Tough loss for Needville at Little League World Series

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, Ll Vita Loca Photograph, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Taylor Hart
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA (August 27, 2023) A day after having its championship hopes dashed, Needville was unable to rebound in the third-place game at the Little League World Series.

Taiwan jumped out to an early lead and won 10-0 on Sunday at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, handing Needville its second consecutive loss after the team from the Houston area won its first four games at the international youth baseball tournament, reaching the U.S. final.

Needville, a town of about 3,000 residents in Fort Bend County, ended up placing fourth in its debut appearance at the Little League World Series.

Needville could not quite crack Taiwan pitcher Fan Chen-Jun, who struck out nine batters in a four-inning shutout, with the 10-run mercy rule shortening the game by two innings. Needville nearly scored in the top of the fourth to extend the game, when DJ Jablonski singled to center field with two runners on base and two outs, but Corbin Riddle was thrown out at home plate by Lin Wei-Hong to end the inning and the game.

Jablonski, Riddle, Jagger McRae and Heath Filipp, who doubled in the third, accounted for Needville’s four hits against Fan. He also led Taiwan offensively, finishing 2 for 2 with a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored, while Liu You-An went 2 for 2 with a double and three RBIs.

Late goal by Nkosi Tafari seals 1-0 victory for FC Dallas over Austin FC

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

FRISCO, TEXAS (August 27, 2023) In an exciting showdown under the Saturday night lights at Toyota Stadium, FC Dallas emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win against Austin FC. The game's decisive moment came in the 90+7minute, as Nkosi Tafari's header off Marco Farfan's cross found the back of the net, delighting the home fans.

The first half of the match was a tactical battle, with both teams carefully maintaining their formations and searching for openings. The action was tight, and opportunities were scarce. It was Austin FC's Alex Ring who managed to register the game's first shot on target, a low drive aimed at Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes. However, Paes was up to the challenge, keeping the score level.

As the second half got underway, the game began to open up, with both sides pushing harder for that all-important breakthrough. Austin FC's Owen Wolff tested Paes once again with a powerful attempt, hoping to break the deadlock. On the other end, Austin's goalkeeper Brad Stuver pulled off a remarkable save to deny Eugene Ansah, showcasing his shot-stopping skills.

However, the momentum took a shift when Austin FC found themselves down to 10 men after Dani Pereira received his second yellow card of the evening in the 67th minute. The numerical disadvantage made things even more challenging for the visitors, as they had to dig deep to keep Dallas at bay.

As the clock ticked down, Austin FC came agonizingly close to snatching victory in stoppage time. Jon Gallagher's shot took a deflection and hit the crossbar, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats. The near-miss was a testament to the team's fighting spirit, even when down to 10 men.

But it was FC Dallas who had the final say in this thrilling encounter. In the 97th minute, Marco Farfan delivered a precise cross into the box, and Nkosi Tafari rose above the defenders to guide a header into the net. The stadium erupted in cheers as Tafari's goal secured the three points for FC Dallas.

Houston Dash, Kansas City Current battle to 1-1 draw

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 26, 2023) In an action-packed match that had soccer fans on the edge of their seats, the Houston Dash and Kansas City Current battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw in the NWSL showdown at Shell Energy Stadium. The crowd was treated to an intense display of skill and determination from both teams, as goals from midfielders Lo'eau Labonta and Michelle Alozie lit up the scoreboard.

The match kicked off with high energy as both teams looked to assert their dominance on the field. The Current showcased their signature passing game, controlling possession and creating dangerous opportunities. On the other side, Dash displayed their trademark quick counterattacks, keeping The Current's defense on their toes.

Midway through the first half, Labonta seized the opportunity to put her team ahead. With a perfectly timed run into the box, she received a pinpoint cross from her teammate and expertly slotted the ball into the back of the net. 

However, thr Dash was not to be outdone. Just minutes into the second half, Alozie showcased her lightning-fast speed and skill, breaking through the Kansas City defense and firing a powerful shot into the top corner of the goal. 

As the clock ticked down, both teams continued to fight tooth and nail for the winning goal. The Kansas City goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves to deny Dash's attempts, while Houston's defense held strong against their opponent's persistent attacks. 

In the end, neither team could find the breakthrough they needed, and the referee blew the final whistle, confirming the 1-1 draw. Both sets of players showed immense sportsmanship as they exchanged handshakes and hugs on the field.

Pasadena Eagles Volleyball downs Angleton in straight sets

 

Story and photo by Chris Price

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

ANGLETON, TEXAS (August 15, 2023) The Pasadena Eagles varsity volleyball team downed the Angleton Lady Wildcats in straight sets at the Angleton High School gymnasium on Tuesday evening. 

The Lady Eagles battled to a 25-17 win in the first set. In the second set, they overcame the Wildcats, 25-11. In the final set of the match, the two squads played back and forth; trying to gain an advantage. Pasadena held on to win the final set 25-21 to win the match 3-0. With the win, Pasadena raises its season record to 5-5, while Angleton fell to 1-2.

The junior varsity Lady Eagles played a great game, but fell to the Lady Wildcats 25-22 and 25-10. The freshman squad also lost both close matches, 25-18 and 25-13.

The next matches for Pasadena will occur on Friday, August 18 against the Galena Park Yellow Jackets at Galena Park High School. The freshman squad will play at 4:30 p.m., followed by the junior varsity at 5:30 p.m. The varsity will close out the evening with a 6:30 p.m. start.

The Lady Eagles are coached by head coach Carmen Martinez (varsity), Ashley Velasquez (JV), Victoria Garivey (freshmen) and Michelle Steele (freshmen).

Pasadena Eagles begin 2023 volleyball campaign against Galveston Ball

Photo by Robert H Kelly, La Vida Loca Photography, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 10, 2023) Pasadena High School kicked of their volleyball season on Tuesday, August 8 against the Galveston Ball Tors in freshmen, junior varsity, and varsity matches. The matches were played at Pasadena High School's Bob Barfield Gymnasium.

Kicking off the afternoon of high school volleyball was the freshmen squads. The Lady Eagles won the first set of the match by the score of 25-22. The Tors rallied back to win the second set 25-21. With the teams tied a 1-1, Ball won the rubber set of the match, 15-7; giving the Tors a 2-1 victory.

In the junior varsity match, Pasadena won the first match, as the freshmen did, 25-19. The Ball JV rallied in the second and third matches, with the scores of 25-13 and 15-9 to also win the match 2-1.

The varsity, which took the Tors to five sets, won the first and fourth sets, by the scores of 25-23 and 25-14, respectively. Galveston took the second set, 25-23 and the third set, 25-21. In the fifth set, the Tors rallied to win 15-10; giving them a 3-2 victory for the night.

Next up for the Lady Eagles is a Tuesday, August 15 matchup against the Angleton High School Wildcats in Angleton. The freshmen will play at 4:30 p.m. with the JV to follow at 5:30, and the varsity in the nightcap at 6:30.

The Lady Eagles are coached by head coach Carmen Martinez (varsity), Ashley Velasquez (JV), Victoria Garivey (freshmen) and Michelle Steele (freshmen).

Johnson achieves 2 perfect games at Pepsi Open

Photo courtesy of Patrick Martinez – BowlTV

By Chris Price, Senior Staff Correspondent 

WATERLOO, IOWA (August 12, 2023) Caitlyn Johnson (Beaumont, Texas) doesn't typically favor tournaments with a fast scoring pace. She believes she performs best when scores are low, allowing her to strategically control the pocket and consistently make spares. However, at Cadillac Xtreme Bowling Center on Friday, the scoring pace was notably high. Despite this, Johnson's performance was nothing short of impressive. 

During the 12 games of qualifying at the Professional Women's Bowling Association Pepsi Open, Johnson displayed dominance, achieving two perfect 300 games. In total, she scored 2,928 points, averaging an impressive 244, securing her first place among the 80+ competitors. Throughout the qualifying rounds, the 24-year-old right-hander consistently broke the 230 mark, with scores of 248, 248, 236, 300, 259, 300, 238, and 245. 

Her lowest score of the day was a respectable 205 in the twelfth game. Although Johnson anticipated high scores at the Pepsi Open, she did not expect to secure the highest one herself. 

"Typically, I excel on flatter patterns, so it's surprising to admit that after leading on a day with such a high scoring pace. This is a first for me. Additionally, achieving two perfect 300 games in a single day and shooting a PWBA 300 are both personal milestones."

Houston Dynamo FC, Charlotte FC to meet in Leagues Cup

By Chris Price

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 6, 2023) Houston Dynamo FC will hit the pitch at Shell Energy Stadium on Monday, August 7 to face Charlotte FC in the Leagues Cup Round of 16.

Houston advanced to the Round of 16 with 5-3 win over C.F. Pachuca at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday, August 2. The winner of Monday's match will face the winner of the FC Dallas vs. Inter Miami CF, which is scheduled for at 7:30 p.m. start on Sunday.

Krueger named head coach for 2023 U.S. Elite Water Ski Team

Photo courtesy of
Lori Covington, USA Water Skiing
Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

AUBURNDALE, FLORIDA (August 8, 2023) Lori Krueger (Martindale, Texas) has been named the head coach for the six-member team that will represent the United States in the 38th IWWF World Waterski Championships on October 7-15, 2023 at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida.

Kruger will lead a team of six athletes, including: Anna Gay (Winter Garden, Florida), Kennedy Hansen (Milton, Flordia), Regina Jaquess (Santa Rosa Beach, Florida), Freddy Krueger (Winter Garden, Florida.), Erika Lang (Gilbert, Arizona) and Nate Smith (McCordsville, Indiana). The United States team is seeking to win its 28th world team title.

Krueger is a former national champion in slalom.