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, IN – The Indiana Fever did not keep pace with the visiting Chicago Sky in the WNBA season opener at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The Sky rookies upstaged the Fever rookies in a 82-64 final. The Sky is now 1-0 to get off on a good foot.
Stephanie Mavunga being right at home in Indiana debut was acceptable for her 11 minutes of play with no points.
“I don’t have to rush everything. I can take my time,” said Mavunga. “Make everything as slow as possible.”
For the Sky their rookie Diamond DeShields, scored 7 of 11 from the field and made all four of her free throws.”
Fever veteran Candice Dupree lead her team with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and Erica Wheeler scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
“I think we kind of got lazy on defense,” said Fever guard Erica Wheeler, “We weren’t making shots and that’s what killed us.”
The Fever will have to gel as a time playing four rookies, which is not an easy task.
“We knew we would have a lot to learn in terms of experience, but that wasn’t about experience,” said Fever head coach Pokey Chatman. “You compete at the highest level each possession, regardless.”
The Sky in the second half is where they did their damage to out score the Fever 46-30.
WNBA 2018: Fever Head Coach Pokey Chatman during Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Now it’s no reason to hit the panic button for Chatman because this was only one game, one loss.
“We’ve got to learn from it, improve and get back at it tomorrow.” said Mavunga.
The Fever will have an opportunity to avenge this loss in five days when these teams play a quick rematch back in Indiana.
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – UCLA softball head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez believes the first playoff victory is the biggest to obtain, that proved to be Friday night as the Bruins fended off Sacramento State 3-0 in the first round of the Los Angeles Regional of the Women’s College World Series.
“Sac State, there is a reason they are here. They competed,” said Inouye-Perez. “Their pitcher was effective, they swung their stick with authority and I thought it was a good game.”
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
The Bruins rallied behind pitcher Rachael Garcia who didn’t allow a hit until the games final inning. Garcia struck out 14 batters and was really able to dominate on the mound by getting ahead in the count on her first pitch.
“It felt great (on getting the victory),” said Garcia. “Especially It being on our home field.”
The Bruin finally broke through on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Taylor Pack was able to reach base by drawing a walk. A single by Kinsley Washington put Pack in scoring position and senior Kylee Perez did the rest with another single to bring in the games first run.
2018 NCAA Regional Softball Sacramento State vs UCLA at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
“We were kind of swinging kind of big in the beginning of the game,” said Perez. “It’s easier said than done to tell us to calm down but by the middle of the game we did calm down.”
Sacramento State made the final inning interesting. With one out, Garcia allowed her first hit, a double to Sydney Rasmussen. Garcia would then strike out the following batter, followed by a pop up.
UCLA moves to 51-4 and will face Cal State Fullerton Saturday 2:00pm in round 2 of the LA Regionals.
The second-seeded Bobcats (42-15) play Sacramento State (31-19) in an elimination game Saturday at 4:30pm
The winner plays the loser of the UCLA-Cal State Fullerton game at 7:00pm
NCAA Softball 2018: ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA Madeline Jenecki taking the bases on her walk off homerun during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – UCLA Senior Madeline Jenecki had both of the Bruins RBI’s Saturday afternoon to lead UCLA to a 2-1 victory over Arizona State.
In the 9th inning Jenecki let it rip on the first pitch of her at-bat for a walk-off home run.
“Their pitcher, just hats off to her,” said Jenecki. “I think that was the best thing that could’ve happen before post-season. Is getting to see a pitcher with that caliber of pitches.”
UCLA’s Briana Perez bunting during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA never trailed. The Bruins took the lead in the 4th inning. UCLA’s Briana Perez reached base with a walk. After a sack fly that moved Perez to 3rd, Jenecki stepped up to the plate and delivered a single to bring Perez home for a 1-0.
Freshman Holly Azevedo got the starting nod for the last game of the series and was impressive the entire afternoon. Azevedo pitched 5 2/3 innings striking out 7 batters, allowing 1 run.
ASU Denae Chatman cracking a solo home run during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Freshman Rachael Garcia finished off the game for the Bruins. Garcia struck out 3 in 3 1/3 innings.
The Bruins head into the Post-season ranked #1 and will hold regionals at home.
UCLA Kinsley Washington ready to bat during the ASU vs UCLA live action at Easton Stadium Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
April 4, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
LA Football Club shows off the LAFC Performance Center $30 million facility will serve as home of the LAFC players, staff, coaches and academy on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles campus in Los Angeles, Ca on April 4, 2018. Jevone Moore
Carlos Vela in Los Angeles, Ca on April 4, 2018. Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, CA – LAFC forward Latif Blessing used his leaping ability to out jump MInnesota United defender Francisco Calvo and head it to Mark-Anthony Kaye who slammed it into the back of the net.
Kaye’s goal was the cushion LAFC needed as they held on to defeat Minnesota United 2-0 at Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday night.
“He can jump, that guy (Blessings),” Kaye said. “I knew he was capable of flicking it on. Sometimes you have to be in the right spot and thank God I was.”
LAFC (6-2-1) continued their unbeaten streak at home and remain second in the Western Conference with 19 points.
The Black and Gold got on the board first when Diego Rossi sent a low cross into the box to Eduard Atuesta who finished with ease in the 31st minute. It was Atueta’s first MLS goal.
LAFC continued the pressure in the second half and had multiple scoring opportunities but the third goal never came.
“I think tonight we saw some really good moments,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “I think we could’ve been sharper and better in the second half but overall, I think they did a really good job.”
With a short week between games , LAFC turns its attention to NYCFC who will travel to Los Angeles on Sunday for a Mother’s Day showdown.
“Every game we want to improve,” LAFC forward Carlos Vela said. “We want to be a better team.”
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
Atlanta, GA – This week Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes signed a contract extension that will make him the longest tenured coach in MLS. And ATL UTD 2 goalkeeper Paul Christensen signed a four-day contract with Atlanta United as an Extreme Hardship call-up due to injuries to usual backups Alec Kann and Mitch Hildebrandt.
Sporting KC traveled to Atlanta for a midweek matchup pitting the top team in the Western Conference against the top team in the Eastern Conference. Little did Christensen know, he would make his first-team debut in this environment, substituting for regular starter and US international Brad Guzan. Atlanta selected Christensen with the 70th overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
In the 34th minute, Guzan attempted a sweeping kick save on Khiry Shelton who broke one-on-one on goal. Guzan missed the ball and swept Shelton’s legs, resulting in a red card ejection. Tito Villalba substituted off in exchange for bringing on Christensen in goal.
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
Christensen described his entrance, “you don’t really have time to be nervous because you’re already thinking about the free kick.”
He did not have family in attendance but said his “family’s watching back home.” The free kick went high and the half ended 0-0.
When asked if he got a toe on the pass that led to the red card, Captain Michael Parkhurst explained “No I didn’t…I’m not sure how I missed it; I thought I had it. I think that’s why Brad froze—he thought I had it as well, but it skipped on the turf really quick and I just missed it.”
The red card changed the game drastically from what Atlanta fans perceived should have been a 1-0 halftime lead.
In the 6th minute, Josef Martinez scored a goal for United that referee Mark Geiger reversed for offside after a brief video review.
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
On the shot, Atlanta’s Ezequiel Barco played a through ball toward Tito Villalba when KC defender Jimmy Medranda deflected the pass to Josef Martinez in an offside position (to receive a direct pass from Barco).
In a post-match interview, Geiger stated he ruled Medranda’s touch to be an unintentional deflection rather than an intentional playing of the ball, which resulted in Martinez being ruled offside.
Because Medranda extended his leg in a clear effort to derail the pass, the call remains controversial including across Major League Soccer and its analysts.
To Atlanta fans the call magnified over the course of the game as fans booed repeated calls for Sporting KC and repeated perceived no-calls for Atlanta.
The teams played an even game early in the second half, with both teams in the final third resulting in limited true chances. But ultimately the lost man hurt United.
MLS 2018: Sporting KC at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)
The impasse broke in the 67th minute when Kansas City’s Dániel Sallói curled in a shot from distance, bending it around a diving Paul Christensen and into the back of the net. Kansas City went up 1-0.
To Atlanta’s credit, the team searched hard for a goal throughout the second half. The dynamic offense remained dangerous and generated multiple shots, though Sporting KC’s defense remained disciplined. Tim Melia made several quality saves and deserved to be Sporting Kansas City’s man of the match.
Kevin Kratz substituted on for Atlanta in the 75th minute in place of Jeff Larentowicz. Calling upon his magic from the last home win against Montreal, Kratz took two free kicks from the top of the 18-yard box after the 80th minute. The second was nearly an exact replica of the first—both bent over the wall and onto frame as Melia made diving saves to his right.
Sporting KC finally put the match away with a late break by Gerso Fernandes in the 89th minute. Fernandes dribbled around Christensen in the box and placed a rolling shot toward goal. An attempted save by a racing Sal Zizzo became emblematic of United’s night as the great effort couldn’t stop the ball from rolling meekly into the goal. The score ended Kansas City 2-0 Atlanta.
Up next, Atlanta must recover tired legs to travel to Orlando this Sunday May 13th to take on one of the hottest teams in MLS on Mother’s Day. Sporting KC play next on Sunday May 20th at Minnesota United, where they will try to stay undefeated to start coach Peter Vermes’ new contract extension.
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)
WNBA 2018: Victoria Vivians shooting during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 7, 2018 (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.”
WNBA 2018: Fever Head Coach Pokey Chatman during Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
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.”
WNBA 2018: Bashaara Graves going to the basket during preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 7, 2018 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
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)
WNBA 2018: Preseason game Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 7, 2018 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
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.”
UCLA vs Long Beach State, NCAA Men's Volleyball at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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.
UCLA vs Long Beach State, NCAA Men’s Volleyball at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
“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.
Dylan Missry up high during the UCLA vs Long Beach State, NCAA Men’s Volleyball at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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 State, NCAA Men’s Volleyball at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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.
NCAA Baseball 2018: CAL vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
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.”
NCAA Baseball 2018: Tyler Pritchard with high five before reaching home plate at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
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.
NCAA Baseball 2018: CAL vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
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.
NCAA Baseball 2018: Arman Sabouri letting one rip at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
The Trojans will look to sweep the series against Cal on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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
Long Beach State middle blocker Nick Amado rises to smash the ball in the NCAA semifinal match against Ohio State; 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.
Long Beach State’s Kyle Ensing flies in for a kill in the NCAA Championship semifinal against Ohio State; May 3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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’s TJ DeFalco celebrates after eliminating Ohio State in 4 sets to advance to Saturday’s NCAA Championship game; May 3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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.”
UCLA’s Jake Hessenhauer dumps the ball over BYU defenders in the second NCAA Championship semifinal; match May 3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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.”
BYU’s Gabi Garcia Fernande spikes the ball into UCLA defenders during the NCAA Championship semifinal; May 3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
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.
UCLA celebrates its four-set victory over BYU in the NCAA Championship semifinals; May 3, 2018, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Steve Cheng / fi360 News
