WNIT: Florida’s Season Comes to Close in Quarterfinal Round

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Florida women’s basketball saw their impressive postseason run come to an end on Monday evening, falling to Bowling Green in front of a near-record crowd at the Stroh Center, 69-52.

Leilani Correa paced the Gators (19-15) offensively with 20 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals, while KK Deans and Jordyn Merritt each added nine for the Orange & Blue. The Gators ended the day shooting 19-of-53 (35.8%) from the field and 7-of-21 (33.3%) from three-point range, led by three from Deans.

Florida moved the ball well, assisting on 13 of their 19 made baskets. Deans dished-out seven on the evening to lead the charge and Alberte Rimdal tallied three of her own. Merritt continued to hold down the glass for Florida, ending with a team-best 10 rebounds. Correa and Deans both pulled-down five of their own, but the Falcons held a 47-35 edge on the boards.

Defensively, the Gators forced Bowling Green (31-6) into 16 turnovers after the Falcons entered the game averaging 12. The defensive effort resulted in 13 steals, with Deans once again leading the way with three and four others in the Orange & Blue swiping away two. For the game, Bowling Green shot 27-of-71 (38.0%) from the floor and just 6-of-26 (23.1%) from deep.

Amy Velasco was the leader on the court for the Falcons, ending with 18 points, five assists and two rebounds. Elissa Brett recorded 16 points and nine boards for BGSU.

The Stroh Center was rocking after a game-opening triple from the Falcons, but Florida quickly hushed the crowd with a 9-0 response, capped off by a layup from Nina Rickards with 7:04 on the clock, to take a 9-3 lead. After a Rimdal triple at the 6:29 mark, Bowling Green stepped-up their defense and held the Gators scoreless for five minutes while closing the gap to one, 12-11. Correa put an end to the run with a layup off of a dime from Deans, but the last four points of the frame would go to the Falcons who took a 15-14 lead into the second quarter.

Deans kickstarted Florida’s scoring effort in the second, draining a triple before Correa knocked-down a midrange jumper to help UF regain the lead, 19-15, with 7:38 showing on the clock. The Falcons once again had an answer, however, putting together a 7-0 run of their own to retake the lead with 5:42 left in the half, 22-19.

Trailing 22-20 late in the period, Correa took over the game for the Gators, scoring the next six points to will the Orange & Blue to a 26-22 advantage with just over two minutes remaining. Deans extended the lead to seven 30 seconds later with her third triple of the game, helping the Gators to hold-off two late triples by Bowling Green for a 31-28 lead at the end of the first half. The Falcons, who only average just over 12 turnovers per game, were forced into 12 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.

Both squads exchanged blows for the first 4:40 of the third before an and-one opportunity from Velasco gave Bowling Green their first lead of the half, 37-35, with 5:21 to go. Velasco was responsible for 9-0 run from the Falcons that forced a Florida timeout at the 3:27 mark, extending their lead to 41-35. The Falcons kept the Gators at arm’s length over the remaining three minutes, holding a 50-42 edge with 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Jordyn Merritt connected on a triple to begin the fourth quarter, bringing the Gators within seven, but that’s as close as Florida would get with Bowling Green pulling-away for a 69-52 victory in the quarterfinal round of the WNIT.

Orlando Pride Drops Season Opener at Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. – Orlando Pride (0-1-0, 0 points) suffered a 4-0 defeat to the Portland Thorns in its season-opening match of the 2023 NWSL season. 

This was the fourth time both sides have gone up against one another to open the NWSL regular season, making it the most common season opening pairing in NWSL history to start the season. 

The match saw the four players make their Pride debut for the Club to start the season. 2023 NWSL Draft picks Emily Madril and Messiah Bright earned the start in the match. 

Brazilian Adriana also earned the start up top after joining the Club from Brazilian side Corinthians and had perhaps the best Pride opportunity with a 53rd-minute shot. Another 2023 NWSL Draft pick, Summer Yates, saw her first professional action in the match coming on as a substitute in the 53rd minute.  

Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse made a Club-high 12 saves on the night. This beats the previous Pride record held by Ashlyn Harris who made 10 saves on April 29, 2017 against the North Carolina Courage. 

The Pride will return home to Exploria Stadium for their home opener next week as they welcome Angel City FC for a 5:30 p.m. ET kickoff. 

UF's Caglianone Snags Second SEC Player of the Week Honor

GAINESVILLE  – University of Florida first baseman/left-handed pitcher Jac Caglianone has been named the SEC Co-Player of the Week on the heels of a 4-0 week and series sweep at No. 13 Ole Miss, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

This is the second SEC Player of the Week accolade of the season for Caglianone, who picks up honors alongside Vanderbilt's Parker Noland and LSU's Dylan Crews. Caglianone previously hauled in the award on Feb. 27 following Florida's series sweep of Cincinnati.

Powering the Gators to an undefeated week and the team's first sweep in Oxford since 1988, Caglianone went 11-for-18 at the plate to post a robust .611/.650/1.333 slash line. The Tampa, Fla. native totaled four home runs, one double, eight RBI, five runs scored and an SEC-leading 24 total bases.

During Saturday's doubleheader against the Rebels, Caglianone blasted three home runs including one in each game. The two-way standout went deep again in Sunday's finale to finish with at least one home run in all three games of the series.

Caglianone also started on the mound for the Orange & Blue in game three. He did not factor into the decision, tossing 3 2/3 one-hit innings with three strikeouts.

On the season, Caglianone leads the NCAA with 17 home runs and is hitting .400/.462/.971 with 38 RBI and 32 runs scored. The southpaw is also the proud owner of a 3-0 record, 3.41 ERA, .150 batting average against and 25 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Miami's Roberts Tabbed to Greenville 2 All-Region Team

CORAL GABLES – University of Miami sophomore Jasmyne Roberts was named to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Greenville 2 All-Region Team, Monday morning as announced by the NCAA.

Roberts helped the Hurricanes to their first ever Elite Eight appearance, averaging 19.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in four NCAA Tournament games. 

The Jacksonville, Fla., native led the Hurricanes in both categories, while also shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 84.6 precent at the charity stripe.

The guard eclipsed the 20-point mark in back-to-back games, totaling 26 points against Villanova and 22 points against LSU. Roberts recorded a career outing in the Hurricanes’ Sweet Sixteen victory over Villanova, setting new career highs in scoring (26), made field goals (10), while tying her career highs in rebounding (nine) and steals (four).

Her 10 made field goals against Villanova and LSU ranks tied second in Miami program history in NCAA Tournament single-game field goals made, only behind Vicki Plowden (12, vs. Vanderbilt, 1992).

 

Roberts is joined on the All-Region Team by LSU’s Angel Reese and Alexis Morris, Villanova’s Maddy Siegrist and Utah’s Gianna Kneepkens. Reese was named the region’s Most Outstanding Player after averaging 22.3 points and 17.3 rebounds across four games.

JU's Armstrong Recognized as Player of Week by ASUN

JACKSONVILLE  - Jacksonville University baseball's Kris Armstrong has received multiple honors after his big week helped the Dolphins to five wins on the diamond.

Armstrong was named ASUN Player of the Week and Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Week on Monday.

The graduate third baseman had a monster week at the plate, finishing the five-game homestand with 15 hits, eight of them home runs and three doubles as well. 

He drove in 24 runs total, and recorded three multi-homer games. The highlight of his week came in back-to-back three-home run performances on Saturday and Sunday vs. Central Arkansas. He also set the program record for RBI in a game on Saturday with eight.

He is the third JU player to receive weekly recognition from the conference this season, following C/1B Hogan McIntosh and RHP Evan Chrest, and becomes the first Dolphin since RHP Mason Adams to receive National Player of the Week recognition from Collegiate Baseball on March 7, 2022.

Lacrosse: Gators Defeat Mercer Behind Strong Defensive Effort

MACON, Ga. - The eighth-ranked Florida lacrosse team defeated the Mercer Bears 15-6 on Wednesday afternoon behind a strong showing on both ends of the field.

The Gators improve to 6-3 on the year, while the Bears fall to 5-2 overall.

Florida had nine different goal scorers on Wednesday afternoon, with Kaitlyn Davies leading the way with her three-goal effort. Emma LoPinto, Maggi Hall, Emily Heller and Danielle Pavinelli each registered two scores on the day, while four Gators each recorded one goal: Madison Waters, Paisley Eagan, Ava Tighe, Tayler Warehime.

Hall posted a team-high three assists in the victory, while LoPinto, M. Waters and Ashley Gonzalez each dished out one assist in the win.

The Gators won 18-of-25 draw controls on the afternoon, with Liz Harrison tallying a career-high 12. Heller added two draw control victories in the game.

Florida held Mercer to 6-of-27 (.222) shooting in the victory, posting 15 caused turnovers. Heller registered a team-high and career-high five caused turnovers, followed by two from Becky Browndorf.

Heller also posted a career-high five groundballs in the win, followed by two from Browndorf. Nine Gators each picked one groundball on the day.

In her 41:14 between the pipes, redshirt junior Sarah Reznick tallied eight saves while only allowing four goals for a .667 save percentage on the afternoon. Elyse Finnelle stepped in for the final 18:46, coming up with four saves and a .667 save percentage as well.

The Gators continue conference play on Saturday when the Cincinnati Bearcats come to town. Opening draw is slated for 12 p.m. on ESPN+ at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

XFL: Orlando Guardians Add Bush to Coaching Staff

ORLANDO – Orlando Guardians head coach Terrell Buckley has announced the hiring of Devin Bush Sr. to the team’s coaching staff as a defensive analyst, where he will have input at all three levels of the defense.

“I’m very pleased and excited to add Devin to our coaching staff,” Buckley said. “Devin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. As a player, he has won Super Bowls and National Championships. As a coach, he has won a state championship at the high school level. He’s going to be invaluable to our defense at every position.”

Bush played eight seasons in the National Football League, including a Super Bowl Championship with the St. Louis Rams following the 1999 season. Prior to his time in the NFL, he was a standout safety at Florida State from 1992-1994. 

Bush was a first-round NFL Draft selection of the Atlanta Falcons in 1995. He played 116 career games in the NFL with 428 total tackles and seven interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. In addition to the Falcons and Rams, he also played for the Cleveland Browns.

At Florida State, Bush was a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer and won a national championship with the Seminoles following the 1993 season.

Bush coached at Charles W. Flanigan High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla. beginning in 2013. From there, he joined the staff at the University of Michigan, where he served as a defensive analyst (2016-19). Most recently, Bush was the Director of Player Personnel at Ole Miss, beginning in 2020.

Bush replaces former defensive line coach Ty Warren, who has accepted another coaching position. With Warren’s departure, defensive coaching responsibilities are now as follows:

Defensive Line - Mark Snyder

Linebackers - Ronnie Lee

Secondary - Defensive Coordinator Tony Carter

Bush is a native of Hialeah, Fla. and a graduate of Miami Lakes High School.

College Football: Russ Callaway Named Gators Tight Ends Coach

 GAINESVILLE, Fla.- Gators head football coach Billy Napier named Russ Callaway Florida's new tight ends coach, it was announced Wednesday.

Callaway, 35, enters his second season with the Gators after joining the staff in 2022 in an off-the-field roles.

An experienced coach at the collegiate and NFL levels, Callaway arrived in Gainesville after spending the 2021 season with the New York Giants, serving as an offensive assistant, and the 2020 season as a senior offensive assistant and analyst at LSU. His resume also includes stints with at Alabama and Samford.

He spent five seasons at Samford where he served as the Bulldogs' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2016-19, while also coaching the wide receivers from 2015-17.

As a unit in 2018, Samford's offense led the FCS in passing yards per game (392.7). The offense also ranked fourth in the FCS in total offense (515.9 ypg.), and eighth in both red zone offense (.898) and in first downs (298). Meanwhile in 2017, the Bulldogs' offense led the SoCon and ranked fifth in the FCS in passing yards per game (33.4 ypg.).

In 2016, Callaway's offense ranked third among all FCS schools in passing offense, averaging 349.4 passing yards per game. They also ranked sixth in the FCS in red zone offense (90.2%), 11th in team passing efficiency (155.24), 12th in scoring offense (35.1 ppg.) and 14th in total offense (446.2 ypg.).

During his time with Samford, Callaway mentored quarterback Devlin Hodges, who earned the Walter Payton Award for the top offensive player in all of FCS football in 2018. Hodges passed for an FCS-record 14,584, breaking the old record set by Steve McNair.

Prior to Samford, Callaway spent two seasons on staff at Murray State, where he worked with the wide receivers, while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.

Callaway joined the Racers after winning back-to-back BCS National Championships as a defensive analyst on Nick Saban's staff at Alabama. In his role at UA, Callaway assisted defensive coordinator Kirby Smart with the inside linebackers.

He played collegiately as a quarterback at Valdosta State, where he was a two-time team captain. He joined the Blazers in 2007, helping the team to the school's second National Championship.

Callaway graduated from VSU in 2010 with a degree in business management.

March Madness: Florida Atlantic Set for Sweet 16

 NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – The Owls are still dancing.

Florida Atlantic University's men's basketball team has made the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The east region's No. 9 seed FAU (33-3) will play the No. 4 seed Tennessee Volunteers (25-10) on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Tip off is set for around 9 p.m. EST.

Thursday's winner will advance to the Elite Eight on Saturday for a chance to win the east region and qualify for the Final Four, to be held in Houston.

After a dominant 28-3 regular season, followed by three more wins to achieve their first ever Conference USA championship, the Owls qualified for the NCAA tournament for just the second time in school history and first since 2002. This added to their season accolades that includes their most wins (33), highest AP national ranking (19) and an undefeated record at home (17-0)

Over the first two rounds, FAU further proved they belong with the best in the nation, recording not only their first, but also their second tournament wins in school history at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Both victories, first over the No. 8 seeded Memphis Tigers and then the No. 16 seed FDU Knights, were scrappy affairs with low shooting percentages that saw the Owls have to play from behind in the second half. Ultimately, a layup by Redshirt Freshman Nick Boyd with just two seconds left won the ball game over Memphis, 66-65, and a historic performance from Sophomore guard Johnell Davis with a second-half scoring explosion helped the Owls pull away from FDU by a score of 78-70.

The Owls are now off to the Garden as Head Coach Dusty May and Florida Atlantic find themselves as one of the last 16 teams remaining in the entire NCAA. But just like all season, they are determined to continue to play their signature team-first style of basketball and not let themselves by blinded by the growing spotlight.

Miami's Kayfus Garners Multiple Player of the Week Honors

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Following a sensational week, Miami infielder CJ Kayfus earned Player of the Week recognition from the Atlantic Coast Conference, Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game/Rawlings, as announced Monday.

Kayfus batted .750 (12-for-16) with three home runs, eight RBI and a 2.137 OPS across the Hurricanes’ 4-0 stretch, highlighted by a sweep of then-No. 17 Virginia Tech.

The junior also scored seven runs, walked four times and stole three bases, helping No. 17 Miami vault up the polls.

Kayfus kicked off the week with two hits and a pair of walks, scoring the game-winning run in the ninth during the Hurricanes’ 7-3 midweek victory over crosstown foe FIU.

The Wellington, Fla., native continued his hot tear, reaching safely four times for the second straight contest, as the Hurricanes walked off the Hokies, 4-3, Friday evening. The 6-foot, 192-pound first baseman finished with three knocks, two runs, two stolen bases, an RBI and a free pass.

In the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Kayfus added four hits, two RBI, two runs, a walk and a stolen base in Miami’s 21-6 rout over Virginia Tech. The left-handed slugger blasted one of seven Hurricanes’ home runs, the fourth-most in a single game in program history.

Dring the nightcap, Kayfus punctuated the sweep with his first career multi-homer performance and a career-high five RBI, spearheading Miami’s 12-9 comeback win.

Kayfus is the first Hurricane to collect national recognition this season and joins sophomore right-handed pitcher Gage Ziehl as the only two Miami players to garner an ACC weekly honor in 2023, thus far.

JU's Chrest Named ASUN Pitcher of the Week

 ATLANTA - Jacksonville University baseball freshman pitcher Evan Chrest was named ASUN Pitcher of the Week on Monday, as announced by the league office.

He earned a win on the road at Lipscomb on Friday, his first career conference start.

The Tampa, Florida native went a career-long eight innings in the win over the Bisons, holding a potent offense to just two runs, only one of them earned, while scattering four hits. He struck out seven over the course of the outing, and consistently got big outs when he needed them, either via strikeouts or double-plays.

He has now won his last three starts for JU and earned his first career conference weekly award.

Chrest is the first Dolphin to win Pitcher of the Week from the conference since Mason Adams was recognized on March 7, 2022. It is the 50th time a JU pitcher has received the honor since joining the league back 1999.

Atlanta United Midfielder Thiago Almada Voted MLS Player of the Matchday

 Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada was voted the Major League Soccer Player of the Matchday presented by Continental Tire for Matchday 4 of the 2023 MLS season.

Almada scored two goals and added two assists in the club’s 5-1 victory at home versus the Portland Timbers on Saturday, March 18. The Argentine midfielder became the first player in MLS history to produce at least four goals and four assists in his club’s first four games of a season. Almada leads MLS in goals and is tied with the Philadelphia Union’s Dániel Gazdag for the most assists. Almada joined Yamil Asad (9/20/2017 vs. the LA Galaxy) as the only players in Five Stripes history with two goals and two assists in a single match.

In the 25th minute, Almada helped open the scoring on the counterattack when he found a sprinting Caleb Wiley in space, and the 18-year-old did the rest, slotting his shot past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0 (Watch Here). 

The Argentine doubled Atlanta’s lead in spectacular fashion in first half stoppage time. From a lengthy direct free kick, Almada produced a goal of the year contender with a thunderous, curling effort that kissed off the inside of the post and into the net ( Watch Here). 

After Giorgos Giakoumakis added a third for Atlanta, Almada contributed his second assist when he played a lofted pass to Luiz Araújo, who shrugged off a defender before placing his effort into the corner of the net to make it 4-0 in the 75th minute (Watch Here ). Portland pulled a goal back, but Almada finished off the game in the 86th minute, as he received a layoff from Derrick Etienne Jr., turned past a defender, and then easily struck a shot into the side netting (Watch Here).

Since May 1, 2022, Almada’s 25 goal contributions (nine goals, 16 assists) are the fourth-most in MLS behind only Gazdag (33), Hany Mukhtar (30), and Luciano Acosta (26). Despite playing just 33 games for Atlanta, the 21-year-old already ranks seventh in club history with 26 career goal contributions. With his second direct free kick goal of the season, the young World Cup winner became the fifth player aged 22 or younger in MLS history to score multiple direct free kick goals in a year – accomplishing this feat just four games into the season.

After winning MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Continental Tire for Matchday 1, Almada is the fifth player in MLS history to win the award in two of the first four matchdays of a season, joining Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández (2021), Thierry Henry (2012), Carlos Ruiz (2002), and Cobi Jones (1998). Atlanta’s Caleb Wiley also won the award for Matchday 3 and the Five Stripes are now the first club in MLS history to earn three of the first four Player of the Matchday honors to start a season.

Atlanta will look to stay atop the Eastern Conference when they travel to face the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on Matchday 5 on Saturday, March 25 (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass).

The MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Continental Tire is selected each matchday of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while a Twitter fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio, and online media.

University of Tampa Women's Lacrosse Ranked No. 7 by IWLCA

 NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. - The University of Tampa women's lacrosse team drops three spots to No. 7 in the latest ILWomen/IWLCA Division II Poll. Last week the Spartans fell to Pace at home but would rebound three days later with a win over Mercy.  

There is another new No. 1 in Division II this week, as undefeated West Chester bumped two spots into the top slot. Regis followed, jumping five spots from the No. 7 position a week ago after upsetting UIndy 14-12.  

Pace, UIndy, and Le Moyne round out the Top 5, while Florida Southern dropped from the No. 2 position after falling to Bentley on Saturday.  

The ILWomen/IWLCA Poll will be unveiled Mondays throughout the season. It is voted on jointly by coaches throughout the country and members of the media.  

Comcast Business Named Partner of THE PLAYERS Championship

 PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR and THE PLAYERS Championship today announced Comcast Business as a Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS Championship through 2030. THE PLAYERS, featuring the strongest field in golf, is being contested at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, March 9-12 with 144 players competing for a record $25 million purse.

“The PGA TOUR has enjoyed working alongside Comcast Business the last three years, and we are excited to now officially welcome them as a Proud Partner of our flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Their goal of helping business leaders achieve maximum business performance while keeping communities connected aligns perfectly with the mission of the PGA TOUR and the local charitable goals of THE PLAYERS Championship.”

 

This expanded partnership builds on the success of Comcast Business’s multi-year sponsorship of the Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10, which emphasizes player performance by rewarding the top players in the FedExCup Standings at the end of the FedExCup Regular Season. As part of the Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10, a $20 million bonus is shared among the top 10 finishers. Scottie Scheffler took home the $4 million first-place prize in 2022 after winning four times during the season.

 

“THE PLAYERS Championship is one of the PGA TOUR’s premier and most anticipated tournaments. Comcast Business is thrilled to expand our partnership with the PGA TOUR to become a Proud Partner of this incredible, flagship event,” said Eileen Diskin, Chief Marketing Officer, Comcast Business. “We’re committed to serving business leaders on and off the course, keeping them ready for whatever lies ahead. We’re proud to partner with the PGA TOUR and are excited for the future of THE PLAYERS Championship and the Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10.”

 

“THE PLAYERS Championship is excited to welcome Comcast Business into our Northeast Florida home and Proud Partner family,” said Jared Rice, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS. “It is because of the backing of these Proud Partners that we can showcase one of the premier events in sports while giving back to the community that supports us. We look forward to connecting even further with Northeast Florida thanks to the efforts of Comcast Business.”

 

Over the past 40+ years, THE PLAYERS has generated more than $100 million to support non-profit organizations in communities within Northeast Florida. Optum and Morgan Stanley are also Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Grant Thornton, a Proud Partner since 2018, is transitioning its sponsorship to the Grant Thornton Invitational, a new mixed-team event co-sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour.

XFL: Orlando’s game with D.C. Defenders Moved to April 1

 The XFL announced updates to its 2023 schedule in partnership with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, the exclusive broadcast partner of the XFL.

One of the updates to the schedule affects the Orlando Guardians. Orlando’s game with the D.C. Defenders at Camping World Stadium has been moved to Saturday, April 1. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN2.

The following is a look at all the schedule updates announced today:

• (Week 5) Sunday, March 19: Arlington Renegades vs. San Antonio Brahmas at the Alamodome is now scheduled for 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT and will be broadcast on ESPN2
• Saturday, April 1: San Antonio Brahmas vs. Vegas Vipers at Cashman Field, is now scheduled for 3 pm ET/12 pm PT and will be broadcast on ESPN2. The game was previously scheduled for 6 p.m. ET/3 PM PT
• Saturday, April 1: D.C. Defenders vs. Orlando Guardians at Camping World Stadium, is now scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on ESPN. The game was previously scheduled for Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m. ET
• Sunday, April 2: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. Houston Roughnecks, is scheduled for 2 pm ET/1PM CT and will be broadcast on ESPN. The game was previously scheduled for Saturday, April 1 at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT

All 43 XFL games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) are featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and FX.

All XFL games are streamed on ESPN+ in the US and simulcast in 142 countries worldwide.

The eight XFL teams are split into two divisions: XFL North (D.C. Defenders, Seattle Sea Dragons, St. Louis Battlehawks, Vegas Vipers) and XFL South (Arlington Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Orlando Guardians, San Antonio Brahmas).

UF: Becky Browndorf and Emily Heller Honored by American Athletic Conference

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - After defeating then-No. 7 Loyola on Saturday, two Gators earned American Athletic Conference accolades, as the league announced Monday afternoon.

Becky Browndorf was tabbed as the AAC Defender of the Week and Emily Heller was named as AAC Midfielder of the Week - her second-straight conference honor.

Browndorf - earning the first weekly honor of her career - finished the game against the Greyhounds with a team-high three groundballs and two caused turnovers.

The senior defender had the task of marking Loyola's Jillian Wilson, holding her to just 1-of-2 shooting on the afternoon.

Emily Heller paced Florida's offense in the victory, finishing with three goals on four shots. That was the senior midfielder's second-straight hat trick.

The Babylon, N.Y. native also registered a team-high five draw controls and two groundballs in the Top-10 win.

The Gators are back in action on Tuesday when the team hosts Colgate. Opening draw is slated for 6:30 p.m. at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

Attack Player of the Week: Isabella Peterson, James Madison
Midfielder of the Week: Emily Heller, Florida
Defensive Player of the Week: Becky Browndorf, Florida
Goalkeeper of the Week: Paige Gunning, Vanderbilt
Freshman of the Week: Brianna Mennella, James Madison
Honor Roll: Grace Wehland, Cincinnati | Leah Bestany, East Coarlina | Belle Mastropietro, Temple | Bri Gross, Vanderbilt | Caroline Kimel, East Carolina

Miami: Ziehl Earns ACC Pitcher of the Week Honors

 CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Following a career outing against then-No. 19 NC State, Miami right-hander Gage Ziehl was named ACC Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced Monday afternoon.

Ziehl tossed a career-long eight innings, limiting one of the most potent offenses in the nation to only one unearned run. The sophomore starter held the Wolfpack, which entered the series eighth nationally with a .338 average, to just four hits.

 

“We all have a lot of confidence in Gage and that’s why he’s one of our guys,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said after the game Saturday. “He’s a high-character guy, who is very mentally-tough with a lot of moxie. It was a big performance and we needed that.”

 

The Penfield, N.Y., native recorded eight-plus strikeouts for the third straight appearance, while only issuing one free pass.

 

Ziehl’s eight-inning masterpiece marked the longest start by a Hurricane this season, as the co-captain helped Miami clinch a series victory on the opening weekend of ACC play with an 8-1 win.

 

“I’m just going out there trying to attack hitters,” Ziehl said. “I had to fight through adversity in my first few starts. The beginning of the season didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but the season is long and we’ve got a lot of games left.”

 

The 6-foot, 216-pound hurler is the first Hurricane to garner an ACC weekly honor in 2023.

 

Miami (10-6, 2-1 ACC) meets crosstown foe FIU Wednesday before a three-game weekend set against No. 17 Virginia Tech at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

In Gee Chun Wins LPGA Velocity Global Impact Award

DAYTONA BEACH (Florida Sports Wire) – Celebrating International Women’s Day, officials with the LPGA and the Velocity Global Impact Award Committee announced that In Gee Chun has won the inaugural Velocity Global Impact Award thanks to a fan vote that ran on LPGA.com between Feb. 21-March 6. 

The award recognizes Chun’s dedication to growing the sport of golf and inspiring the next generation of athletes through her efforts and actions as the proud founder and generous donor to the In Gee Chun Lancaster Country Club Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships for Lancaster Country Club (LCC) employees, their dependents and caddies to further their educational goals. 

With the award, Chun and the In Gee Chun LCC Educational Foundation will each receive $100,000 compliments of Velocity Global.

“Thank you Velocity Global and the LPGA for launching this meaningful award and for sharing each of our stories to inspire the next generation to have a positive impact on the world,” said Chun. “I’m honored and thankful to be the first recipient of the Velocity Global Impact Award as it will greatly support the growth of the In Gee Chun Lancaster Country Club Educational Foundation by financially supporting the future education and dreams of the Lancaster community. I also want to thank the selection committee for choosing me as one of the finalists, and everyone who participated in voting. This would not have been possible without you.”

Chun’s inspiration for the foundation came during the week of the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

While walking home from dinner one evening, Chun saw many fireflies lighting up the sky, which she said inspired her to be a light to others. Chun would go on to win the U.S. Women’s Open, her first of three major titles, and launch the In Gee Chun LCC Educational Foundation shortly thereafter.

 

THE PLAYERS: Caddies Compete in Closest-to-the-Pin Contest at 17th hole Island Green

PONTE VEDRA BEACH (Florida Sports Wire) - On Wednesday at TPC Sawgrass, caddies for THE PLAYERS take part in an annual championship tradition where they aim to create their own Defining Moment by competing in a closest-to-the-pin contest at the iconic 17th hole Island Green. 

From the first practice round in the morning through the final shots hit on Wednesday afternoon, each caddie gets one swing to make their own history at THE PLAYERS.

Upon registration at the tournament, each player donates to the Caddie Competition. 

The winning caddie receives the pot, and the PGA TOUR matches the total to donate to the Bruce Edwards Foundation. In addition to the pot, the winning caddie also receives a VIP parking spot for each competition day, an engraved money clip, and a custom drawing by sketch artist Casey Jones, who draws for Disney and Marvel Comics. 

New in 2023, a plaque has been placed inside the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse, which will include each winning caddie’s name.

Final Results:

Rank	Caddie Name	Distance	PGA TOUR Player
1	Luke Hopkins	4’7”	Ben Martin
2	Fabian Azcarate	6’10”	Nico Echavarria
3	Lance Bennett	8’11”	Sungjae Im

NHRA: Brittany Force Looks to Open 2023 in Big way

GAINESVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – Fresh off a record-breaking season and her second world championship in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Season, Top Fuel star Brittany Force has no plans of letting up – or slowing down.

The fastest female in sports, Force broke numerous track records and made the fastest run in Top Fuel history (338.94 mph) during the 2022 season en route to the world title. She hopes to kick off the 2023 campaign on a big note, too, including picking up her second career win at the legendary Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Force is also competing in the eight-car Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Saturday, which is a specialty race with big money on the line, putting a premium on a great start in her 11,000-horsepower Monster Energy dragster – especially as the reigning world champ.

“There’s going to be pressure going into day one,” Force said. “We go right into the season and it’s going to be exciting. I’m excited to get in there and take part in another Callout in Gainesville. The Callout is definitely unique and it brings out a little bit of drama. This puts a lot of focus on who you’re calling out and it really adds that element of excitement. Doing it at Gainesville, it’s going to be an exciting event.”

 

Tripp Tatum (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock), and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up victories during a record-breaking weekend in Gainesville last year. This year’s event will be broadcast on both Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and the FOX broadcast network, including eliminations coverage beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday to open the season.

 

Force would certainly like to pick up where she left off a year ago, when she won five races, went to seven final rounds and obliterated track records across the country. One of those came in Gainesville, where she sent the track speed mark of 337.75, one of more than 15 records she set in 2023.

 

Force owns both ends of the Gainesville records, while the historic facility also has a special place in the two-time world champion’s heart. Her first career Top Fuel victory came at famed Gainesville Raceway in 2016 and Force is locked in on starting her 2023 on a high note.

 

To do so, she’ll have to get past the likes of teammate Austin Prock, four-time world champ Steve Torrence, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher, Doug Kalitta, Clay Millican, Mike Salinas, Justin Ashley, Josh Hart and Leah Pruett. Force is also competing against Torrence, Ashley, Salinas, Kalitta, Hart, Prock and Millican in Saturday’s Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, where she will make the first selection on Friday.

 

“That’s what every team wants to do, start your season with a win,” said Force, who has 16 career wins and was also the No. 1 qualifier 10 times last year. “You’ve been out of the seat way too long, so we’re all anxious to get out here. We’re jumping right into it. You want to start with a win and that really sets the groove for the season. A win would be great and that’s our goal, but it’s going to be tough.”

In Funny Car, Hagan is after back-to-back victories at the track after picking up the first win for Tony Stewart Racing a year ago. He’ll contend with the likes of defending world champ Ron Capps, Robert Hight, John Force, Bob Tasca III, J.R. Todd, Tim Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon and Alexis DeJoria.

Defending world champ Erica Enders will try to win in Gainesville for the first time, facing off against Pro Stock stars Greg Anderson, Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Glenn. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith, who has won three straight world titles has his sights on a third Gatornationals victory, but he’ll have to get past Eddie Krawiec, Angie Smith, Jerry Savoie, Steve Johnson and Joey Gladstone.



In addition, the Gatornationals will set the field for the first #2Fast2Tasty Mission NHRA Challenge. The semifinalists from Gainesville will rematch during qualifying on Saturday at the next event in Phoenix, with bonus money and points on the line as part of the special new program for 2023.

The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, along with the season debuts for the NHRA Pro Mod Series and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. Total Seal Tech Talk will take place on Friday and Saturday in Matt Hartford’s pits, while an autograph session will take place on Friday at the Dodge Display with Dodge-sponsored drivers. Fans can also look forward to the exciting cacklefests taking place at the Hot Rod Junction on both Friday and Saturday.

Leading into the race, a special Gatornationals Fan Fest will take place on Wednesday, March 8 from 6-9 p.m. at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz Speed Shop in nearby Ocala. The Top Fuel standout will host an event featuring a car show, live music and a driver autograph session from 7-8 p.m. A special championship press conference and season kick-off event follows the next day at the Hilton University of Florida in Gainesville, honoring 2022 NHRA world champs Force, Capps, Enders and M. Smith, and also featuring Hart, J. Force and legendary driver “Big Daddy” Don Garlits.

Garlits will be featured guest throughout weekend and six of his historic dragsters will be included in a special “Swamp Rat Alley” section inside the Hot Rod Junction, giving fans the unique chance to check out the cars that made history. Garlits will also be on hand for autographs with fans and he will be making an exhibition pass during the race.

More NHRA legends will be part of a special autograph and Q&A session in the Top Eliminator Club on Saturday, while all fans are invited to the first-ever Nitro Alley Stage, which will help create a festive atmosphere leading into the nitro pits. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Camping World Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more.

 

Race fans at Gainesville Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, which benefits the Darrell Gwynn Foundation in Gainesville. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners of the season-opener.

 

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Gainesville. This opportunity gives fans a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family.

 

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, March 10, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, March 11 at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 12. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10:00 a.m. ET. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday, leading into live eliminations on FOX at 12 p.m. ET.

 

The opening round of the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place on Saturday at 1:20 p.m. ET, with the semifinals to follow at 2:45 p.m. The finals are slated for 4:25 p.m., and the callout will be given a featured broadcast on FS1 at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

 

To purchase tickets to the 2023 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.