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November 4 -- November 10, 2024

Issue No. 562

Letters to the Editor

Woe to Golden State Valkyries Opponents

The Golden State Valkyries Women's National Basketball Association team will play its home games at Chase Center in San Francisco, while being headquartered in Oakland. But what is a Valkyrie?


The meaning of Valkyrie is 'any of the maidens of Odin who choose the heroes to be slain in battle and conduct them to Valhalla.' They are bold and fearless Warrior Women, flying through air and sea alike. 


Woe to opponents of the Golden State Valkyries. As noted in the Procol Harum song Wreck of the Hesperus -- "Make haste your funeral cries the Valkyrie" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MnQTFa7PHI&list=RDGMEMJQXQAmqrnmK1SEjY_rKBGA&index=1 

(3:55) The surrealistic video is compiled from Terry Gilliam's 

Adventures of Baron von Munchausen film. The Wreck of the Hesperus, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is a poem that tells a tragic story of a shipwreck as a skipper, or captain, sails straight into a hurricane.

Plans are to begin play in 2025

as the first expansion team in

the WNBA since 2008.

https://valkyries.com/

Robert A. Moselle, Esq.

https://www.cce-mcle.com

Marketing Director, Sports Today!


World Series Schadenfreude Alert

This is a follow up to my letter from last week (Sports Today #561 -- https://conta.cc/4f28Szj,) which paid homage to the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers team which, after years of frustration, bested the New York Yankees in the World Series. The trademark Yankee arrogance displayed by these clown Yankee fans continues, and has helped raise my Schadenfreude level to RED ALERT! 


And I'm lovin' it! Yankees lose to the Dodgers -- "How sweet it is."

Inadvertent fan interference I can understand, but assault on a player -- not so much. (Little known fact, Giants fans -- Brooklyn Dodger great Duke Snider finished his career as a San Francisco Giant.)


Quick YouTube clip: Two Yankee fans try to strong arm the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove in Game Four of the World Series. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjJzhip0YWQ (:37)


Jacques Diamond

Oakland, CA


Dave Newhouse Fan

Very fun Dave Newhouse piece! The class sounds great, and the students will surely get their money’s worth. Thanks for the insight into the pseudo-professors new role!


Penny Matson

Nevada City, CA

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Contents

Games

Bay FC 3, Houston Dash 2

Cal Bears (MPOLO) 15, USC Trojans 17

Cal Bears (WBB) 83, Vanguard Lions 47

Oakland Roots SC 0, Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2


Features & Commentary

Arnold Schwarzenegger, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee

Hey, Warriors, Don't Pass Up the Pass, by Dave Newhouse

"I'm not Optimistic, but I am Hopeful, by Howard Pearlstein

Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Undone by Their Own Arrogance, by Pete Elman


Organizations

Bay Area Falcons

Bay Area Panthers

Bay FC

Cal Bears

Cal State University East Bay

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

Oakland Ballers

Oakland Roots SC

Oakland Soul SC

Oakland Spiders

Saint Mary's College Gaels

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Nighthawks

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose State Spartans

Santa Clara Broncos

SF City

Sonoma Raceway

St. Francis Yacht Club

Stanford Cardinal

UC Davis Aggies

University of Pacific Tigers

USF Dons

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna

Seca

Cal Bears 83

Vanguard Lions 47

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Cal Bears guard Ioanna Krimili hit five three-pointers on the way to 20 points as the Bears began their 2024-25 campaign with an 83-47 exhibition game victory over the Vanguard Lions on Halloween Night at Haas Pavilion. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita

Forward Michelle Onyiah pulled down 18 rebounds while also adding 11 points. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.

Freshman guard Zahra King came off the bench to contribute 13 points. Photo and caption by Darren Yamashita.

California Golden Bears fans dressed in Halloween costumes applaud during the first quarter against the Vanguard Lions at Haas Pavilion To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. 

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita..

Sharing is the Key


Hey, Warriors, Don't Pass

Up The Pass



by Dave Newhouse


There is something new about these Warriors, something that’s been missing for far too long, and something that could carry them a long way: Passing the basketball.


And I truly mean passing the ball, sharing it on the court in an unselfish, creative manner, reminiscent of Magic Johnson’s Lakers and, long before that, Bob Cousy’s Celtics.


Watching the start of this Warriors season seemed a mirage as they moved the ball around cleverly for easy baskets by the hoop, instead of their usual painful-to-watch 3-point shooting barrages that have led to low percentages and big defeats in recent years.


The current Warriors started off with road victories over Portland, 140-104, and Utah, 127-86, two blowouts that resulted from sharing the basketball beautifully— more hands, less stress, better results.


But that unfamiliar unselfish creativity quickly disappeared in their next outing, a 112-104 home defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers. So who are these Warriors: Newly team-oriented or the same old long-distance individuals?


Steve Kerr is a wonderful coach, handling all kinds of difficult situations — Draymond Green, anyone? — with impressive calmness, letting no kettle boil over, a winning formula overall.


But his one weakness is the team’s individualism that has perpetuated over the years to where it has become a detriment, not a destination. His Warriors simply have no offensive conscience or discipline, hoisting up 3-pointers crazily, a negative philosophy.


This is no request to rein in Stephen Curry, the greatest 3-point shooter in history. But if his teammates are trying to match him from long distance, which sometimes has been the case, this can only lead to disappointing outcomes.


Which needn’t be the case, as the first two games of the Warriors season attest. Team basketball beats individual basketball every time. So why can’t Kerr convince his players of this fact? It’s just not understandable.

Trayce Jackson-Davis dunks on Wembanyama...

https://www.reddit.com/r/warriors/comments/1bcluio/highlight_trayce_jacksondavis_puts_victor/

This Warriors team has amazing potential otherwise. For Kerr is having the same broad substitution success as Al Attles’ championship team of 1975. The more bodies the merrier, and these Warriors could, and should, overwhelm opponents.


Not only are the Warriors deep, they are young. Trace Jackson-Davis is 24, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga are 22, and Brandon Podziemski is 21. All four are strong contributors now, and will only become more impressive this winter.


Podziemski is the best passer of this group, and trails only Curry and Green on the team, which should excel more often in distributing the basketball. Yet something is holding them back in this regard. So coach Kerr, what’s next?


All I know is that Jackson-Davis is the best dunking center on the Warriors since Nate “The Great” Thurmond decades ago, and Kerr should get him the ball more often down low. The percentages are better from two feet than 22 feet.


The coach, hard truth is that the Warriors can only compete for another NBA championship by moving the ball around. The first two games of this season should show them the rest of the way, if their eyes are open to reality.


I do believe the components are there. More hands, less stress, better results. A winning strategy.

* * *

Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.


Cal Bears 15

USC Trojans 17

Spieker Aquatics Complex, Berkeley, CA

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Cal Bears attacker Bende Pardi scores a game-tying goal with nine seconds left in the fourth quarter to force overtime against the second-ranked USC Trojans. However, the Trojans would tally the only two goals in overtime to defeat the seventh-ranked Bears, 17-15, at the Spieker Aquatics Complex on Sunday, November 3rd.

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Attacker Jake Howerton scores one of his three goals during the game. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Attacker Marci Szatmary scores on a penalty shot during the first quarter. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

California Golden Bears seniors are recognized as part of Senior Day before the game against the USC Trojans at Spieker Aquatics Complex. To view a photo album, visit our Facebook Page or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. 

Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.

Golden State Warriors


NBA Foundation To Host Fourth

All-Star Pitch Competition for Local Small Businesses as Part of NBA

All-Star 2025

 

– A Collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and Kapor Center –

 

– Applications Open Now –


NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2024 – The NBA Foundation today announced the fourth All-Star Pitch Competition, which will take place during NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The All-Star Pitch Competition will be hosted in collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and the Kapor Center. The Pitch Competition is designed to elevate emerging companies that serve diverse communities in the Bay Area, and those led by diverse and underrepresented entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate.

 

Ten early-stage startups will compete and pitch their businesses for cash prizes. Applications to participate in the competition are open now through Nov. 9. To apply, visit here.

 

The top 10 applicants will compete in the semifinals on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. Following the semi-finals, seven finalists will advance to the final round during NBA All-Star 2025 on Thursday, Feb. 13 and the finalists will also be recognized in-arena during the Warriors’ home game against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Dec. 5.

 

More than $150,000 in cash prizes will be awarded as part of the All-Star Pitch Competition, and the seven finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses in front of NBA legends, venture capitalists and other prominent entrepreneurs during one of the marquee events on the NBA calendar.


continued...

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2024 World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates after the Dodgers beat New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)


Undone by Their Own Arrogance


by Pete Elman



In the end, the New York Yankees were victims of their own hubris, the pedigree that has led to 27 championships, inspiring devotion from their fans and equal enmity from those who despise them.


Wednesday night, at game five in the Bronx, they were undone by their own arrogance.


Flashback to game one in LA, when a hobbled Freddie Freeman channeled his inner Kirk Gibson and crushed the walkoff grand slam heard ‘round the world, humbling the cocky visitors.


The Dodgers have won their division eleven of the past twelve years, but their only title in that time has a giant asterisk next to it, taking place in 2020 in front of zero fans in a Covid-shortened season. There was no parade.


This 2024 team came into the post-season battle-hardened, overcoming the loss of their entire rotation to injury and cobbling together a bullpen--one that by October was breaking records. It helped to have three MVPs at the top of the lineup. They were nothing if not resilient.


On the other side, led by feisty manager Aaron Boone, whose 2003 homer in the ALCS broke the hearts of millions of Red Sox fans, the Yankees looked to regain their swagger in October.


But the Dodgers have their own leader, an embattled manager who has taken more criticism than any skipper in recent memory. “He can’t manage pitchers,” they said, and “can’t win the big one.”


But, in a clinic the likes of which we have rarely seen in a World Series, Dave Roberts artfully outmanaged Boone, taking chances at every turn and watching them all pay off.


He is the son of an American father and a Japanese mother, an itinerant journeyman whose claim to fame is his stolen base in the 2004 ALCS, the key play in getting the curse of the Bambino off of Sox fans’ backs forever.


Twenty years ago Roberts beat the Yankees with his legs; in 2024, with his brains. And he had Shohei Otani, the modest, classy superstar who, despite a painful shoulder injury, refused to quit. Otani sent his teammates a message before game three:


"I'm fine. I intend to play in the game,” he wrote—in English.

Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

In game four, something disgraceful took place. As Mookie Betts was catching a foul ball headed for the seats, two fans intervened; one pried the ball out of Betts’ glove while the other grabbed Betts’ arm. Only in Yankee Stadium, I thought.


And the consequence meted out by the team and MLB? A one-game suspension, with full reimbursement for the tickets. Pathetic—they should be banned for life.


The arrogance of Yankee fans is incredible. The ensuing bad karma took a game to show up, but when it did it was biblical.


After a blowout win in game four, the Yankees rode the momentum into game five. Aaron Judge got untracked with a homer and a great catch, and the Yanks, behind their ace Gerrit Cole, were cruising, ahead 5-0 and thinking about game six in LA. But in the fifth inning the baseball Gods spoke. Not so fast, fellas.

Aaron Judge makes the first of several mistakes in the fifth inning.

Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

With no outs and a runner on first, Judge clanked a routine fly to center, probably for the first and last time in his career. A tricky grounder resulted in yet another error, loading the bases. Two clutch strikeouts by Cole set the stage for the biggest

play of the series.


Thirty-four-year-old Gerrit Cole, arguably the best pitcher in the game the past ten years, grew up in Southern California as a Yankee fan. His father was raised in Syracuse and passed down his love of the Bombers to his son. When he was 11 Gerrit

attended the 2001World Series and held a sign that said, "YANKEE FAN TODAY, TOMORROW, FOREVER."


In 2019, at his first press conference as a Yankee, Cole thanked the late Marvin Miller, former director of the players’ association, along with the late Curt Flood, for their roles in establishing free agency for MLB players.


Cole and his wife love to cook, and have a recipe blog; he studied political science and theater at UCLA and plays piano and guitar. In other words, he is a smart, worldly, class guy, which is why I feel bad about what happened to him next.


The unflappable Betts came to the plate and hit a soft grounder to Anthony Rizzo, who planned to throw to Cole covering. But, in a moment of panic, distraction—or perhaps arrogance—Gerrit Cole, just one out from escape, froze. The hustling Betts crossed the bag, a run scored; two batters later the game was tied.


Cole regrouped and got the Dodgers out in the sixth and seventh, but the die was cast. The extra pitches he was forced to throw in the fifth and the mental stress were too much. Betts fittingly drove in the winning run, Roberts pushed all the right bullpen buttons, and Blake Treinen and Walker Buehler finished off the Yankees.


In hindsight, the Yankees were defeated by a motivated, inspired Dodger team that had destiny on their side. But they only had themselves to blame. In the end, their swagger was a cover for their insecurity.


They were undone by their own arrogance.


Pete Elman

Rockridge, Oakland, CA

Monday, 11/4/2024

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San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants and President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey have named Vice President, Professional Scouting Zack Minasian as the club’s new General Manager. Minasian is the club’s 11th General Manager in the San Francisco era (since 1958), joining Chub Feeney (1947-1969), Horace Stoneham (1970-1975), Spec Richardson (1976-1981), Tom Haller (1981-1985), Al Rosen (1986-1992), Bob Quinn (1993-1996), Brian Sabean (1996-2015), Bobby Evans (2015-2018), Scott Harris (2019-2022) and Pete Putila (2022-2024).


“We are excited for Zack to take on this new role,” said Posey. “Zack has brought a wealth of knowledge and a lot of experience to the organization in his six years here. He’s also a thorough talent evaluator, but beyond that, he’s a terrific person our community will be proud of. We believe that in this new role he will immediately make us better as a team and organization and I look forward to working alongside him.”

For More Information

2025 Spring Training Travel Packages On Sale Now


Join Giants Vacations for a nothing like it Spring Training vacation in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Travel packages are available to fit every fan’s schedule and budget and include exciting new experiences for 2025.


The re-imagined Giants gameday event at the ballpark includes $100 in Cactus Cash redeemable for food, beverage and merchandise at Scottsdale Stadium AND an exclusive postgame reception and autograph session with select Giants team personnel!


Introducing new, discounted children’s pricing in 2025. Bring the entire family and SAVE!


All Giants Vacations Spring Training travel packages include hotel accommodations, game ticket(s), $100 Cactus Cash, exclusive postgame reception and autographs, Giants Spring Training shirt and more. Let us take the wheel! Spring Training Road Trip Packages include escorted transportation to the games and planned events.

Spring Training Road Trips

March 6-10, 2025 | 4 Nights |

3 Games

March 12-17, 2025 | 5 Nights |

4 Games

Spring Training Flex Packages

March 6-9, 2025

March 14-17, 2025

Full Details

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time." 


We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!


www.thechieftain.com

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Twelve Fan Investor Finalists Move Closer to Becoming the First Fan Board Member for the

Oakland Ballers 


(Oakland, California)-- In a groundbreaking initiative to redefine the relationship between sports teams and their fans, the Oakland Ballers staff has narrowed over 75 applications for the Fan Elected Board Member position down to 12 finalists. This fan investor board seat represents a historic first for a U.S.-based sports team and a distinct move towards redefining the relationship between sports teams and their fans.  


The applications showcased a wide range of personal and professional experiences including dedicated little league coaches, single moms, and small businesses owners. After careful review and thoughtful deliberation, the Oakland Ballers staff finally came to an agreement on the finalists.


“To say we were thrilled with the number and diversity of applicants would be an understatement. We read applications from so many different community members, including a 15-year STEAM teacher in Oakland public schools, a former CEO of Pfizer, and a professor who studied the Savannah Bananas. There are so many candidates who would add tremendous value to our Board,” said Bryan Carmel, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers. 


“Initially we said we would choose up to 10 finalists because we were not sure how many people would even apply. As the applications poured in, we were like, okay we need to bump the number of finalists up because there are so many fantastic candidates to choose from! They all had one important thing in common though - a love for the game and for Oakland!” said Paul Freedman, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers. 


The 12 finalists are listed below in alphabetical order. Each has been invited to submit a campaign video by Monday, November 11 explaining why they deserve the vote of their fellow fan owners, sharing their vision and priorities in their own words. All fan investors, regardless of the amount they contributed to our initial crowdfunding effort, will be eligible to cast their vote for their top fan board member. 


12 Finalists 

  • Allyson Yuen
  • Jade Le
  • Jesus Rosario
  • Jorge Leon
  • Nancy McGee
  • Pat Kelly
  • Rachel Beth Egenhoefer
  • Richard Eichmann
  • Sherina Rina Criswell
  • Trevor Frandsen
  • Will Kruse
  • Willis White

www.oaklandballers.com

Visit our Website

Bay FC 3

Houston Dash 2

Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Racheal Kundananji tallies club’s first brace as Bay FC registers

NWSL-record 11th win of 2024 season


Bay FC secures NWSL playoff berth with 3-2 victory over Houston Dash in regular-season finale


HOUSTON (Nov. 2, 2024) – Behind the first brace in club history from Racheal Kundananji, Bay FC earned a 3-2 road win against the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium. With the victory, Bay FC secured a postseason berth, becoming just the second expansion team in league history to qualify for the playoffs in their first season. The victory also marked Bay FC’s 11th of the regular season – setting a new NWSL record for wins by an expansion club in its debut campaign. 


Playoffs Clinched

With the win, Bay FC secured a playoff berth in their first NWSL season. The club’s final position in the standings will be determined by tomorrow’s match between the Chicago Red Stars and Kansas City Current – a draw or loss for Chicago will secure seventh place for the club and a quarterfinal matchup with the Washington Spirit on Sunday, Nov. 10. Should Chicago defeat Kansas City, Bay FC will claim eighth place and visit the Orlando Pride in the quarterfinal round on Friday, Nov. 8. 


continued...

www.bayfc.com

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Oakland Roots SC 0

Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2

Weidner Field, Colorado Springs, CO

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Oakland Roots Fall 0-2 in Opening Playoff Round


The Colorado Springs Switchbacks pushed forward consistently from the start, while the Oakland Roots maintained a disciplined, organized formation that successfully kept Colorado Springs from posing a significant threat for the first 30 minutes.


Just as Oakland began building momentum, the first big opportunity of the game went to the Switchbacks. A well-placed corner kick required a crucial save from Roots goalkeeper Paul Blanchette, keeping the score level at 0-0.


Colorado Springs broke the deadlock in the 41st minute after a couple of deflections slipped through Oakland's back line, allowing Jairo Henriquez to capitalize with an easy finish, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.


The score remained 1-0 in favor of the Switchbacks as both teams headed into the halftime break, with Colorado Springs holding onto the lead after a tense first half.


In the 56th minute, Colorado Springs were awarded a penalty kick, which Ronaldo Damus calmly slotted into the side netting, extending the home team’s lead to 2-0.


Head Coach Gavin Glinton made multiple substitutions following the second goal, hoping to find a way back into the game.


Colorado Springs maintained control of the game until the final whistle, as Oakland's season came to an end following the 2-0 defeat in Colorado Springs.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lanuzYC3uA

www.oaklandrootssc.com

Arnold Schwarzenegger -- from the Autograph Collection

of Rich Yee

I’ve had several opportunities to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger and get his autograph during his years as a bodybuilder, actor, businessman and California governor. Arnold had partnered with several other celebrities and opened a Planet Hollywood in San Francisco. I went to one of his appearances there and brought this Terminator photo with me. He was nice enough to sign it for me along with another photo I had with me. Arnold Schwarzenegger has won the Mr. Olympia title seven times. Forbes recently estimated that Arnold is a billionaire.


Rich YeeSports Today Photographer

Sports Precis

“I’m not optimistic, but

I am hopeful.”


by Howard Pearlstein


And here we are, with the teams I follow in the middle of critical turnaround weeks. The 49ers are in their bye week, getting some much-needed time to heal and sharpen up their timing. The Dubs are off to a good start, and Bay FC who, against the odds, became only the second first-year Expansion team to qualify for the NWSL playoffs.


Oh, that headline quote was once said by South Carolina congressman James Clyburn when asked about election chances. And it’s memorable to me, during this overheated election year, not for party or candidate preferences, but because it was one of those rare times when a politician replied to a question without weasel words, just a specific, ‘This is where I am’ non-fuzzy answer. Rare for any public figure.


So.


The Niners have an extra much-needed week to recover from injuries, get their “next man up” roster in working order and try to begin a winning streak. And because my view of the world is one in which the metaphysics of magic are operational, it gives me hope to see Ricky Pearsall playing like a champ, Pearsall being the one professional athlete in America who can honestly lay claim to having gotten a personal fist-bump from Mr. Mojo.


The Dubs have been working to re-make their game one in which the quality of players coming in off the bench is not inherently questionable. That’s not easy to do in professional sports, where pretty much everyone drafted or signed spent their pre-professional years as The Man.


But it’s essential for building a championship team to change what a player sees in the mirror, shifting it, at least a little bit, from The Man to One of The Men. To that end, Coach Kerr has been running 10, 12, even 13 player rotations, a hopeful way of erasing the stigma of the bench as those players come in to deliver solid kick-ass minutes.


The Dubs’ players had already been erasing the lines around formal definitions of positions. They haven’t been strictly Guard or Forward or Center for a long time, but Steph or Draymond or Looney. And now, Kuminga or Podziemski or TJD or GPII or Moody or…


Fortunately, with Steph and Wiggs and Melton out, that seems to have worked.


Saturday night, with Wiggs back in, they took it to the Houston Rockets, and, despite the depressingly usual fall from a lead (31 points) to a tie game, this was different. Kuminga came in during OT with three killer baskets while they shut out the Rockets.


Since age doesn’t seem to mean much anymore, not with Steph and Lebron still playing, reminds me that San Francisco poet Michael McClure once observed:


“What we seek is not youth, but flexibility.” Both physical and mental flexibility are required.


Bay FC has overcome a tough first year marred by problems and mishaps. Their first player chosen, Alex Loera, went down with a season-ending injury in the first game. Then the Olympics took their top strikers for a month (as with other teams).


But nonetheless, week after week, coach Albertin Montoya was taking them closer to the ideal of “everyone being aware of everyone else.” And the new CBA, which made every player in the NWSL an unprecedented free agent, allowed them to have powerful defender Abby Dahlkemper return to play in her hometown.


They clinched their playoff status late Saturday, winning 3-1 in Houston against the Dash, with Racheal Kundananji (aka Rudy) icing the score.


The NWSL playoffs begin November 8, schedule TBD.


  * * *

Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.

Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 104: The Importance of Assignment Clauses For NIL Collectives

by Darren Heitner, Esq.

Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration


The Weekly Longer NIL Thought


There is still no settlement ending multiple antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA (including House v. NCAA). And we won't know until 2025 whether Judge Wilken will provide final approval to the settlement, which has only thus far received preliminary approval.


But that is not stopping schools from preparing for a world where revenue sharing (with a cap but no floor on same) exists.


It's also not preventing NIL collectives from determining that what is often referred to as a boilerplate provision within agreements -- an assignment clause -- is now a material provision that must be a focus of negotiation to the extent that an athlete or his/her representatives push back.


An assignment clause typically clarifies whether any of the parties to an agreement has the right to assign all or a portion of the rights/obligations/duties of a contract to a third party.


NIL collectives should seek an unfettered ability to assign their contracts in full or in part at their sole discretion. Athletes and their representatives should want to ensure that the obligations of the NIL collective, if assignable, are not released or terminated by way of such assignment and that the collective at least remains as a guarantor of the obligation should the third party default.


continued...

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10th Anniversary

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Friends of Laguna Seca starts Improvements to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca


The Laguna Seca Recreation Area stays on track as it begins a new era under the leadership of Friends of Laguna Seca (Friends), the newly-appointed concessionaire responsible for the iconic motorsports facility that is home to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. As Laguna Seca prepares for the 2025 season, a mix of planned upgrades and long-term visionary projects is set to transform the venue into a world-class destination for motorsports, entertainment, and recreation.


continued...

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Universities & Colleges

Cal Bears

Kevin Carmichael scored his first goal of the season in the win over the Cardinal.


Cal Beats No. 22 Stanford 1-0

In Big Clasico


STANFORD – Kevin Carmichael scored the game-winning goal and Marco Brougher made four saves to power the California men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over 22nd-ranked Stanford in the Big Clasico and regular-season finale on Friday night at Cagan Stadium.

 

Cal improved its record to 6-7-2 (2-4-2 ACC) with the win in its first ACC game against its longtime rival, whose record is now 8-4-4 (3-2-3).

 

The Golden Bears next compete at North Carolina in the first round of the ACC Championship. With the result over the Cardinal, Cal finished 11th in the conference standings and earned the 11th seed in the conference tournament, pitting the Golden Bears against the sixth-seeded Tar Heels in the first-round match next Wednesday at 3 p.m. PT in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Cal played UNC in Chapel Hill on Sept. 28 during the regular season, with the Bears falling 2-1.

 

Against the Cardinal, Cal came out strong early, taking a 6-0 shots advantage and forcing two saves out of Stanford goalkeeper Rowan Schnebly in the first 17 minutes. The Bears ended the first half with a 7-3 lead in shots and Brougher made two saves of his own as the game remained 0-0 at halftime.

 

A corner kick led to the 81st-minute goal, with Alfredo Ortiz's corner ending up with Carmichael on the far side of the box. The Cal co-captain passed the ball to Kieran Bracken Serra, and the freshman played a short pass back to Carmichael, who settled the ball and fired from the top of the box to beat Schnebly for the central defender's first goal of the season.


continued...

Photo: Ariel Nava

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Stanford Cardinal

Stanford Falls to NC State in Raleigh


Cardinal drops road tilt with Wolfpack, 59-28


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Hollywood Smothers and Jordan Waters each rushed for two touchdowns and quarterback CJ Bailey added three more while being nearly perfect through the air as North Carolina State beat Stanford 59-28 to hand the Cardinal their sixth consecutive loss.


The Wolfpack (2-3 ACC, 5-4) snapped a two-game home losing streak with an overpowering quick-strike start to the second half. North Carolina State scored three touchdowns on four plays, capped by Waters’ 94-yard run that was the second-longest rushing TD in school history.


Bailey, who took over the starting job in midseason after Grayson McCall retired because of head injuries, completed 18 of 20 passes for 234 yards. The freshman from Miami showed a special touch with the long ball, connecting on three passes of more than 25 yards while compiling a 237.8 QB rating before exiting early in the fourth quarter.


During a game in which Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson, last year’s ACC defensive player of the year, was inducted into the NC State Ring of Honor, the Wolfpack started slowly on defense and gave up 398 yards of total offense.


continued...

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San Jose State Spartans

Spartans Get Victory Saturday

over New Mexico


SAN JOSE, Calif.—Nayeli Ti’a recorded her second double-double of the week to help the San José State volleyball team to a 3-1 win

(25-21, 25-21 22-25, 25-13) over New Mexico Saturday afternoon inside Spartan Gym.


  • Ti’a led the Spartans with 16 kills and added 10 digs in the win to record her eighth double-double of the year
  • Ti’a was one of three Spartans to record double-digit kills and double-digit digs.
  • Brooke Bryant and Blaire Fleming added 10 kills a piece.
  • Alessia Buffagni led the team with 18 digs and added eight assists.
  • Brooke Slusser had her sixth double-double of the year with 19 assists and 13 digs.
  • Ava Martin had season-bests of 27 assists and three service aces.
  • SJSU recorded 12 service aces for the second consecutive match, led by Slusser, Martin and Emma Testi who each had three.
  • The Spartans had double-figure blocks for the eighth time this season.
  • Jade Epps led the team with six block assists, followed by Bryant with five (1-4), Testi with four (1-3), Ti’a with three (1-2) and Fleming with two.
  • After dropping the fourth set, the Spartans sprinted out to a 3-0 lead on a Slusser kill and Martin served six times to extend the lead to 22-13.
  • Ti’a ended the match with her only service ace of the day to give SJSU the 25-13 fourth-set win and the match victory.


continued...

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Saint Mary's College Gaels

VB | Gaels Outlast Broncos for Second Straight Five Set W


MORAGA, Calif. — The magic from Thursday night's five set thriller rolled on over to Saturday afternoon inside UCU Pavilion, as Saint Mary's (7-13, 3-8 WCC) needed every point both earned and gifted, to defeat the Santa Clara Broncos (7-13, 3-8 WCC) in five sets. After dropping their first three five setters on the year, the Gaels have now won two in the span of three days, making this the fifth consecutive season that the Gaels have won multiple five set matches. 


Santa Clara was the early aggressor in this contest, hitting at 0.302 in the first frame, taking an early two point lead at 11-9 that they would never relinquish. The Gaels would twice chip away to cut the deficit to one, including at 19-18 on a Genevieve Bane kill, but ultimately fell 25-20. Despite dropping the first set, the Gaels hit at a respectable 0.263 clip, led by Bane, who tallied six kills on 12 swings and just one error. Strong defense was also on display for the first set for the Gaels in the form of Natalie Peete, who tallied 10 digs in the first set alone. 


continued...

SMC Athletics / Tod Fierner

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USF Dons

Rola and Petkova Guide Dons to a Five-Set Win at Pacific


STOCKTON, Calif. – The University of San Francisco volleyball team (13-9, 6-4 WCC) concluded its two-match road swing with a win, defeating Pacific (14-9, 4-7 WCC) 3-2 Saturday afternoon at the Alex G. Spanos Center.


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

  • Pacific came out of the gates fast, winning four of the first five points to take a 4-1 advantage. The Tigers continued to hold the momentum, ballooning their lead at the start of the frame to eight, 12-4, holding San Francisco to a negative hitting percentage.
  • Facing set point in the back half of the first set 24-14, the Dons rattled off five straight points, highlighted by a Maria Petkova and Hayden Goodman service ace, to trim the Tigers' lead to 24-19.
  • Pacific ended the frame shortly after, with Darina Kumanova recording a kill to give the Tigers a 25-19 first-set win.
  • Petkova began the second set with a kill, giving San Francisco an early one-point lead, but Pacific posted a 5-0 run to take command at 5-1.
  • After the Tigers bolstered their advantage to 9-3, the Dons responded with a 5-2 scoring run, forcing the Tigers into two attack errors to cut the deficit to 10-9. 
  • Trailing 21-16 in the later stages of the frame, a Tiger service error and back-to-back kills from Astrid Puig brought the Dons back to within two, 21-19, forcing a Pacific timeout. The green and gold, extending the run to seven, gained its first lead of the set, 22-21, on a kill from Delaney Ewing.
  • Trading the following three points to even the frame at 23, the Dons won the final two points with back-to-back kills from Rola to secure the second set, 25-23.


continued...

Photo: Christina Leung

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Santa Clara Broncos

Women's Cross Country Comes In Seventh at WCC Championships


LODI, Calif. – Santa Clara women's cross country came in seventh at the WCC Championships. Full results can be found here.

Team Results

1. Gonzaga (35)

2. Portland (49)

3. Washington State (63)

4. Oregon State (83)

5. Saint Mary's (160)

6. San Francisco (169)

7. Santa Clara (217)

8. San Diego (241)

9. LMU (262)

10. Pepperdine (267)

11. Pacific (343

Individual Results

42. Olivia Schlieman (22:00.9)

51. Noelani Krauss (22:11.9)

54. Amelia James (22:25.4)

59. Kaylee Volner (22:40.1)

60. Maria Aragon (22:41.9)

64. Milaina Almonte (22:51.2)

67. Julia Russo (22:56.1)

72. Sydney Lim (23:05.6) (personal best)

73. Jasmin Peterman (23:11.3)

89. Sophie Smithstanza (24:05.6)

continued...

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University of Pacific Tigers

Tigers Roar Past Roadrunners

at Home


STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific swimming program put together a complete effort in defeating CSU Bakersfield Saturday afternoon at the Eberhardt Aquatics Center.

 

The Tigers' men's side more than doubled up the Roadrunners score with a 177-85 victory while the Tigers' women's squad swam efficiently to secure a 156-106 victory. Pacific was victorious over CSU Bakersfield on both sides for the first time since 2013.

 

"I'm super proud of our team today," head coach Katelyne Herrington said. "We really concentrated on each one of us doing our part and taking care of what we needed to do to get the wins on the men's and women's side. It was really race for race all afternoon. We're in a really good spot right now."

 

Pacific secured first place in both 200 yard medley relays to kick off the event, followed by 17 first-place finishes throughout the rest of the event to strengthen the Tigers' impressive day in the water.

 

Freshman Josephine Fields turned in a great performance, placing in the top spot in the women's 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard freestyle, as well as play a pivotal role in both women's team relays. 

 

Graduate student Alex Kurotori built on a successful week from last weekend in Santa Cruz with a pair of first place finishes this afternoon in the men's 200 yard IM and 200 yard backstroke.

 

Senior Mitchell Hopper has been steady all year and continued his strong start to the year with two first-place nods, one in the men's 100 yard freestyle and another in the 200 yard freestyle. 

 

Senior Paige Sondgeroth also paved the way for the Pacific women, notching the top time in the 100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard breaststroke. Sondgeroth also was a key contributor in the Tiger's first-place finish in the women's 400 yard freestyle relay and women's 200 yard medley relay.

 

Pacific has its eyes set on its first invite of the year, heading to St. George, Utah for the Utah Tech Trailblazer Invite from Nov. 21-23.


continued...

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UC Davis Aggies

No. 4 UC Davis Rolls On; Comes Off Bye With 59-7 Win Over

Northern Colorado


Score: No. 4 UC Davis 59, Northern Colorado 7

Location: Davis, Calif. (UC Davis Health Stadium)

Records: UC Davis 8-1 (5-0), Northern Colorado 1-8 (1-4)

 

The short story: Behind an explosive 622 total offensive yards, and a defensive statement that held Northern Colorado scoreless until the fourth quarter, UC Davis football made a statement off the bye week with a dominating win in front of 10,638 fans.

 

FIRST DOWN

  • Senior running back Lan Larison finished with 143 yards on the ground on 14 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns
  • Larison's great day gave him an average of 10.2 yards per carry
  • Senior quarterback Miles Hastings racked up 285 yards passing, throwing three touchdowns while going 20-for-26
  • Junior redshirt David Meyer racked up 12 total tackles, 11 solo, adding 2.0 tackles for loss
  • Four different Aggies, Samuel Gbatu Jr., Josh Gale, Trent Tompkins and Winston Williams all caught touchdown passes in the game
  • Gbatu Jr. (78) and Gale (76) each finished with over 75 yards receiving in the game
  • Porter Connors and Meyer each snagged their second interceptions of the season


continued...

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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers

Pioneers Defeat No. 22 Cal State LA for Fifth Straight Win


LOS ANGELES - Cal State East Bay volleyball secured its fourth straight win with a 3-1 victory (25-17, 19-25, 25-12, 25-23) over Cal State LA on Friday night. The Pioneers showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, outplaying the Golden Eagles in a crucial conference matchup at University Gym.


The Pioneers dominated the first set 25-17, stumbled briefly in the second set 19-25, but regained control with a commanding 25-12 third set win before closing out the match 25-23 in a tightly contested fourth set.


Key moments in the match included a dominant 11-1 run in the third set, which saw the Pioneers turn a 10-5 lead into a commanding 21-6 advantage. In the fourth set, East Bay weathered a late surge from Cal State LA, who fought back from a 16-9 deficit to tie the score at 19-19. However, the Pioneers' composure shone through as they secured the final set 25-23.


  • East Bay's offense was firing on all cylinders, posting an impressive .387 attack percentage compared to Cal State LA's .207.
  • The Pioneers' balanced attack was led by Mia Jordan, who delivered a stellar performance with 15 kills on 23 attempts and no errors with a .652 attack percentage.
  • Lexi Pagani continued her strong season, recording her ninth double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs.
  • The Pioneers' defense was equally impressive, with a 9-4 edge in blocks. Fane Paua anchored the net defense with five total blocks, while Pi'ilani Carvalho contributed 19 digs to solidify the back row.


continued...

Photo: J. Emilio Flores / Cal State LA

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