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By David Oglesby Photo / Nissan Stadium ORLANDO, FL - On Tuesday, the National Football League announced that Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium, setting the stage for a weekslong influx of visitors, business for hospitality operators, and a potential long-term boost to the city’s national brand. The announcement came at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando following an assessment by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership. For Nashville—home to the Tennessee Titans and long marketed as a premier destination for live entertainment—the Super Bowl represents the first time the city will host the event. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell framed the decision as the next chapter in a local track record of hosting major fan events, citing how the 2019 NFL Draft brought unusually large crowds to Music City. “The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville was one of the great fan events in our history,” Goodell said in a statement. “Super Bowl LXIV at the new stadium is the next step in this remarkable football journey.” In the same remarks, he credited the Titans’ new stadium vision and Nashville’s partnership network, including the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The league also indicated the Super Bowl week will feature a slate of events beyond the game itself, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, Super Bowl Opening Night, and community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program for local and underrepresented businesses. Immediate economic upside: hotels, dining, and event staffing The economic impact of a Super Bowl typically comes in a concentrated burst around event weekend, often driven by hotel occupancy, restaurant and bar spending, rideshare and transportation activity, and demand for temporary labor. Host cities also frequently see spillover benefits in areas such as sponsorship activations, corporate hospitality, and retail sales tied to fan arrivals and televised media. While economists caution against treating headline projections as purely “new” money—arguing that some spending may shift from other discretionary activities rather than represent additional economic activity—the short-term demand associated with a Super Bowl is still widely viewed as meaningful. In general, host cities benefit across multiple lanes: tourism and hotel occupancy, food and beverage, transportation and rideshare, and temporary jobs linked to event staffing. The NFL’s week-of programming also tends to expand the footprint beyond the stadium, adding business for downtown restaurants and entertainment venues and increasing utilization of local event services. Nashville’s own prior experience suggests the city can draw large crowds for NFL-related events. When Nashville hosted the 2019 NFL Draft, officials estimated 600,000 fans attended over the weekend and generated $224 million in economic impact. That performance appears to be central to how NFL officials evaluate Nashville’s readiness. In addition to the 2019 metrics, the NFL cited Nashville’s history of hosting premium events as a signal that the city can operationally handle the scale of the Super Bowl. A new stadium—and a new ceiling for Nashville’s event economy The Super Bowl arrives in 2030, but its economic planning is already tied to the 2027 opening of the new Nissan Stadium. The Titans’ construction timeline matters because stadium capability—capacity, design, and readiness for world-class events—can determine the scale of ticketing, hospitality suites, premium experiences, and logistics. The new stadium will open in 2027 and is designed to be enclosed, with a capacity of 60,000, which would make it the smallest-capacity stadium in the NFL. Even with the relatively smaller seating footprint, NFL officials and local leaders argue the venue’s modern design and multi-event capability will enable a full Super Bowl experience. During construction, the Titans have described the stadium as capable of hosting world-class events such as Super Bowls, Final Fours, College Football Playoffs, Wrestlemania, and more. The Titans say the project broke ground in 2024 and is valued at $2.1 billion. The economic logic is that the stadium and surrounding infrastructure will not only host the game, but also support high-volume events that generate repeat visitation and long-term convention activity. Officials in Nashville and Tennessee repeatedly describe Super Bowl LXIV not just as a tourism event, but as a branding moment that can catalyze future investment. Tourism and national media exposure: the broader multiplier Beyond hotel nights and restaurant receipts, Super Bowls are also viewed as national and international exposure machines. The combination of broadcast coverage and large-scale fan travel typically increases awareness of host-city attractions, which can support future demand for conventions, travel packages, and high-profile entertainment bookings. Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp president and CEO Deana Ivey positioned the Super Bowl as an opportunity to showcase the city’s cultural identity to a global audience. “Hosting the Super Bowl is a defining moment for Nashville and Tennessee and reflects years of work to build Music City into a globally recognized destination for music, entertainment, and live events,” Ivey said. She added that Nashville intends to deliver a Super Bowl experience that reflects the city’s mix of sports, culture, and hospitality. The NFL’s event slate will also affect how economic benefits are distributed over the week. With additional programming such as NFL Honors and fan-facing experiences, spending is less likely to be confined to game day alone. That matters for local businesses because demand from fans can extend to multiple days—sustaining restaurant lines, ticketing and attractions, and event-adjacent retail. Community and procurement: keeping more dollars local For local economies, the question is not only how many visitors arrive but how much of the event spend remains in the region. Nashville’s organizers and the Titans are expected to play roles in operational planning, partnerships, and procurement. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp will serve as lead event organizer and coordinate operational planning with the city and state, while the Titans organization will act as the Host Club providing stadium resources and operational support. In addition, NFL Source—described by the league as a procurement program for local and underrepresented businesses—signals an intentional mechanism to route some spending into the local vendor ecosystem. If implemented at scale, such programs can support small businesses that would otherwise struggle to access major event contracting. The caution economists always raise—and why it still matters Although Super Bowl estimates can reach high figures in marketing materials—often ranging from roughly $300 million to well over $1 billion depending on methodology—economists frequently stress that projected impact is not always fully “new.” Host cities can experience displacement, where residents and workers shift spending rather than create additional economic output. Some of the spending may also be offset by public costs, including security, transportation adjustments, and event staffing needs. Even so, Nashville’s existing evidence suggests it can convert NFL attention into measurable demand. The 2019 NFL Draft—frequently cited by NFL officials as a “game changer” and as proof Nashville can stage a mega-event—produced an estimated $224 million economic impact and drew 600,000 fans. The implication is that Nashville has both operational capacity and a tourism base receptive to large-scale sports events. What comes next With NFL owners voting unanimously for the bid, Super Bowl LXIV is locked into the NFL’s schedule for February 2030. Nashville will join a line-up of recent and upcoming hosts: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for 2027, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for 2028, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for 2029. The 2030 game will be the first time Nashville, the Titans, and the new Nissan Stadium host the Super Bowl. Looking ahead, local officials are already emphasizing a dual payoff: short-term revenue from visitors and a longer-term brand engine that can support conventions, tourism, and investment. Governor Bill Lee called the selection a “proud moment,” citing the new stadium’s role in driving tourism and economic growth. Mayor Freddie O’Connell added that Nashville aims to ensure local residents and businesses benefit as much as possible from hosting “the world’s biggest stage.” For Nashville, the Super Bowl in 2030 will likely be judged in two ways: what businesses earn during the week of the game—and what the city can build afterward by turning global attention into sustained demand for travel, major events, and long-term tourism growth.

Photo / Dylan Brown, Midway - Cumberland Athletics YPSILANTI, MI—After a washout on the first day, the Phoenix turned in a solid rebound in round one of the NAIA National Championship, firing a 314 to move into 12th place overall. Despite challenging conditions, Matilda Lind and Crystal Zamzow paced the charge for Ypsilanti, both landing inside the Top 10 of the individual standings after shooting three-over par. The Phoenix, for the most part, played the full opening round, finishing two strokes ahead of the cut line. Dalton State grabbed the early lead after posting a 301. Truett McConnell sits just two strokes behind in second. British Columbia and Southeastern are tied for third at 305, while Keiser and SCAD-Savannah are knotted for fifth after firing 310. Lind recorded a 75, mixing steady scoring with late momentum. She started strong with a 40 on the front, then added key birdies on No. 12 and No. 18 after bogeys and pars earlier in the round. Zamzow also delivered a balanced performance, posting a 40 on the front and finishing one-under on the back with birdies on No. 10 and No. 15. Elsewhere for the Phoenix, Alba McCorquodale shot an 81 and is tied for 82nd, while Lucy Labdon carded an 83 and is tied for 110th. Franziska Mramor shot an 89, tied for 145th. The Phoenix will tee off tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. eastern time, with round two action continuing the race to the Top 15 teams and top individuals from non-advancing squads.

DURHAM, NC - The Nashville Sounds are rolling again—extending a win streak to eight straight games after pulling off a dramatic 6-5 comeback victory over the Durham Bulls on Tuesday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Durham jumped out early, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 4-1 advantage and then pushing the lead further with an additional run in the sixth, building a 5-1 cushion. Through the middle innings, the game had the feel of a grind. Nashville’s Thomas Pannone held the Bulls scoreless for three and a half innings, limiting damage as the Sounds struggled to climb back. The turning point came in the ninth. Facing their last chance, Nashville started to string together opportunities, highlighted by Brock Wilken’s walk and a wild pitch that moved him into scoring position. Eddys Leonard then provided a spark with his 12th double of the season, scoring Wilken and trimming the deficit to 5-2. After Leonard advanced and Greg Jones was hit by pitch, Freddy Zamora delivered the signature blow—clubbed his first home run of the season with a three-run no-doubter that tied the game at five. Zamora’s blast set the stage for Luis Lara, who added an RBI single and later capitalized again to put Nashville ahead 6-5. Reiss Knehr closed the door in the bottom of the ninth, stranding runners and sealing his second save of the season. The Sounds will look to keep the momentum going Wednesday, May 20, with first pitch scheduled for 5:45 p.m. CT.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics LEBANON, TN - Cumberland University Athletics will welcome its 2026 class into the Cumberland University Sports Hall of Fame, honoring standout former student-athletes and the historic 2010 championship team for their achievements and lasting impact on Phoenix athletics. The 2026 Hall of Fame class features Sam Lind (baseball), Nathan Jernigan (football), Jessica Roper (softball), Nate Croley (wrestling), and Kyle Delaune (wrestling), along with the 2010 Cumberland Baseball National Championship team. Athletics Vice President Ron Pavan said the class represents the highest standards of Phoenix athletics. “I am incredibly excited about the 2026 Cumberland University Sports Hall of Fame class and the opportunity to celebrate these outstanding individuals and the historic 2010 Baseball National Championship team on October 2,” Pavan said. “This class represents the very best of Cumberland Athletics and serves as a testament to what dedication, perseverance, grit, and exceptional talent can accomplish.” Lind, a key figure in Cumberland Baseball’s 2014 NAIA National Championship run, earned World Series MVP honors and put together one of the nation’s most dominant offensive seasons. Jernigan anchored the Phoenix defense in football, earning Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year recognition twice and compiling 374 tackles across 44 games. Roper helped lead Cumberland softball success as a powerful catcher and middle-of-the-order threat, earning NAIA All-America recognition in 2014. Croley and Delaune each left their mark in wrestling, combining high-level national competition with academic achievement and program growth. For the team honor, the 2010 Phoenix captured the NAIA National Championship under legendary head coach Woody Hunt, finishing 58-9 and collecting numerous individual and team awards along the way. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for October 2 at the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena, with honorees also recognized the next day at Cumberland Football as part of Homecoming festivities.

NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds didn’t just beat the Iowa Cubs on Sunday afternoon at First Horizon Park—they finished the job with style, completing a series sweep on a walk-off win powered by a dramatic three-run bottom of the ninth. Nashville entered the final frame needing a spark, and it arrived quickly. After Iowa pushed the game into the late innings, the Sounds loaded the bases with two walks and a single off the bat of Luis Lara to put the tying runs in prime position. Brock Wilken drove in an RBI with a fourth-walk sequence to trim Iowa’s lead, and the pressure intensified when a sac fly from Chas McCormick allowed Jett Williams to score easily, tying the game at 3-3 as other runners advanced. From there, Eddys Leonard delivered the knockout blow—lacing a walk-off RBI single up the middle to complete Nashville’s second walk-off victory of the series and extend the club’s winning streak to seven games. The win also marked a return of the “brooms,” with the Sounds securing their first six-game sweep since 2023 after outlasting Iowa in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire Sunday finale. The game featured a notable performance from Tyson Hardin, the Brewers’ top prospect making his Triple-A debut. Hardin struck out batters early and settled into a steady rhythm, working his way through key moments and giving the Sounds a chance to grind back late. But even with Iowa grabbing leads at various points, Nashville refused to fade—especially after Jett Williams kept showing up with the clutch swing. Williams, a familiar presence in the Sounds lineup, delivered his power again by tying the game with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth—one swing after going deep the previous night. His timely blast helped steady the momentum and set the stage for the late-inning surge. With the sweep complete, the Sounds (26-19) continue to sit third atop the Triple-A International League West standings, just one game out of first place. Next up, Nashville heads to a road series against the Durham Bulls beginning Tuesday, May 19.

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics LITTLE ROCK, AR — Tennessee Tech Track & Field capped its Ohio Valley Conference championship run with a standout performance, finishing third overall with 113 points at the 2026 OVC Outdoor Track & Field Championship at the Coleman Sports Complex. For the Golden Eagles, the weekend delivered both momentum and milestones. “It was just a superb weekend from top to bottom for the team,” said Tech head coach Peter Dalton. “We are so proud of our athletes and everything we've accomplished during our time in the OVC.” Tennessee Tech’s rise started early with big points in the distance events. Makaleigh Jessee turned in a massive personal best in the 10,000m, running 36:55.98 to finish runner-up. Jane Lokiles added another strong result, posting a personal-best 37:24.86 to place fourth. In the heptathlon, Angela Hoover scored a personal-best 3707 points for fourth, including PRs across multiple events such as 100m hurdles (15.72), shot put (7.41m), 200m (27.15), long jump (5.30m), javelin (22.14m), and 800m (2:49.80). Chase Wolfenbarger contributed as well, placing fifth with a personal-best 3676 points and earning PR marks in the 200m (27.16) and javelin (26.11m). Track and field moments continued throughout the meet. In the sprints, Kennedi Winbush qualified third in the 100m prelims (11.59) and later advanced in the 200m (24.36) before delivering a historic championship performance. She exploded to a personal-best 11.42 in the 100m final to win the OVC title, break the Tennessee Tech school record, and claim her second conference championship of the academic year. Winbush also added a second-place finish in the 200m final, clocking 23.97. Rachael Brewer matched the record-breaking energy in the 400m hurdles. After qualifying in the prelims with 1:03.24, she ran 1:01.90 in the final to finish runner-up and break the school record. Hannah Little added another key runner-up finish in the 400m, and the program produced additional scoring performances across relays, jumps, and distance races. The Golden Eagles closed strong with a season-best 3:44.92 in the 4x400m relay to place second. Jessee and the distance crew also delivered late-meet impact, with Jessee earning another runner-up finish in the 5000m (17:38.08). Tennessee Tech’s final OVC championship ended with pride, progress, and a sense of momentum. The Golden Eagles now turn their focus to a new chapter in the Southern Conference next season. Women’s Team Standings: 1. Southeast Missouri — 164; 2. Eastern Illinois — 127.5; 3. Tennessee Tech — 113; 4. Little Rock — 99.

Photo / Lipscomb Athletics JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Lipscomb Track & Field arrived ready at the ASUN Track Championships and are coming home with some victories. The Bisons moved through the weekend with effective showings in multiple events. The distance crew led the charge, headlined by an unforgettable performance from Ellie Brewer in the women’s 10,000m. Brewer won the ASUN title in 34:44.10, setting an ASUN meet record and helping Lipscomb sweep the top three. Aly Negovetich placed second in 34:52.37, while Abigail Horevay finished third in 35:07.77. On the men’s side, Chase Atkins claimed the 10,000m title with a winning time of 30:11.14, with Connor Sarkovics and Cole Kimmel finishing among the top-10 to keep the momentum rolling. Not to be outdone, Freshman Joel Nimoh turned in a season form—earning runner-up finishes in the men’s 200m and showing up big in the 100m final. In the field, Justin Davis posted two podium moments, taking second in the long jump (7.53m) and adding a fifth-place triple jump finish. As points accumulated, the women’s middle-distance and steeplechase squads stood out, while the hurdles and relays brought the close the championships needed—fifth-place finishes in both 4x400m relays to cap the weekend.

Photo / APSU Athletics JACKSONVILLE, FL - At Hodges Stadium, the Govs captured their best finish at an ASUN Track & Field Championship, placing third as a team with 104 points—an accomplishment built, event by event, until the final day became a celebration. When the night finally settled, Austin Peay posted a stellar performance, fueled by five podium performances and a relay victory. The headline came in the 4x400-meter relay. Mia McGee, Taylin Segree, Alexis Arnett, and Mariah Mitchem ran the final stretch in perfect rhythm, clocking a 3:37.60. It was only a hundredth of a second from the program record and delivered the Govs’ second gold medal of the championship. Earlier, the momentum started in the field. China Giaimo set a personal best in the discus. Emmani Roberts earned bronze in the triple jump with a personal-best 12.09, surpassing her own previous mark by a single centimeter. Amani Sharif then followed with a personal-best throw in the javelin, while Madelyn Kocik and Denim Goddard also contributed points and PRs that showed the depth of the group. On the track, the Govs kept stacking results. Seven Pettus, Isis Banks, Mitchem, and Mallory Hodge won silver in the 4x100-meter relay with a record-breaking 44.85. Hallie Mattingly posted a personal best in the 1,500, nearly eight seconds faster than her earlier month PR, then Molly Brown and Roberts scored in the 100-meter hurdles. Segree, McGee, and Mitchem reached the 400-meter dash, and Hodge finished fourth in the 100-meter dash which added to the great showing by the Govs. Laure Marie Kidukula earned silver in the 800 with a 2:10.11, and Segree added more points along the way. Hodge returned again for bronze in the 200. By the meet’s end, Austin Peay collected seven medals—two gold, two silver, and three bronze—and left Jacksonville with 104 points, their highest total ever as members of the ASUN.

Lebanon, TN - Cumberland University Athletics is gearing up for another active summer, offering a full slate of youth and prospect camps across June and July aimed at athletes of all ages and skill levels. The 2026 Cumberland University Summer Camps will include programming in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, flag football, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Campers will have the chance to train alongside Cumberland coaches and student-athletes, developing fundamentals and game-ready skills in a fun but competitive environment. For younger participants, the schedule features youth fundamentals camps designed for elementary and middle school athletes. Those opportunities include baseball hitting and skills-and-drills sessions, along with specialized instruction for players looking to build confidence and technique early. High school athletes, meanwhile, will find several camps focused on prospect development and recruiting exposure. Cumberland will host football prospect camps at Nokes-Laster Field, a flag football college ID camp for grades 9–12, and a volleyball Overnight Phoenix Recruit Showcase for students preparing to compete at the next level. Cumberland baseball camps will take place at Woody Hunt Stadium throughout June, including week-long hitting, skills and drills, and all-skills pitching options for players ranging from kindergarten through 10th grade. Other sports will be hosted at campus athletic facilities, including Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena for basketball, cheerleading, and volleyball; Lindsey Donnell Stadium for soccer; and Billy Dee Ross Stadium for softball. Families interested in registering can find complete details and availability at CumberlandCamps.com. A full list of 2026 camp dates, ages, and locations is available online, with additional camps expected to be added as they are finalized.

NASHVILLE, TN - The Nashville Sounds extended their winning streak to five games Friday night, defeating the Iowa Cubs 4-3 in walk-off fashion in extra innings at First Horizon Park. Iowa struck first, plating two runs in the opening two frames on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single from Eric Yang. Starter Tate Kuehner absorbed the damage early, leaving after 1.2 innings of work. Easton McGee followed with two outs in the second inning and kept the game from slipping further before the bullpen took over for both clubs. Nashville found a rhythm in relief. Drew Rom tossed two scoreless frames in the fourth, while Blake Holub pitched through the sixth and Craig Yoho helped keep Iowa’s lead intact as the game remained tight heading into the late innings. The comeback began in the sixth when Cooper Pratt launched his third Triple-A homer of the season—a solo shot that trimmed Iowa’s advantage to 2-1. He later added a key extra-base hit, finishing with major impact down the stretch. A pivotal rally followed in the eighth, when Jacob Hurtubise started Nashville’s tying threat with a soft single into left. Pratt drove him home with an RBI double in the left-center gap to knot the score at 2-2, where it stayed through the ninth and sent the game to extras. Iowa went ahead in the top of the 10th when Kevin Alcantara scored on a Jonathon Long base hit. But the Sounds refused to fold. Jeferson Zamora answered with a clutch RBI single in the bottom of the 10th to keep the contest alive. In a night filled with firsts, Ethan Murray entered the 11th and worked around traffic, then returned to the plate for the walk-off moment. After earning the tying run himself with an RBI single, he drove in Brock Wilken to deliver Nashville the 4-3 victory and his first professional walk-off win as a pitcher.

Photo / Thomas Cornern Tennessee Tech Athletics COOKEVILLE, TN - With Tennessee Tech football embarking on its inaugural season in the Southern Conference following consecutive championships, and the first season of a revitalized Tucker Stadium, the Golden Eagles are gearing up to welcome fans back to Cookeville for what the program calls a “new era” of football. Officials say supporters can begin planning travel by adding game kickoff times to their calendars, with the first two home contests set for 6:00 p.m. starts. TTU will open its home slate on August 29 when the Golden Eagles host Monmouth, before welcoming Samford on September 12 for a combined Legends Weekend and Family Weekend event. Coming into the new season, Monmouth finished last year 9-3, posting a 6-2 record in the Colonial Athletic Conference. The Hawks narrowly missed a berth in the FCS Playoffs after closing the season with a 31-24 loss to Albany. Samford, meanwhile, struggled in 2025, going 1-11 overall and 1-7 in the SoCon. The remainder of Tennessee Tech’s home schedule features 1:30 p.m. kickoff times for four games, including matchups with Furman (October 10) and Eastern Kentucky (October 17). TTU’s Homecoming game is scheduled for November 7 against VMI, followed by the regular-season home finale on November 17 against Mercer. TTU opponents across the slate bring a mix of conference experiences, with VMI and Mercer familiar faces from earlier eras of Golden Eagle football. Furman concluded 2025 with a 6-6 record and a 4-4 mark in the SoCon, while VMI finished 1-11, including an 0-8 SoCon record. Mercer claimed its second straight SoCon title last season, going 8-0 in conference and 9-3 overall to earn an FCS Playoff bid. Program officials also noted the schedule is subject to change. Updated information will be posted at TTUsports.com and through the team’s social media channels. Season ticket sales are already underway, including seating options in the newly constructed west side of Tucker Stadium.

The Nashville Sounds delivered again in a tight, late-inning thriller Thursday night, completing a third consecutive victory over the Iowa Cubs with a 6–5 win at First Horizon Park. Nashville’s momentum has been unmistakable against Iowa. The Sounds have now topped the Cubs three straight times, winning by scores of 9–3, 4–1, and 6–5—and last night’s game was their latest example of how quickly they can change the tempo. A major turning point came when Jordyn Adams took control in the ninth. With the I-Cubs threatening after consecutive singles, Adams reached a game-ending moment from right field: he made an extraordinary play, robbing Justin Dean of a potential go-ahead three-run home run by taking what looked like it might carry, then doubled off the runner trying to advance. It sealed the win and denied Iowa any late magic. The Sounds struck first, capitalizing on Iowa’s early discipline. They pushed runs across with timely production from Ethan Murray and a patient approach that forced walks and set up scoring opportunities. Iowa answered back quickly, grabbing a lead and testing Nashville’s pitching depth. But Nashville refused to fold. Jeferson Quero brought the Sounds back within a run with a solo homer in the fifth, and Jett Williams helped set up a pivotal stretch—tying the game and pushing Nashville ahead with extra-base impact. In the late innings, Nashville leveraged key plate appearances and capitalized on situational moments to move from a tie to a lead they would not relinquish. As the Sounds look toward the weekend portion of the series, their most recent win keeps them riding momentum—working toward what could become a four-game run of success against the Cubs.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics MOBILE, AL - The Cumberland University women’s tennis season concluded this afternoon as the Phoenix fell 4-0 to Lindsey Wilson University in the NAIA Women’s Tennis National Championship. Cumberland battled against one of the nation’s top teams, but Lindsey Wilson seized control early by winning the doubles point, then rolling through three straight singles victories to clinch the match and advance to the next round. Lindsey Wilson Wins the Doubles Point At No. 1 doubles, Asya Tilsim Timur and Madeleine Darud ran into a strong opponent and fell 6-0 against the Blue Raiders’ nationally ranked pair. At No. 3 doubles, Elina Sungatullina and Maria Arbelaez fell 6-1 versus the No. 38 duo in the country. Other doubles play was cut short after the point was secured, as Valentina and Juanita Mendez saw their match halted at 2-4. Singles Clinch the Match Lindsey Wilson completed the victory with wins at No. 4, No. 1, and No. 5 singles. Sungatullina delivered a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4 Valentina Mendez earned a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at No. 1 Juanita Mendez fell 6-2, 6-0 at No. 5 Several Matches Left Unfinished With the team match already decided, several individual matches were left incomplete: At No. 2 singles, Asya Tilsim Timur rebounded after dropping the first set and was tied in a competitive second set. At No. 3 singles, Maria Arbelaez was still in a battle. At No. 6 singles, Ame Van Eijk was also mid-match. Season Ends With a Deep Tournament Run The Phoenix finished the 2026 season with an 11-10 overall record, highlighted by a trip to the NAIA National Championship Second Round—their deepest run in the tournament since 2008.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics Mobile, AL - Fresh off its first NAIA National Tournament win in 18 years, the Cumberland women’s tennis team will face a familiar challenge at the highest level when the No. 18-seeded Phoenix take on No. 2-seeded Lindsey Wilson in the NAIA National Championship Second Round on Wednesday. Cumberland earned the right to continue its postseason run after edging past No. 15-seed Morningside 4-3 on Tuesday night. The victory delivered the program’s first national tournament triumph since 2008 and moved the Phoenix into the second round for the first time in nearly two decades. Now, Cumberland turns its attention to Lindsey Wilson—one of the country’s most formidable programs and a team built to make deep runs. The Blue Raiders enter the match after receiving a first-round bye, carrying a dominant 16-1 record and winners of their last 13 matches. Lindsey Wilson captured both the Mid-South Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championship, and sits atop the tournament field as the No. 2 overall seed. The two teams met earlier this season in Columbia, Kentucky, where Lindsey Wilson successfully defended home court with a 6-1 victory. In that contest, Cumberland’s lone point came from Maria Arbelaez at No. 3 singles. The Phoenix lineup is anchored by senior standouts Elina Sungatullina and Arbelaez, both recognized for their consistent impact. Sungatullina earned Mid-South Conference First Team honors, while Arbelaez has been instrumental in guiding Cumberland back to nationals. Lindsey Wilson counters with depth throughout its roster, led by nationally ranked singles player Mayra Gisone and freshman standout Javiera Verdugo. In doubles, the Blue Raiders also enter with multiple pairs boasting national rankings and eye-popping conference momentum.

The Nashville Sounds wasted little time setting the tone in the opening game of their series with the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday night at First Horizon Park, routing Iowa 9-3 behind a balanced offensive surge and another quality start on the mound. Luis Lara sparked the charge for the Sounds, launching his seventh three-hit game of the season with a 3-for-4 effort that included two RBI. Lara helped Nashville turn early momentum into multiple rallies, as four Sounds players recorded multi-hit performances in the victory. On the mound, Robert Gasser delivered four strong innings helping the Sounds home record improve to 13-5. He worked around an unearned run in the top of the first and responded with back-to-back three-up, three-down frames in the second and third. Gasser struck out six of the first nine outs Nashville recorded, finishing the outing with an efficient performance while giving the offense plenty of runway. Nashville jumped out in the second when Jeferson Quero scored on three consecutive two-out walks. The Sounds then widened the gap in the third as Eddys Leonard’s two-RBI double pushed Nashville into a 3-1 lead. Iowa managed to cut the deficit in the fourth with a sac fly, but Nashville answered immediately with another two-run frame in the bottom half, fueled by Lara’s two-RBI single. After scoring twice in the third and fourth, the Sounds pulled away in the fifth with a four-run inning featuring extra-base hits and RBI opportunities. Reiss Knehr earned the win, tossing two no-hit innings in relief. Leonard extended his double streak to five consecutive games, while Brock Wilken kept his remarkable on-base run going with a walk that stretched the streak to 28 straight contests. The series continues tonight at 6:35 p.m. CT with LHP Thomas Pannone scheduled to start.

NASHVILLE, TN - The Trevecca Nazarene Trojans (32-21) earned an at-large selection to the 2026 NCAA Division II Baseball Championship and will travel to Tampa, Florida for the NCAA Division II South Regional, hosted by the University of Tampa. Trevecca enters the regional as the No. 7 seed and opens tournament play on Thursday, May 14 at Noon (CT) against No. 2 seed and defending NCAA Division II National Champion Tampa at Tampa Baseball Field. The announcement marks a historic postseason moment for the program, as it represents the Trojans’ first NCAA postseason at-large bid in program history and their third Regional appearance in the NCAA Era. Under head coach Chase Sain, the postseason berth continues Trevecca’s strongest stretch in NCAA Era history. The Trojans have returned to the NCAA postseason three times in six seasons, highlighted by an NCAA run in 2021 that included a trip to the College World Series in Cary, North Carolina after winning the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship and capturing the Midwest Regional in St. Louis. In 2024, Trevecca again reached NCAA Regional play by winning the final Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament Championship before advancing to the Midwest Regional in Indianapolis. This year, Trevecca arrives with momentum after advancing to the semifinal round of the 2026 Gulf South Conference Championship, while posting key victories over nationally ranked opponents during the spring season. The four-team South Regional includes Tampa, Rollins, West Alabama, and Trevecca. The Trojans and Tampa have met once before in the NCAA Division II Era, when Tampa defeated Trevecca 7-6 in 10 innings during the 2021 College World Series. Schedule Thursday (May 14): Noon (CT) Tampa vs. Trevecca; 4:00 PM (CT) Rollins vs. West Alabama.