STAY TUNED
Contact Us
CONTACT US
iinfo@ecsportslive.com
BUSINESS INQUIRIES
3838 OAK LAWN AVE
SUITE 1000
DALLAS, TX 75219
MENU
NEWS
Longhorns Stay Perfect with Another Thriller For the second time in less than a week, Texas volleyball found itself pushed to the limit by a top-five opponent. And for the second time, the Longhorns emerged victorious. Playing at the Shriners Children’s Showdown at the Net in Fort Worth, No. 2 Texas rallied to defeat No. 4 Louisville 3–2 (23–25, 25–16, 21–25, 25–22, 16–14). The win improved the Longhorns to 5–0 and gave them their fourth ranked victory in their first five matches of the season. The performance underscored both Texas’ resilience and its ability to rise in critical moments. Despite committing 35 errors and hitting just .153 as a team, the Longhorns found ways to seize momentum in the late stretches of sets. Stafford and Freshmen Shine Torrey Stafford, the Pitt transfer who has quickly become the centerpiece of the Texas attack, once again led the way. She finished with 20 kills, 18 digs, and three aces, marking her fourth double-double of the young season. In the process, she also surpassed 500 career digs, a milestone that highlights her all-around value to the team. Freshman outside hitters Cari Spears and Abby Vander Wal also made their presence felt in the marquee clash. Spears tallied 16 kills while Vander Wal chipped in 14, both career highs. The trio of Stafford, Spears, and Vander Wal combined for half of Texas’ offensive production and delivered in the crucial moments of the fourth and fifth sets. Junior setter Ella Swindle kept the offense organized with 37 assists, surpassing the 1,500 career mark. Libero Emma Halter anchored the defense and surpassed 300 career digs, while middle blocker Nya Bunton produced a career-high nine blocks. Each of them played pivotal roles in stabilizing the team when Louisville threatened to tip the match in its favor. Louisville’s Push Falls Just Short Louisville, now 4–1, nearly handed Texas its first loss of the season. Payton Petersen led the Cardinals with 18 kills, while Cara Cresse delivered a massive performance at the net with 14 blocks, tying a school record. Setter Nayelis Cabello orchestrated the attack with 38 assists and added seven blocks, while Chloe Chicoine contributed 13 kills and 14 digs. The Cardinals held a slight edge in blocking with a 20–15 margin, and their defense frustrated Texas for long stretches. Louisville won the first and third sets largely on the back of their serving pressure and ability to capitalize on Texas errors. However, a string of late miscues and Texas’ knack for producing clutch points prevented them from sealing the upset. How the Match Played Out The opening set went Louisville’s way after the Cardinals surged to a 5–0 lead behind Kamden Schrand’s serving. Texas clawed back to tie the score at 15–15, but eight attack errors in the frame proved too costly, and Louisville closed it out 25–23. Texas answered in the second set with one of its cleanest stretches of play, hitting .500 in the early stages and cruising to a 25–16 win. Stafford and Spears combined for 10 kills, while Bunton anchored the defense at the net. Louisville, in contrast, hit a negative percentage and struggled to stay competitive. The Cardinals regained control in the third, as freshman Hannah Kenny’s serving run, which included back-to-back aces, pushed them ahead. They eventually closed the set 25–21, while Texas hit just .053, its lowest output of the match. Facing elimination, Texas regrouped in the fourth. Spears produced five kills and Vander Wal added four, while Bunton chipped in three blocks to slow Louisville’s rhythm. The Longhorns held off several late pushes to take it 25–22 and force a decisive fifth set. The finale was as dramatic as advertised. Louisville built a 10–6 lead and later held match point at 14–13 following Cresse’s record-tying block. Texas, however, dug deep with a four-point surge fueled by Vander Wal’s decisive kill to secure the 16–14 win. The Numbers Behind the Win Statistically, the teams were nearly identical, with Texas hitting .153 to Louisville’s .144. The Cardinals held the edge in blocks with 20 compared to Texas’ 15, and both teams were nearly even in service aces, with Louisville finishing with six and Texas with five. The glaring difference came in how Texas closed the match, outscoring Louisville 8–2 across the final 10 points of the fifth set. What It Means For Texas, the victory was more than another addition to the win column. It marked the third time under head coach Jerritt Elliott that the program has beaten four ranked opponents in its first five matches of a season, joining campaigns in 2009 and 2022. More importantly, it reinforced the Longhorns’ reputation as a team capable of grinding through adversity while still finding ways to win. Louisville left Fort Worth with its first defeat of the year, but not without positives. The Cardinals’ depth and defensive prowess were on full display, and their ability to push Texas to the brink validated their place among the nation’s top teams. Despite the loss, they showcased the potential for another deep run later in the season. Final Takeaway The clash between No. 2 Texas and No. 4 Louisville delivered on its promise as one of the best early-season matches in college volleyball. Texas’ combination of Stafford’s leadership, the emergence of Spears and Vander Wal, and timely defensive plays propelled them to victory despite bouts of inconsistency. Louisville, meanwhile, demonstrated toughness and skill but faltered in the closing moments. The 23–25, 25–16, 21–25, 25–22, 16–14 result will be remembered as an early-season classic, one that further established Texas as a national title contender while affirming Louisville as a worthy challenger.
Tigers Control from Start to Finish In the first-ever Showdown at the Net , Auburn volleyball delivered a statement performance on its home court at Neville Arena, sweeping Virginia 3–0 with set scores of 25–17, 25–16, and 25–21. The Tigers improved to 5–1 on the season, while the Cavaliers dropped to 4–2 as they struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Auburn squad. From the opening serve, Auburn dictated tempo. Their combination of aggressive serving, precise setting, and relentless blocking put Virginia under pressure throughout the night. By the time the Cavaliers adjusted to one problem, Auburn found another way to exploit gaps. Auburn’s Offensive Depth The Tigers showcased the balance of their attack, with multiple players stepping up at critical moments. Liz Markovska led all scorers with 11 kills, hitting with consistency on the outside. Lauren Dreves added 10 kills, continuing her streak of double-digit performances to open the year. Bel Zimmerman chipped in nine kills while hitting .500, and also contributed five blocks, tying her season best. Setter duo Kalei Edson and Shanelle Puetz kept the offense humming at a blistering pace. Auburn hit .333 as a team, including an efficient .412 in the opening set. Their ability to spread the ball across multiple options made it difficult for Virginia to key in defensively. The Tigers also made serving a weapon. Coming off a 10-ace performance against Jackson State, Auburn delivered four more against the Cavaliers, with Puetz recording two and both Edson and Dreves adding one each. Those service runs often created separation midway through sets when the score was tight. Defense Leads the Way While the offense was balanced, Auburn’s defense may have been even more impressive. The Tigers recorded 10.5 team blocks, marking their third straight match with double-digit totals. Zimmerman’s five blocks set the tone at the net, while Grace Havlicek and Kate Mansfield each added key stops. The collective effort forced Virginia into uncomfortable swings and ultimately limited them to just a .148 hitting percentage. Back-row defense was equally strong, with Alexis Dacosta registering 10 digs to anchor the floor. The ability to funnel Virginia’s attacks into predictable spots allowed Auburn to transition smoothly from defense to offense. Virginia’s Struggles For the Cavaliers, the night was defined by inconsistency and errors. Virginia committed 21 errors overall, compared to Auburn’s 11, repeatedly halting their own momentum. In the opening set, they made seven unforced errors and fell behind early. Although they battled closer in the second and third frames, late runs by Auburn sealed each set. Junior outside hitter Lauryn Bowie was a bright spot for Virginia, finishing with nine kills to lead the team. She provided timely points, including several during extended rallies, but lacked consistent support from the rest of the offense. Jasmine Robinson added three blocks, while Hannah Scott led the defense with eight digs. Still, the Cavaliers showed glimpses of their potential. A long rally late in the second set that ended in a Virginia point seemed like it might spark a turnaround, but Auburn responded with a 12–3 run to close the frame. Their youth and inexperience were evident, as mistakes compounded at critical junctures. How the Match Played Out The opening set was all Auburn after a quick 8–2 start. Virginia cut the deficit to four midway through, but the Tigers closed on a 6–1 run to take it 25–17. The second set was the most competitive early on, featuring nine ties and five lead changes. Virginia even led 13–12 before Auburn unleashed a 9–0 run fueled by blocks and aces to claim a 25–16 win. The third set featured 12 ties and four lead changes, with the Cavaliers fighting to extend the match. At 19–18, Auburn tightened its play, finding kills from Mansfield, Zimmerman, and Markovska. The Tigers secured the sweep with a 25–21 finish. What It Means Going Forward For Auburn, the sweep was more than just another win — it was validation that the team is building momentum and cohesion. The Tigers have now hit above .300 in four matches this season and are proving they can blend offensive variety with defensive strength. Head coach Brent Crouch praised his team’s decision-making and execution, noting the improvement in chemistry as the season progresses. Virginia, on the other hand, faces questions as ACC play looms. After starting 3–0, the Cavaliers have now dropped two straight matches. With a roster heavy on young players, their challenge will be limiting errors and finding consistent offensive flow. Upcoming matches against Michigan will provide opportunities to regroup before facing top ACC competition. Final Takeaway Auburn’s 3–0 sweep of Virginia in the inaugural Showdown at the Net was defined by balance, efficiency, and defensive dominance. With Markovska, Dreves, and Zimmerman all producing offensively, and the blocking corps shutting down the Cavaliers, the Tigers never allowed Virginia to fully settle into the match. For the Cavaliers, Bowie’s play provided hope, but unforced errors and lapses at key points told the larger story. Auburn capitalized each time and left Neville Arena with a convincing victory that sets the tone for the rest of their non-conference schedule.
Mustangs Make a Statement at Moody Coliseum The atmosphere inside Moody Coliseum was electric as No. 10 SMU hosted No. 8 Texas A&M in one of the earliest top-10 clashes of the season. The Mustangs seized the moment, defeating the Aggies in straight sets 25-20, 25-14, 25-19 to improve to 6-0 on the year. With the victory, SMU notched its second ranked win of the season and handed A&M its first loss. For SMU, the match symbolized a continuation of momentum. After sweeping through their home tournament and earning national attention with multiple conference awards, the Mustangs proved they could control play against a seasoned SEC opponent. Dominant Start and Strong Finish SMU opened the first set with confidence, racing out to a four-point lead. A&M responded quickly to tie the frame and even held a 15-14 lead at the media timeout. From there, the Mustangs reclaimed the initiative, using a 4-0 run to retake control. With steady attacking from Jadyn Livings and a disciplined block, SMU closed out the set 25-20. The second set was all Mustangs. After trading points early to reach a 7-7 tie, SMU surged ahead with a three-point cushion at 15-12. Their block and transition game overwhelmed the Aggies, who committed errors and struggled to find rhythm. SMU finished on an 11-2 run to close the frame 25-14, taking a commanding 2-0 lead. A&M showed fight in the third set, tying the score multiple times and pulling even at 14-14 after a 4-0 run. But each surge was met by SMU’s composure. The Mustangs regrouped out of a timeout and strung together points in the middle rotations, closing the match 25-19. SMU’s Standout Performances The Mustangs’ balanced attack was led by opposite hitter Jadyn Livings, who posted 14 kills to lead all scorers. Her efficiency and timing kept A&M on its heels. Middle blocker Favor Anyanwu continued her dominant start to the season with multiple kills and blocks that swung momentum in SMU’s favor. Setter Averi Carlson was once again the catalyst, recording more than 30 assists while also contributing defensively at the net with blocks and key digs. Her ability to vary tempo opened lanes for hitters and kept the Aggies’ block guessing throughout the night. SMU also dominated in the blocking category, outpacing A&M 11-7 at the net. Their defensive presence forced the Aggies into a season-low hitting percentage of just .070, with only 29 kills across the three sets. Aggies Struggle to Find Rhythm Texas A&M entered the match undefeated and boasting a balanced offense led by All-Americans Logan Lednicky and Ifenna Cos-Okpalla. But the Aggies never established consistent rhythm against SMU’s disciplined defense. A&M committed 13 service errors and finished with 22 attack errors, repeatedly giving away momentum. Outside hitter Kyndal Stowers led the team with seven kills, but hit -.036 for the match. Lednicky was held to just six kills, while Cos-Okpalla managed only five with two blocks. Setter Maddie Waak was limited to 21 assists, her lowest output of the season. Despite showing flashes of resilience, particularly in the third set, A&M struggled to translate energy into sustained scoring. The loss dropped the Aggies to 5-1 as they quickly turned their attention to a road match against TCU. Numbers That Told the Story SMU hit .270 while Texas A&M managed only .070. The Mustangs out-blocked the Aggies 11 to 7, and service errors played a major role with SMU committing just five compared to A&M’s 13. SMU also finished with 38 kills while Texas A&M managed 29. The stat sheet highlighted SMU’s efficiency on both ends. The Mustangs committed just 11 attack errors compared to A&M’s 22, and their superior blocking consistently shifted rallies in their favor. What It Means Moving Forward For SMU, the sweep over a top-10 SEC program reinforced their credentials as a contender in the ACC and beyond. Head coach Sam Erger, in his fourth season, has already elevated the program to unprecedented heights, and this win further validates the team’s top-10 preseason ranking. With balanced scoring, defensive depth, and a setter running the offense at a high level, SMU looks poised to sustain its rise. For Texas A&M, the loss was a reminder of the challenges that come with early-season top-10 matchups. Despite their talent and preseason expectations, the Aggies were undone by errors and inconsistent play. They remain a formidable team, but will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping in the polls. Final Takeaway SMU’s 3-0 sweep of Texas A&M was more than just another early-season victory. It was a statement of intent. The Mustangs showed composure, efficiency, and dominance at the net, while the Aggies struggled to match their pace and discipline. In a battle of top-10 teams, SMU emerged with confidence intact, momentum sustained, and a growing reputation as one of the most dangerous programs in the country.
A Rivalry Renewed College football fans were treated to one of the sport’s great rivalries on Saturday as Missouri and Kansas met for the first time since 2011. The Border War returned in dramatic fashion at a sold-out Faurot Field, where Missouri overcame multiple deficits to defeat Kansas 42–31. It was the Tigers’ second win of the season and extended their home winning streak to 12, the program’s longest in more than 80 years. The series, which dates back to 1891 and is rooted in the states’ Civil War history, had been dormant since Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC. The long-anticipated renewal delivered the intensity fans expected, with wild swings, clutch plays, and a late Missouri surge that sealed the game. Early Jayhawks Advantage Kansas struck quickly, taking control in the first quarter with three touchdowns in rapid succession. Quarterback Jalon Daniels connected with DeShawn Hanika on a 15-yard pass, then the Jayhawks defense capitalized on a fumble return to extend the lead. A long 50-yard completion to Levi Wentz set up Daniels’ sneak from the goal line, pushing Kansas ahead 21–6. The Jayhawks looked poised to run away with it, combining defensive pressure with explosive plays on offense. Kansas became the first FBS team in a decade to be outgained by 200 yards in a half yet still not trail at halftime, illustrating how opportunistic they were despite Missouri’s statistical dominance. Tigers’ Second-Quarter Surge Missouri responded in the second quarter with a display of resilience. Quarterback Beau Pribula orchestrated a 15-play, 75-yard drive capped with a touchdown pass to Kevin Coleman Jr. The defense followed with a sack and forced fumble that resulted in a safety, then another long drive ended in a field goal. By halftime, Missouri had erased the deficit and tied the game at 21–21. The Tigers dominated the quarter, running 28 plays to Kansas’ four and outgaining the Jayhawks 186 to minus-18. Their ability to control possession and capitalize on mistakes swung momentum back to the home team, igniting the Faurot Field crowd. Back-and-Forth in the Second Half Kansas regained the lead in the third quarter with a field goal from Laith Marjan and then pulled ahead 31–28 early in the fourth after Daniels once again found Hanika for a touchdown. Each time, Missouri had an answer. Pribula kept drives alive with clutch throws and timely scrambles, eventually hitting Brett Norfleet for two critical second-half touchdowns. Norfleet finished with career highs of seven catches for 76 yards, including the 27-yard go-ahead score with just over four minutes remaining. It was a defining moment in a breakout performance, and it pushed Missouri into the lead for good. Closing the Door With Kansas still within striking distance, Missouri’s defense forced a quick three-and-out. Running back Jamal Roberts then sealed the game with a 63-yard touchdown run, his best performance as a Tiger. Roberts finished with 143 yards on just 13 carries, adding another dimension to Missouri’s balanced attack. Pribula capped the night completing 30 of 39 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Coleman contributed 10 receptions for 126 yards, giving Missouri a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher, and a 100-yard receiver in the same game for the first time since 2023. Ahmad Hardy also rushed for over 100 yards, marking the first time in nearly a decade the Tigers had two 100-yard rushers in one contest. By the Numbers Missouri outgained Kansas 595 to 254, including a decisive 261–3 advantage on the ground. The Tigers also dominated possession, holding the ball for over 40 minutes compared to Kansas’ 19. Missouri converted 14 of 24 third- and fourth-down attempts, while Kansas managed just five of 12. Despite trailing at multiple points, Missouri’s consistency in sustaining drives proved the difference. The Tigers have now won the last four matchups in the series and six of the last seven overall, extending their all-time lead to 58–54–9. What It Means For Missouri, the win was about more than just extending their unbeaten start. It was a statement of resilience, a reminder of their ability to respond under pressure, and another step in establishing Faurot Field as one of the toughest venues in college football. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s squad showed balance on offense and toughness on defense, traits that will be crucial as SEC play looms. Kansas left Columbia disappointed but not without positives. Daniels threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, Hanika caught both scores, and the defense created opportunities that kept the Jayhawks in front for much of the game. However, an inability to stop Missouri on fourth down and the defense’s late collapse were decisive factors. The Jayhawks still have Big 12 opportunities ahead, beginning with their conference opener against West Virginia. Final Takeaway The return of the Border War lived up to its billing, with momentum swings, late heroics, and a charged atmosphere reminiscent of the rivalry’s past. Missouri’s 42–31 win was defined by poise, balance, and timely execution. Kansas showed fight and flashes of brilliance, but the Tigers’ persistence and finishing power ultimately carried the day. For fans on both sides, the rivalry’s renewal was long overdue. If Saturday’s clash was any indication, the Border War will once again be a fixture worth circling on the calendar every season.