Farm Fresh Foxies during a game vs Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 PVL on Tour in Victorias City. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — Farm Fresh capped its PVL On Tour stint on a high note, eking out a come-from-behind 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10 win over Capital1 on Saturday at Victorias City Coliseum here.

Reigning Season MVP Trisha Tubu did most of the damage with 24 points, but it was veterans Ces Molina and Ara Galang who spelled the difference for the Foxies to finish their preseason with two wins in three matches.

From a precarious 8-6 lead in the fifth after Khy Cepada’s massive spike went straight to the face of Galang, Molina scored five crucial kills in Farm Fresh’s six points to reach match point, 14-9. Ysa Jimenez saved a point, but Tubu drilled the finishing cross-court kill.

Molina had 16 points, 17 excellent receptions, and 11 digs, while Galang came out off the bench to lead a strong fourth set and finish with 14 points from eight spikes, three blocks, and three aces and also tallied eight digs.

“I think that’s really our role as veterans on this team—leadership. Even though I’m not the captain, I can still contribute whatever skills the team needs. I’m just happy that we were able to finish the conference on a good note,” said Molina.

Farm Fresh Foxies’ Trisha Tubu during a game vs Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 PVL on Tour in Victorias City. –PVL PHOTO

Louie Romero tossed 23 excellent sets, while Mylene Paat-Rezanova contributed nine.

“Today’s game was a fantastic game. It was a seesaw battle. We need more practice because we have the Invitational Conference come next week,” said Farm Fresh coach Koji Tsuzurabara.

Farm Fresh braces for the Invitationals starting on August 31, facing defending champion PLDT, the Jaja Santiago-led Creamline, Nxled, Thailand’s EST Cola, and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

Capital1 lost both of its two preseason games without the Alas Pilipinas trio Bella Belen, Erika Santos, and Vanie Gandler.

Shaya Adorador led Capital1 with 14 points and nine excellent receptions. Jimenze had 13, Cherry Nunag chipped in 11 points, while Cepada added nine. Rookie Detdet Pepito had 16 digs and 14 excellent receptions.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto Di Zerbi believes his side “didn’t fight in the right way” in their 3-0 loss to Brentford in the opening match of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

MATCH REPORT: Brentford 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Available to UK users only.

Clemson football has suspended defensive tackle Vic Burley after his arrest, coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement Aug. 22.

Swinney said Burley was arrested by the Clemson University Police Department on a disorderly conduct charge.

Advertisement

“Earlier today, I was made aware of defensive tackle Vic Burley’s arrest by the Clemson University Police Department for disorderly conduct early Saturday morning,” Swinney said in a statement. “I have made the decision to suspend Vic from our football team indefinitely. We are extremely disappointed by his actions and decisions.”

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football DT Vic Burley suspended after arrest

Two of boxing’s biggest — and most unpredictable — personalities will meet in the ring on Saturday when Rolando “Rolly” Romero defends his WBA welterweight championship against Teofimo Lopez Jr.

Romero is something of an unexpected world champion, though he’s accomplished the feat twice over in his career. Always a popular fighter based on his big personality and strong social media presence, Romero has never displayed elite boxing skills, instead relying on an offense-first style and solid power.

In 2022, Romero received his first opportunity to break through to the top of the sport, but he was brutally stopped in the sixth round by Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

In his next fight after losing to Davis, Romero won his first world championship, picking up a ninth-round TKO win over Ismael Barroso to capture the vacant WBA junior welterweight championship. That win was heavily tainted by the fact that Romero was getting thoroughly outclassed by Barroso, a late replacement in the fight, when the referee jumped in for a clear early stoppage nearly the second Romero had gathered any momentum.

Romero dropped the title in his next outing, getting stopped by Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Two fights later, Romero again found himself playing the “b-side” to a bigger name fighter when he took on Ryan Garcia in New York’s Times Square.

Teofimo Lopez Jr. looks to bounce back from disastrous loss when he faces Rolly Romero for welterweight title

Brian Campbell

Advertisement

Garcia fought the worst fight of his life, turning in a lifeless performance that allowed Romero to win the “regular” WBA welterweight title, and was subsequently elevated to full champion when Jaron Ennis vacated his belt to move up in weight.

Now, Romero faces Lopez, a fighter who has always been viewed as a man with elite talent but a lacking mental game, almost the inverse of Romero.

Lopez won the first 16 fights of his career, a run that culminated in a win over Richard Commey to claim the IBF lightweight championship and Vasiliy Lomachenko to add the WBA and WBO titles.

Just as it seemed Lopez was poised to take over the sport, he suffered a devastating setback when he dropped a split decision to massive underdog George Kambosos Jr. Lopez was knocked down by Kambosos and clearly lost the fight, making the one card scored his way an oddity that seemed to convince Lopez boxing’s elites had conspired against the bigger name fighter with the bigger fanbase and the bigger promoter in favor of a fighter largely unknown in the sport.

As Lopez performed a backflip after the Kambosos loss, it confirmed to many that mental issues Lopez had displayed throughout his career — along with a seemingly unhealthy attachment to his father serving as his trainer — may hold him back from his true potential.

Lopez rebounded with six wins of varying quality, including struggles against Sandor Martín and Jamaine Ortiz, and a few impressive wins, including over Josh Taylor to capture the WBO junior welterweight title.

That run brought Lopez to his most recent fight, where he was badly outclassed by Shakur Stevenson over 12 rounds. Lopez was nearly shut out that night, losing 119-109 on all three official scorecards.

Against Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez Sr. offered little constructive advice in the corner, something that Lopez Jr. has taken issue with in the months since the loss, continuing their tumultuous relationship.

“I’m fighting a big puncher at 147 and going up to that weight for the first time,” Lopez said at a recent media workout. “We’re taking a risk, because it’s no risk, no reward. I’m just focusing on my objectives so I can come out victorious.

“Every fight at 147 will be my biggest fight. I won’t say they’ll all be the most challenging. The best man will end up on top. Right now I’m only focused on Rolly Romero.”

Elsewhere on the card, rising middleweight prospect Yoenli Hernandez is back to take on Francisco Daniel Veron. The 29-year-old from Cuba has looked like the real deal since making his pro debut in 2022. He’s amassed a 10-0 record with nine knockouts to his name. He picked up his biggest win to date against Terrell Gausha in a fourth-round knockout.

“I’m the best middleweight in the world right now,” Hernandez said at a recent media workout. “My hunger for glory, my desire to be champion and win every title — that’s something I don’t see in the rest of the division. Everyone seems to arrive, get the title, and settle. Not me. I’m coming to get the title, keep it, and fight the best. Lately, nobody in my weight class wants to face the best.”

Also on Saturday, Gary Antonio Russell makes his return to the ring when he takes on Victor Santillan at junior featherweight. Russell, one of the five fighting brothers, holds a 21-1 record as a pro. However, he has just two fights since 2024 as he looks to build toward a title shot.

Let’s take a closer look at the rest of the undercard for Saturday night in Las Vegas with the latest odds from DraftKings before getting to a prediction and expert pick on the main event below.

Romero vs. Lopez fight card, odds

• Teofimo Lopez Jr. -300 vs. Rolando Romero (c) +230, WBA welterweight title
• Yoenli Hernandez -1400 vs. Francisco Daniel Veron +750, middleweights
• Gary Antonio Russell -180 vs. Victor Santillan +140, junior featherweights
• Carlos Utria -1600 vs. Israel Mercado +750, junior welterweights
• Marco Romero -5000 vs. Kahlil Mitchell +1300, middleweights
• Benjamin Johnson vs. Jose Gabriel Rodriguez, welterweights
• Joseph Brown -5000 vs. Alton Wiggins +1300, junior middleweights
• Aldo Blancas -5000 vs. Ricky Mamone +1300, junior welterweights

Where to watch Romero vs. Lopez 

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 22 | Start time: 8 p.m. ET (Main card) (Main event ring walks expected around 11 p.m. ET)
• Location: T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas
• TV Channel/Stream: DAZN PPV | Price: $79.99

Prediction

Lopez is the better fighter. He’s the man with more natural gifts. He’s the fighter with more technical skills. However, Lopez is also a fighter with some obvious flaws. He’s shown mental weakness and a tendency to get flustered the second things aren’t coming easily in the ring. Lopez has also had extreme trouble with fighters who use movement and don’t choose to engage. Sandor Martín took that approach in a fight where he likely deserved the decision, and that left Lopez asking “Do I still got it?” after the final bell.

The problem for Romero is that he is very unlikely to be a fighter who is going to take a Martin-esque approach to fighting Lopez. Romero has a strong mental game, and that’s a good tool against someone like Lopez, but he doesn’t have the style to further fluster and beat Lopez unless he turns in a career-best performance.

Romero beat Garcia because Garcia simply didn’t show up that night in New York City. Garcia didn’t engage and he didn’t throw punches, making for an easy night for Romero. Lopez isn’t likely to turn in a dud on that level, and all things being equal, it should be a fairly easy win for Lopez. Whether or not Lopez can score his first stoppage win since 2022 is a more intriguing question. Pick: Teofimo Lopez via UD

Who wins Romero vs. Lopez, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $2,500 on his combat sports picks last year, and find out.

Farm Fresh Foxies’ Ara Galang during a game vs Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2026 PVL on Tour in Victorias City. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental —Negros Occidental has always held a special place in Ara Galang’s heart.

A decade ago, when La Salle used to play in the UniGames in Bacolod, Galang was a crowd favorite in the province.

Fast forward to the present, Galang continues to receive plenty of love from the Ilonggos, from the meet-and-greet to Farm Fresh’s final PVL on Tour game Saturday at Victorias City Coliseum here.

“I really miss playing in college, especially here at Unigames, so I miss this kind of crowd. It’s really nice to have so many people supporting the Farm Fresh team and me. I’m very thankful,” said Galang in Filipino after Farm Fresh’s capped its come-from-behind 20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-12, 15-10 win over Capital1.

Galang made sure to reward that fan support, making the most of her opportunity off the bench.

Farm Fresh coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Ces Molina, and Ara Galang after ending the #PVLOnTour with a win. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/4FCBcb1mZS

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

The veteran wing spiker helped spark Farm Fresh’s strong fourth set before finishing with 14 points on eight spikes, three blocks and three aces. She also had eight digs.

“I think it’s really about having the confidence and being ready whenever I’m called. I have to be ready to step up whenever the team needs me. I’ll just keep doing my best to contribute something positive to the team,” said Galang.

Farm Fresh finished its preseason winning two of its three matches.

With the Invitationals just around the corner, Galang vows to stay ready to help the Foxies as they face defending champion PLDT, the Jaja Santiago-led Creamline, Nxled, Thailand’s EST Cola and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

“It’s another challenge and another game for us. With international teams, the competition will definitely be different. We just have to give our best every time and continue working together as a team,” said Galang.

The Vikings are expecting good things from the front five in 2026. Some of that is due to health, some of that is due to the coaching change, and some of that is due to what appears to be a firmer commitment to the running game.

Part of the effort to beef up the o-line involved welcoming a newcomer into the mix.

The Vikings have announced that interior o-lineman Joshua Gray has been signed: “The #Vikings have signed G Joshua Gray and released DL Eric Johnson II.” Removing Johnson from the mix means losing a veteran DT; the timing is at least somewhat fortuitous for him since he has runway to find a job with a team looking for added muscle on the defensive side of the trench battle.

What does Mr. Gray bring to the table? Is he being brought aboard as insurance for some Blake Brandel inconsistency?

The Vikings Welcome a New Large Lad to MIN

In all likelihood, the recent add is a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option rather than a true contender to start in Week 1.

Indeed, if there is going to be an in-house pivot at C1, then Michael Jurgens is the name to know. He gets praise for being a smart, hard-working player. Where he loses is in his lack of anchor against power. Think Garrett Bradbury but not the same athlete and not on the same level overall.

Jurgens, at least, could offer predictably sturdy snapping and what would probably be below average blocking. Is that better than the current outlook?

Consider just a quick thought on Gray from Alec Lewis of The Athletic: “The Vikings are signing C/G Joshua Gray, per sources. Adds more depth on the interior. Most recently been with the Panthers. Was on the Falcons’ PS last year. Smaller frame but can really move off the ball.”

Brandel brings much to the table. The do-it-all player has been around for the entire O’Connell era (he got added in the same draft as Justin Jefferson; debates have raged since about who is better). As a result of being in Minnesota so long, he’s very well-equipped to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, which is a very important task.

So, too, is he a pretty good athlete. In fact, he gets into green grass well on screens and can climb to the second level to dance with linebackers. Nobody should expect the second coming of Jason Kelce out there but Brandel is a player with good size, movement abilities, and a great understanding of the game.

Where he creates uncertainty is in his ability to snap. Or, perhaps, an inability to snap. Only a single bad snap every few games can be enough to be a major problem where the margin for error is ultra thin.

For whatever it’s worth, note that rookie lineman Caleb Tiernan is described as being week-to-week with an ankle injury from the Giants preseason game. That reality doesn’t necessarily impact Brandel but the overall depth has been depleted some. Gray’s arrival can help with Tiernan missing time, at minimum.

Take a listen to what Kevin O’Connell had to say:

As things stand, the backup guard spot(s) is a battle. Walter Rouse looks like a contender to be that swing guard. Maybe Henry Byrd could get tossed into the mix. If healthy, Tiernan could look to move inside in the same way that Ezra Cleveland transitioned from college OT to NFL OG. He’d need to ensure he gets low since he’s tall like an OT — close to 6’8″ — but there’s potential for him to be very good.

Joshua Gray will be looking to show that he is part of the collective solution for the Vikings’ OL. Getting added so late doesn’t leave him with a ton of time to make an impression but he’ll be looking to prove he belongs. He can do so through physical, competitive play while also boasting positional versatility.

Gray is 26.

---

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Advertisement

Strong Group-Pilipinas after a game in the 2026 Williams Jones Cup in Taiwan. –SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Strong Group-Pilipinas may have missed out on the 2026 William Jones Cup title, but the overwhelming support from Filipino and Taiwanese fans made the team feel like champions anyway.

The Philippine side finished with a 5-1 record in the group stage but was unable to advance to the semifinals because of the tournament’s new format.

After all the backlash and an apology from the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), Strong Group-Pilipinas ended up fifth after escaping Jordan, 96-91, on Friday.

Despite the circumstances, SGA chairman Frank Lao said he was more than proud of the squad for representing the country in the annual tournament.

“We may not have won the three-peat due to ‘circumstances’ we did not foresee, but the outpouring of support we received from both the Filipino and Taiwanese fans was more than enough for us. In the eyes of many, this team are the real champions, and that means a lot to us,” Lao said.

“Maraming salamat to everyone who stood by Strong Group throughout the past three years. Now, it’s time for us to reassess our program, learn from this experience, and make it stronger moving forward.”

Strong Group-Pilipinas campaign marked the end of its Jones Cup three-peat bid after winning the tournament in the past two years.

Jaja Santiago and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — The best of both worlds finally met as international volleyball star Jaja Santiago made her debut for 11-time champion Creamline in a 25-21, 25-16, 25-21 victory over Galeries Tower, saving the best for last in the PVL On Tour on Saturday night at Victorias City Coliseum here.

Santiago made a rousing league homecoming, showing flashes of her old form against the young HighRisers as Creamline won its second preseason game, a month after its four-set victory over Nxled last July 8 in Ilagan, Isabela.

The Japan SV.League mainstay returned to the Philippines for the first time since the 2021 bubble tournament in Ilocos Norte, where she dominated her way to Conference MVP, Finals MVP and Best Middle Blocker honors while delivering Chery Tiggo its maiden pro crown after outlasting Creamline in three Finals games.

Santiago was also reunited with former national teammate Alyssa Valdez, with the two executing a combination play that saw the Filipino-Japanese player draw the blockers before Valdez finished with a cross-court kill to seal the second set.

Jaja Santiago-Alyssa Valdez combination play! We missed this duo!

END OF SET 1: Creamline 25, Galeries Tower 21 #PVLOnTour #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/nIGKQx9wSU

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

Before making her debut in the United States’ League One Volleyball, the former SV.League Best Blocker and champion signed with Creamline for the Invitationals starting Aug. 31.

Santiago will face defending champion PLDT, Nxled and Farm Fresh, as well as Thailand’s EST Cola and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

Galeries Tower finished the On Tour with one win in three games, beating Farm Fresh in its opening assignment in Batangas last July 11 before dropping back-to-back games against Nxled in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and Creamlin

Britain’s Josh Tarling finished third in the opening stage of the Vuelta a Espana – just eight days after his brother Finlay lost his life in a crash.

The 22-year-old Netcompany Ineos rider decided himself to take part in the three-week Grand Tour and was rewarded with a strong performance on a tight and technical course around the principality of Monaco.

Fin, 19, died in a high-speed collision with a van which had strayed on to the road during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal last Friday.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider Tadej Pogacar, the overwhelming favourite for overall victory, won the stage by just nine hundredths of a second from another Briton, Ethan Hayter of Soudal-Quick Step.

Tarling was just four seconds down on Pogacar.

More to follow.