Towson Sweeps Hampton 3-0 Behind Anna Rice and Malinah Purcell-Telefoni's 12 Kills Each

PROVO, Utah — No. 11 BYU extended its winning streak to 13 matches Thursday night, October 22, defeating No. 25 Colorado 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-18) in a competitive Big 12 women's volleyball showdown at Smith Fieldhouse. Freshman Brooke Hardy matched her career high with 11 kills while hitting an outstanding .786 without committing an attack error. She also contributed five blocks and a service ace, helping the Cougars overcome an opening-set loss. Elli Mortensen led BYU with 13 kills and 10 digs, while Claire Little Chambers added 12 kills on .500 hitting. The victory improved BYU to 16-1 overall and 8-0 in Big 12 play, preserving its undefeated conference record. Colorado dropped to 13-5 and 4-4 in the Big 12. Brooke Hardy Delivers Career-Best Performance Hardy emerged as one of BYU's most effective offensive weapons against Colorado. The freshman middle blocker recorded 11 kills on 14 attempts without an error, demonstrating exceptional efficiency against a nationally ranked opponent. Her five blocks also strengthened BYU's defensive presence throughout the match. Kelli Jo Burgess provided another outstanding performance at the net, finishing with nine blocks and seven kills. Together, Hardy and Burgess combined for 18 kills and 14 block assists, creating problems for Colorado's attackers. Mortensen recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 13 kills and 10 digs. Little Chambers contributed 12 kills, four blocks and two service aces, giving the Cougars another reliable offensive option. BYU's balanced production ultimately proved decisive as Colorado struggled to maintain its early momentum. Colorado Takes Opening Set 25-23 Colorado entered the matchup aggressively, establishing an early advantage behind strong attacking from Ines Losada and Ana Burilovic. The Buffaloes moved ahead 11-7 before BYU gradually reduced the deficit. Colorado later extended its lead to 20-15 following an ace from Losada, appearing positioned to close the opening frame comfortably. However, BYU responded with improved blocking and offensive execution. A kill from Kaylie Kofe helped spark a scoring run that reduced Colorado's advantage to 21-20. The Cougars eventually tied the set at 22 following a triple block involving Mortensen, Burgess and Mia Callahan. Colorado regained control during the final exchanges. Losada delivered the decisive kill, securing a 25-23 opening-set victory for the Buffaloes. The result marked BYU's first opening-set loss since its September 3 matchup against No. 2 Pittsburgh. BYU Responds With 25-22 Second-Set Victory Colorado continued applying pressure early in the second set, building a 10-6 advantage behind effective blocking. BYU responded with an 8-2 scoring run to take a 14-12 lead. Little Chambers played an important role during the comeback, contributing three kills as the Cougars regained momentum. Hardy, Burgess and Kate Prior also helped BYU establish offensive consistency. The Cougars extended their advantage to 23-19 after a service ace from Little Chambers. Colorado refused to surrender, scoring consecutive points to reduce the deficit and force a BYU timeout. However, the Cougars executed during the closing exchanges. A block involving Burgess and Callahan helped BYU regain control before Hardy delivered the final kill. The 25-22 victory tied the match at one set apiece. BYU Closes Third Set With Dominant 8-0 Run The third set became the turning point of the match. BYU established an early 15-9 advantage behind aggressive serving and effective blocking. Colorado responded with a 7-2 scoring run, narrowing the Cougars' lead to 17-16. With the momentum threatening to shift, BYU delivered its strongest stretch of the evening. The Cougars scored eight consecutive points to close the set, combining powerful attacking with exceptional blocking. Hardy contributed two kills during the decisive run, while Anna Blamires added another. Burgess, Mortensen and Hardy also participated in important blocks that prevented Colorado from establishing offensive rhythm. BYU completed the frame with a commanding 25-16 victory, taking a 2-1 match lead. The late scoring run demonstrated the Cougars' ability to respond under pressure against ranked competition. Anna Blamires Seals Fourth-Set Victory Colorado opened the fourth set with renewed energy, building a 7-3 advantage. The Buffaloes maintained their lead through the early exchanges, but BYU gradually fought back. Mortensen delivered three consecutive kills during a critical stretch, helping the Cougars move ahead 15-14. BYU continued building momentum as Colorado committed costly attacking errors. The Cougars extended their advantage to 18-15 before another scoring run pushed the margin to 22-17. Little Chambers added a late kill, setting the stage for Blamires to finish the match. The sophomore recorded consecutive kills on the final two points, securing BYU's 25-18 fourth-set victory. Blamires finished with four kills, the first of her collegiate career, along with two blocks and two digs. Her contributions highlighted BYU's depth during an important conference matchup. Kelli Jo Burgess Leads BYU's Defensive Effort Burgess entered Thursday's contest leading the nation in blocks and continued demonstrating her defensive impact. Her nine blocks finished just one shy of her career high. The Cougars' blocking presence became increasingly important after Colorado's strong opening set. BYU consistently challenged the Buffaloes at the net, forcing difficult attacking decisions and creating opportunities for transition offense. The Cougars also used targeted serving to disrupt Colorado's passing rhythm. Those adjustments helped BYU control the final two sets after surviving a competitive opening half of the match. Ines Losada and Ana Burilovic Lead Colorado Colorado received strong performances from Losada and Burilovic despite the defeat. Losada led the Buffaloes with 14 kills and four blocks. Burilovic contributed 13 kills, 12 digs and two blocks, recording her fourth double-double of the season. Setter Jenna Ylivainio distributed 38 assists, while Cayla Payne added nine kills and five blocks. Libero Tinons Munar Galmes also reached a significant milestone, recording her 1,000th career dig during the second set. However, Colorado struggled with consistency after winning the opening frame. The Buffaloes' passing difficulties and attacking errors allowed BYU to take control during the final two sets. BYU Extends Winning Streak to 13 Matches Thursday's victory strengthened BYU's position among the leading teams in the Big 12. The Cougars have now won 13 consecutive matches while maintaining an undefeated 8-0 conference record. Their ability to overcome an opening-set defeat against a nationally ranked opponent demonstrated the team's resilience. For Colorado, the loss represented a missed opportunity to earn a significant road victory despite strong individual performances. What's Next for BYU and Colorado? BYU continues its homestand Saturday, October 24, when it hosts No. 8 Arizona State at Smith Fieldhouse. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. MDT, with coverage on ESPN+. Colorado travels to Salt Lake City to face Utah on Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m., also on ESPN+. For BYU, Hardy's exceptional attacking efficiency, Burgess' defensive dominance and Blamires' late contributions combined to deliver another important conference victory. The Cougars remain undefeated in Big 12 competition after an impressive four-set comeback against Colorado.

LINCOLN, Neb. — No. 1 Nebraska continued its undefeated run through the 2026 women's college volleyball season Thursday night, October 22, sweeping UCLA 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-16) at John Cook Arena inside the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Andi Jackson led the Cornhuskers with 11 kills on an outstanding .625 hitting percentage, adding six blocks as Nebraska delivered another commanding Big Ten Conference victory. The Huskers improved to 20-0 overall and 9-0 in Big Ten play, while UCLA dropped to 15-5 and 6-3 in conference competition. Nebraska hit .380 as a team while limiting the Bruins to a season-low .036 hitting percentage. The victory extended the Huskers' regular-season winning streak to 51 matches and their regular-season home winning streak to 62. Andi Jackson Leads Nebraska's Dominant Performance Jackson delivered another efficient performance, recording 11 kills and committing just one attack error. Her .625 hitting percentage marked the sixth time this season she had hit .600 or better. The standout middle blocker also contributed six blocks and three digs, helping Nebraska establish control at the net. Jackson's performance marked her 36th career match with at least 10 kills. Virginia Adriano provided additional offensive production with 10 kills on .333 hitting, recording her second consecutive match with double-digit kills. Harper Murray finished with nine kills, five digs and three blocks, while Teraya Sigler contributed eight kills on .471 hitting. Nebraska's balanced attack made it difficult for UCLA to focus its defense on one player. Nebraska Overcomes Early UCLA Lead in First Set UCLA opened the match aggressively, challenging Nebraska during the opening exchanges. The Bruins responded to an early 4-1 deficit with a three-point run before eventually taking a 9-6 advantage. Nebraska remained composed despite falling behind. With Sigler serving, the Huskers capitalized on three consecutive UCLA attack errors during a four-point scoring run that gave Nebraska an 11-10 lead. After UCLA tied the score at 11, Nebraska produced another three consecutive points. A block involving Murray and Jackson helped the Huskers establish an advantage they never surrendered. Nebraska extended its lead to 20-16 before closing the opening set 25-19. Adriano and Murray led the Huskers with five kills apiece, while Sigler added four. The Huskers finished the frame with 17 kills and a .333 hitting percentage, establishing offensive momentum for the remainder of the match. Huskers Dominate Second Set 25-11 Nebraska carried its momentum into the second set, producing its most decisive performance of the evening. After UCLA briefly led 2-1, the Huskers scored four consecutive points with Olivia Mauch serving. Laney Choboy later directed a six-point scoring run from the service line, extending Nebraska's advantage to 11-3. Jackson dominated the net during the stretch, contributing three kills and a block. She finished the second set with five kills without an attack error and participated in all four of Nebraska's blocks. The Huskers continued extending their advantage as UCLA struggled to generate consistent offensive production. Nebraska hit .357 in the frame while holding UCLA to a negative .050 hitting percentage. Murray ended the set with a service ace, securing a commanding 25-11 victory. The result gave Nebraska a 2-0 advantage and placed the Huskers one set away from another conference sweep. Nebraska Completes Sweep With 25-16 Third Set Victory The Huskers maintained their defensive intensity in the third set. Nebraska opened with three consecutive points before extending its advantage to 10-3 behind strong blocking from Bergen Reilly and Manaia Ogbechie. Adriano contributed consecutive kills during another scoring stretch, helping Nebraska build a 14-6 lead. UCLA struggled to reduce the deficit as the Huskers maintained control of the tempo. Nebraska eventually extended its advantage to 18-10. Reserve middle blocker Kenna Cogill contributed two late kills, helping the Huskers reach match point at 24-15. Jackson then delivered her 11th kill of the evening to complete the 25-16 victory and secure the straight-set sweep. Nebraska hit .436 during the final set, finishing with 20 kills while limiting UCLA to eight. Bergen Reilly and Nebraska Defense Shut Down UCLA Nebraska's defensive performance proved just as important as its offensive efficiency. The Huskers outblocked UCLA 9-4, consistently disrupting the Bruins' attacking rhythm. Setter Bergen Reilly finished with 39 assists, 10 digs, four blocks and three kills. Her performance represented her 48th career double-double. Choboy led all players with 13 digs, while Mauch contributed 10. Nebraska also received four kills and three blocks from Ogbechie. The Huskers' defensive positioning and blocking limited UCLA to a .036 hitting percentage, its lowest mark of the season. Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly credited her team's preparation and communication for the defensive success. Although Nebraska committed nine service errors and recorded only one ace, its aggressive serving repeatedly disrupted UCLA's offensive organization. Maggie Li Leads UCLA Despite Straight-Set Defeat UCLA struggled to establish offensive consistency against Nebraska's defense. Maggie Li led the Bruins with seven kills and six digs. Marianna Singletary added five kills and contributed at the net, while setter Kate Duffey recorded 22 assists and seven digs. The Bruins briefly challenged Nebraska during the opening set but struggled after surrendering their early advantage. UCLA finished with a negative hitting percentage in the second set and never led during the third. Despite entering the match with a 15-4 record, the Bruins could not match Nebraska's offensive efficiency or defensive execution. Nebraska Extends Historic Winning Streaks Thursday's victory marked another milestone in Nebraska's undefeated season. The Huskers reached 20-0 for the 10th time in program history. Nebraska also extended its regular-season winning streak to 51 consecutive matches, the second-longest such streak in the program's NCAA-era history. At home, the Huskers have now won 62 consecutive regular-season matches, including 60 straight at John Cook Arena. The victory reinforced Nebraska's position atop the national rankings and strengthened its pursuit of another Big Ten championship. What's Next for Nebraska and UCLA? Nebraska remains home to face USC on Saturday, October 24, in its annual Pink Match supporting breast cancer awareness. First serve is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, with coverage on Big Ten Network. UCLA continues its road trip against Iowa on October 24 at 4 p.m. PT, also on Big Ten Network. For Nebraska, Jackson's outstanding efficiency, Reilly's leadership and a relentless defensive effort combined to deliver another convincing victory. The Huskers remain undefeated through 20 matches, continuing one of the most impressive starts in program history.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 9 Tennessee delivered one of its most memorable victories in recent program history Wednesday night, October 21, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat No. 4 Kentucky 3-2 (17-25, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-10) at Food City Center. The Lady Vols completed a dramatic reverse sweep, earning their first victory over a top-five opponent since defeating No. 4 Florida in 2005. Chelsea Sutton led Tennessee with a season-high 14 kills, while Kennedi Rogers and Jalyn Stout added 13 apiece. The victory extended Tennessee's winning streak to six matches and improved its record to 15-3 overall and 6-2 in Southeastern Conference play. Kentucky fell to 15-4 and 7-2 in the SEC, losing its position atop the conference standings despite a match-high 25 kills from Brooklyn DeLeye. Kentucky Dominates Opening Two Sets Kentucky appeared headed toward a convincing victory after controlling the opening two sets. The Wildcats established an early 8-2 advantage in the first set behind DeLeye's aggressive attacking. Kentucky continued building its lead, reaching 15-8 before extending the margin to eight points late in the frame. DeLeye recorded eight kills in the opening set, helping Kentucky secure a 25-17 victory. The Wildcats hit .375 while limiting Tennessee to a .135 hitting percentage. Kentucky maintained its offensive efficiency in the second set. After a competitive opening stretch, Morgan Gaerte helped spark a three-point run that gave the Wildcats an 8-4 advantage. Kentucky extended its lead to 19-13 and eventually closed the set 25-18. The Wildcats recorded 16 kills without an attack error in the second frame, hitting an outstanding .552. Through two sets, Kentucky was hitting .449 as a team, leaving Tennessee facing elimination. Kennedi Rogers Sparks Tennessee's Third-Set Comeback Tennessee began reversing the momentum in the third set. The Lady Vols established an early advantage before Kentucky fought back to take a 15-14 lead. Rather than allowing the Wildcats to finish the sweep, Tennessee responded with its strongest scoring stretch of the match. The Lady Vols won six consecutive points, building a 20-15 advantage and forcing Kentucky into a timeout. Rogers provided important offensive production with five kills during the set. Sutton also strengthened Tennessee's defense at the net, contributing two blocks. The Lady Vols closed the frame 25-19, keeping their comeback hopes alive. Kentucky's attacking efficiency declined significantly as Tennessee increased its defensive pressure. The third-set victory marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround. Chelsea Sutton Leads Fourth-Set Victory Tennessee carried its momentum into the fourth set, establishing an early lead through improved offensive execution. A 6-1 scoring run helped the Lady Vols build an advantage they maintained throughout the frame. Tennessee eventually led 11-4 before Kentucky began mounting a comeback. The Wildcats reduced the deficit to 19-18, threatening to end Tennessee's rally. However, the Lady Vols maintained their composure during the decisive exchanges. Sutton led Tennessee with four kills in the set, while Rogers, Stout and freshman Camille Perry contributed three each. Tennessee finished the fourth set with a .278 hitting percentage while limiting Kentucky to .111. The Lady Vols secured a 25-21 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set after trailing 2-0. The comeback represented a significant shift from Kentucky's dominant opening performance. Tennessee Completes Historic Reverse Sweep in Fifth Set With the match tied at two sets apiece, Tennessee entered the final frame with momentum. The teams exchanged points early, but the Lady Vols gradually established control. Tennessee never trailed in the fifth set, consistently responding whenever Kentucky attempted to close the gap. Sutton delivered consecutive kills to give Tennessee a 13-9 advantage. Stout also played an important role, contributing four kills during the deciding set. The Lady Vols reached match point at 14-10 before a Kentucky attack error completed the comeback. Tennessee claimed the final set 15-10, securing its first victory over Kentucky since 2023. The result also marked Kentucky's first reverse-sweep defeat of the season and only its second since 2017. Chelsea Sutton and Caroline Kerr Lead Balanced Tennessee Performance Tennessee's victory required contributions throughout its lineup. Sutton finished with 14 kills without an attack error, delivering an outstanding offensive performance against Kentucky's defense. Rogers recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 13 kills and a career-high 13 digs. Setter Caroline Kerr contributed 46 assists and 10 digs, earning her 30th career double-double. The performance moved Kerr into a tie for seventh in Tennessee program history alongside Natalie Hayward. Stout also recorded a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs, continuing her impressive collegiate career. Dostic added eight kills and 12 digs, while Perry provided valuable production off the bench with a season-high six kills and two blocks. Tennessee finished with 63 kills and a .235 hitting percentage. The Lady Vols' defensive improvement proved decisive, holding Kentucky to a .136 hitting percentage across the final three sets. Brooklyn DeLeye Leads Kentucky Despite Defeat Kentucky received another impressive performance from DeLeye, who finished with 25 kills on 53 attempts while hitting .321. Thigpen added 12 kills, while Gaerte contributed 11. The Wildcats matched Tennessee with 63 total kills and finished with a higher overall hitting percentage of .274. However, Kentucky struggled to maintain the offensive efficiency that defined its opening two sets. After hitting above .450 through the first two frames, the Wildcats encountered increased defensive pressure and costly attack errors. Kentucky also struggled to establish consistent blocking during the fourth and fifth sets, allowing Tennessee to sustain its comeback. The defeat ended Kentucky's opportunity to preserve its position at the top of the SEC standings. Tennessee Earns First Top-Five Victory Since 2005 Wednesday's result represented a major achievement for Tennessee volleyball. The Lady Vols had not defeated a top-five opponent since October 30, 2005, when they beat No. 4 Florida in five sets. More than two decades later, Tennessee delivered another five-set victory against an elite SEC opponent. The win also extended the Lady Vols' winning streak to six matches, strengthening their position in conference competition. Tennessee's ability to overcome Kentucky's early offensive dominance demonstrated the team's resilience and improved defensive execution. What's Next for Tennessee and Kentucky? Tennessee continues its homestand Sunday, October 25, when it hosts No. 22 Vanderbilt at Food City Center. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with television coverage on SEC Network. Kentucky returns home to face No. 19 Texas A&M on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with coverage on ABC. For Tennessee, the victory over Kentucky will stand as one of the defining moments of its 2026 season. The Lady Vols' determination, balanced offensive production and defensive turnaround combined to deliver a historic reverse sweep against one of the nation's highest-ranked teams.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — New Mexico State earned its first road victory of the 2026 college football season Wednesday night, defeating Sam Houston 30-24 behind a dominant rushing performance from James Jones and a defense that limited the Bearkats to just 11 rushing yards. Jones rushed for 178 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries, delivering a crucial fourth-down conversion in the final minute to secure the Conference USA victory. Quarterback Adam Damante added 160 passing yards and two touchdowns as the Aggies improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Sam Houston dropped to 1-6 and 0-3 in Conference USA despite a 235-yard passing performance from quarterback Landyn Locke. The Aggies overcame an early deficit, scored 16 unanswered third-quarter points and survived a late comeback attempt to claim a much-needed road victory. James Jones Powers New Mexico State's Rushing Attack Jones delivered his strongest rushing performance of the season, averaging 6.6 yards per carry against the Bearkats. His 178 rushing yards represented the highest single-game total by a New Mexico State running back since Jason Huntley rushed for 191 yards against UTEP in November 2019. The performance also pushed Jones beyond 2,000 career rushing yards across his collegiate career. His contributions became especially important during New Mexico State's final possession. With the Aggies protecting a six-point lead, Jones broke free for a 30-yard gain before converting a fourth-and-two near Sam Houston's 33-yard line. The conversion allowed New Mexico State to exhaust the remaining clock without giving the Bearkats another offensive opportunity. The Aggies finished with 203 rushing yards and improved to 3-0 this season when reaching the 200-yard rushing mark. Sam Houston Takes Early Lead on Blocked Punt New Mexico State experienced a difficult opening when its first possession ended with a blocked punt. Sam Houston's Terrence Guillory II broke through to block the kick, and Sam Adams recovered the football in the end zone. The special teams touchdown gave the Bearkats a 7-0 advantage. However, New Mexico State's defense quickly helped reverse the momentum. Defensive back Josiah Charles intercepted Locke and returned the football deep into Sam Houston territory. Jones scored on a one-yard touchdown run on the following play, tying the game 7-7 with 10:07 remaining in the second quarter. Sam Houston regained the lead when Samuel Carpenter converted a 38-yard field goal. The Aggies responded with an explosive possession just before halftime. Damante connected with AJ Williams III for a 27-yard touchdown pass with 24 seconds remaining. The two-play, 43-yard drive gave New Mexico State a 14-10 halftime lead. Tim Burns Jr. Gives Sam Houston Third-Quarter Advantage Sam Houston opened the second half with its most explosive offensive play of the night. On the first play of the third quarter, Locke connected with Tim Burns Jr. over the middle for an 81-yard touchdown. The score gave the Bearkats a 17-14 lead just 20 seconds into the period. New Mexico State responded immediately behind Jones. The running back broke free for a 31-yard gain during a 60-yard scoring drive, surpassing 100 rushing yards for the evening. Damante completed the possession with a five-yard touchdown pass to Williams. The reception was Williams' second touchdown of the game and restored New Mexico State's lead at 21-17. The Aggies continued building momentum through their running game and improved defensive execution. New Mexico State Scores 16 Unanswered Points After reclaiming the lead, New Mexico State extended its advantage with another productive possession. Kicker Kyah Francone converted a 25-yard field goal, pushing the Aggies ahead 24-17. The defense then created another important opportunity. Defensive tackle Kaian Roberts-Day recovered a Sam Houston fumble, giving New Mexico State possession in Bearkats territory. The Aggies used a double-pass play to help move the football into scoring position. Damante connected with Williams for a 20-yard completion, setting up first-and-goal. Running back TJ Washington Jr. finished the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. Although the extra-point attempt failed, New Mexico State extended its lead to 30-17 with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Aggies had scored 16 consecutive points after falling behind early in the second half. New Mexico State Defense Limits Sam Houston to 11 Rushing Yards While Jones and Damante provided offensive production, New Mexico State's defense played an equally important role. The Aggies held Sam Houston to just 11 rushing yards on 20 attempts. That performance represented the program's best single-game rushing defense since holding Alcorn State to minus-13 yards in October 2008. New Mexico State also recorded two sacks and forced two turnovers. The Aggies have now generated at least one defensive takeaway in 22 of their previous 23 games. Sam Houston struggled to establish offensive balance, relying heavily on Locke's passing attack. Locke finished with 235 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Despite several explosive plays through the air, the Bearkats could not consistently sustain drives against New Mexico State's defensive front. The Aggies finished with 363 total offensive yards compared with Sam Houston's 246. James Jones Seals Victory After Sam Houston's Late Touchdown Sam Houston remained competitive despite trailing by 13 points entering the fourth quarter. The Bearkats capitalized on a Damante interception midway through the period, using the favorable field position to create another scoring opportunity. MJ Dowdy eventually scored on a one-yard touchdown run with approximately four minutes remaining. The touchdown reduced New Mexico State's lead to 30-24, giving Sam Houston an opportunity to complete a late comeback. However, the Aggies responded with disciplined offensive execution. Rather than attempting to protect the lead through conservative passing, New Mexico State relied on its rushing attack. The Aggies ran the football on six consecutive plays, with Jones providing the decisive gains. His 30-yard run moved New Mexico State into favorable field position. Facing fourth-and-two with approximately 30 seconds remaining, Jones gained enough yardage to secure a first down. The conversion ended Sam Houston's comeback hopes and preserved the six-point victory. New Mexico State Earns Important Conference USA Road Victory  The victory carried several important milestones for the Aggies. New Mexico State earned its first road win of the season and its first victory in Huntsville against Sam Houston. The Aggies also improved their all-time series record against the Bearkats to 3-1. Additionally, the result marked New Mexico State's first road victory in a midweek Conference USA game since 2023. Damante completed 19 of 29 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns, both to Williams. Jones' rushing performance provided the offensive foundation, while the defense's ability to limit Sam Houston on the ground helped preserve the advantage. The result demonstrated New Mexico State's ability to overcome early mistakes and finish a competitive conference matchup. What's Next for New Mexico State and Sam Houston? New Mexico State returns home to face Jacksonville State on Wednesday, October 28, in another Conference USA matchup. The Aggies will look to build on their improved conference record and extend their winning momentum. Sam Houston will travel to face Missouri State on Tuesday, October 27, seeking its first conference victory of the season. For New Mexico State, Jones' 178 rushing yards, Williams' two touchdown receptions and a dominant defensive performance combined to produce a hard-fought 30-24 victory.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall secured its first Sun Belt Conference victory of the 2026 college football season Tuesday night, defeating South Alabama 20-13 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium behind a late touchdown from running back Judah Price and a decisive defensive stand. Price scored the winning touchdown with 1:49 remaining, completing an eight-play, 75-yard drive after South Alabama had tied the game late in the fourth quarter. The Thundering Herd improved to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in Sun Belt play, while the Jaguars dropped to 4-3 and 2-1 in conference competition. Marshall's defense delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, limiting South Alabama to 326 total yards and one touchdown. The victory came before 21,904 fans as Marshall honored West Virginia's coal mining heritage. Judah Price Delivers Game-Winning Touchdown Marshall faced a critical situation after South Alabama tied the game at 13-13 with 4:38 remaining. The Thundering Herd responded with a powerful rushing attack that carried them downfield. Quarterback Zion Turner initially broke free for what appeared to be a 75-yard touchdown run, but a holding penalty erased the score. Turner was temporarily sidelined following the play, forcing backup quarterback Khalil Wilkins into action. Wilkins immediately made an impact, producing rushing gains of 19, 22 and 14 yards to move Marshall into scoring position. Price finished the possession with a short touchdown run, giving Marshall a 20-13 advantage with 1:49 remaining. The drive demonstrated the Herd's ability to overcome adversity while relying on its offensive line and rushing attack. Price, a native of Coal City, West Virginia, delivered the winning score on a night dedicated to the state's coal mining community. Marshall and South Alabama Battle to 6-6 Halftime Tie Both teams struggled to establish consistent offensive momentum during the opening half. South Alabama struck first when kicker Davis Little converted a 29-yard field goal late in the first quarter. The Jaguars' defense prevented Marshall from scoring during the opening period, marking the second time this season South Alabama had held an opponent scoreless in the first quarter. Marshall responded in the second quarter behind kicker Jorge Diaz Nicolas. Diaz Nicolas converted field goals from 47 and 48 yards, giving the Thundering Herd a 6-3 advantage. South Alabama answered before halftime. With two seconds remaining, Little connected on a career-long 42-yard field goal as time expired. The successful kick tied the game 6-6 at halftime, setting up a defensive battle in the second half. Cole Funderburk's Interception Sparks Marshall Marshall's defense created the first major turning point during the third quarter. Defensive end Cole Funderburk secured an interception after Charles McCartherens broke up a South Alabama pass. The turnover gave Marshall an opportunity to capitalize on favorable field position. Turner directed a six-play, 55-yard touchdown drive, finishing with a three-yard rushing score. The touchdown gave Marshall a 13-6 lead with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter. Turner finished the game completing 21 of 33 passes for 181 yards while adding 45 rushing yards and one touchdown. Wilkins led Marshall's rushing attack with 69 yards and also contributed a 35-yard kickoff return. The combined efforts of both quarterbacks proved important as Marshall overcame South Alabama's defensive resistance. PJ Martin Leads South Alabama's Fourth-Quarter Comeback South Alabama refused to surrender after falling behind by seven points. Following a missed Marshall field goal, the Jaguars began an 80-yard touchdown drive that lasted approximately six minutes. The possession featured two successful fourth-down conversions. One of the most important plays came when Rod Gibbs gained 26 yards on a fake punt during fourth-and-nine. The aggressive decision extended the drive and kept South Alabama's comeback hopes alive. Running back PJ Martin eventually scored on a 19-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 13-13 with 4:38 remaining. Martin finished with 47 rushing yards on 14 carries and extended his touchdown streak to seven consecutive games. He now leads South Alabama with seven rushing touchdowns this season. Keenan Phillips contributed 70 rushing yards on 16 carries, finishing with 100 all-purpose yards. Despite the productive possession, South Alabama could not prevent Marshall's immediate response. Marshall Defense Seals Victory With Final Fourth-Down Stop After Price restored Marshall's lead, South Alabama had one final opportunity to force overtime. The Jaguars gained an initial first down but struggled to advance against Marshall's defense. Facing third-and-one, cornerback Brayden Hall delivered a crucial open-field tackle on a short pass, producing a four-yard loss. The play forced South Alabama into a difficult fourth-down situation. Marshall's defensive pressure then forced quarterback Jared Hollins into an incomplete pass, ending the Jaguars' final possession. Hollins finished with 148 passing yards and one interception. Marshall linebacker Daytione Smith led the Thundering Herd with nine tackles. Freshman Tristan Lester added seven tackles and a pass breakup in his first collegiate start. Kelvon McBride contributed four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack-fumble. The defensive performance represented a significant improvement for Marshall. Marshall Limits South Alabama's Explosive Offense Entering Tuesday's matchup, Marshall had allowed an average of 447.3 yards per game. South Alabama had also averaged 54 points per game in Sun Belt competition. However, the Thundering Herd held the Jaguars to just 13 points and 326 total yards. South Alabama rushed for 178 yards but struggled through the air. The Jaguars converted five of six fourth-down attempts, demonstrating their willingness to take risks, but Marshall's final defensive stop proved decisive. Brendan Jenkins led South Alabama's receiving attack with four catches for 75 yards. Defensively, Damyrion Darby recorded seven tackles, while Will Felton, Dallas Young and Seidrion Langston contributed six apiece. Felton and Xavious Anderson Jr. each recorded a sack. Despite those individual contributions, South Alabama could not overcome Marshall's defensive execution during the final two minutes. Marshall Earns First Sun Belt Victory of 2026 The victory provided an important boost for Marshall after a difficult start to conference play. Head coach Tony Gibson's defense responded to recent struggles by limiting explosive plays and producing timely stops. The Thundering Herd also protected the football offensively while forcing the game's only turnover. For South Alabama, the defeat ended its unbeaten start to Sun Belt competition. The Jaguars showed resilience through their fourth-quarter touchdown drive but could not sustain that momentum defensively. Marshall's ability to control the final possession and respond immediately after surrendering the tying touchdown ultimately determined the outcome. What's Next for Marshall and South Alabama? Marshall will have a break before traveling to face Old Dominion on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. South Alabama will return home to Hancock Whitney Stadium to host Louisiana Tech on October 31 at 2 p.m. Both teams will look to strengthen their conference standings as the season continues. For Marshall, Price's late touchdown, Wilkins' decisive rushing contributions and a strong defensive performance combined to deliver a hard-fought 20-13 victory.

NEWARK, Del. — Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci delivered a spectacular return from injury Tuesday night, throwing five touchdown passes and rushing for another as the Blue Hens defeated Missouri State 61-38 at Delaware Stadium on October 20, 2026. Minicucci completed 20 of 29 passes for 225 yards, tying Delaware's single-game record for passing touchdowns while matching his career high with six total scores. His performance helped the Blue Hens snap a three-game losing streak and earn their first Conference USA victory of the season. Delaware improved to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while Missouri State fell to 2-5 and 1-2. The Blue Hens trailed 28-24 at halftime before producing a dominant second-half performance, including 30 unanswered points that transformed a competitive matchup into a convincing victory. Nick Minicucci Makes Record-Tying Return From Injury After missing Delaware's previous two games with a knee injury, Minicucci returned with one of the strongest performances of his collegiate career. His five passing touchdowns tied the program's single-game record, while his rushing score brought his total to six touchdowns. Minicucci also reached significant career milestones. His 225 passing yards increased his career total to 6,045, moving him past former NFL MVP Rich Gannon into sixth place on Delaware's all-time passing yards list. He also climbed to third in program history with 48 career touchdown passes. The quarterback benefited from improved offensive balance, particularly a running game that produced a season-high 232 yards. Running back Jo Silver contributed 101 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while adding another score through the air. Missouri State Takes 28-24 Halftime Lead Delaware opened the scoring when Kaderris Roberts broke free for a 31-yard touchdown run. Missouri State responded with a 15-yard rushing touchdown from Connor Lair before defensive back J.J. O'Neal returned an interception 47 yards for a score. The defensive touchdown gave the Bears a 14-7 advantage entering the second quarter. Minicucci quickly responded, connecting with Bryson Graves for a six-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. He then found tight end Scott Moore for a 26-yard score, restoring Delaware's lead at 21-14. Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV answered with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Myers. Delaware kicker Tucker Smack converted a 33-yard field goal to make it 24-21, but Missouri State delivered another scoring drive before halftime. Belin connected with Myers for a six-yard touchdown with 17 seconds remaining, giving the Bears a 28-24 halftime lead. Delaware Takes Control With Explosive Third Quarter Delaware immediately regained momentum after halftime. Graves returned the opening kickoff 42 yards, providing favorable field position. Minicucci capitalized with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Silver, putting the Blue Hens ahead 31-28. Missouri State answered with another Lair rushing touchdown, reclaiming a 35-31 advantage. However, Delaware responded through special teams and efficient offensive execution. Graves produced another long kickoff return, helping set up a four-yard touchdown pass from Minicucci to Elijah Sessoms. The score gave Delaware a 38-35 lead with 7:50 remaining in the third quarter. It proved to be the final lead change of the evening. From that point, Delaware's defense began creating the opportunities that ultimately decided the game. Jawarren Corbin Sparks Delaware's Defensive Turnaround Linebacker Jawarren Corbin delivered one of the game's most important defensive performances. With Missouri State threatening to respond, Corbin forced a fumble on a sack of Belin. Defensive end Brandon Gorham recovered the football and returned it 59 yards to the Missouri State four-yard line. Minicucci completed the short possession with a rushing touchdown, extending Delaware's lead to 45-35. Corbin later intercepted Belin, recording his first career interception. Safety George Mullins also contributed an interception, his third of the season, giving him the Conference USA lead. Corbin finished with six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. Delaware forced three turnovers and converted those opportunities into 20 points. The defensive effort helped the Blue Hens score 30 consecutive points after falling behind 35-31. Jo Silver and Delaware Offense Finish Strong Delaware continued extending its advantage in the fourth quarter. Silver scored his second touchdown of the evening before Minicucci connected with Donovan Lewis for another passing score. The Blue Hens eventually built a 58-35 advantage before Smack added a 25-yard field goal. Missouri State closed the scoring with a late field goal, producing the final 61-38 margin. Delaware finished with 482 total yards and 26 first downs. The Blue Hens scored on nine consecutive possessions and did not punt throughout the contest. Graves also contributed 168 kickoff return yards, the fourth-highest single-game total in Delaware history. His special teams production helped create favorable field position during the decisive second-half scoring surge. Isaiah Myers Delivers Historic Performance for Missouri State Despite the loss, Missouri State wide receiver Isaiah Myers produced one of the nation's most impressive receiving performances of the season. Myers finished with 11 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns. His receiving yardage represented the highest single-game total by an FBS player during the 2026 season through October 20. It also ranked second in Missouri State history, behind Steven Rush's 249-yard performance against Illinois State in 2003. Belin completed 26 of 35 passes for 337 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lair contributed 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns. However, Missouri State's offensive production could not overcome the turnovers and Delaware's explosive second-half performance. Delaware Ends Three-Game Losing Streak The victory represented an important turnaround for Delaware after a difficult stretch. The Blue Hens had scored only 69 combined points across their previous four games before producing 61 against Missouri State. Their scoring total tied the highest under head coach Ryan Carty. Delaware also improved to 26-1 under Carty when winning the turnover battle, reinforcing the importance of its defensive performance. The result provided renewed momentum as the Blue Hens continued their second season competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. What's Next for Delaware and Missouri State? Delaware will travel to face Western Kentucky on Tuesday, October 27, at 7 p.m., with television coverage on CBS Sports Network. Missouri State will return home to face Sam Houston on October 27 at 7 p.m., with coverage on ESPN2. For Delaware, Minicucci's record-tying return, Silver's balanced offensive production and Corbin's defensive contributions combined to deliver a much-needed victory. The Blue Hens' 30-point unanswered scoring run ultimately defined a memorable 61-38 Conference USA win.

DALLAS, Texas — No. 5 SMU returned to winning form Sunday afternoon, October 18, defeating Florida State 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-16) at Moody Coliseum behind a strong defensive performance and 11 kills from junior outside hitter Jadyn Livings. The Mustangs improved to 14-4 overall and 6-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Florida State dropped to 10-8 and 4-3 in the ACC. SMU limited the Seminoles to a .086 team hitting percentage, marking the fifth time this season the Mustangs have held an opponent to .100 or lower. Freshman Elle Vandeweghe added eight kills while hitting .615, and setter Hannah Beauford distributed 36 assists to help SMU secure its sixth consecutive victory over Florida State. Jadyn Livings Leads SMU's Offensive Attack Livings delivered an efficient performance, recording a team-high 11 kills on a .360 hitting percentage. The junior reached double-digit kills for the second time this season, providing SMU with a reliable offensive option throughout the contest. Vandeweghe also made a significant contribution, matching her career high with eight kills while adding four blocks. The freshman middle blocker's .615 hitting percentage highlighted SMU's effectiveness through the middle of the court. Favor Anyanwu contributed seven kills, moving within six of reaching 500 career kills. SMU's middle blockers combined for 15 kills on a .538 hitting percentage with only one attack error. Beauford directed the offense with 36 assists and tied her career high with six blocks. The Mustangs finished with a .263 team hitting percentage, maintaining enough offensive consistency to overcome Florida State's challenges in the opening two sets. SMU Holds Off Florida State in Competitive First Set Florida State entered the matchup determined to challenge one of the nation's highest-ranked volleyball programs. The Seminoles used an early three-point scoring run to tie the opening set at 4-4. SMU responded by establishing a narrow advantage, but Florida State remained within one point at 10-9. The Mustangs gradually created separation, building a 15-11 lead at the media timeout. SMU eventually extended its advantage to five points, appearing positioned to close the set comfortably. However, Florida State refused to surrender. The Seminoles produced another scoring push, reducing the deficit to 21-20 and placing pressure on the Mustangs. SMU maintained its composure during the closing exchanges, finishing the set 25-22. The opening victory gave the Mustangs a 1-0 advantage despite Florida State's persistent defensive resistance. Mustangs Survive Florida State's Second-Set Comeback The second set proved even more competitive as Florida State attempted to level the match. The teams exchanged points early before the Seminoles established an 8-6 advantage. SMU responded with improved offensive execution, reclaiming the lead and moving ahead 15-12 at the media timeout. The Mustangs continued building their advantage, eventually leading 20-16. Florida State answered with three consecutive points, cutting SMU's lead to one and creating another tense finish. The Seminoles continued battling and saved a set point to reduce the deficit to 24-23. However, SMU secured the final point to claim a 25-23 victory. The result gave the Mustangs a commanding 2-0 match lead. Although Florida State demonstrated resilience, SMU consistently executed during the most important moments of both sets. SMU Dominates Third Set to Complete Sweep After surviving two competitive sets, SMU established greater control in the third. The Mustangs built an early advantage and maintained a 15-11 lead at the media timeout. Florida State struggled to generate consistent offensive production as SMU increased its defensive pressure. The Seminoles finished the final set with a negative .065 hitting percentage, reflecting the effectiveness of the Mustangs' blocking and defensive positioning. SMU continued extending its advantage during the closing stages. The Mustangs secured a convincing 25-16 victory, completing the straight-set sweep. The final frame demonstrated SMU's ability to finish matches decisively after facing resistance earlier in the contest. Hannah Beauford and SMU Defense Control the Match SMU's defensive performance was one of the most important factors in Sunday's victory. The Mustangs recorded 41 digs, eight team blocks and six service aces. Beauford contributed six blocks, matching her career high while also directing the offense. Vandeweghe added four blocks, strengthening SMU's presence at the net. Libero Victoria Harris led the Mustangs with 13 digs, reaching double-digit digs for the 13th time this season. Gabi Placide contributed two service aces, leading SMU in that category. The Mustangs' ability to limit Florida State's attacking efficiency continued an established trend under head coach Sam Erger. SMU has now held opponents below a .100 hitting percentage 26 times during Erger's tenure, compiling a 25-1 record in those matches. The defensive consistency helped the Mustangs maintain control even when Florida State threatened to extend the match. Delaney Ewing Leads Florida State Despite Defeat Florida State received several productive individual performances despite the straight-set loss. Junior middle blocker Delaney Ewing led the Seminoles with eight kills on a .538 hitting percentage while adding two blocks. Senior outside hitter Kyleene Filimaua contributed seven kills and six digs. Sophomore middle blocker Nenu Kpea also recorded seven kills while leading Florida State with five blocks. Freshman Sofia Moss added five kills, six digs and three blocks. Setter Emma Lilo finished with 24 assists and nine digs, providing offensive distribution throughout the match. Four Seminoles recorded at least five kills, demonstrating balanced contributions across the lineup. However, Florida State struggled to sustain its attacking rhythm against SMU's defensive pressure. The Seminoles' .086 hitting percentage ultimately limited their ability to challenge the Mustangs consistently. SMU Extends Perfect Series Record Against Florida State Sunday's victory continued SMU's impressive history against Florida State. The Mustangs improved to 6-0 all-time against the Seminoles, with all six victories occurring during Erger's tenure. SMU has now swept Florida State in four of their six meetings. The Mustangs also improved their combined set record in the series to 18-2. Beyond the rivalry record, the result strengthened SMU's position in ACC competition. At 6-2 in conference play, the Mustangs remain among the teams competing near the top of the standings. For Florida State, the defeat represented another difficult challenge against nationally ranked conference competition. What's Next for SMU and Florida State Volleyball? SMU returns to the road Friday, October 23, when it faces Clemson. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT, with coverage available on ACCNX. Florida State returns home to Tallahassee to host No. 3 Louisville on Friday, October 23, at 6 p.m. inside Tully Gymnasium. Both programs will look to strengthen their conference records as the regular season continues. For SMU, Livings' offensive leadership, Vandeweghe's efficient attacking and Beauford's all-around performance combined to deliver a convincing 3-0 victory. The Mustangs' defensive consistency and ability to finish close sets proved decisive in extending their undefeated series record against Florida State.