World Report
Some of the latest global sporting news.
WNBA BASKETBALL
Alanna Smith’s Minnesota Lynx and Opals Coach Sandy Brondello’s New York Liberty are the only remaining unbeaten teams after the first full week of matches. The Opals star was limited in court time in Lynx’s most recent game due to being injured during the game, but has been impactful in most games so far, including 18pts against LA Sparks.
Jade Melbourne’s Washington Mystics boast the youngest roster in the league, with their two top draft picks Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen regular starters, while Melbourne also started during the week.
The Mystics led late in games against two strong sides in Las Vegas Aces and Sami Whitcomb’s Phoenix over the past few days, but were undone by their experienced opponents. Iriafen has impressed, becoming just the second player to record double doubles in 3 of their first 4 WNBA games.
Three teams remain winless, including Opal Bec Allen’s Chicago Sky and number one draft pick Paige Bueckers’ Dallas Wings.
NWSL FOOTBALL
Kansas City Current continue to lead the pack in the NWSL after a 3-1 win over Chicago.
San Diego Wave closed out the round with a 5-2 win over Cortnee Vine’s NC Courage (Vine didn’t feature), with Canadian international Adriana Leon scoring twice.
Zimbabwe international Barbra Banda had an eventful match in Orlando Pride’s win, scoring all three goals and being shown a yellow card.
The NWSL in the US goes into a two week break after the weekend’s games for the International break.
P.W.H.L ICE HOCKEY
Defending champs Minnesota Frost have taken a 2-1 lead in the PWHL Finals series.
After conceding the first game to Ottawa, Frost have now won back-to-back games, including Sunday’s triple OT epic.
Minnesota can wrap up the Walter Cup at home on Tuesday morning in game 4.
U.S COLLEGE SPORT
Lacrosse
North Carolina completed an undefeated season (22-0) to win the NCAA Championship title 12-8 over Northwestern. The Tar Heels squad featured three sisters from the Humphrey family - Ashley, Chloe and Nicole.
Softball
Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens threw the fastest pitch in NCAA history in the Regionals with a 79.4 MPH rocket against Nebraska, breaking her own record from March.
After the weekend’s games, the World Series schedule is set, with games to commence on Friday:
Texas v Florida
Tennessee v Oklahoma
Ole Miss v Texas Tech
Oregon v UCLA
Track and Field
The College Track and Field Champs get underway later this week, with regionals being hosted in Florida (east) and Texas (west), before the best of the best compete in Nationals in Oregon in two weeks.
Aussies Liana Davidson (Javelin) and Steph Ratcliffe (Hammer Throw) will represent University of Georgia - the number one ranked school for women. Other Australians taking part include another Hammer Thrower Lara Roberts from Texas State, and UCLA middle distance runner Rose Pittman.
NSL NETBALL
Two teams have secured top four playoff spots over the weekend.
Loughborough Lightning had a convincing win over Cardiff, with former Swifts shooter Sam Wallace-Joseph best on court.
Then on Sunday London Pulse defeated Birmingham Panthers.