCU kill, the call stands there was no Aggies touch. Stowers wins the joust to tie the match. TCU swings for the lead but serves an error to tie it at 25. TCU takes set point again after a long kill but Cos-Okpalla and Lednicky tag-team a block to tie the match at 26. Cos-Okpalla makes it match point for A&M on an offspeed but Finch is blocked to tie the match at 27. The Horned Frogs try to block Lednicky but she tools the block for match point again. Cos-Okpala serves an ace and Fitch makes sure its a kill with a throw down at the net.

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Set 4: TCU 19, Texas 18

Coming out of the timeout, the Horned Frogs tie the match with an offspeed ball. Cos-Okpalla responds with a block point but TCU ties it with a kill. Lednicky’s sharp angle shot gives the Aggies the lead back. A poor TCU set gives A&M a free ball which they take advantage of with a Lednicky kill. A second straight kill form Lednicky swings momentum to A&M. TCU finds Hendrix for three straight kills and the lead.

Set 4: Texas A&M 14, TCU 13

Cos-Okpalla’s service pressure ends on a TCU kill from Hendrix and she follows it up with an ace. Perkins responds with an emphatic swing from the middle. Hellmuth tries to snag a kill on an out of system point, but it lands out; she gets the kill back to make it 12-9 TCU. Stowers loses a joust but after a few scramble possessions on both sides of the net Perkins gets the block point for A&M. The Aggies follow with a 4-0 run for the lead and TCU is forced to call a timeout.

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Set 4: TCU 9, Texas A&M 7

After the Aggies call a timeout, the Horned Frogs continue with a 2-0 run but a Hellmuth kill stops Horned Frog momentum. The Aggies go on a 4-0 run of their own and forces TCU to call a timeout.

Set 4: TCU 7, Texas A&M 3

TCU and the Aggies open the set trading points but Cos-Okpalla solo block reinvigorates the Aggies. The Horned Frogs get the point back on a long kill that touches Stowers’ fingers. TCU goes on a 5-0 run and A&M calls a timeout.

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Set 3: Texas A&M 25, TCU 23

Freshman Megan Fitch serves a free ball to TCU and Hellmuth gets the kill to take the set.

Set 3: Texas A&M 24, TCU 23

Out of the timeout, TCU retakes the lead on a line kill but Morrison uses the challenge card and the call is confirmed that the ball landed in. Lednicky responds with a strong kill to make it 23 all. Perkins and Waak combine for a block that lands on TCU’s side of the night. With Aggies on serve for set point, TCU calls timeout.

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Set 3: Texas A&M 22, TCU 22

Lednicky’s backrow kill dances at the top of the net and lands on TCU’s side. The Horned Frogs swing through the block for the two point lead and the redzone. A Stowers’ shot lands in the back corner to cut the defecit but the Horned Frogs tool the block again. Lednicky cuts the defecit to one and puts A&M in the redzone. TCU serve an error to get the Aggies within one and Cos-Okpalla serves a powerful ace that gets TCU out of system and the bad TCU set forces a timeout.

Set 3: TCU 19, Texas A&M 17

Lednicky is hitting .276 in the match and is giving the Aggies important kills to stay alive. Hellmuth swings into the block and TCU’s front line efforts tie the match at 16. Hellmuth serves an error after her kill gave the Aggies the lead back. Stowers’ kill dribbles the top of the net but falls on A&M’s side and a Lednicky kill is blocked, forcing A&M to take a timeout.

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Set 3: TCU 13, Texas A&M 13

Stowers and Cos-Okpalla combine for a block but TCU’s kill finds the back line. A&M catches a break and a TCU kill goes out of bounds to tie the match at 10. Waak serves A&M’s fourth ace but the Horned Frogs take the sharp angle kill to tie the match at 11. TCU takes the lead on an ace that lands to the left of Underwood’s foot. Lednicky’s kill ties it at 12 but TCU retakes the lead on a kill but Cos-Okpalla ties the match at 13.

Set 3: TCU 8, Texas A&M 8

Stowers slams a kill to open the third set. Cos-Okpalla follows it up with a kill after TCU serve receives bumps the ball back to the Aggies. Waak serves an error to put TCU on the board. A&M goes to Cos-Okpalla again for the kill. TCU tools the block and finds open floor to make it 4-3, but Hellmuth cannot be stopped on the cross court shot. Lednicky swings into the block for the kill. A Hellmuth kill extends A&M’s lead but she follows with a service error. TCU ties it with a kill that goes line and takes the lead after blocking Stowers. Lednicky swings for the tie.

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Set 2: Texas A&M 25, TCU 22

TCU gets in the redzone on a kill from the middle. A free ball to A&M creates a chance for Hellmuth to go offspeed and land in the front row. Morrison uses his bigs to get to set point after a Lednicky kill. TCU puts off two set points and forces an A&M timeout, but the Horned Frogs come out of it and serves an error to tie the match.

Set 2: Texas A&M 22, TCU 19

A&M attack errors keep the Horned Frogs close. A free ball to TCU almost ties it but a dig from Applegate finds its way to Stowers for the kill to get in the redzone. The last three points came from Stowers kills and Hellmuth’s kill forces a TCU timeout.

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Set 2: Texas A&M 18, TCU 16

A foot dig from Stowers is successful but TCU takes the point. Morrison thinks about challenging the next play, saying there was a touch on a Lednicky kill but decides against it. Stowers helps the Aggies hold onto its lead and Lednicky goes line for a kill. Stowers cannot seem to find the court after her third service error. Postseason Lednicky is leading the way after second straight point. TCU’s 2-0 run ends after a Hellmuth kill.

Set 2: Texas A&M 13, TCU 10

TCU stops the Aggies run with a kill that finds the back corner but Perkins slams it in the middle to keep the Aggies lead at five. Perkins taps the ball over after a TCU attack error and it’s followed by Hellmuth’s sharp angle kill. TCU goes on a 2-0 run but it’s stopped after Lednicky soars out of the back row for a kill. Hellmuth serves an error. Stowers splits two defenders for a kill. TCU is starting to come alive and Kelly is leading the way.

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Set 2: Texas A&M 7, TCU 2

Stowers takes a sharp angle for the kill to open set two and is followed by a Cos-Okpalla block. Hellmuth’s kill lands in the far corner to send Cos-Okpalla to the service line to help the Aggies go on a 3-0 run. Perkins has her prints on two points for the Aggies with a block assist and a kill. A Hellmuth kill forces a TCU timeout.

Set 1: TCU 25, Texas A&M 23

Cos-Okpalla service pressure and a Perkins kill ties the match for the Aggies. But the Horned Frogs tool the block for set point and win the set after a few jousts.

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Set 1: TCU 23, Texas A&M 22

Stowers’ kill finds a TCU finger for the kill. The Horned Frogs go line for the kill to get into the redzone and get further after Stowers swings into the block. A&M challenges a block touch on a Cos-Okpalla kill and the call was reversed to be 21-19 TCU. Lednicky gets the Aggies into the redzone by tooling the TCU block but a service error extends TCU’s lead. Aggies find Lednicky for two straight kills to get within one. TCU calls a timeout.

Set 1: TCU 19, Texas A&M 17

A TCU service and attack error gets the Aggies within one. A&M challenges a ruling that the ball was ruled in on a servce error and the call was confirmed, losing the challenge for the Aggies. The Horned Frogs tap the ball over the net to extend the lead to three but the next play TCU was called in the net, giving A&M the ball. A cross court Stowers kill makes it 17-16 TCU. The set is tied at 17 after a TCU kill goes long but an Aggies attack error gives the Horned Frogs the lead back. A&M calls a timeout after a Horned Frogs ace.

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Set 1: TCU 15, Texas A&M 12

Stowers drops a ball to get into double-digits after a TCU dig goes back to A&M’s side of the net. Cos-Okpalla’s ace cuts the deficit but an A&M attack error into the block forces a timeout.

Set 1: TCU 12, Texas A&M 9

TCU goes on a 2-0 run after to gritty points to tie the match 7-7, but a service error from the Horned Frogs gives A&M the lead. TCU ties it by going line on the kill. Stowers tries to go for the cross court shot on a tight angle and along the line but it lands out to give TCU a 10-8 lead. Horned Frogs could not build enough momentum and serves an error to make it 11-9.

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Set 1: Texas A&M 5, TCU 3

Stowers lights it up with a kill from the middle of the net to open the match. After a TCU kill lands in the middle of the court, the Waak finds Stowers again for a the kill and she follows it up with an ace. TCU responds with an offspeed kill. Cos-Okpalla serves

Texas A&M starting lineup

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TCU starting lineup

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Hartford Women’s Track and Field Shine at Yale University Season Opener

Published

60 minutes ago

December 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – On Saturday, the University of Hartford women’s indoor track & field team kicked off the season competing at the Yale Season Opener in New Haven, delivering standout performances setting new all-time school records.

Rapid Recap:

Senior Madison DiPasquale (Wallingford, Conn.) was busy today filling up the stat sheet and breaking all-time records at Hartford. She placed third in the weight throw event tossing a distance of 15.98 meters. Madison has set a new record for furthest weight throw distance in Hartford history, outbeating the previous holder by 0.66 meters. In the shot put event she finished in fifth place launching the shot put a good distance of 12.45 meters. DiPasquale beat her own record set last year at 11.82 to strengthen her position at second-best all-time at Hartford.

Junior Jordan Murphy (East Hampton, Conn.) as she earned third place overall in the high jump event clearing a height of 1.65m. With this jump she is now added to the top ten list in Hartford’s record books tying for seventh place.

Sophomore Ella Stephenson (Ledyard, Conn.) had a strong showing in the women’s 800m race earning second place overall with a final time of 2:26.74. Just behind Stephenson was freshman Leah Valentino (Beacon Falls, Conn.) finishing in third place just a few seconds after at 2:28.32.

Just behind DiPasquale in the shot put event was senior Tommie Barker (Canton, Conn.) finishing in eighth place with a distance of 11.73m. Barker is now tied for third best of all-time.

Junior Caroline Crocker (Bernardston, Mass.) took eighth place in the women’s 60m hurdles with a time of 9.24 seconds. This time puts her tied for fourth best of all-time in Hartford’s record books.

Post Game Press:

“My intentions coming into this meet were to just go out there, hit the technical cues, and just throw,” said senior Madison DiPasquale (Wallingford, Conn.). “On the throw I just did what I needed to do and it just clicked! I am going to use this as a confidence boost for the remainder of the season and hopefully continue to climb.”

“We had an incredible season opener,” said head coach Connor Green. “Now while school records and and top 10 marks are a goal and excellent when they happen, what we really loved with seeing all of our new athletes was to get a chance to showcase all of the hard work they’ve been putting in. As well as all of our returners really stepping up and putting themselves in a great position for the rest of the season. Across the board it was a stellar day and we are thrilled with how our athletes performed. We can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Up Next:

The Hawks will compete next Saturday, December 13th at the SCSU Art Kadish Invitational.

For the latest information on Hartford Athletics follow the Hawks on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

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Men’s Track and Field Finishes Second in Season Opener

Published

1 hour ago

December 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CHICAGO — The University of Chicago men’s track and field team took to the track on Friday afternoon at the Cougar Alumni Invite hosted by Chicago State. The Maroons finished second in a strong field of teams to open up the 2025-26 campaign with a strong start.

Quint Stein and Simon Dixon led the Maroons as the lone two individuals with first-place finishes. Dixon took home the wins in both the Shot Put and the Weight Throw, and Stein added the lone running event victory in the 800m Run. UChicago took the top three finishes in the 800m Run as Abraham Went and Tristan Louvard took second and third with a pair of finishes within two seconds of Stein.

Nathaniel Stuit earned a personal best in the men’s 400m Run with a time of 49.04 en route to second-place finish.

Oluwaseyi Kadiri added a second-place finish in the Triple Jump, and Imran Serifovic added a third-place finish in the High Jump for the top two jumping performances on the day.

With the first meet of the season now complete, the Maroons will break for the holidays before returning to the Henry Crown Fieldhouse for the Phoenix Invite on January 10.

TOP-5 FINISHERS:

1) Quint Stein – 800m Run – 1:57.32
1) Simon Dixon – Weight Throw – 16.49m
1) Simon Dixon – Shot Put – 15.53m
2) Nathaniel Stuit – 400m Run – 49.04 (Collegiate Best)
2) Oluwaseyi Kadiri – Triple Jump – 13.75m
2) Abraham Went – 800m – 1:58.56
3) Tristan Louvard – 800m – 1:59.22
3) Paul Sackman – 200m Dash – 22.16
3) Imran Serifovic – High Jump – 1.95m
3) Ethan Hoffman – Shot Put – 14.36m
4) Karsten Kropp – High Jump – 1.95m
5) Daniel Hernandez – Triple Jump – 13.22m
5) Paul Sackman – 60m Dash – 6.95

COLLEGIATE BESTS:

* Jackson Giampa – 200m Dash – 22.43
* Nathaniel Stuit – 400m Run – 49.04

TEAM SCORES:

1) Chicago State – 127.5
2) UChicago – 98
3) Madonna – 97.5
4) Bradley – 58
5) UIC – 54
6) Wisconsin – 49
7) Olivet Nazarene – 32
8) Bradley – 14
9) Loyola-Chicago – 13
10) Judson – 12
11) St. Xavier – 10
12) Benedictine (IL) – 6
13) Olive Harvey – 1

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Women’s Track and Field Kicks Off 2026 Season With Impressive Performances at Springfield Season Opener Meet

Published

2 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Springfield, Mass. – December 6, 2025 – The Springfield College women’s track and field team had a number of strong performances as it hosted the Springfield College Season Opener for the first meet of the season on Saturday afternoon.

Katherine DeFosse (Worcester, Mass.) picked up right where she left off last indoor season as she took first in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.74 which is the third fastest time in NCAA Division III to date this season. DeFosse also picked up a second-place finish in both the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.84, which ranks eighth nationally and the 200-meter dash at 26.62 while Ella Couchon (Windsor Locks, Conn.) took the win in the 200-meter dash at 26.55, which ranks 16th nationally.

Kristina Kyle (Watertown, Conn.) won the one mile run, crossing the finish line at 5:19.76, ranking her fourth in the country early on, and Kami Wlodyka (Three Rivers, Mass.) finished third with a time of 5:29.72.

Natalia Marchand (Hubbardston, Mass.) took first place in the 400-meter dash in 58.51, ranking her fourth in Division III thus far, while first-year Sydney Meeks (Wynantskill, N.Y.) took second place with times of 58.51 and 1:02.80, respectively. Peyton Knott (Leicester, Mass.) won the 600-meter run with a time of 1:43.40.

Springfield’s relay teams swept the top three spots in the 4×400-meter relay with the relay team of Knott, Meeks, Marchand, and Madison Mulas (Wilmington, Mass.) finishing at 4:14.77.

In the field events, Hannah Debian (West Springfield, Mass.) won both the weight throw and shot put with marks of 15.48-meters (50 feet, 9.00 inches) and 11.87-meters (38 feet, 11.25 inches), respectively. Debian’s weight throw toss ranks fourth in the country as of today.

Grace Flattery (Swansea, Mass.) and Autumn Bacik (Watertown, Conn.) tied for second place in the high jump with a 1.58-meter (5 feet, 2.25 inches) jump. The duo is tied for ninth in Division III with this mark so far this season. Flattery also finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 10.42-meters (34 feet, 2.25 inches) in her debut for the Pride.

Springfield will await the new year and travel to Tufts on Saturday, January 17 for the Branwen Smith-King Invitational.

Sign up for free today to receive the latest news about your favorite Springfield College Athletics program directly to your email here.

For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tune into all Springfield College Athletic events by subscribing to FloSports.

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