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Stephanie Mavunga leads Indiana Fever over Chicago Sky

WNBA 2018: Stephanie Mavunga in the paint during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, Ind – After first few days of camp the Indiana Fever win their preseason opener over the visiting Chicago Sky 79-65 at Bankers Fieldhouse.

The Fever lead from start to finish with rookie Stephanie Mavunga leading all scores with 18 points, and 8 rebounds.

“Steph was tough and strong inside,” said Fever head coach Pokey Chatman, “You know, she’s only 6-3 and Chicago is a pretty big team, but she plays bigger, like she’s 6-4 or 6-5.”

Playing aggressive on offense helped the Fever get to the line going 26-29 free throws attempts, which was 20 more attempted by the Sky.

“We did some good things and we got to the free throw line so that always makes a coach happy,” said Chatman, “but we got them and at this stage of the preseason, that’s what’s important.”

Alexis Peterson dropped 17 points, 10/10 from the free throw line for the Fever.

“I just wanted to come in, play with a lot of energy,” said Peterson, “I’m really excited.”

The Sky were led by Kahleah Copper and Cheyenne Parker with 10 points a piece off the bench.

After dropping their second preseason game, it was common theme about ironing out wrinkles and working on chemistry.

Indiana Fever will travel to DC next to play Washington Mystics on May 12, at 4pm (PST)

 

LAFC match against FC Dallas ends in a draw

Los Angeles, CA – LAFC took an early 1-0 lead on Steven Beitashour’s goal but FC Dallas forward Max Urruti scored from outside the box for the equalizer.

The black and gold finished the match in 1-1 tie to earn a point in front 22,000 at the Banc of California Stadium on Saturday

“Today the new challenge is in an afternoon game on a hot day,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “I hope the schedule makers understand that. (Today) was a good game, but if you play that game tonight, it would have been a better game.”

LAFC draw snapped a three-game winning streak but they remain unbeaten in their last four matches and are second place in the Western Conference.

The action started early with LAFC forward Diego Rossi on the attack with a volley from close range but the goalkeeper made the save down low.

In the 10th minute, Rossi found Steven Beitashour inside the box for a goal. Beitashour beat the FC Dallas goalkeeper to open the scoring.

“We were able to create good chances,” Beitashour said. “It comes down to being more clinical in the final third because that game should have been 3- or 4-nothing by time they got their chance.”

FC Dallas almost had the equalizer in the 18th minute but LAFC defender Laurent Ciman rushed back to clear the goal attempt.

LAFC had plenty of scoring opportunities but failed to convert. Omar Gaber replaced Latif Blessing in the 68th minute and quickly put pressure on the FC Dallas defense.

A few minutes later, Gaber got behind the defense but his shot went wide of the far post. LAFC finished with 15 shots and four shots on target. The Black and Gold have 16 points through eight matches.

“I thought we still created a lot of good opportunities today,” Bradley said. “I feel like we had the game and we didn’t finish it, so therefore we left two points on the table.”

 

Long Beach State 2018 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Champions

UCLA vs Long Beach State, NCAA Men's Volleyball at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – There was no time to point fingers and get frustrated, just win the next point. Long Beach State did just that on its way to their second NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship.

After trailing 2-1 to the UCLA Bruins, Long Beach dug deep when down 22-19 in the fourth set to take control from that point on.

“It doesn’t surprise me that that’s the battle we had with them,” said Long Beach head coach Alan Knipe, “They committed to a process with their teammates.”

Long Beach Kyle Ensing tied his season high with 20 kills in the match and his teammate TJ DeFalco had 18 kills.

DeFalco normally praised for his offense but tonight it was his defense that was key.

“He’s (Ensing) come along a whole long way, just like both of us have—me and Josh

(Tuaniga),” said DeFalco, “I wouldn’t want any other teammate.”

Coach Knife has now won his second national championship. He was a junior middle blocker on Long Beach State’s 1991 men’s volleyball championship team.

UCLA coming into this match they were 9-1 in championship games that they hosted.

The Bruins had great play from two underclassmen Dylan Missry recorded a career-best six service aces. Daenan Gyimah finished with a career-high 21 kills.

Gyimah came back late in third set and blocked the last shots to take 2-1 lead going into the fourth set.

UCLA ran in trouble when opposite and right back and Hensaru was serving. This was a rotation that just didn’t work for them.

UCLA vs Long Beach Match Scores (1) 25-19  (2) 23-25 (3) 20-25 (4) 26-24 (5) 15-12

Next year 2019 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championships will be hosted by Long Beach at The Walter Pyramid.

USC outlasts Cal after climbing back from early deficit

NCAA Baseball 2018: CAL vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – A walk, a hit and some energy to the USC baseball crowd.

Tyler Pritchard walks up as the Trojans (21-21, 9-14) trailed 8-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning to the visiting California Golden Bears (25-19, 10-13).
But that deficit didn’t faze him one bit as he smashed a ball to right field for a three-run bomb and the Trojans finally had some fight in them in game two of the series on Saturday.
“(My first at bat) was an out and I was really just trying to get something going,” Pritchard said. “It felt pretty good to have runners on base and find my pitch.”

This was Pritchard’s first home run, ever, and ended the game 3 for 6 with 3 RBIs and a homerun.

A seven-run offensive explosion for the Cal in the top of the fourth was thrown away as USC kept fighting, scoring three in the sixth and five in the eighth to tie the match.
“It really shows the resiliency of the team,” USC head coach Dan Hubbs said. “We were down early but kept fighting, it was a real team effort.”
Eventually the Trojans and Golden Bears would take it all the way to the 15th inning, where a bases loaded walk would end the game, 9-8.

The Trojans finished with nine runs, 13 hits and three errors; while the Golden Bears has 14 hits and two errors with eight runs.

“(Tyler) didn’t even start today,” Hubbs said. “Chase got a little sick, but (Tyler) came in and did a good job.”
Hubbs added that he felt the game could have ended earlier, but the win was really brought together by guys who showed up during heir opportunities.

The Trojans will look to sweep the series against Cal on Sunday at 1 p.m.

No 1 Long Beach State, No 3 UCLA advance to Men’s Volleyball National Championship Final

UCLA's Daenan Gyimah spikes the ball during the NCAA Championship semifinal against BYU; May 3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News

Los Angeles, Ca – Top seed Long Beach State (27-1) ended No 6 Ohio State’s two-year reign over men’s volleyball on Thursday night after an epic battle (25-22, 25-23, 25-27, 32-30).

Long Beach State will play No 3 UCLA in the championship match on Saturday in Pauley Pavilion (4pm PT, televised on ESPN2).

In a fierce fourth set battle that was characterized by long, desperate rallies and incredible digs, the two-time defending champion Buckeyes fought off five match points before Long Beach’s national player of the year Josh Tuaniga dumped the ball down the middle for his fifth kill.

The raucous Long Beach State fans erupted in jubilation as the Beach move forward to their seventh National Championship final, their first since 2004.

Long Beach was led by double-doubles from Kyle Ensing and TJ DeFalco. Ensing had a season high 20 kills and 10 digs while DeFalco added 16 kills and 10 digs.

Ohio State didn’t go down without a fight, led by Jake Hanes with a 21-kill performance and double-doubles from Nick Szerszen (16 kills, 12 digs) and Maxime Hervoir (17 kills, 11 digs).

In the second set, Long Beach hitters Kyle Ensing and TJ DeFalco got hot with 5 kills each as Long Beach continued to dominate at the net through great sets by their playmaking leader Josh Tuaniga who finished the match with 42 assists.

Long Beach State will make its seventh appearance in the National Championship match, and first since 2004.  Long Beach are 1-5 in National Championship matches, with their lone win coming in 1991.  Head coach Alan Knipe, who was just named national coach of the year, played on the 1991 Championship team and was on the All-Tournament team.

“We’ve been preparing for this moment all year long,” said Knipe. “I’ve been through these situations before as a player and a coach and I hope some of that rubs off on our guys.”

In the second quarterfinal match, No 3 UCLA (26-7) played its best game of its season to oust their MPSF rival No 2 BYU (22-7) in four sets (25-22, 24-26, 29-27, 25-19).

Christian Hessenauer once again led the Bruins with 14 kills and 8 digs. Daenan Gyimah contributed 13 kills and hit at least .500 in a match for the 10th straight time.  Gabi Garcia Fernandez led BYU with 19 kills and 9 digs.

“It wasn’t a perfect match, but the guys played incredibly hard,” said UCLA head coach John Speraw. “They played with such great enthusiasm. Coach Wooden would be proud. So we are thrilled. We are going to be playing for a national title. I can hardly believe it. We get to do it in our own house against a great team.”

UCLA’s last men’s volleyball title was back in 2006.  UCLA will enter the title game as an underdog to its Southern California rival. UCLA played Long Beach State twice this season, losing both matches in four sets.

“This is a great team we are going to play. That’s what we want. Shoot, you want to play the best team at the end and we are going to have an opportunity to go do that,” Speraw said.

Ohio State and UCLA advance to Final Four in Volleyball

Sanil Thomas stretches for a dig against UC Irvine; May 1, 2018. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – Two-time defending national champion Ohio State (25-5) survived a valiant challenge by UC Irvine (21-10) in a five set, seesaw thriller (25-19, 22-25, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14) to advance to Thursday’s NCAA Semifinal to face top seed Long Beach State (May 3, 5pm PT at Pauley Pavilion).

The grueling, two hour twenty-five minute match saw 17 lead changes and 31 ties with just four total points (110-106) separating the two teams.

The decisive fifth set alone saw 10 ties and 6 lead changes as the teams traded blows in heart pounding action. Irvine held a 13-12 advantage until Ohio State surged ahead to force two match points.

On the second match point, leading 15-14, Ohio State’s Nicolas Szerszen’s drilled a cross-court shot that clipped the back sideline to launch a relieved Buckeyes squad into the Final Four.

“This was a really tight game,” Szerszen said. “It could’ve gone either way and we just made a couple good plays at the right moment.”

Szerszen along redshirt freshman Jake Hanes recorded 22 kills each. Sanil Thomas led the Buckeyes with 9 digs and 3 blocks, including a crucial block to set up the decisive match point.

For UC Irvine, there was no moral victory in nearly knocking off the two-time defending national champion, but they hope to use the experience to propel their program to new heights.

“We play the game to win and it’s great to be on this stage, but this feels like unfinished business,” said UC Irvine head coach David Kniffin. “Our mission as a program is to cultivate champions and win championships.”

For Ohio State, they’re one step closer to winning their third consecutive national championship.

—————————————-

In the second quarterfinal game, tournament host #3 seed UCLA (25-7) shook off a sloppy start to eliminate Harvard (13-14) in four sets (23-25, 25-21, 25-11, 25-21).  Harvard was competing in the NCAA championship tournament for the first time in its program’s history.

The Crimson jumped out to an early one-set lead and was leading 16-15 in the second set before UCLA found its passing and attack game and pulled away.  Christian Hessenauer led the Bruins with 22 kills and 26 points.

Up next, the Bruins take on conference rival, #2 seed BYU, in the second semifinal game (Thursday 7:30pm, Pauley Pavilion).  UCLA is 1-2 against BYU this season, losing in four sets to BYU just 10 day ago in the MPFS Championship Final.

“We’re hoping that our best volleyball of the year is still ahead of us. We’re excited to be playing in the Final Four again,” said UCLA head coach John Speraw. “We’re really looking forward to Thursday night.”

LAFC wins at home with a Hollywood twist

MLS 2018: Los Angeles at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on April 29, 2018. Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA – After a six-match road trip to start the season, the Los Angeles Football Club finally came home to open play at the Banc of California Stadium.

The sellout-crowd of 22,000 went wild as Laurent Simon’s free kick got passed Seattle goalkeeper Stephen Frei in the final minute of extra time to give LAFC a 1-0 win over the Sounders on Sunday.

“When I saw everybody marked, I just decided to hit it as hard as I can,” Ciman said, “There was a lot of excitement and everybody felt it.”

Seattle was intent on being physical with LAFC’s front line. Carlos Vela was roughed up and finished the match with six fouls. However, the final foul proved costly as it resulted in the game-winning free kick.

“Maybe the game was not the most fun to watch, but in the end, we won,” Vela said.  “We played really hard from the back, and we scored in the last minute.”

It was a historic day for the Black and Gold as they won their first home game in club history. LAFC coach Bob Bradley said it’s nice not to inaugurate this wonderful place with 0-0.

“It’s amazing,” Bradley said. “All night long; not enough quality when we needed it and then Laurent steps up and nails one.”

LAFC is back in action Saturday, May 5 as they will host FC Dallas at 1 p.m.

 

Smith is back home in Corvallis leading the Oregon State Beavers Spring Football

Oregon State Football Spring Game at Reser Stadium on Saturday April 28, 2018 in Corvallis, OR. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Corvallis, OR – This new era of Oregon State Beavers Football finished off Spring Ball with a intense scrimmage to allow one last look at the team at Reser Stadium.

New head coach Jonathan Smith a former Beaver star quarterback looking to bring back winning attitude.

“It’s great to be back home,” said Smith, when he was introduced to the public.

The quarterback battle will remain unresolved after an exciting spring. The three headed monster consisting of senior Jake Luton who is 6’7 towering over the line, then the transfer Jack Colletto and red shirt sophomore Conor Blount.

Each of them has different strengths that makes comparisons a little tuff. Blount has seemed to pick up the new pro style scheme that has been installed.

Looking at small sample you like the young gun who threw a touchdown early in 11/11 and connected a deep pass to a favorite target Timmy Hernandez.

True freshman from Dorsey High school (Los Angeles) Isaiah Smalls will have opportunity to make an impact at tight end in this system.

On the other side of the ball led by defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar showed flashes throughout the scrimmage portion.

Two most notable strengths was the pressure applied by front seven making the pocket breakdown. Then the secondary behind Justin Gardner who knocked down a few passes.

This Beavers team will start out their 2018 campaign on the road at the horseshoe verses their name sake OSU “Ohio State” on Saturday September 1, 2018.

Atlanta United Take Supporters’ Shield Lead Behind Miguel Almirón and Kevin Kratz

MLS 2018: Montreal Impact at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
MLS 2018: Kevin Kratz celebrates after a free kick to the back of the net goal during the Montreal Impact at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)

Atlanta, GA – Atlanta United beat Montreal Impact 4-1 behind braces from Miguel Almirón and Kevin Kratz before a sold-out crowd of 45,039 fans. Atlanta extended its unbeaten streak to 7 games and points total to 19 from 8 matches, leading the Supporters’ Shield race at least temporarily.

In the 74thminute, coach Tata Martino made what turned out to be a timely substitution, bringing on Kevin Kratz for Greg Garza. 3 minutes later, Kratz placed a golazo of a free kick from just outside the box, over the wall and into the top left corner, to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead. The goal marked Kratz’s first of the season.

“It felt pretty good, and I’m happy to help the team,” said Kratz. Atlanta ran away with the match from there.

As an encore, Kratz bettered his first golazo by placing a second free kick just inside the left post from 35 yards out, to finish off the Montreal Impact in the final minute of stoppage time. The goal capped off a wide open second half that Atlanta played at pace running at Montreal.

Atlanta’s pace and skill showed in the team’s third goal, in which Miguel Almirón sprinted through the center of midfield, before placing a pass to Josef Martinez who back-heeled the return for Almirón to slot into the bottom left corner. The goal marked his second of the match and sixth of the season, tying him with teammate Josef Martinez for the MLS lead.

The first half played out differently. Montreal kept a tight back line in a 4-4-2 in defense with the midfield playing deep. The Impact struck first in the thirteenth minute with a header Saphir Taïder shot left to right across Brad Guzan. Chris Duvall drove up the right flank before crossing the ball in for the assist.

Though Atlanta maintained 77% of the first-half possession, they were unable to break down the Montreal defense and the half ended 1-0 in favor of Montreal.

“The opponent really closed things down, so we just had to keep that same patience and work to keep trying to find a goal,” said Miguel Almirón.

Coach Tata Martino substituted Tito Villalba in for midfielder Jeff Larentowicz at halftime, Villalba’s first minutes returning from a leg injury.

The move added to the attack, allowed Villalba to play as the second striker alongside Martinez in the 3-5-2, and moved Ezequiel Barco back into the midfield to play with Almirón.

Barco described “when Tito came on, Tata asked me to move back a little bit to the same level as Miguel, and that way we could focus on controlling the midfield and be able to provide service to Julian, Josef, and Tito up top.”

Next, Montreal, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, will look to improve in hosting the New England Revolution next Saturday, May 5th. That Saturday Atlanta travels to Chicago to face the Fire. Atlanta currently leads MLS in goals scored at 21 and goal differential at +12.

LA Sparks Announce 2018 Training Camp Roster

Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

LOS ANGELES SPARKS ANNOUNCE 2018 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

The three-time WNBA Champions open training camp this Sunday, April 29th

LOS ANGELES, CA –The Los Angeles Sparks today announced their training camp roster, one month ahead of their home opener against the Phoenix Mercury on May 27th at the Staples Center.

This year head coach Brian Agler, will have a few stars returning from last year. The 2017 Best WNBA Player ESPY Award Winner Candace Parker and 2017 AP Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard.

Candace Parker

The LA Sparks will take on the Chinese National Team at 2:00 PM PT on Saturday, May 12th in preseason action at the Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on the campus of Pasadena City College in Pasadena, CA.

WNBA Defensive Player of the Year 2017 Alana Beard with her trophy at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on September 12 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Parker and Beard are joined by returning veterans Essence Carson, Sydney Wiese and Odyssey Sims. Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler added to the core five during the offseason, signing two-time Championship guard Cappie Pondexter via free agency.

Joining them in training camp will be 2018 second-round pick Shakayla Thomas (Florida State) who is one of six rookies that will be entering their first WNBA training camp.  In addition to the rookies, veteran Misti Bass and Karlie Samuelson will be returning to the Sparks training camp after injury prevented her from possible making the team in 2017.

Please visit LASPARKS.com or call 1-844-GO-SPARKS to Purchase 2018 Season Tickets Today!

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