Tag Archives: championship

Encinitas surfer Alyssa Spencer wins third SurferGirl Surf Pro

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Encinitas professional surfer Alyssa Spencer won SurferGirl Surf Pro on Nov. 9 in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. The World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS) win was the 22-year-old Spencer’s third time in her career donning the Super Girl cape, the first ever to do it at the QS level, tying Hawaiian surfer Coco Ho. “Incredibly blessed to be a part of such an amazing event,” Spencer posted on Instagram, celebrating her historic win. “I attended my first SuperGirl Pro when I was seven years old, bright eyed, and dreaming of doing what those girls were doing one day. It was also my very first QS event I did at 12 years old where I finally got to surf against some of my idols. Over the years these events have inspired and pushed me in so many ways and been a huge part of my career.” The SuperGirl victory was also Spencer’s second this month, going back-to-back after winning the La Marginal Surfing Pro in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on Nov. 2. According to a press release, Spencer now moves to number one in the North American region in the QS tier, and currently sits in the 11th spot on the Challenger Series with the hopes of returning to the WSL Championship Tour, the highest level of surf competition. “I’m just always trying to have fun. I love surfing so much, and having fun is what it’s all about,” said Spencer in the news release. “I would just say thank you so much (to Coco Ho) for all the inspiration that she gave me. It’s really special to have my name right there next to hers as the only two girls to have won three. I came close in Oceanside, and I really wanted to get it here, so I’m so grateful it happened. I miss my family and thank you to my mom, dad, my grandma, and my brother for watching. I love you guys.”.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/21/encinitas-surfer-alyssa-spencer-wins-third-surfergirl-surf-pro/

AJ Lee speaks out after WWE RAW return: “This is inappropriate and it is harassment”

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WWE legend AJ Lee recently spoke out against harassment after her massive return to television on the latest edition of Monday Night RAW. The former Divas Champion asked a fan to take down their inappropriate post. On the latest edition of RAW, Becky Lynch locked horns with Maxxine Dupri with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line. Dupri put on an incredible display of action inside the ring, but for the most part, the bout was in The Man’s control. Thanks for the submission! The tide turned in The Alpha Academy star’s favor in the last stages of the match after AJ Lee made her surprising return to WWE TV. to speak out against online harassment by a fan, who uploaded an AI-edited photo of himself kissing the former Divas Champion. Lee called out the fan and asked him to take down the inappropriate tweet. “This is inappropriate and it is harassment. Please delete,” she wrote. Check out her post below: CM Punk talked about AJ Lee’s WWE return During a recent edition of the Mostly Sports With Mark Titus and Brandon Walker podcast, CM Punk said it was “super awesome” to have his wife, AJ Lee, back in WWE. The Best in the World added that he wanted Lee to experience how different the current locker room was and how she has inspired so many women to chase their dreams of becoming a wrestler. “It’s awesome. Super, super awesome. I’m just excited that she gets to experience like what a different place it is now and like how much it’s changed and like how her influence has, you know, created all these other women to follow their dreams. Like it’s been amazing, it’s been fun,” he said. It remains to be seen what the Triple H-led creative team has planned for AJ Lee’s future in WWE.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-aj-lee-speaks-wwe-raw-return-this-inappropriate-harassment

Check out the behind-the-scenes drama at ONE Championship’s massive ONE 173 event in Tokyo last weekend

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ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri was everything it was built out to be, delivering the biggest martial arts event of 2025 to fight fans worldwide. With 16 memorable bouts inside the packed Ariake Arena in Tokyo last November 16, the star-studded night was a martial arts fan’s dream event featuring the highest levels of MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. Apart from the five world titles hanging in the balance, there were also plenty of inspiring redemption stories that filled out the rest of the card. The night belonged to Superbon, who unified the ONE featherweight kickboxing world titles with a striking masterclass against hometown bet Masaaki Noiri in the headlining act. Meanwhile, Yuya Wakamatsu also proved he is the best 135-pound fighter in the world by finishing Joshua Pacio in the co-main event. Perhaps the most emotional moment of the magical night featured Takeru Segawa redeeming himself to the Japanese fans with a vintage performance by knocking out Denis Puric. Also captured was Stamp Fairtex’s roller coaster of emotions in her first fight in two years after recovering from a career-threatening injury. Marat Grigorian and Rukiya Anpo’s heated rivalry also reached its conclusion, while Yuki Yoza shot to superstardom by beating the mighty Superlek. Watch the full vlog here: ONE Championship confirms return to Tokyo in 2026 ONE Championship continues to bring grand spectacles to ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’. Fresh off the massive success of ONE 173, the home of martial arts confirmed it will be returning to the Ariake Arena for ONE 175 on April 29, 2026. ONE Championship confirmed on its social media pages: “Mark your calendars 🗓️ ONE Championship returns to Ariake Arena in Tokyo on April 29, 2026 for ONE 175!” While nothing is set in stone yet, this event will be the perfect avenue for Takeru’s retirement fight against Rodtang.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-check-behind-the-scenes-drama-one-championship-s-massive-one-173-event-tokyo-last-weekend

Floating soccer pitch hits SF Bay ahead of National Women’s Soccer championship this weekend

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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Drive along San Francisco’s waterfront in the coming days, and you might see an unexpected sight: a soccer pitch on a barge. It’s there to celebrate the upcoming National Women’s Soccer Championship. “Being able to see the cityscape and being able to share the excitement for NWSL’s championship week here in the Bay Area is what we’re all about,” said Brendan Hannan. The floating field will host a series of events beginning Thursday. All of them are designed to help get fans involved and excited ahead of the big game. Hannan is a spokesperson for the NWSL. He believes this weekend’s events will help increase the league’s visibility and popularity. MORE: NFL, Bay Area Host Committee announce venues for Super Bowl 60 events “Some of the best players in the world play in our league here, and this is the opportunity to see the showcase of that,” Hannan said. Women’s professional sports, and especially soccer, have been exploding in popularity. Matthew Atencio, of the Center for Sport and Social Justice at Cal State East Bay, says the trend has been years in the making. “We’re coming up on just over 50 years since Title IX legislation, gender equity in sports. And I really think we’re seeing the fruits of that legislation now with the explosion of professional women’s sports,” Atencio said. This weekend’s soccer championship is only the first of several big sporting events that will happen in the Bay Area. MORE: Bay FC soccer game makes history with new attendance record of 40, 000 people at SF’s Oracle Park Next year, our region will also host the World Cup as well as the Super Bowl. Those events are expected to bring increased tourism and revenue into our region. But local officials hope they also help shape the Bay Area’s image of being a major sports hub. “I think this is a great sports town and a great sports community. You have sort of all of the great history within the sport here,” Hannan said. The NWSL championship game will take place Saturday at 5 p. m.
https://abc7news.com/post/floating-soccer-pitch-hits-san-francisco-bay-ahead-national-womens-league-championship-weekend/18176995/

Exclusive: AEW Champion ‘Hangman’ Page Thinks 2025 Has Been His Best Year

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As he prepares for his sixth appearance at “Full Gear,” reigning AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page has reflected on his success throughout the year. Page became a two-time AEW World Champion when he defeated Jon Moxley at “AEW All In: Texas” back in July. He also found peace with his past rivalry with Swerve Strickland, who helped him pull off the win over Moxley. Speaking to Newsweek Sports, Page said he might look back on 2025 as the best year of his in-ring career to date. “You know, if it wasn’t, I don’t know which one it would be,” Page said. “Yeah, this probably has been the best year of my career, and I had that feeling before when I won the world championship for the first time. I thought at the time it would end up being remembered by me or anyone else as the best year of my career. It was kind of almost a depressing feeling being 30 or however old I was, like, ‘This is as good as it gets,’ but it’s somehow gotten better this year. So, probably yes, this has probably been the best year of my career.” A big part of the storyline leading up to Page’s victory at “All In: Texas” was the journey to finding himself once again. Page’s intense feud with Strickland drove him to turn heel at one point. “Hangman” said he wasn’t exactly convinced that he’d ever return to being AEW’s top face. “No, not really,” Page said. “Since the day I lost the world championship, I kind of thought genuinely that might be it, that I might never regain it. I really believed that I wouldn’t do it again. So, no, I didn’t anticipate that happening this year. Once I was able to maybe make peace within myself about what happened between Swerve and I and countless other things surrounding it, I kind of noticed things turning around for me professionally.” More News: Injured WWE Raw Talent’s Status Receives Update AEW’s Locker Room Morale Page has been with AEW since the company’s infancy back in 2019. “Hangman” discussed whether or not there is more togetherness with the current locker room than in years past. “More or less,” Page said. “It’s kind of hard to compare things like that. Our locker room is so big. There’s so many people that work in AEW. It is difficult to compare to the first year because at the time the locker room was much smaller. “Your relationships you may have had may have been a little stronger, may have been a little more personal because of you all leaning on each other, but as far as the morale, the feeling of we’re all working towards something together, ultimately, it does echo how AEW felt in its infancy. I’m proud of it, not just in my part, really. I’m more proud of all the other people that come together and continue to make AEW special.” Feud With Samoa Joe Samoa Joe was once an ally of Page in the fight against the Death Riders. Things changed when “Hangman” finally reclaimed the AEW World Heavyweight Championship. Joe challenged Page for the gold in a losing effort at “AEW WrestleDream.” While Joe pretended to embrace “Hangman,” he delivered a clothesline to the titleholder. He then had his stablemates Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata of The Opps attack Page to solidify the heel turn. Page admitted that he wasn’t anticipating Joe to be one of his contenders given “The Samoan Submission Machine” was focused on the trios division. “It’s not really something I saw coming so much,” Page said. “He was trios champion. He had been involved with Death Riders, and they’re still a thing after I beat Jon Moxley for the championship. They were kind of out of sight, out of mind for me in that they continued the battle with the Death Riders. “Whatever they wanted from the Death Riders, they hadn’t gotten it yet, Joe in particular. As far as title contenders, I’m never someone to shake my head or not consider someone like Samoa Joe, but he wasn’t someone at the forefront of my mind. I do think he showed his colors a little in what he did after our last pay-per-view.” Joe’s Recent Retirement Comments Joe has been telling reporters that unless something draws his interest, he will likely retire once his current AEW deal expires, which isn’t exactly on the horizon. “Hangman” revealed whether or not he is surprised that Joe is open about his retirement window. “No, it’s not [surprising],” Page said. “The thing about Joe and so many others like Joe, who have been around for a long time, it’s hard to imagine someone like that not existing in AEW or just in wrestling in general, but I can understand it. As I’ve gotten a little older and had a family myself, I’m starting to now kind of feel the years catching up to me. People maybe watching live, or you watch it on television; you don’t see it, but we have a shelf life. We can only do this for so long. I don’t know in his mind where he’s at in that journey, but I can certainly understand the thought process.” What Does Full Gear Mean to Page? Page has only missed one “Full Gear” event, and that was back in 2022. He’s had many memorable moments at the pay-per-view, including his first AEW world title win over Kenny Omega in 2021. The fan favorite talked about whether or not “Full Gear” holds more meaning to him than some other shows. “For me personally, yeah, maybe a little bit,” Page admitted. “I’ve had a lot of things happen at Full Gear. I won my first world championship at Full Gear against Kenny. I had a Texas [deathmatch] with Swerve at Full Gear, and this year I’ll be defending the championship now in my second reign against Samoa Joe. “So, I’ve had a lot of stuff happen with Full Gear with me. It does hold a special place with me, but also just because of the name of the pay-per-view. I don’t know how much or not the pay-per-view was named after me, but in AEW’s infancy on ‘Being The Elite,’ I had kind of a storyline going on with Pac where I was doing the Full Gear challenge, and they ended up naming the pay-per-view after that essentially.” AEW’s Future As AEW heads into 2026, the company will look to continue to find ways to ensure its business is growing. “Hangman” believes the talent will continue to put on heavily praised performances going into the new year. “Just continuing to build on the momentum that we have,” Page said. “I think AEW is as strong as it’s ever been. I think AEW shows the bar is consistently raised every single week. It has gotten really difficult and challenging to not just meet that bar but to raise it. So, the in-ring action is out of this world. It’s at its pinnacle of professional wrestling, and I can’t imagine what it would be in the coming years.” The women’s division also has Page optimistic about the future of AEW. The top male titleholder in the company is happy to see a new women’s tag team title enter the fray. “I think our women’s division is the best that it’s ever been right now,” Page said. “It’s only going to continue to get better. That’s something that I’m proud of AEW for, and I’m proud of all the people who’ve worked hard to make that happen.” Recently, history was made during a special edition of “AEW Dynamite.” For the first time, women competed in the violent “Blood & Guts” match. Page said it’s the result of the female talent stepping up and delivering for the fans when they’re called upon. “When given those kinds of opportunities, they show out,” Page said. “I am proud of the entire division. They’ve been great this year.” What to Expect at AEW Full Gear Page is set for his next AEW World Championship defense, and it will be a rematch against Joe at “Full Gear 2025” on Nov. 22. “Hangman” believes there could be a key difference this go-around. “I’d hate to think after everything Joe fought for and fought against with the Death Riders, I’d hate to think that he’s going to rely on the same tactics,” Page said. “But I do think that he’s someone who now, admittedly, in the twilight years of his career, is maybe looking at doing whatever it takes regardless of how he feels about those actions to win this world championship one more time. So, that is what I’m looking for.” More News: WWE Championship Changes Hands in Monday Night Raw Shocker Absent WWE Star Resurfaces Backstage During Live Event Former WWE Star’s TNA Wrestling Deal Expiring Soon.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/wrestling/exclusive-aew-champion-hangman-page-thinks-2025-has-been-his-best-year-11057582

Cristiano Ronaldo set for record 6th World Cup as Portugal routs Armenia to qualify

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Cristiano Ronaldo is heading to another World Cup. Portugal sealed its place at next year’s tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a resounding 9-1 rout of Armenia on Sunday.

Ronaldo missed the match in Porto due to suspension, but in his absence, Portugal ensured he would have the chance to appear at a record sixth World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 41 by the time the tournament kicks off next June. Ronaldo recently stated that this would be his last shot at winning the one major title that has so far eluded him.

Assuming he retains his fitness, Ronaldo is expected to be part of coach Roberto Martinez’s squad. However, he may yet face suspension for up to two matches after being sent off in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday.

That surprising defeat meant Portugal had to beat Armenia to secure the top spot in Group F. Hat tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves ensured there would be no slip-up. Hungary had the chance to overtake Portugal at the top of the group but fell to a stunning late comeback from Ireland, losing 3-2 in Budapest.

Troy Parrott was the hero for Ireland, scoring a hat trick that included an equalizer in the 80th minute and the winner in the sixth minute of added time. Ireland’s victory meant they finished in second place and will advance to the playoffs.

### History Makers

Ronaldo and his great rival Lionel Messi will both appear at their sixth World Cup if they participate in next year’s tournament. This achievement would surpass greats like Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, who appeared in five World Cups.

Defending champion Argentina has already secured its place. Messi fulfilled his career-long ambition by leading Argentina to the title in Qatar in 2022.

Ronaldo, who has won the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, is still seeking to add a World Cup to an impressive trophy haul that includes five Champions League titles and league championships in England, Spain, and Italy.

Though nearing the end of his career and having left top-flight European soccer to play in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to embellish his remarkable legacy. He led Portugal to the Nations League title earlier this year and last month became the leading scorer in World Cup qualifying games with 41 goals.

Suspension denied him the chance to add to that tally against Armenia, but there was no shortage of goals from Portugal in his absence. Fernandes’ hat trick included two penalties. Neves struck twice in the first half and completed his treble with a goal in the 81st minute.

### Ireland’s Comeback

It was an unforgettable week for Ireland, capped off with a dramatic fightback in Hungary and a spot in the playoffs. Parrott’s late winner was his fifth goal in two games and sealed second place for the Irish.

He scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Portugal and, with Ireland trailing 2-1 going into the 80th minute at the Puskás Arena, he proved his country’s hero once again. First, he lifted the ball over Hungary goalkeeper Dénes Dibusz to level the match at 2-2. Then, with the clock running down, he converted from close range deep into added time for the winner.

___

James Robson is at ___ AP soccer.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/soccer-general-news/10193551/cristiano-ronaldo-set-for-record-6th-world-cup-as-portugal-routs-armenia-to-qualify.html

Texas’ Path To College Football Playoffs After Loss To Georgia

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**Was Tonight the Final Nail in the Coffin for the University of Texas Longhorns’ 2025 Season?**

Time will tell, but after a 35-10 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night, the Longhorns are no longer in the driver’s seat. Entering Week 12, Texas was ranked 10th in the nation, holding a 7-2 record. Their losses included a tough defeat to the Florida Gators in Gainesville and a hard-fought Week 1 loss to the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

Despite that, the Longhorns still have a case to be made. They finish the season with three SEC games, including matchups against Georgia and Texas A&M, both ranked inside the top five. This context makes the loss to Georgia somewhat more forgivable.

> “Texas is still on the bubble even though it could appear to be in a safer spot this week,” wrote ESPN’s Heather Dinich prior to the loss at Georgia.
> “If Texas finishes as a three-loss team, it’s conceivable it could be ranked in the top 12 but would likely face a similar situation to Alabama last year.”

Finishing with just three losses won’t be easy. The Longhorns must next beat a coach-less Arkansas in Austin, then knock off the undefeated Texas A&M Aggies in the final game of the season.

There is some silver lining, as Dinich notes while labeling Texas her “last team in” the playoff conversation.

> “With the ACC and Group of 5 champions currently outside of the committee’s top 12, it looks like the No. 11 and No. 12-ranked teams would be excluded and that’s probably the ceiling for a three-loss Texas team,” Dinich concludes.

**Texas Officially Eliminated From SEC Contention**

Although their playoff hopes aren’t officially dead, their SEC title hopes are. The Longhorns are still searching for their first conference championship since joining the SEC last year. However, with two losses in conference play, they are now officially eliminated from contention.

As of the end of Week 12, only four teams remain alive in the SEC: undefeated Texas A&M, one-loss Alabama, one-loss Georgia, and one-loss Ole Miss. Texas was Georgia’s last conference opponent, while Alabama must beat their bitter rival Auburn to secure their spot. Ole Miss finds itself on the outside looking in due to a strength of schedule tiebreaker favoring Alabama.

**The Silver Lining for the Longhorns**

The silver lining for Texas is that they lost early in the tough stretch. It would have been a sensational season had Texas ended November with two top-five victories, but that didn’t happen.

If the Longhorns can upset the higher-ranked Texas A&M Aggies, handing them their only loss — and doing it in the final week of the season — it would create a compelling case for the final playoff bid. Had Texas beaten Georgia but lost to A&M, their resume might be slightly weaker.

The Longhorns always had to win one of these two critical games, and if they can right the ship, at least they lost the right one.
https://heavy.com/sports/college-football/texas-longhorns/texas-path-to-playoffs-loss-georgia/

Mead boys cross country finishes third at Nike Cross Regional, awaits possible bid to national meet

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**Mead Boys Cross Country Team Shines with Third Place at Nike Cross Regional**

*November 15* — The storybook season for the Mead boys cross country team added another stupendous chapter Saturday afternoon. Ranked 19th in the nation, Mead took third place at the Nike Cross Regional under overcast skies at the Spokane Polo Grounds.

As if on cue, the sun broke through the clouds and cast a brilliant glare on the finish line, contrasting with the dark skies to the east.

Stumptown, a team consisting of runners from Jesuit High School in Portland, won the event with 88 points. Forest Park claimed second place with 149 points, while Mead finished just one point behind in third.

The top two boys and girls teams at the regional earn berths to the Nike Cross National meet on December 6 in Portland. Additionally, four more boys and girls teams will receive at-large berths.

Mead, fresh off a commanding State 4A championship win last weekend, made a strong statement for an at-large bid at nationals.

Leading Mead was Jovanny Lieb, who finished 23rd with a time of 15 minutes, 11.4 seconds. He was followed by Stejer Frankler in 31st place (15:16.7), Aaron Pooler 55th (15:29.3), Jonah Wiser 76th (15:41.1), and Noah Reischman 77th (15:41.2).

Mead coach Austin Stuchell was ecstatic following the race. “We were the underdogs,” Stuchell said. “Now we’ll let the selection committee make its decision. We outperformed ourselves. I can’t ask for any more. I think they ran better today than they did at state. It’s kind of a fairytale ending.”

Despite the fantastic performance, Mead hopes for one more race at the national meet.

It was a disappointing day for Coeur d’Alene, the defending NXR champion, who finished a distant sixth with 212 points. Wyatt Carr led his team with an eighth-place finish in 14:48.7.

“It was a tough one,” said Coeur d’Alene coach Emry Carr. “I have to look at our splits and process it. I don’t know what exactly happened.”

Carr admitted the team faced difficulties from the very beginning. “I don’t know where it went wrong,” he added. “It’s a tough, tough way to go out.”

Coeur d’Alene typically trains with the NXR as their primary focus rather than the state meet, making Saturday’s results even more frustrating.

“That’s why it doesn’t matter if you’re ranked third in the nation or not,” Carr said. “You’ve got to run the race. And if you don’t perform on that date, that’s the way it goes.”

On the individual front, Cohen Butler of Camas, who captured the 4A state individual title just a week ago, took the boys championship with an impressive time of 14:36.8.

In the girls’ race, Addison Kegel, a freshman from Billings Central Catholic in Montana, claimed the title with a time of 16:51.7. Kegel went undefeated during her high school season, and her time at the regional was a personal best by 17 seconds.

What made Kegel’s victory even more impressive was that she was accidentally knocked to the ground about halfway through the race. She quickly scrambled to her feet and eventually took the lead with 400 meters remaining.

“I am so amazed,” Kegel said. “I wanted to finish in the top 10. The gravity of the race still hasn’t sunk in yet. This course was made for personal bests.”

Next year, the NXR race will move to the Course Spokane Valley.

Among area runners, Annabelle Carr of Coeur d’Alene Charter, who won her second straight state title two weeks ago, was the highest finisher in the girls’ race, placing 29th with a time of 17:52.6.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/mead-boys-cross-country-finishes-030300365.html

Cardinal Gibbons’ Radich three-peats in diving at Class 2A state championship

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Cardinal Gibbons senior Juliet Radich knows only two things when it comes to diving: winning state championships and setting records. Radich successfully defended her state championship for a third consecutive time and completed an undefeated high school diving streak spanning 35 meets.

She scored an impressive 527.40 points to easily clinch the 1-meter diving state title on Friday at the Class 2A state meet held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center (FAST) in Ocala. This marked the second straight year Radich topped 500 points and won by more than 100 points. She bested runner-up Seminole senior Victoria Teixeira, who scored 393.75 points.

A University of North Carolina commit, Radich finished second in the country last year on the 10-meter platform and has captured four Junior National titles overall. “I am pretty happy about it,” Radich said by phone.

Just a week earlier, Radich broke her own school record by scoring 556.25 points to win the regional championship. Her previous best was 544.25 points, set as a freshman at the regional competition.

Radich was unable to compete at the state meet during her freshman year when Hurricane Nicole forced the event to be postponed by a week. At that time, she was committed to an international diving competition in Ireland, where she won the 10-meter platform event.

“I didn’t necessarily feel any pressure this year,” Radich said. “I definitely felt supported by my coaches, and I just wanted to go out there and have fun for my last meet. I was excited, and I had changed my dives after districts, and I felt more confident with my list.”

Last year, Radich scored 517.05 points to win her second straight title by more than 123 points, beating runner-up Madison Bates of Naples, who had 393.50 points. At this year’s state meet, Radich said she carried the confidence she gained from setting the school record in regionals.

“I wasn’t thinking of any records. I just wanted to stay locked in and have fun,” Radich said. “It made me feel so amazing. I am so honored, and definitely proud of myself for never losing a competition in high school, and my performance at state has been pretty consistent.”

—

**Local Teams Perform Well at State Meet**

Dreyfoos School was the top local girls team finisher, taking ninth place with 95 points. Pompano Beach finished 11th with 94 points, American Heritage was 13th with 73.5 points, and Calvary Christian Academy took 15th place with 69 points. Coral Springs Charter finished 19th with 41 points. Mater Lakes Academy won the girls state title with 200.5 points.

American Heritage junior Liliana Novak impressed, finishing second in the 100 free (51.85) and third in the 50 free (23.81). Calvary Christian Academy senior Marley Tyner earned fifth place in the 50 free (24.19).

“I am really happy with it,” Novak said by phone. “The finals were so much fun. This morning (Friday), in prelims, I was so focused on going best times, and I am starting to realize that doesn’t really work for me. It is better for me to be in the moment, and in finals I was just happy to be here, and be with my friends, and the outcome was so much better.”

In her freshman year at state, Novak made the B Finals, and last year she placed fifth in the 50 free.

Pompano Beach sophomore Alina Rodriguez was fifth in the girls’ 200 free (1: 64.13) and seventh in the 100 fly (58.64). Dreyfoos junior Allison Connors placed seventh in the 500 free (5:15.24), while teammate Emma Han was fifth in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.96). Han was the top point-getter for the Jaguars, scoring 19 points.

Coral Springs Charter’s girls placed fifth in the 200 medley relay, Calvary Christian Academy was sixth in the 200 free relay, and Pompano Beach finished seventh in the same event. Additionally, Pompano Beach placed fifth in the 400 free relay, while Coral Springs Charter was sixth.

—

**Moberg First to Win Disability Races at FHSAA State Meet**

This year marked the first time the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) offered events for special needs athletes, and two local swimmers owned the podium in Class 2A.

In the 50-yard freestyle disability race, Coral Springs Charter senior Faith Moberg won with a time of 36.28 seconds, while Cardinal Gibbons freshman Elizabeth Mathews finished as runner-up. Moberg later captured the 100 freestyle disability event with a personal best time of 1:25.07, again finishing ahead of Mathews.

“It’s really cool to end my senior year representing my school, being a state champion, and winning medals,” Moberg said by phone. “It was a great way to end my season and my swimming career.”

“It’s also really cool to be the first disability swimmer,” Moberg added. She has also competed and won at different levels in the Special Olympics in swimming, track, tennis, basketball, equestrian, and volleyball.

Moberg, who has cerebral palsy, hypotonia, and a visual disability, typically competes in longer distances in swimming for the Special Olympics.

“The crowd was going nuts,” said Faith’s mother, Joyce. “It was just a moment to see. After Faith won, she turned to cheer for Elizabeth. It was great for the state to do this. It shed light on people with disabilities.”

“We are still in shock,” Coral Springs Charter swim coach Sheri Wells said. “Faith has done well in Special Olympics, and it was great for her to compete. She is the first disabled swimmer to ever win, and she has that history for the rest of her life.”

—

**Farinas Wins Two Class 1A Championships Despite Upcoming Surgery**

Just one week before her 13th foot surgery, Oxbridge Academy senior Gabi Farinas struck gold twice. Farinas won both the 50 free (29.08) and 100 free (1:02.93) disability races at the Class 1A FHSAA state swimming and diving championships at FAST in Ocala on Saturday night.

“It’s just amazing, and it is my first state meet too,” said Farinas, who has been swimming for the school since eighth grade.

She has severe bilateral club foot and has undergone a dozen surgeries and countless procedures. She is scheduled for another ankle surgery next week in Seattle, which will delay her signing a scholarship with Emory University by eight days.

“It’s been really hard because I have been going to districts and training for the Paralympics too,” Farinas explained. “When I heard this year that I would be able to compete at states, I was ecstatic. I really have no words for it. I really love swimming, and I can take time off after a surgery and come back stronger and better. I don’t fear surgery because I can come back.”

Farinas expressed gratitude toward the FHSAA for allowing swimmers with disabilities to compete in the state competition this year.

“I think, even since I started swimming eight years ago, this does a lot to raise awareness,” she said. “Not even just high school, but colleges too. It makes me happy because these freshmen will get states for four years. I am happy I had it for one year. I didn’t even know they were giving out medals and a podium. That’s amazing.”

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**Other Notable Performances**

University School sophomore Naiyla Di Sarno won the 100 breaststroke (1:02.68), while King’s Academy junior Tessa Broedell placed fifth (1:03.64).

“It was really exciting for me because I really didn’t expect it,” Di Sarno said. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but I knew I had it in me.”

Di Sarno said her 200 IM preliminary race in the morning motivated her to win the breaststroke event. “Even though I placed in the ‘B final’ of the IM, I really wanted to win the breast,” she added. “It was shocking at first because I got what I really wanted. This compares to like when you are a little kid and you get exactly what you wanted for Christmas. It was a lot of joy.”

Benjamin sophomore Feagin Kaminski won the 100 backstroke (55.43), while University School junior Maria Camila Perez took fourth (56.16). Perez also placed eighth in the 200 IM (2:07.17).

St. Andrew’s girls finished third with 153.5 points, Pine Crest was fourth (136.5 points), and Benjamin took fifth place (116 points). King’s Academy placed seventh with 84 points, while University School was eighth with 77 points.

St. Andrew’s sophomore Millie Cochrane was second in the 1A 1-meter diving competition, scoring 388.95 points. St. Andrew’s freshman Cielo Moya Vargas took third in the girls’ 50 free (23.85). Three other local swimmers closely followed with finishes from fourth to sixth: King’s Academy’s Selah Austin (23.86), Pine Crest senior Parker Jacobson-Bertanzetti (24.01), and St. Andrew’s junior Alera Hurwitz (24.08).

Vargas also finished fourth in the 100 fly (58.04), while Benjamin junior Rachel Nussbaum placed eighth (52.83) in the 100 free. Pine Crest senior Sara Miller was sixth in the girls’ 200 IM (2:06.69).

King’s Academy girls were third in the 200 medley relay (1:46.64), followed by St. Andrew’s (fourth, 1:47.36), Benjamin (fifth, 1:48.88), and Pine Crest (seventh, 1:49.36).

In the 200 free relay, Pine Crest finished fourth (1:38.38). In the 400 free relay, Pine Crest girls took third (3:29.86), St. Andrew’s was fourth (3:32.37), Benjamin fifth (3:33.57), and University School eighth (3:36.83).
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/11/09/cardinal-gibbons-radich-three-peats-in-diving-at-class-2a-state-championship/

Big Little Game rout: Pittsburg rolls over Antioch once again

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Pittsburg made its final tune-up for the North Coast Section playoffs on Saturday, finishing the regular season with a 56-3 rout of visiting Antioch in the 107th Big Little Game. Both teams brought impressive records to the matchup, but the margin between the longtime rivals remains quite large.

Pittsburg led 28-3 at halftime and 42-3 after three quarters as it stretched its winning streak in the series to 11 games, the longest such run for the Pirates. Antioch previously won 11 in a row from 1969-79. Pittsburg has claimed 19 victories in the past 20 games between the teams, with its only loss coming in 2015 when Najee Harris played running back for Antioch.

On Saturday, RJ Mosley opened the scoring for Pittsburg by catching a 3-yard touchdown pass from Carlos Torres. Mosley later reeled in a 53-yard scoring pass from JaVale Jones as the Pirates (9-1, 5-0) clinched another Bay Valley Athletic League championship. Torres also threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to King Wade, and Jones connected with Ramire Lewis on a 43-yard scoring pass.

For Antioch, the game marked its return to the field after the Panthers forfeited last week’s matchup against Liberty due to district code of conduct violations. Video had surfaced on social media of what appeared to be a locker-room hazing incident. The loss on Saturday dropped Antioch’s record to 7-3 overall and 3-2 in league play.

Pittsburg will likely be the No. 2 seed in the NCS Open/Division I playoffs when the brackets are unveiled Sunday, while Antioch could be placed in Division III.

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**San Mateo 24, Burlingame 14**

Quarterback Lukas Fitzgerald ran for three touchdowns, and Yianni Fitzgerald kicked a short field goal in the final minute to lift host San Mateo to a victory over Burlingame in the 98th Little Big Game. The score was tied 7-7 at halftime and 14-14 in the fourth quarter.

Fitzgerald’s 6-yard touchdown run with just under three minutes to play provided the winning points as San Mateo finished the regular season 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the Peninsula Athletic League’s De Anza Division.

Danny O’Sullivan caught two touchdown passes for Burlingame, one from Nick Armstrong and the other from Mark O’Grady. Burlingame (6-4, 3-2) lost its third straight game to San Mateo but leads the overall series 60-34-4.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/08/big-little-game-rout-pittsburg-rolls-over-antioch-once-again/