Aren't you GLAD we won! | Atlanta Gladiators Beat the South Carolina Stingrays at Home | ECHL

Atlanta Gladiators goalie hit the split. Photo: @atlgladiators IG.

A Sunday afternoon spent on the ice, why not!? The Atlanta Gladiators took on the South Carolina Stingrays at home for a Sunday afternoon game. The Gladiators, coming into this game, remain at the bottom of the conference at 18-36, while the Stingrays stand at number 6 with a 33-21 record. Thus, it would be an extensive game for the Gladiators to outshine them to capture a win.

The Gladiators have had a tumultuous season, starting a blaze and falling off a bit. However, they have always remained hardworking and persistent in the game. As in most minor leagues, the roster fluctuates as players move up and down throughout the season. The Glads have faced some roster moves, which could be a significant issue for the season. However, they have put their best foot forward as much as they can to keep hopes afloat.

Coming into today’s game, it would be imperative that the defense remained strong as the Stingrays have a core offense with a .605 shooting percentage. The game started on a good foot for the Gladiators as they managed to get the first goal and maintained that as they went into the first intermission. The defense looked great for Atlanta as they had some key blocks and managed to keep the Stingrays from scoring any points. Most of the time was spent towards their goal, which helped me remain in the lead.

A roster move for the Glads is going according to plan. Photo: @atlgladiators IG

However, the beginning of the second period took a minor turn as the Stingrays could get a goal scored within the first 2 minutes of play. Although this did not mean that the Gladiators were falling short in defense, it just meant that they would need to rally back quickly now that the game was tied 1-1. Speaking of defense- the Stingrays did a great job Wirth holding off at the net against the Gladiators.

The Glads had plenty of great goal opportunities and tight defense. The starting goalie for the Stingrays, Reid Cooper, showed how he had earned that stop with how he managed to block shots, keep the net clear, and force the offense men for the Glads to work harder at getting a second goal. As the second period ended, the score remained 1-1.

The third period is both important and strategic. If the Glads wanted to pull out the win, they would need to get another goal on the board, but they would also need to stop players like Connor Moore and Jonny Evans from scoring their second goal. The Glads were looking to have another goal added to the board, and the best people to attempt were Michael Marchesan, Carson Gicewicz, or Reece Vitelli, as they quickly scored the first goal. But, as mentioned, the South Carolina defense stepped up and held it down. The third period was the furthest from easy as both teams fought to get the advantage of a lead.

What is hockey without a few fights? Photo: Dez Barnes

Then, with 1:54 remaining in the game, the Glads score! The game savior- Michael Marchesan, assisted by Griffin Luce and Zach Yoder, came through and allowed them to take the lead on the game; the anxiety had built so high that the crowd erupted as soon as the puck hit the net, and it sounded like a full packed out house! The Glads finally had the advantage and needed to hold on for less than 2 minutes before they could secure the win. The Stingrays were not done yet; they hit the ice and went hard at the puck to try to even the score. But it was too late, as the Glads secured their Sunday win at home!

This is Dez Barnes of Pretty Girls Love Sports, a journalist on the MTMV Sports platform. She is a retired US Army veteran, professional cheerleader, pet mom, and avid sports lover. Feel free to follow her writings as she dives into the latest sports news! You can find her on all social media channels @PGLOVESPORTS.

They've got MAGIC! | Skyhawks Lose Back-To- Back at home to the Osceola Magic | NBA G

The Skyhawks, who are 15-12, were coming off a loss to the Magic (15-8) in an overtime battle. Thus, this Saturday night rematch was one for the books. The Skyhawks usually show a certain amount of grunt on their home court, and this game was no different. 

Chris Silva, a valuable asset to the team, would be expected to show up the same way he did prior. He achieved another impressive feat in his 10th game of the season, recording a near triple-double performance. He showcased his versatility and impact on the court with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists in just 36 minutes. The team relies on his ability to dominate the court for the win.

Silva waiting to get the jump ball. Photo: Dez Barnes

Following suit, Tyson Etienne delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 24 points. He shot an impressive 10-19 from the field and 4-10 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Etienne contributed six assists, three rebounds, and two steals in 43 minutes of play, demonstrating his all-around prowess and dedication to the game. He has shown a high amount of athleticism for the team, which is his star quality. 

The game started fast and intense, with the Magic trailing by ten at the 9-minute mark. Players like Mouhamed Gueye tower at a whopping 6-11, making their dominance known on the court. Gueye, who was not a starter in the previous game, graced the court and left nothing to be desired in his position. 

However, we are used to seeing a top name on the court- Seth Lundy, who sat on the bench and was not dressed. Lundy has scored 10+ points in nine straight games, averaging 23.2 points on .526% from the field (72-137 FGM) and .442% from the deep (34-77 FGM), 6.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Thus, his appearance would be missed on the court for sure. 

During the game, the Magic fought hard to catch up and did not let up off the gas. However, neither did the Skyhawks. At about the 1:20 mark, the score sat at 22-19, but the Technical foul called on the Magic’s head coach, Dylan Murphy, made it more intense. Some would say his level of intensity was uncalled for and put a sour stench on the game, which was still in the first quarter—leaving one to question just how important this game was to him. 

Colli getting the sections hype during pre- game. Photo: Dez Barnes

As the team entered the second period, the momentum needed to continue with the Skyhawks. They didn’t have the opportunity to let up because the Magic were right behind him and pushing on to get a lead. By the end of the second quarter, the Magic returned and took a two-point lead, which did not last long. But, it was evident that neither team would give up any easy points. It was impressive for the Magic because they managed to hit a hard run and return after trailing for the entire first quarter and most of the second. 

After halftime, the Skyhawks would need to put their foot back on the gas to regain any dominance they once had. They went into the half with a score of 51-45 Magic. The first half ended with 40.9% in field goals, 13.3% in three-point shots, and 50% from the free throw. Meanwhile, the Osceola Magic had 42.5% in field goals, 29.2% in three-point shots, and 71.4% in free throws. What started as an explosive half for the Skyhawks turned the tables, and it would be up to them to get back on track after the half. 

The second half of the game did trim for the Skyhawks. They still trailed behind the Magic 83-70 heading into the fourth quarter. With time left, the Skyhawks needed a quick momentum change. They managed to maintain the pace of getting to the basket. However, fouls were flying for both teams and on both accounts, opportunities were made and missed.

The Magic showed that they play unapologetically, which is not bad, but it is challenging when faced with a team like the Skyhawks, who are also unapologetic in their game. All in all, this only leaves for great explosive back-and-forth basketball. So much so that in the 4th quarter, with 6:52 remaining, a minor scuffle broke out on the court as tensions rose. This led to an ungraded flagrant two fouls and star player Miye Oni being ejected from the game. Although this did not seem to break the Magic's momentum, it hurt them with the change of pace and momentum remaining in the game.

Final score of the game. Photo: Dez Barnes

Both teams were on each other's heels as the clock drew down. But, the Magic remained the top dog in the score- 92-82 with 4 minutes remaining. The Magic's only improvement was being more aggressive at the basket for rebounds. During the fourth quarter, they consistently followed up with the rebounds, which only elevated their score.

With both teams fighting hard in the game, it was indeed one to watch. However, the Magic just out-edged the Skyhawks to claim the back-to-back win on the road. The score was 104-96.

This is Dez Barnes of Pretty Girls Love Sports, a journalist on the MTMV Sports platform. She is a retired US Army veteran, professional cheerleader, pet mom, and avid sports lover. Feel free to follow her writings as she dives into the latest sports news! You can find her on all social media channels @PGLOVESPORTS.

The Fall of a Predator: Anthony Joshua's Triumph Over Francis Ngannou

In the world of heavyweight boxing, a single fight can define a legacy. For Anthony Joshua, that fight was not just a test of skill, but a battle to assert dominance over a formidable adversary known as 'The Predator.' On a night that will be etched in the annals of combat history, Joshua did more than win; he made a statement that reverberated across the fight sports world.

The bout, which lasted only two rounds, saw Joshua face Francis Ngannou, a man who had earned his moniker through sheer power and an ironclad resilience. Ngannou, coming off a narrow defeat to the lineal champion Tyson Fury, was no stranger to adversity. He had sent Fury to the canvas, proving his mettle against the best. Yet, against Joshua, the story would unfold differently.

From the onset, Ngannou appeared to be the orchestrator of the dance, delivering body jabs and advancing with the confidence of a man in control. But the tide turned swiftly when Joshua's right hand found its mark, sending Ngannou to the floor—a sight few had anticipated given his famed durability.

The second round mirrored the first, with Ngannou pressing forward, only to be met with another devastating right from Joshua. The impact was undeniable, and it was obvious that the end was near. AJ dropped Ngannou once more in the second round. Reminiscent of Francis victory over Miocic, but this time, he was the one with his leg tucked under him while careening to the canvas. The arena, filled with elation, anxiously looked on as minutes passed before Ngannou could rise.

As Joshua exited the ring in Riyadh, the victory was more than a notch on his belt; it was a proclamation. He had not only defeated Ngannou but had done so with such decisiveness than Fury did. Questions arose about how this version of Joshua would fare against Oleksandr Usyk or in a historic bout against Tyson Fury.

The future holds many possibilities, including a potential trilogy with Usyk or a clash that could be the biggest in UK history. However, the immediate aftermath of Joshua's victory points to a potential showdown with the IBF #1 contender, Filip Hrgovic, for a vacant title, should Fury and Usyk follow through with their contractual rematch.

For Anthony Joshua, March 8th was more than a victory; it was a demonstration of how to conquer a predator. He showed the world, including Tyson Fury, Jon Jones, Renan Ferreira, and every aspiring champion, that the heart of a lion beats within him. As the story of his career continues to unfold, one thing is certain: on that fateful night, Joshua restored order in the world of Heavyweight boxing.