The IX Sports
Total reads
53
This week
4
Rank
#345 of 466
Published
737 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
The IX Sports Podcast Basketball Edition: Class of 2027 Hall of Fame, UConn’s start
In this episode of The IX Sports Podcast Basketball Edition, hosts Jackie Powell and Howard Megdal discuss the 2027 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class—Diana Taurasi, Sandy Brondello, Mike Thibault, Dee Kantner, Judith Holland and trailblazer Molly Bolin Kazmer, whose advocacy shaped the sport. BIG EAST reporter Tee Baker then reviews UConn’s early‑season 66‑77 loss to Michigan, suggesting the defeat could be a needed wake‑up call after last year’s easy schedule. The show closes with a look at the 2027 WNBA Draft Lottery, noting the Washington Mystics hold the third‑best odds after a 2025 trade involving Ariel Atkins.
Three goalie invites, two roster spots at Vegas Vanguards training camp
The Vegas Vanguards begin their inaugural PWHL training camp on November 12, 2026, with goaltending as the key story. Nicole Hensley is the sole signed netminder, but the league requires three goalies, leaving two roster spots open. Applicants include Logan Angers (formerly of Ottawa Charge, 1.80 GAA, .928 SV% at Quinnipiac), Lauren Bench (SDHL veteran with a 2.28 GAA, .917 SV% last season at Djurgården), and Swiss international Saskia Maurer (fourth‑round pick, 1.93 GAA with SC Bern, recent Olympic bronze medalist). Two of the trio will secure the spots, though Vanguards could still sign another free‑agent goalie before the season starts.
Canada passes tough test on the final day of the group stage
On the final day of the Women’s World Championships, Canada secured the top spot in Group B with a 2‑0 win over Finland, keeping an unbeaten record. Caitlin Kraemer opened the scoring and finished the group stage with five points, while Sarah Fillier added a second goal and Ann‑Renée Desbiens posted a shutout with 25 saves, earning player‑of‑the‑game honors. Germany pulled off another upset, beating Switzerland 3‑1 to claim second in Group A, and the United States dominated Czechia 8‑1. Sweden rounded out the day with a 5‑0 victory over Japan, setting the stage for the knockout round.
West Virginia has a new leader in Gia Cooke, and she’s a natural
West Virginia women’s basketball leans on senior guard Gia Cooke as its new on‑court leader. After a 4‑point win over Rhode Island, the Mountaineers struggled defensively against Georgia Tech, allowing Talayah Walker 19 first‑half points. Cooke’s disciplined play—shifting between press, man‑to‑man, zones and a box‑and‑one—helped limit Walker to just two points after halftime, earning coach Mark Kellogg’s praise. Returning as one of only two veterans, Cooke cites the program’s family vibe and a recent league title as reasons for staying for her final season, positioning her as the “head of the snake” and the team’s emerging leader.
Adelaide Lightning, Tasmania Jewels, Townsville Fire navigate early-season unpredictability in WNBL
In Round 4 of the WNBL, Adelaide Lightning erased their home‑court woes with a dominant 100‑68 victory over Tasmania Jewels, snapping a winless stretch at the South Australia Basketball Centre. Import Maddy Westbeld led the charge with 29 points, 10 rebounds and a stat‑filled line, while Zitina Aokuso continued her double‑double streak (15.8 pts, 10 reb). Adelaide’s rebounding edge (11‑2 in the first quarter) and superior free‑throw shooting (20‑24 vs. Tassie’s 4‑8) capped a 32‑point win that may finally let the Lightning have fun after a shaky start. The article also notes Tasmania’s early spark from Steph Reid and the ongoing search for consistency across both squads.
Washington Spirit keep their ‘foot on the pedal,’ roll to semifinals
The 3rd‑seeded Washington Spirit stormed past the 6th‑seeded Portland Thorns 4‑3 in an NWSL quarter‑final on Nov. 10, advancing to the semifinals. A 6‑minute goal from Mélissa Bethi sparked a first‑half blitz, with Clara Luvanga and Trinity Rodman adding two more before halftime. Rodman notched her first playoff brace, while backup keeper Sandy MacIver posted six saves, including five in the second half. Despite a late Thorns surge and a 3‑0 lead earlier in the season against North Carolina, the Spirit held on, celebrating with supporters at Audi Field. Captain Andi Sullivan praised the team’s relentless pressure that secured the win.
AHA monthly recap: October 2026
October’s AHA action delivered drama and standout performances. Syracuse surged in the standings while Delaware’s freshman netminder Charlotte Payne posted a 46‑save game and a 40‑save shutout, earning goaltender of the month. In the featured RMU vs. Lindenwood series, senior Taylor Storey recorded a hat‑trick in a 4‑0 win, but Lindenwood answered with a 2‑1 victory thanks to Eva Filippova’s 39 saves. Monthly awards highlighted RIT forward Zoe Ziotas, who tallied seven goals in ten games, and Syracuse defender Maryn Broderick, who contributed two goals and six assists. The recap underscores the conference’s rising stars and surprise results heading into November.
San Jose Sea Lions: The newest addition to San Jose’s hockey aquarium
The PWHL officially unveils its fourth expansion franchise, the San Jose Sea Lions, on Nov. 10, 2026, revealing a wave‑shaped sea‑lion logo and a coastal color scheme of blue, orange, navy and mist. After fan speculation about names like Hammerheads and Seals, the new moniker nods to local marine life and historic teams such as the 1946 West Coast Negro Baseball Association Sea Lions. GM/coach Troy Ryan, forward Lily Shannon and goalie Tia Chan attended the City Hall press conference, highlighting the buzz around women’s professional sports in the Bay Area. The team’s home opener is set for Dec. 5 at SAP Center, with tickets already sold out in the lower bowl.
Welcke twins lead Germany to shootout stunner over Czechia
Twin sisters Lilli and Luisa Welcke spark Germany’s 3‑2 shootout upset of Czechia at the Women’s World Championships on Nov. 10, 2026. Lilli scores 1:12 into regulation and nets the decisive backhand‑forehand in the seventh shootout round, while Luisa adds an assist and converts her penalty shot. Goaltender Sandra Abstreiter records 29 saves. The loss drops Czechia to five points in Group A, forcing a win over gold‑medal‑winning USA to avoid a quarter‑final matchup with top Group B team Canada. Penalty‑kill woes and a 0‑11 power‑play record hurt the Czechs, while Germany secures the tiebreaker over Switzerland.
NEWHA October Recap
NEWHA’s October roundup shows the young conference still struggling out of league play, posting a 2-26-1 non‑conference record yet snagging its first ever win for Post (2‑1 OT over Robert Morris on Sept. 26) and a similar triumph for LIU (2‑1 OT over Delaware on Oct. 23). Inside the league, Franklin Pierce dominates at 8‑0, led by scorer Anna Caumo (7 goals) and Rookie of the Month Chloe King (6). Goalies shine nationally, with LIU’s Victoria Rutnick posting a 1.107 GAA and .954 save%, while Assumption’s Bavneet Dhaliwal earns Underdog of the Month. The Ravens now face back‑to‑back series against second‑ and third‑seeded Assumption and LIU, games that could reshape the NEWHA standings.
The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition: Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit in the spotlight
On the latest IX Sports Podcast, host Kathleen Gier talks with Washington Spirit correspondent Riss Willett about the team’s deepening roster and the impact of Trinity Rodman’s return. Willett highlights new sign‑ups like Mélissa Bethi, Clara Luvanga and Monique Ngock, praising the club’s scouting and rapid integration. While Rodman hasn’t matched last season’s goal tally, her health and leadership add stability. Both guests believe this could be the Spirit’s “third time’s the charm,” with championship ambitions amid an otherwise consistent but up‑and‑down year. The episode also teases predictions for league honors and weekend controversies.
PWHL unveils brand identities for expansion teams
The PWHL revealed the brand identities for its four new franchises on November 10, 2026. Detroit’s team becomes the Clutch, drawing on the city’s automotive legacy and Motown vibe; Hamilton debuts as the Havoc, featuring a steel‑forged peregrine falcon to reflect its industrial‑nature contrast; Vegas rolls out the Vanguards, with a kit‑fox and iconic Las Vegas star symbolizing pioneering spirit; and San Jose introduces the Sea Lions, a nod to California’s marine life that aligns with local hockey animal mascots. Women's‑led design teams led the process, with agency Doubleday and Cartwright shaping the Vegas and San Jose logos.
Team USA blows out Austria in their first-ever international face-off
Team USA dominates Austria 11‑1 in their first ever meeting at the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship, turning the game into a goal‑fest. Caroline Harvey nets a hat trick and four points, while Hilary Knight adds two goals, pushing the U.S. to a historic 17th win for goalie Aerin Frankel. Austria’s lone goal by Annika Fazokas ends a 174‑minute shutout streak, but the Austrians manage just five shots to the U.S.’s 66. Coach John Wroblewski’s lineup tweaks, including Jesse Compher and Rory Guilday, fuel the offensive onslaught, cementing the Americans as the tournament’s top team.
Seattle puts up a fight in Jess Fishlock’s last stand
Defending NWSL champions Gotham FC advance to their fourth straight semifinal with a 1-0 win over Seattle Reign, thanks to a fourth‑minute own goal by 20‑year‑old defender Jordyn Bugg after a Jaedyn Shaw corner. The match marked Jess Fishlock’s final appearance, as she praised Gotham’s experience while noting Seattle’s youthful promise. Both sides struggled on a “sandy, unstable” pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium, still recovering from a recent rugby double‑header; Gotham even faced a fine for the field’s condition. Gotham will host Kansas City Current at Icahn Stadium after a scheduling clash forced the venue change.
Nicole Hensley ready for new challenge with PWHL Las Vegas
Olympic gold‑medalist goaltender Nicole Hensley leaves Minnesota for Las Vegas to join the PWHL franchise’s inaugural season. After a busy offseason and a playoff exit, she signed a two‑year standard player contract and will report to training camp next week, ahead of the league’s December start. Hensley talks about the extended preparation timeline, her pride in building teams like Minnesota Frost, and her excitement to help lay the foundation for Las Vegas hockey, including plans for a summer goalie camp with teammate Maddie Rooney.
Sarah Strong turned Michigan loss into career night
After a sub‑par showing in UConn’s 71‑66 loss to Michigan, junior Sarah Strong rebounds with a career‑high 39 points, 10 rebounds and two assists in the Huskies’ 91‑79 win over Iowa on Sunday. Strong scores the first three UConn field goals, hits 6‑of‑8 in the second quarter (including 4‑for‑4 from three) and tops the night with a buzzer‑beating three. Coach Geno Auriemma praises her quick turnaround, while Iowa’s Jan Jensen lauds her versatility. Supporting cast contributions include Blanca Quiñonez’s 21 points and Olivia Vukosa’s 10 rebounds as UConn eyes tough non‑conference matchups against South Carolina and Duke.
How applicable is the PWHL’s overtime penalty shot rule actually?
The PWHL is testing a new overtime rule in its 2026‑27 preseason: after a minor penalty in OT, the non‑offending team can choose a penalty shot instead of a 4‑on‑3 power play. The league will run the option in all 12 preseason scrimmages, which feature 3‑on‑3 OT followed by a shootout. The article breaks down the rule’s potential impact, noting only nine overtime penalties in the league’s first three seasons and a 29.4% OT power‑play success rate that climbs to 50% with a full two‑minute advantage. It explores strategic factors—shooter versus goalie history, penalty‑kill strength, and game‑time context—through past examples, asking whether the shot option could truly shift outcomes.
A reflective summer helped Tennessee’s Kim Caldwell enhance her leadership
After a turbulent season that saw Tennessee lose 11 of its final 13 games and lose players to the transfer portal, head coach Kim Caldwell uses a reflective summer to reshape her leadership. Emphasizing vulnerability, authenticity and intentionality, she rebuilt team culture through off‑court bonding—team dinners, hangouts and shared nail appointments—leading to a cohesive start, highlighted by a 98-60 non‑conference win over Coppin State. Caldwell’s “NASCAR‑type” rotation creates constant lineup changes, while her honest, accountable approach wins player trust, exemplified by freshman Gabby Minus and transfer Aaliyah Moore. With 13 new transfers, including nine double‑digit scorers, the Lady Vols aim to translate renewed unity into on‑court success.
Sweden gets first World Championship win over Finland in 19 years
Sweden breaks a 19‑year drought by beating Finland 4‑1 at the World Championships on Nov. 9, 2026. Ida Karlsson (her first WC goal) and Hilda Svensson put Sweden up 2‑0 in the first period, while Finland rallied but couldn’t convert power‑play chances. Sara Hjalmarsson’s third‑period tip secured a 3‑0 lead, and 18‑year‑old Tilde Grillfors added an empty‑netter. Finland’s Petra Nieminen scored a record‑tying goal, but a late injury to star forward Elisa Holopainen sealed the loss. Swedish goalie Ebba Svensson Träff made key saves as Sweden topped the group, ending a decades‑long losing streak against their rivals.
The IX Sports Podcast College Basketball Edition: Michigan makes a statement against UConn
In the latest IX Sports Podcast College Basketball Edition, hosts Melissa Triebwasser and Michael Waterloo dissect the opening week of NCAA play, spotlighting Michigan's 77-66 upset of UConn. The hosts hail Michigan as a potential Final Four contender despite the surprise win. The episode also honors Addi Mack of Maryland, who scored a career‑high 35 points against South Carolina, earning the "Audi Crooks stat line of the week." Looking ahead, the analysts preview UConn's matchups with Ohio State and Louisville, and the West Virginia‑Northwestern showdown featuring new Wildcats coach Carla Berube.
The Atlanta Dream’s vision is clear, but there are questions to address this offseason
Six days after falling to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream’s coach Karl Smesko and GM Dan Padover reflect on an "amazing" season that ended in heartbreak. They praise the franchise‑record winning years under Smesko and look ahead to offseason moves, especially the contract situation of rookie star Angel Reese. Reese, now an All‑WNBA second‑team selection, qualifies for an EPIC extension that could push her salary toward the league max, forcing the Dream to juggle cap space and roster spots. The front office remains strategic, awaiting the 2027 salary‑cap figure while planning to keep the team competitive for a title run next year.
Michelle Cooper’s heroics help Current secure a trip to NWSL semifinals
Michelle Cooper, returning from a foot injury that kept her out of the 2025 playoffs, scores her first postseason goal in the NWSL quarterfinals. After a 0‑0 draw with Angel City FC, a VAR‑awarded penalty in extra time sees Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples fall, and coach Chris Armas entrusts Cooper with the spot‑kick. Her conversion clinches a 1‑0 win, sending the Kansas City Current to their first semifinals since 2022. Cooper credits team preparation and teammate Lo’eau LaBonta’s support, while the coaches defend the controversial VAR call that ended Angel City’s season.
Class is in session: How Ivy League coaches use the offseason to work on themselves
After Harvard’s painful overtime loss to Wisconsin in March 2026, head coach Carrie Moore turns the offseason into a learning boot camp. She and her staff spend the summer shadowing WNBA teams—attending New York Liberty practices, visiting the Atlanta Dream, and consulting with veteran coach Karl Smesko—while also borrowing ideas from power‑conference programs like Maryland, Arizona State and Tennessee. Moore aims to simplify Harvard’s offense, improve preseason injury prevention, and mimic pro‑level film breakdowns for the upcoming schedule. The article showcases how Ivy League coaches leverage the lack of summer practices to gain fresh tactical insights and professional development.
Denmark earns first 2026 Women’s World Championship win on home ice
Denmark clinches its first win of the 2026 Women's World Championship on home ice, edging Japan in a dramatic shootout at Hockey Arena Herning. Japan leads 2‑0 after a first‑period brace by 17‑year‑old Umeka Odaira, but Denmark rallies with goals from Nikita Bergmann and Teresa Christensen to tie 2‑2. Goaltender Emma‑Sofie Nordström shines in the third period and overtime, then stops Japan’s shootout attempt. Captain Nicoline Jensen and Frederikke Foss score the decisive penalties, sealing a 3‑2 shootout victory. The win energizes the Danish crowd, chanting “Take Me Home, Country Roads” throughout the showdown.
Close loss to Princeton leaves a young Richmond team wanting more
Richmond's women's basketball squad fell 65-57 to Princeton in the Opening Statement tournament on Nov. 8, 2026, after surrendering a 19-2 run in the final 5½ minutes. Coach Alisa Kresge praised the team's early defensive effort but noted lapses that allowed Princeton's senior guard/forward Fadima Tall and Skye Belker to close the game. Senior guard Ally Sweeney led Richmond with 17 points but admitted the young roster—seven freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors and one senior—must improve consistency on both ends. Despite a strong rebounding margin and under ten turnovers, the Spiders will need to lock in defensively to turn close losses into wins.
Displaying items 1-25 of 737 in total