Sport

The Thomas More University men’s volleyball team achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday, February 24th, earning their first win of the 2026 season with a decisive 3-0 sweep over the Kentucky State University Thorobreds. The victory, secured in Frankfort, Kentucky, marks a novel beginning for the Saints and a promising start under the leadership of head coach Ben Alder. This win brings Thomas More’s overall record to 1-8.

The Saints dominated the match, taking each set with commanding performances. They opened with a 25-17 victory in the first set, followed by a 25-22 win in the second. Thomas More closed out the match with a 25-20 win in the third, completing the sweep and securing the first win of the season. The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for a rematch against Kentucky State.

Senior Dominic Rossi led the Saints’ offensive effort, recording a team-high 14 kills. The team also saw contributions from sophomore Maciej Kopacz, senior Will Strasser, and senior Noah Smith-Trondle, each contributing one service ace. Defensively, Strasser was a key presence at the net, leading the team with three blocks. Smith-Trondle orchestrated the offense effectively, dishing out 33 assists, although junior Blake Kibler anchored the back row with 12 digs.

This victory is particularly significant as it represents the first win for Coach Alder since taking the helm of the Thomas More men’s volleyball program. The team’s performance demonstrates a growing cohesion and determination as they navigate the season.

Match Details

Thomas More defeated Kentucky State in straight sets: 25-17, 25-22, 25-20.

Key Player Statistics

• Dominic Rossi (Senior): 14 kills
• Maciej Kopacz (Sophomore), Will Strasser (Senior), Noah Smith-Trondle (Senior): 1 service ace each
• Will Strasser (Senior): 3 blocks
• Noah Smith-Trondle (Senior): 33 assists
• Blake Kibler (Junior): 12 digs

The Thomas More men’s volleyball team will return to action on Friday, February 27th, hosting the Kentucky State University Thorobreds at home. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM. Fans can look forward to another exciting contest as the Saints aim to continue their winning streak. More details on the win can be found on the Thomas More University Athletics website.

Kentucky State will also be in action on Friday, February 27th, facing Oakland City University in a baseball matchup at 2:00 PM. Live coverage of the baseball game can be found on the Oakland City University Athletics website.

The Saints’ performance signals a positive shift for the program, and fans will be eager to see how they build upon this success in the coming weeks. The rematch against Kentucky State offers an immediate opportunity to demonstrate their progress and solidify their position in the competitive landscape of collegiate men’s volleyball.

Share your thoughts on the Saints’ victory and what you expect to see in their upcoming match in the comments below!

Formula 1 teams are bracing for potential intervention from the FIA following concerns raised by McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella regarding the upcoming season’s new car regulations. Stella highlighted potential safety issues stemming from the increased reliance on “lift and coast” strategies to manage battery deployment, particularly during race starts. The discussion took place during a recent F1 Commission meeting, signaling a proactive approach to addressing challenges before they manifest on the track.

The core of the issue revolves around the new regulations designed to increase the electric component of F1 cars. These changes necessitate drivers to strategically conserve battery power throughout a lap, often employing “lift and coast” techniques – momentarily reducing speed to recharge the battery – especially on straights. Stella explained that this could lead to significant speed differentials between drivers, creating hazardous situations, particularly at the start of races. The potential for inconsistent battery levels among competitors is a key concern, as it could impact overtaking opportunities and overall race flow.

During the F1 Commission meeting, several points were discussed, according to Stella. These included reviewing start procedures, the anticipated increase in “lift and coast” maneuvers, and the potential for dangerous speed variations. A fourth point centered on the use of the “straight-mode” – a power boost – from the start grid to the first corner. “We are generally happy that these points have been received and discussed, and I think the activities around the starts are very positive,” Stella stated. He added that although solutions for overtaking are still being explored, the FIA is likely to observe the first few races before making definitive changes.

McLaren has already indicated its support for swift action if necessary, but is willing to defer to the FIA’s judgment. “We, as McLaren, have already said that we think the conditions are favorable to take measures relatively quickly. But we accept the example of the FIA and I think there was a general agreement on not using the straight-mode from the start grid to the first corner,” Stella explained. He believes there is a broad consensus within the paddock regarding this specific issue, though formal ratification from the FIA is still pending. Formula 1.com reported on Stella’s concerns following testing, highlighting the potential impact of these new regulations.

Andrea Stella’s rise to Team Principal at McLaren has been marked by a focus on detailed analysis and strategic leadership. He took over the role in December 2022, succeeding Andreas Seidl, and has quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s resurgence. According to McLaren’s official website, Stella’s career in Formula 1 spans over two decades, beginning with Ferrari in 2000. He held various roles at Ferrari, including race engineer for Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso, before joining McLaren in 2015 as Head of Race Operations.

Stella’s experience extends beyond race engineering. he also served as Performance Director from 2018 and Executive Director, Racing, in 2019, forming a crucial part of McLaren’s leadership team alongside James Key and Piers Thynne. His background includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome, demonstrating a strong technical foundation. Wikipedia details his academic achievements and early career progression.

The potential ban on “straight-mode” usage from the start grid to the first corner represents a proactive step towards mitigating the risks identified by Stella and other teams. While the FIA is taking a measured approach, observing the initial races to gather data, the consensus within the paddock suggests a willingness to address these concerns swiftly if necessary. The focus remains on ensuring both competitive racing and, crucially, the safety of the drivers.

The coming weeks will be critical as teams prepare for the start of the season and the FIA finalizes its stance on these regulations. The first few races will serve as a crucial testing ground, providing valuable data to inform any further adjustments. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these new regulations impact the on-track action and the overall competitive landscape of Formula 1. Share your thoughts on these potential changes in the comments below.