Nathaniel Rivas

ORLANDO, Fla. - Avalynn wears the number 13 on her volleyball jersey, not because it's her favorite number, but because it was her brother's favorite. "It's just like a way for me to carry a piece of him on the court," Avalynn said. Avalynn, 13, plays with Game Point Volleyball Club in Orlando. It's one of 625 local teams at the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships, happening from now until July 10th at the Orange County Convention Center.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - It's playoff time in college baseball, and the No. 8 Florida Gators will play regional hosts for the first time since 2024 and the 20th time in program history. The other three teams in the Gainesville Regional are the Miami Hurricanes, the Troy Trojans and the Rider Broncs. The Gators will play Rider Friday at 1 p.m., followed by the Canes playing Troy at 6 p.m. It is double-elimination style with games scheduled through Sunday or Monday if a game seven is necessary.

LONGWOOD, Fla. - The redemption arc is complete for the Hagerty High School softball team, winning the Class 7A state championship 2-0 over Western High School Wednesday. In the bottom of the 6th inning, sophomore catcher Campbell Downing hit a two-run double deep to left field. Hagerty only had four hits in the game, so the two-run RBI double was a premium and secured the title. "It doesn't feel real yet," Downing said after the game.