LSU Men's Golf Eighth After Opening Round at Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational

Noah McWilliams fires a 1-under 71 to tie for sixth as Tigers finish first round at 6-over in Saucier, Mississippi.

SAUCIER, Miss. | LSU senior Noah McWilliams shot a 1-under-par 71 to lead the Tigers into eighth place Saturday after the opening round of the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational at Fallen Oak Golf Course.

LSU finished the first 18 holes at 6-over par, with McWilliams providing the Tigers' strongest performance on the par-72, 7,480-yard layout. The Louisiana native recorded five birdies and was tied for sixth individually entering the second round.

McWilliams was the only LSU golfer to break par, keeping the Tigers within striking distance of the teams ahead of them as the tournament continued.

Sophomores Dan Hayes and Hudson Lawson each carded a 2-over 74 to finish the opening round tied for 26th.

Lawson delivered one of LSU's strongest performances on the par-5 holes, posting a tournament-leading 4.00 scoring average. He recorded two birdies and an eagle on the longer holes, continuing his strong par-5 play early in his second season with the Tigers.

Senior Jay Mendell rounded out LSU's top four scorers with a 3-over 75, placing him in a tie for 35th. Despite finishing above par, Mendell led the tournament in par-4 scoring average at 3.90.

McWilliams' five-birdie performance highlighted an opening round in which LSU received contributions from both its veteran players and sophomore lineup.

The Tigers will look to climb the leaderboard in the remaining rounds, with McWilliams positioned for a potential top-10 individual finish.

The Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational brings collegiate golf competition to Mississippi's Gulf Coast, where LSU is seeking to build momentum as its season progresses.

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-- By Andre Leday

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No. 1 Nebraska Sweeps Northwestern to Stay Unbeaten, Extends Perfect Start to 18-0

Cornhuskers dominate late in each set for 25-17, 25-14, 25-15 victory as Wildcats deliver one of the strongest blocking performances against Nebraska this season.

EVANSTON, Ill. | Top-ranked Nebraska continued its unbeaten run through the college volleyball season Thursday night, sweeping Northwestern 25-17, 25-14, 25-15 at Welsh-Ryan Arena to improve to 18-0 overall and 7-0 in Big Ten Conference play.

The Cornhuskers overcame an early challenge from Northwestern before taking control with decisive scoring runs, extending their perfect start while keeping the Wildcats winless in conference competition.

Northwestern (7-11, 0-7 Big Ten) showed resilience defensively, recording eight blocks to match its season high for a three-set match. The total was also the most by a Big Ten opponent against Nebraska this season, surpassing the six blocks recorded by Rutgers and Indiana.

Mara Stiglic led Northwestern with nine kills, while Campbell Paris helped fuel the Wildcats' early offensive success. Stiglic, Ellie Stiernagle and Maya Stillwell each contributed three blocks, and Lauren Dignan finished with nine digs.

The Wildcats challenged Nebraska throughout the opening set, battling through nine ties and staying even at 17-all. But the Cornhuskers seized momentum behind the serving of Andi Jackson, closing the set with eight consecutive points for a 25-17 victory.

Northwestern again started quickly in the second set, scoring four of the first five points and building a 5-2 advantage behind kills from Stiglic and Paris. Nebraska responded, with Kenna Cogill delivering a kill to tie the score at 8-all before the Huskers pulled away for a 25-14 win.

Nebraska carried that momentum into the third set, opening a 7-3 lead and forcing an early Northwestern timeout.

No. 25 Northwestern Stuns Michigan State 24-21 on Last-Second Field Goal

Jackson Kleather delivers a 34-yard game-winner after Brendan Flakes blocks a late field goal, completing Northwestern’s fourth-quarter comeback in a Big Ten thriller.

EAST LANSING, Mich. | Jackson Kleather kicked a 34-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, lifting No. 25 Northwestern to a dramatic 24-21 victory over Michigan State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium.

The Wildcats (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit, survived a late Michigan State scoring threat and marched downfield in the final 65 seconds to secure a crucial Big Ten road victory.

Northwestern's comeback appeared in jeopardy when Michigan State moved into the red zone with less than two minutes remaining. But Brendan Flakes blocked a potential go-ahead field goal, preserving a 21-all tie and giving the Wildcats one final opportunity.

Northwestern capitalized. Griffin Wilde contributed 29 receiving yards on the decisive possession, setting up Kleather's third successful field goal of the afternoon.

"We're not going to play from a platform of fear," Northwestern coach David Braun said. "We were aggressive at the end of the game. Great stop by our defense; our offense goes down and executes — what a finish."