Rorey Donnelly, who wants to be a federal agent, lays down the law for Marist on defense. ‘Really stands out.'
Marist's Rorey Donnelly knows this is the chance of a lifetime, even if it can happen twice.
The RedHawks, ranked No. 2 in the nation in the latest USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, will take on No. 1 Mira Costa of California in a Thursday road match.
A No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between teams from other states is rare, and the teams then could meet for a second time in a tournament over the weekend.
'I'm excited to play them,' Donnelly said of Mira Costa. 'We played them last year and took them in the first set and struggled a bit in the last three sets.
'I think we can do it this year.'
Donnelly and Marist are pumped for the chance to snare that top spot in the nation after taking care of business Saturday in winning the 24-team RedHawk Invitational.
The host RedHawks capped off the championship Saturday with a 25-18, 25-18 victory over Downers Grove North as Donnelly was named the tournament MVP.
Donnelly, a senior libero, totaled 15 digs and five assists for Marist (6-0) in the championship match. He finished with 38 digs in three matches Saturday.
Ohio State recruit Christian Teresi and MIT commit Nathen Toth each had eight kills against Downers Grove North (6-1). Griffin McElroy added seven kills and four blocks, while Jacob Finley chalked up 16 assists and Nicholas Mayoski came through with five digs and three aces.
Although Donnelly said winning the MVP was a surprise to him, it wasn't to Marist coach Jordan Vidovic, whose RedHawks won their own tournament for the seventh straight season.
'He fits what the libero job is,' Vidovic said of Donnelly. 'He has a presence, and he has energy and the ability to help other people. He makes plays that bring a lot out of other people.
'It all collectively goes together for him.'
Lincoln-Way East (6-1) took third in the tournament over district rival Lincoln-Way Central (4-3) with a 25-23, 25-19 decision in a match that saw Griffins coach Kris Fiore on the other side of the court against his son Braeden, a sophomore setter for the Knights.
Marist, meanwhile, is the defending state champion — and Donnelly wants to celebrate his graduation with back-to-back titles. He's giving up volleyball after this season to major in criminal justice at Illinois State.
'I would like to be a federal agent,' Donnelly said. 'My dad (Jack) is one and my brother (Joe) is going to be a cop. I want to be active. I don't think I could ever have a desk job.'
In that manner, Donnelly and Marist figure to be plenty active on the upcoming California trip. Vidovic said he has been told the match against Mira Costa (22-1) is already sold out.
Last season, Mira Costa handed Marist one of its two losses with an 18-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 decision in a best-of-five showdown.
With a No. 1 vs. No. 2 scenario in the nation, the intensity Thursday will be ratcheted up.
Both teams will also take part in the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions on Friday and Saturday in Santa Barbara and could face each other there as well.
'After losing to them, I felt like it was a mental loss for us,' Teresi said of last season. 'There was a lot of chirping going back and forth. This year, we're prepared. I hope we can play them twice.'
While Marist's offense has proven to be powerful, Teresi knows the defense is in good shape with Donnelly leading the way.
'Rorey has a huge role on the team,' Teresi said. 'We have a lot of good players on defense, but he really stands out.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
24 minutes ago
- New York Post
Aaron Rodgers admits he's been married ‘a couple of months' after photo sparked frenzy
Aaron Rodgers is starting his next Steelers chapter as a married man. The former Jets quarterback confirmed his relationship status Tuesday in his first remarks in a black and gold uniform, days after his contract-signing photo with the Steelers caused a stir when he wore a black band on his left ring finger. 'Yeah, it's a wedding ring,' Rodgers, 41, told reporters, adding, 'Been a couple of months.' Advertisement 6 Aaron Rodgers meeting with the Steelers media on June 10, 2025. Steelers Rodgers revealed in December 2024 he's in a relationship with a woman named Brittani. Advertisement He was previously engaged to actress Shailene Woodley, with the couple calling it quits in 2022. The four-time league MVP has also dated former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and actress Olivia Munn. 6 Aaron Rodgers at Steelers minicamp on June 10, 2025. AP It's been a wild few months for Rodgers, who agreed to a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the club after a lengthy free agency wait. Advertisement 'I was dealing with a lot of things in my personal life and some things improved a little bit where I felt like I could fully be all-in here with the guys,' said Rodgers, who had been tending to personal matters this offseason. '… I didn't want to short-change the guys and sign and be elsewhere, mentally or physically, so until I could be here, and be all-in, I needed to take care of my business.' 6 He agreed to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh in June 2025. AP 6 Aaron Rodgers is a four-time league MVP quarterback. AP Advertisement Rodgers spent the past two seasons with the Jets. He missed much of his first year in New York due to a season-ending Achilles injury, but appeared in all 17 games last season, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. 6 Before landing with the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers spent the past two years with the Jets. Bill Kostroun for New York Post 6 Aaron Rodgers appeared in all 17 games for the Jets in 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post The Rodgers-less Jets are moving forward with ex-Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract as free agency opened in March. The Steelers targeted Rodgers for much of the offseason after Fields and fellow quarterback Russell Wilson walked in free agency. He ended the waiting game this past weekend by signing a deal worth $10 million guaranteed. The Steelers open the season on the road against the Jets on Sept. 7.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New Bruins coach Marco Sturm has seen the passion of Boston fans — from both sides
Former Boston Bruins player Patrice Bergeron looks on during an NHL news conference introducing Marco Sturm as the new head coach of the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) German Chocolate cupcakes and a cake are laid out to welcome Marco Sturm as the Boston Bruins' new head coach following an NHL hockey news conference, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) Boston Bruins new head coach Marco Sturm, left, smiles as he is presented a jersey by general manager Don Sweeney after being introduced during an NHL hockey news conference, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) Former Boston Bruins player Patrice Bergeron looks on during an NHL news conference introducing Marco Sturm as the new head coach of the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) German Chocolate cupcakes and a cake are laid out to welcome Marco Sturm as the Boston Bruins' new head coach following an NHL hockey news conference, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) Boston Bruins new head coach Marco Sturm, left, smiles as he is presented a jersey by general manager Don Sweeney after being introduced during an NHL hockey news conference, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm) BOSTON (AP) — Marco Sturm got his first taste of the passionate Bruins fans when he was traded to Boston for No. 1 overall draft pick — and soon-to-be NHL MVP — Joe Thornton. 'I mean, it wasn't my fault, right?' the former Bruins forward told chuckling reporters on Tuesday at a news conference to introduce him as the team's coach. 'I got here, and it was difficult. I'm not going to lie. You read the paper or social media or even you go on the street, people will let you know, right? Advertisement "But also it pushes you. And I saw it in the positive way," Sturm said. 'I've got such good memories here. And I know the fans, as soon as they feel that there's something good happening here, they will support you. I know that. It kind of goes the other way, too. But I don't want to talk about that. I want to look forward.' A three-time Olympian and first-round draft pick who played five of his 14 NHL seasons for the Bruins, Sturm led Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and spent the next six years in the Los Angeles Kings organization, the last three as head coach of its AHL affiliate. The 46-year-old former left wing replaces Joe Sacco, who finished the season as the interim coach after Jim Montgomery was fired in November. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said that as the team tries to rebuild after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016 it was important to have a coach 'who understands our fan base and values the same things — of being incredibly hard out each and every night.' The Bruins marked the occasion with a news conference in their offices overlooking Causeway Street and the TD Garden. Former captain Patrice Bergeron, who assisted on Sturm's overtime game-winner in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, was in the front row as a show of support. German chocolate cupcakes — a nod to the new coach's heritage — were served. Advertisement Sturm said he never considered coaching while he played, but he started working with his own kids before getting the job as head coach and general manager of the German national team in 2015. 'And that's where I really realized, 'This is actually me,'' he said. 'And that's where I have passion. That's where I'm good at. And then to go after that.' He put his plans for family time on hold and spent six years living in Los Angeles, away from his wife and children. 'I was chasing my dream,' Sturm said, adding that the children, who are now 19 and 21, missed Boston since moving away. 'My kids grew up there. They always wanted to come back. And here I am. Now they get their wish.' Advertisement Sturm said he wouldn't have taken just any opening, but the Bruins presented a team that has strong goaltending in Jeremy Swayman and a solid core led by defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward David Pastrnak that could push for the playoffs if it stays healthy. Boston also stockpiled draft picks and young talent from the midseason trade deadline purge that shipped off several veterans — including Brad Marchand, the only remaining member of their 2011 Stanley Cup championship roster. After posting 100-plus points in six straight non-pandemic-shortened seasons — including a Presidents' Trophy in 2023, when they set NHL records of 65 wins and 135 points — the Bruins finished with 76 points this season; only three teams were worse. 'Every job — it doesn't matter if you're in Boston or not — will be a challenge. But it's a good challenge. I love challenges," Sturm said. 'I know the expectations here. I know how it is. But as long as I'm putting my work and preparation in, I know I will be in good shape.' ___ AP NHL:
Fox Sports
an hour ago
- Fox Sports
Five things the 49ers must do to win a Super Bowl after paying Brock Purdy
After spending the past two seasons contemplating how to reward their franchise quarterback for his stellar work as a starter, the San Francisco 49ers now have to plot out how to build a roster around a big-money quarterback. With Brock Purdy commanding $265 million on a five-year deal, the 49ers must surround him with an elite collection of playmakers and pass protectors, while retooling a defense that has lost some of the swagger and sack production that made it one of the league's most feared units. Perhaps CEO Jed York, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have already crafted multiple versions of a plan designed to keep the team in title contention, while upgrading the depth chart to ensure Purdy has the surrounding personnel to help him maintain the gold standard of quarterback play that has the Faithful reminiscing about days of Joe Montana and Steve Young. Given Purdy's 23-13 record, 67.5% completion rate, 64:27 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 104.9 passer rating through 40 career games (36 starts), including a spectacular 2023 campaign, it is easy to envision the 49ers hoisting a Lombardi Trophy with him at the helm if they make the right moves to accentuate his game and elevate his play as the QB1 of a perennial title contender. Here are five things the 49ers must do moving forward to win with Purdy on a big-money extension. 1. Build a dominant running game around CMC and others in the backfield The 49ers' offense begins and ends with an old-school running game that transforms pedestrian runners into 1,000-yard rushers, and Pro Bowl-caliber playmakers into MVP candidates. CMC has flashed gold-jacket potential as the RB1 in a scheme that enables him to work the edges and between the tackles on zone and gap scheme runs. The two-time All-Pro is averaging 115.5 scrimmage yards, including 77.6 rushing yards, in 31 games with the Niners. In addition, he has scored 31 total touchdowns and claimed a rushing title with the club. While CMC is certainly the straw that stirs the drink, the 49ers have been able to post solid numbers on the ground with a collection of super-subs filling in at running back. Whether it was Jordan Mason (5.2) or Isaac Guerendo (5.0) last year, the 49ers averaged at least five yards per carry when one of the backups carries the ball as the temporary RB1. With the steady production forcing opponents to load the box out of respect for the running game, the 49ers' ground attack is crucial for creating big-play opportunities for Purdy off play-action passes. 2. Stockpile the lineup with "catch-and-run" specialists on the perimeter The 49ers' success through the air is sparked by their ability to transform short passes into big plays due to the explosiveness of their perimeter pass-catchers. Since Shanahan took over in 2017, the 49ers have prioritized running skills with their wideouts as part of an effort to maximize the potential yardage after each catch. The team has coveted playmakers with punt return experience to ensure their perimeter receivers possess the skill, toughness and contact balance to run around or through defenders in space. Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk were so effective as runners that the group earned the nickname "YAC Bros." due to their ability to rack up yardage in the open field. Though Samuel is no longer in a 49ers uniform, Kittle and Aiyuk are joined by Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall on the perimeter to continue the tradition in 2025. Measuring 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Jennings is a former high school dual-threat quarterback with a rugged game. He bullies his way past defenders, displaying outstanding strength and power with the ball in his hands. Pearsall is a slick route-runner with punt return experience at Florida (and Arizona State). Despite receiving limited snaps in 2024, the former first-rounder is an explosive player with the ball in his hands. While he lacks the size to run through defenders, the second-year pro flashes the speed, quickness, and burst to zip past defenders on crossers and diagonals. Given the 49ers' basketball team-like versatility within their WR corps, Purdy should continue to post impressive numbers in a high-percentage offense that relies heavily on "catch-and-run" concepts to a collection of rugged playmakers with big-play potential. 3. Keep the pocket clean for Purdy The 49ers' much-maligned offensive line is seemingly in need of a makeover after a disappointing season in front of Purdy & Co. The leaky pass protection often left the 6-foot-1 pinpoint passer under duress, while the inconsistent push in the running game hindered the 49ers' potential play-action aerial attack. While most of the focus has been on who will eventually succeed Trent Williams on the edge, the 49ers believe in their developmental process under offensive line coach Chris Foerster. The veteran has a knack for transforming unheralded players into solid starters in an exotic smash-mouth system that features a "plug-and-play" element for runners and blockers. Much like longtime running backs' coach Bobby Taylor has consistently discovered and developed late-round running backs into gems, the 49ers are counting on Foerster to transform a collection of low-cost free agents, developmental prospects, and reclamation projects into an upper-echelon front line. Although the results were disappointing last season, the cost-effective approach will enable the 49ers to absorb Purdy's big-money contract while acquiring premium assets at marquee positions. Moreover, the budget-conscious plan will help the 49ers stick to the blueprint (dominant running game + explosive play-action aerial attack + suffocating defense = wins) that has made them perennial title contenders in the NFC. With the 49ers committed to giving Ben Bartch, Dominick Puni, Austen Pleasants, Spencer Burford and Andre Dillard chances to carve out roles as short-term and long-term starters, the Faithful needs to trust the process when it comes to the development and improvement of the O-line. There's also the matter of 36-year-old Trent Williams, who returns after missing more than half of last season. The 49ers will soon have to find an eventual successor to ensure Purdy rarely deals with chaos from the blindside. Whether the team invests in a high-priced free agent or utilizes a top pick to add a franchise-caliber tackle to the mix, the 49ers must prioritize finding a premier edge blocker to protect their hefty investment in their young QB1. 4. Draft and develop a championship-caliber defense After dropping $265 million on Purdy to secure the most important position on the team, the 49ers must commit to building a championship defense with a collection of young, cheap defenders surrounding a couple of stars in the lineup. With Nick Bosa and Fred Warner established and paid like superstars, the 49ers have committed to the "draft-and-develop" process for the foreseeable future. The team selected defenders with their first five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft and added six total defensive stalwarts to a unit that seeks to re-emerge as a disruptive force under former and new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The former New York Jets leader has successfully developed a host of young defenders throughout his time as a head coach and coordinator; the 49ers' desire to build a championship defense through the draft hinges on his developmental skills. As the 49ers attempt to incorporate Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia), Alfred Collins (DT, Texas) Nick Martin (DL, Oklahoma State), Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky) and C.J. West (DT, Indiana) into a lineup that needed upgrades, particularly along the front line, the combination of personnel and coaching could produce spectacular results between the lines. As Purdy's big money begins to put a dent in the cap in 2026, the 49ers will need to lean on younger players to balance out the books. With Saleh's history of crafting top defenses with newbies dotting the lineup, the 49ers' commitment to a "draft-and-develop" model should help the team effectively manage a roster that features a quarterback commanding big money. 5. Kyle Shanahan must avoid the temptation to justify Purdy's contract Despite the questions surrounding the 49ers' decision to reward their franchise quarterback with a contract that puts him near the top of the market, the team cannot deviate from the successful blueprint that keyed Purdy's success. As an efficient passer with a pass-first point guard mentality, the former seventh-round pick has been a perfect fit in an offense directed by a schematic wizard. Shanahan's brilliant play designs and timely playcalling make it easy for the fourth-year pro to string together completions and produce "explosive" plays on carefully scripted deep shots. Looking at Purdy's spectacular 2023 campaign (69.4% completion rate, 4,280 pass yards, 31:11 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and 113.0 passer rating), it coincided with CMC leading the NFL in rushing yards (1,459), scrimmage yards (2,023), and combined scores (21). Given the two-time All-Pro's impact, the 49ers should not depart from a successful blueprint that puts the franchise quarterback in a supporting role with the RB1 leading the way. While the money suggests Purdy should carry the offense as the NFL's newest member of the "$50 Million Club," the 49ers are at their best when the QB1 operates like a high-end game manager if his role remains the same within an offense that is loaded with blue-chip players around him. Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the "Moving the Sticks" podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
