Sisterly solution: Nicole and Ashleigh Lent power Lincoln-Sudbury softball to first Division 1 semifinals
Thanks to their massive contributions, sixth-seeded Lincoln-Sudbury downed No. 3 King Philip, 4-1, in the Division 1 quarterfinals to clinch the program's first semifinal appearance.
'That sister connection is really something special, especially with those two,' said Lincoln-Sudbury coach Devan Morrison. 'They are each other's best friends and biggest fans.'
Lincoln-Sudbury players celebrate with the program's first state semifinalist trophy.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
In a softball-obsessed family where they live and breathe the game, dinner conversations revolve around happenings on the diamond after attending each other's hitting lessons.
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'There's always been this competitive fire,' said Nicole. 'We push each other to be the very best player that we can be. I am not the player that I am today without her.'
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During the playoffs, each game could be their last together before Ashleigh leaves to play at Trinity College. They're are making the most of their opportunity.
McCoy Walsh struck out 14 for King Philip, including the 600th whiff of her career.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Nicole reached base in all four appearances, walking twice. Ashleigh's double in the fifth inning plated senior Claire Gaeta for a much-needed insurance run, as junior McCoy Walsh (14 strikeouts) hummed in the circle for the Warriors (20-4). Walsh eclipsed 600 career strikeouts in the loss.
Kelsey Blanchette, a senior committed to UMass, scattering five hits and a walk, fanning five. Her only blemish was a solo shot off the bat of Providence-bound Liv Petrillo.
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'She has worked so hard for so long — she's not willing to lose at this point,' said Ashleigh Lent. 'That drive is so hard to come by, and she has it. This team is nowhere near where we are without Kelsey in the circle.'
Kelsey Blanchette was dominant for L-S, allowing just a solo home run while striking out five.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Morrison stood by home plate after the game, hands on her head in disbelief. The senior class stuck together, building up after missing the playoffs their freshman campaign.
'I could cry,' said Morrison. 'It's so surreal.'
'Just to have the grit and the heart of this senior class, top down, is the most surreal thing,' she continued. 'This is so cool. I can't put words to it.'
L-S coach Devan Morrison congratulates her team, which is in the state semifinals just three years removed from missing the playoffs entirely.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Division 4 State
Joseph Case 5, East Bridgewater 1 —
A complete-game masterclass from Lila Alvarez (13 strikeouts, 5 hits, 1 run), as well as two hits and two runs scored by Madilyn Botelho, sent the No. 4 Cardinals (17-6) past No. 5 East Bridgewater (18-5) and back to the semifinals as their hunt for a three-peat rolls on.
Cam Kerry can be reached at
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Associated Press
8 hours ago
- Associated Press
Sigma Announces World's First 200mm F2 Telephoto Prime Lens for Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras
Ronkonkoma, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Sigma Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan), is pleased to introduce the Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, available in early September 2025. It is the world's first 200mm F2 telephoto prime lens designed for full-frame mirrorless. The Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports is a large-aperture, telephoto prime lens ideal for shooting portraits and indoor sports. The F2 maximum aperture facilitates faster shutter speeds for capturing fast action, and it creates remarkable bokeh, the artistic effect that beautifully blurs backgrounds and foregrounds, drawing attention to the subject and creating a greater sense of depth. Sigma is renowned for its large-aperture lenses that combine these qualities with exceptional sharpness and high resolution. And as a part of Sigma's Sports line, this new lens also features rugged build quality and weather resistance that lets users work in challenging environments without worrying about their equipment. Outstanding edge-to-edge resolution is achieved, even at maximum aperture, by adopting an optical design of 19 elements in 14 groups, including 2 FLD and 2 SLD glass elements. Aberrations are thoroughly corrected, and flare and ghosting are kept to a minimum. Swift, accurate autofocus is driven by Sigma's HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor, allowing for fast subject acquisition and tracking. Plus, built-in optical stabilization utilizing Sigma's OS2 algorithm makes it possible to shoot handheld and maintain sharpness, even in fast-moving sports scenes. Additionally, the ultra-tough build quality of Sigma's Sports line is evident with a dust and splash-resistant structure, a water and oil-repellant coating on the front element, thermal insulation paint, and a newly-designed tripod socket for mounting to Arca-Swiss type tripods. The Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports lens will be available in early September at authorized Sigma dealers in the US for Sony E-mount and L-Mount for a retail price of $3,299 USD. Exclusively for mirrorless cameras Compatible with full-frame cameras SPORTS 200mm F2 DG OS [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports lens for L mount To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: * Product appearance and specifications are subject to change. * L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. * This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation. #Sigma #Sigma200mmF2Sports #SigmaSports #SigmaSportsPrime #SigmaDG #MadeInAizu The 200mm with the brightest F-number and outstanding optical performance ― stunning image quality that makes your subject stand out. The Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports is the world's first 1 200mm F2 telephoto prime lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The large bokeh, compression effect, and exquisite depictions delivered by outstanding optical performance unlock the creator's expressive power and enable unique photographic and video expression. 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(Measured at a focal length of 200mm with a 35mm full-frame camera) KEY FEATURES The world's first 200mm F2 full-frame mirrorless lens with outstanding optical performance Excellent resolution even at maximum aperture By adopting an optical design of 19 elements in 14 groups, including 2 FLD and 2 SLD glass elements, axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration, which are easily noticeable in telephoto lenses, are thoroughly corrected, achieving exceptionally high optical performance. Even at wide-open aperture, it delivers finely detailed rendering that maintains high resolution and contrast from the center to the edges. Impressive portraits made possible by the exceptional bokeh With the large bokeh enabled by the F2 aperture, which boasts twice the light amount of F2.8, and the compression effect of the 200mm focal length, the lens delivers a gorgeous background blur that brings out the subject, achieving a unique expression. 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KEY SPECIFICATIONS PRODUCT CODE ACCESSORY (Supplied) ACCESSORY (Optional) CONTACT US inquiries contact: INFORMATION To view the source version of this press release, please visit
San Francisco Chronicle
19 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Is this the year De La Salle football ends season with another state title?
It's one thing to reach the final destination. It's quite another to finish. De La Salle-Concord senior two-way star and North Carolina commit Jaden Jefferson says it's time. 'It's my fourth year on varsity — we've been talking about it for three years — and I'm ready to do whatever I need to to carry the team to a state or national championship,' said the defending state 100-meter sprint champion and record holder at 10.01 seconds. 'I'm ready for us to be that team. I'm excited.' This year's Spartans would be the first since 2015 — a span of seven attempts — to win a state title game. De La Salle lost for the third time in that span to Mater Dei-Santa (37-15) last season and has also lost twice to St. John Bosco (2016, 2019) and once each to Lincoln-San Diego (2022) and Mission Viejo (2023). Before that, the Spartans had won seven of 10 state title games, including four straight starting in 2009. They own state records for appearances (17), wins (seven) and losses (10). Have the losses affected the program? 'It's a talking point, for sure,' said head coach Justin Alumbaugh. 'A lot of these guys were on the field last year and they still feel it. But as far as going back to 2015, most of these guys were 3 and 4 years old. We don't hold on to it. We're right where we're supposed to be.' Chronicle preseason top 25 football Rk. School W-L 2024 1. De La Salle 12-1 1 2. Riordan 7-5 7 3. Pittsburg 12-3 2 4. Serra 5-6 9 5. St. Francis 10-3 5 6. Los Gatos 10-3 6 7. McClymonds 8-5 14 8. Cardinal Newman 10-2 10 9. San Ramon Valley 11-2 3 10 Amador Valley 10-5 12 11. Clayton Valley 6-5 24 12. St. Ignatius 10-3 5 13. Wilcox 11-3 8 14. Liberty 8-4 16 15. St. Vincent 14-1 18 16. Bishop O'Dowd 10-3 15 17. California 8-3 11 18. Marin Catholic 8-3 13 19. Valley Christian 5-6 21 20. San Marin 7-4 23 21. Campolindo 7-6 NR 22. Antioch 5-6 NR 23. Moreau Catholic 11-4 20 24. Sacred Heart Cathedral 4-7 NR 25. 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'We're excited to continue to focus on ourselves and develop an inexperienced and talented group,' Ramirez said. 'Even though we lost the last one, it had a positive outcome for the program and for the community. The entire city was proud of the 2024 Pirates, and there's great enthusiasm heading into 2025.' Tenth-ranked Amador Valley-Pleasanton was defeated 18-14 in the state final by Frontier-Bakersfield and lost All-Metro quarterback Tristan Ti'a to graduation — he's at Oregon State — but 10-year head coach Danny Jones said the loss was only a blip. He returns 15 starters — including college prospects Cole Goldsworthy, a defensive end-tight end headed to BYU, WR-S Nehemiah Funguala (Northern Arizona), RB-SS Ismael Duenas and TE-DE McKay Kenitzer — but finding a new quarterback is top priority. His top candidates are senior Tyson Jetter, juniors Bradley Canfield and Ethan Riley and sophomore Nicco Kovacs. 'Of course we would have loved to end on a win,' Jones said. 'But our (2026) class is really strong, we learned some things (from the loss) and frankly, our guys come in hungry.' Second-ranked Riordan was upset in the Central Coast Section Open semifinals by Los Gatos, which was beaten by St. Francis 27-7 in the CCS finals. The Lancers then dropped a tough 32-30 Northern California 2-AA title game to Grant. All three figure to rebound nicely, especially Riordan, led by fourth-year starting QB Michael Mitchell (Vanderbilt) and six other Chronicle top 50 players to watch. St. Francis lost career rushing leader Kingston Keanaaina but returns his brother Motu to pick up the slack along with a number of top prospects like two-way standout Sefanaia Alatiniluding (BYU), offensive lineman John Fifita (USC) and linebacker Chase Cahoon (Stanford). Los Gatos returns Cal Poly-bound offensive lineman Garrett Bertsch, 1,000-yard rusher Grayson Doslak and linebacker Austin Krug, who has received several Division 1 offers. 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Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
Prep volleyball preview: Mater Dei chases rare three-peat in top playoff division
As the 2025 high school girls volleyball campaign gets underway, no program in the Southland is garnering as much attention as Mater Dei — and for good reason. Led by reigning Coach of the Year Dan O'Dell, the Monarchs have won back-to-back CIF Southern Section Division 1 titles and are trying to become only the second team in section annals to capture three straight in the top playoff division. The first school to three-peat in the highest division was Newport Harbor, which won three straight Division 1AA titles from 1997-99 under coach Dan Glenn. Spearheading Mater Dei's chase for history are reigning Player of the Year Layli Ostovar, a senior outside hitter committed to USC for beach and indoor, and fellow All-CIF outside hitter Westley Matavao, who flourished as a sophomore for the Monarchs following a mandatory sit-out period after transferring from Orange Lutheran. Matavao, an early commit to UCLA, had 12 kills in the final of the Durango Classic in Las Vegas in September and was named the tournament MVP. She ended last season with 276 kills (3.5 per set) and 284 digs in 80 sets. Last Tuesday, the junior picked up right where she left off, pounding 15 kills and serving three aces in a season-opening four-set triumph over San Clemente. Ostovar was the team's kill-leader last fall with 337. Her sisters — setter Ayva and libero Kayla — graduated in the spring, but the Monarchs bring back three strong middle blockers in Addison Coady, Emma Kingston and Sierra Robinson. Mater Dei won back-to-back Division 1 crowns in 2017 and 2018 (also under O'Dell) but its bid for three in a row ended with a four-set loss to Redondo Union in the finals in 2019. Should it pull off a trifecta, this year's squad would equal the feat the Monarchs achieved in capturing three straight Division IIA titles from 2001-03 under Craig Pazanti, currently the boys and girls coach at his alma mater, Huntington Beach. The biggest threat to Mater Dei's supremacy in the Trinity League figures to be Santa Margarita, which returns All-CIF outside hitters Ireland Real (a U19 USA Volleyball team member who had 543 kills as a sophomore for the Eagles last fall) and Memphis Burnett. Orange Lutheran returns setter/hitter Marley Robinson and JSerra's attack is led by opposites Katherine and Charlotte Nowak. Redondo Union is one of several teams with the firepower to dethrone Mater Dei. The Seahawks established themselves as the favorites in the talent-laden Bay League by finishing runner-up at the Ann Kang Invitational in Hawaii for a second straight time, falling to Byron Nelson of Texas in Saturday's championship match. On its march to the Gold Division final, Tommy Chaffins' squad ousted JSerra, league rival Mira Costa and Sierra Canyon. The Seahawks are flying high thanks to Cal-bound outside Abby Zimmerman, libero Addi Junk and opposite hitter Avery Junk (twins who are Florida State beach commits) and All-CIF middle blocker Taylor Boice (UC Irvine). Zimmerman is one of the most well-rounded players in California and last season's stats prove it: 429 kills, 259 digs, 63 blocks and 57 aces. Mira Costa wants revenge after getting upset by Redondo Union in the CIF-SS beach finals on May 3 and the Mustangs from Manhattan Beach are more than capable with a stable of outside hitters that includes Audrey Flanagan, Simone Roslon and Cayenne Ceman, and USC-bound setter Milly McGee. Flanagan pounded 478 kills a year ago and is headed to Wisconsin. Roslon has committed to Stanford and Ceman has committed to Northeastern. Despite the graduation of Taylor Decker (now at USC), who was a three-year starter at libero, Mira Costa has gone undefeated in league four years in a row and is determined to extend that streak. The last school not named Mater Dei to win the top prize in the Southern Section was Sierra Canyon, which swept Mira Costa in the finals in 2022. The Trailblazers are contenders once more with junior outside hitters Hanna McGinest (452 kills in 2024) and Eva Jeffries (415 kills), both of whom are daughters of former pro athletes. The roster also features Missouri commit Lucky Fasavalu (who can both set and hit) and two junior transfers—middle and Nebraska commit Kendall Omoruyi and hitter McKenna McIntosh, a USC commit. Defending the Mission League crown will be a challenge for Sierra Canyon because Marymount is itching to unseat its archival, having dropped three meetings with the Trailblazers last season. Returning for the Sailors are hitter Sammy Destler (a Washington commit), setter Olivia Penske (a Georgetown commit), middle Elle Vandeweghe (a Southern Methodist commit) and junior pin hitter Makenna Barnes. Cari Klein coached Marymount to six straight titles (five in Division IVAA and the last in IA) from 2001-06 — still the section record — and three consecutive from 2010-12 (the first two in 1A and the last in 1AA, then the top division). Huntington Beach lost All-CIF libero Olivia Foye (now at Princeton) but outside hitter Addison Williams (a Hawaii commit) and the Oilers will battle for the Sunset League crown with Los Alamitos, which is paced by libero Kaitlyn Herweg. Murrieta Valley and Palos Verdes clashed for the Division 2 title last year but both rosters look significantly different. All-CIF sophomore hitter Summer Tukua returns but the champion Nighthawks graduated eight players, including MVP Miley Thunstrom. Palos Verdes lost three All-CIF players: top hitter and Stanford commit Kaci Demaria, LSU beach commit Molly LeBreche and UCLA beach commit Mallory LaBreche. Under coach Arman Mercado, defending City Section Open Division champion Taft won 40 or more matches in each of the three previous seasons, but the core of that group graduated last spring, including Co-Players of the Year Aleiah Carr and Francine Baltazar-Shine, libero Gianella Tijamo and All-City outside hitter Eva Velarde. Returning are defensive specialist Jasmine Orellana, setter Alexa Barajas and opposite Laila Braimah. Open Division finalist Venice returns All-City first-teamers Gaia Adeseun-Williams and setter Kaya Richards and second-team pick Samantha Lortie. Palisades is hungry for its first title in five years with hitter Tulah Block and libero Lucy Neilson.
