Maple Leafs Take Second at Moline Early Season Opener

Geneseo’s boys cross country team opened its invitational schedule with a strong runner-up finish Monday, Aug. 24, at the Moline Early Season Opener at Empire Park in Hampton.

The Maple Leafs finished with 72 points, trailing only Rock Island, which won the nine-team meet with 49. Moline placed third with 76, just four points behind Geneseo. Quincy followed with 84 and United Township with 108. The field also included Alleman, Galesburg, Riverdale and Rockridge.

Junior Henley Bourne led the Maple Leafs, finishing third overall in 15:29- a personal best.

Greyson Claerhout gave Geneseo a second runner inside the top 10, placing eighth in 16:40.

Freshmen Will Ehlert and Henry Woodward followed closely together. Ehlert finished 16th in 17:13, while Woodward was 17th in 17:17. Both performances were listed as personal bests.

Freshman Kyle Wirth completed Geneseo's scoring five, placing 28th in 18:01, also a personal best.

Those finishes of 3-8-16-17-28 produced Geneseo's 72-point team score.

Junior Kael McCord was right behind Wirth, finishing 30th in 18:02, while freshman Ephraim Mueller placed 38th in 18:48.

The meet was Geneseo's first invitational of the season following the team's Aug. 18 Rust Buster. The Maple Leafs are scheduled to compete next at the Annawan Titan Invite on Aug. 31.

Complete Geneseo Results

  • 3. Henley Bourne — 15:29 — PB

  • 8. Greyson Claerhout — 16:40

  • 16. Will Ehlert — 17:13 — PB

  • 17. Henry Woodward — 17:17 — PB

  • 28. Kyle Wirth — 18:01 — PB

  • 30. Kael McCord — 18:02

  • 38. Ephraim Mueller — 18:48 — PB

  • Rylan Carlson — 21:12

  • Hunter Olson — 21:53 — PB

  • Cole Henson — 22:01

  • Connor Runty — 22:59

  • Phoenix Sottos — 24:43 — PB

  • Ian McCord — 25:10 — PB

  • Adler Vanopdorp — 28:48 — PB

Washington Shuts Out Geneseo, 5-0

Geneseo was unable to get its offense going Wednesday as Washington handed the Maple Leafs a 5-0 loss in non-conference boys soccer action.

Washington took control in the opening half, scoring twice to build a 2-0 advantage at the break. The Panthers added three more goals in the second half while keeping Geneseo off the scoreboard.

The loss came one day after Geneseo battled Orion/Sherrard to a 1-1 draw. The Maple Leafs are now 0-1-1.

Geneseo will look to bounce back Saturday when the Maple Leafs take on Plano at 10 a.m. in tournament play.

 

DeGrave Shoots 45 as Lady Leafs Fall to LaSalle-Peru

The Geneseo Lady Leafs fell to LaSalle-Peru 187-239 Wednesday at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course in La Salle.

Senior Claire DeGrave led Geneseo with a round of 45, finishing nine over par and taking first individually among the Geneseo golfers.

Geneseo Individual Scores

  • Claire DeGrave — 45

  • Madison Kuethe — 53

  • Paysli Christ — 68

  • Gracie Wilson — 73

Those four rounds combined for Geneseo’s team score of 239.

LaSalle-Peru finished at 187, 52 strokes ahead of the Lady Leafs.

The meet was part of Geneseo’s early-season road schedule. The Lady Leafs are next scheduled to return home Tuesday, Sept. 1, when they host Rock Island and Erie-Prophetstown at Geneseo Country Club at 4 p.m.

Maple Leafs Edge Alleman by Four Strokes at Country View

The Geneseo Maple Leafs boys golf team picked up a close victory over Rock Island Alleman at Country View Golf Course on Wednesday night, finishing with a team score of 164 to Alleman’s 168.

Geneseo was led by Jaxon Ernst and Kellen Vankerrebroeck, who each shot a 40.

Gavin Davis and Sage Windisch followed with rounds of 42, while Trace Hager finished with a 43 and Kain Stroud shot a 45.

The Maple Leafs’ four counting scores — 40, 40, 42 and 42 — combined for the winning 164.

Geneseo Individual Scores

  • Jaxon Ernst — 40

  • Kellen Vankerrebroeck — 40

  • Gavin Davis — 42

  • Sage Windisch — 42

  • Trace Hager — 43

  • Kain Stroud — 45

The four-stroke victory gave Geneseo the team win over the Pioneers at Country View.

 

Maple Leafs Battle Orion/Sherrard to 1-1 Draw

Geneseo battled Orion/Sherrard to a 1-1 draw Tuesday, Aug. 25, with both teams scoring in the opening half before playing a scoreless second half.

The Maple Leafs' goal came from G. Tranel, who finished with one goal and two points. C. Clifton recorded the assist.

Geneseo goalkeeper G. Cottrell turned in a strong performance in net, recording 19 saves while allowing just one goal.

The tie moved Geneseo's record to 0-1-1.

Maple Leafs Sweep Rock Falls for First Win of Season

The Geneseo Maple Leafs picked up their first win of the season Tuesday, defeating Rock Falls in straight sets.

Geneseo controlled both sets by identical scores, earning a 25-17, 25-17 victory over the Rockets.

The win evened the Maple Leafs’ record at 1-1 following their season-opening three-set loss to LaSalle-Peru.

The Maple Leafs’ next home match is Wednesday, Sept. 9, against Quincy, with play scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Geneseo Volleyball Falls to LaSalle-Peru in Season Opener

Geneseo opened its 2026 volleyball season Monday with a close three-set loss to LaSalle-Peru.

The Maple Leafs fell 25-21 in the opening set before responding with a 25-22 victory in the second to force a deciding third set. LaSalle-Peru took the final set 25-21, handing Geneseo a 2-1 loss in its home opener.

The loss puts Geneseo at 0-1 to begin the season.

The Maple Leafs won't have to wait long for another opportunity. Geneseo returns to its home court Tuesday, Aug. 25, when it hosts Rock Falls. The varsity match is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Smith Wins, Lady Leafs Race to Runner-Up Finish at Moline Opener

Geneseo’s Lady Leafs opened the cross country season with an individual victory and a runner-up team finish Monday, Aug. 24, at the Moline Early Season Opener at Empire Park in Hampton.

Senior Brooklyn Smith led the way, winning the varsity 3-mile race in 18:46.

Junior Evelyn DeBaene joined her near the front of the field, placing third overall in 19:27, a personal-best performance.

The strong finishes continued through Geneseo’s scoring lineup. Junior Alivia Brown placed 11th in 21:19, sophomore Charlize Wachtel was 18th in 21:57, and senior Ayla Schultz finished 27th in 22:34.

Those five performances gave the Lady Leafs 60 points and second place in the nine-team field.

Geneseo also received finishes from Genevieve Talley in 25:52, Stella Allison in 26:24, Zania Sefton in 27:50, Sofia Encabo-Alonso in 31:57, Hanna Pirog in 32:29, Keely Henry in 33:04, Baylen Poffenberger in 33:59 and Tiffany Helton in 36:46.

Several Lady Leafs recorded personal-best times at the opener. DeBaene, Talley, Sefton, Encabo-Alonso, Pirog, Henry, Poffenberger and Helton were each listed with personal bests in the official results.

Geneseo finished the day with two runners in the top three, three in the top 11 and four in the top 20, providing a strong start to the season for the Lady Leafs.

Geneseo Results

  • 1. Brooklyn Smith — 18:46

  • 3. Evelyn DeBaene — 19:27 (PB)

  • 11. Alivia Brown — 21:19

  • 18. Charlize Wachtel — 21:57

  • 27. Ayla Schultz — 22:34

  • Genevieve Talley — 25:52 (PB)

  • Stella Allison — 26:24

  • Zania Sefton — 27:50 (PB)

  • Sofia Encabo-Alonso — 31:57 (PB)

  • Hanna Pirog — 32:29 (PB)

  • Keely Henry — 33:04 (PB)

  • Baylen Poffenberger — 33:59 (PB)

  • Tiffany Helton — 36:46 (PB)

Video Highlights! Green Machine @ Assumption

Lady Leafs Tie for Third at Potter Invitational

The Geneseo Lady Leafs opened their girls tennis season with a strong showing Saturday, tying for third place at the Morton Potter Invitational with seven team points.

Moline won the eight-team tournament with 11 points, followed by Morton with eight. Geneseo and Dixon each finished with seven, ahead of Peoria Notre Dame, Mahomet-Seymour, Peoria Richwoods and Normal West.

Geneseo’s Kendyl Wassenhove and Stella Smith advanced to the championship match at No. 1 doubles.

The pair opened with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Normal West before defeating Dixon 6-2, 6-4. They met Moline’s Pearly Ciss and Emily VanVooren in the final, falling 7-6 (5), 6-2.

Vi Pettit and Annabelle Betcher also put together a strong run at No. 2 doubles, defeating Peoria Notre Dame 6-2, 6-0 and Mahomet-Seymour 6-2, 6-4. Morton stopped their run with a 6-3, 6-2 victory.

In singles, Anastasia Pitsoulakis earned a hard-fought victory over Peoria Richwoods’ Lydia Day. After dropping the opening set in a tiebreaker, Pitsoulakis came back to win 6-7 (8), 6-3, 1-0 (15).

Annie Reed collected two wins at No. 2 singles. Reed rallied for a 3-6, 6-1, 1-0 (9) victory over Normal West and followed with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Peoria Richwoods.

The Potter Invitational was Geneseo’s first scheduled competition of the 2026 season. The Lady Leafs are scheduled to return to action Saturday, Aug. 29, at Sterling, where they will compete with Sterling and United Township beginning at 9 a.m.

Green Machine Rallies Past Assumption, 16-13, in Season Opener

Geneseo opened the 2026 football season with a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback Friday night, rallying past Davenport Assumption for a 16-13 victory in a season opener that included a lengthy weather interruption.

Before the first quarter was complete, play was stopped because of lightning. The delay lasted more than an hour before the teams were able to return to the field and resume play.

Once the game got moving again, the Green Machine controlled the game on the ground, finishing with 473 rushing yards on 59 carries and 24 first downs. Geneseo ran 62 offensive plays compared with 32 for Assumption and outgained the Knights 473-124.

Mark Nelms led the Green Machine with 155 yards on 22 carries, averaging just over seven yards per attempt, and scored Geneseo's only touchdown on a 44-yard run. Luca Turigliatti carried 23 times for 147 yards, while Jack Mickley added 117 yards on just eight attempts, including a 52-yard run.

The three combined for 419 rushing yards on 53 carries.

Brayden Cox added 33 yards on three carries, including a 32-yard run, while Harrison Hill rushed twice for 20 yards with a long of 16.

The victory required Geneseo to overcome two costly turnovers in the first half, both of which were returned for Assumption touchdowns.

Geneseo moved deep into Assumption territory on its opening possession before the first interception was returned for a score. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, giving Assumption a 6-0 lead.

The Green Machine answered when Carson Peters connected on a 42-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 6-3.

Another Geneseo interception in the second quarter was returned for Assumption's second defensive touchdown. This time, the extra point was good, sending the Knights into halftime with a 13-3 advantage.

Geneseo finished the night 0-for-2 passing with two interceptions, meaning all 473 yards of its offense came on the ground.

Photo by Sarah DeMaranville

Despite the turnovers, Geneseo continued finding success on the ground. The Green Machine finished with 24 first downs compared with seven for Assumption and converted four of 10 third-down attempts. Geneseo was also successful on its only fourth-down attempt.

Assumption was held to just 124 total yards, all rushing. The Knights ran only 32 offensive plays and converted two of seven third-down attempts. Geneseo's defense repeatedly gave its offense opportunities to work back into the game.

That comeback arrived in the fourth quarter.

Nelms broke loose for a 44-yard touchdown run, and the ensuing extra point cut Assumption's lead to 13-10.

Peters then delivered again, connecting on a 20-yard field goal to tie the game at 13-13.

With the game hanging in the balance, Geneseo's ground game put the Green Machine in position for one final opportunity. Mickley's biggest run of the night covered 52 yards, the longest Geneseo rush of the game.

Photo by Sarah DeMaranville

Peters completed the comeback with the game-winning field goal as time expired, giving Geneseo the 16-13 victory.

Geneseo's defense was led statistically by Mickley, who recorded three tackles and five assists. Ben Simosky added three tackles and three assists, while Max Nicke recorded two tackles and three assists. Trevor Freeman was credited with a tackle for loss.

The final numbers showed Geneseo's statistical advantage. The Green Machine outgained Assumption 473-124 and held a 24-7 advantage in first downs. Geneseo committed one penalty for 10 yards, while both of its interceptions were returned by Assumption for touchdowns.

Geneseo begins the 2026 season 1-0.

GENESEO INDIVIDUAL STATS VS. ASSUMPTION

OFFENSE

Mark Nelms #27
22 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD
Long: 44 yards

Luca Turigliatti #7
23 carries, 147 yards
Long: 27 yards
Passing: 0-for-2, 2 INT

Jack Mickley #3
8 carries, 117 yards
Long: 52 yards

Brayden Cox #26
3 carries, 33 yards
Long: 32 yards

Harrison Hill #24
2 carries, 20 yards
Long: 16 yards

Rest of team
1 carry, 1 yard

DEFENSE

Jack Mickley #3
3 tackles, 5 assists

Ben Simosky #33
3 tackles, 3 assists

Max Nicke #20
2 tackles, 3 assists

J. Wexell #10
1 tackle

B. Diehl #43
1 tackle, 3 assists

K. Mosier #19
1 tackle, 2 assists

E. Bjorkman #53
1 tackle, 2 assists

T. Freeman #62
1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 tackle for loss

K. Ariano #25
1 tackle, 1 assist

E. Brown #61
1 assist

Brayden Cox #26
1 assist

Rest of team
1 fumble recovery

SPECIAL TEAMS

Carson Peters #9
Field goals: 3-for-3 (100%)
Field-goal points: 9
Kickoffs: 4
Touchbacks: 3

J. Wexell #10
2 kickoff returns
14-yard average
Long: 17 yards

Luca Turigliatti #7
1 punt

TEAM TOTALS

Total plays: 62
Total offense: 473 yards
Rushing: 473 yards
Passing: 0 yards
First downs: 24
Third downs: 4-for-10 (40%)
Fourth downs: 1-for-1 (100%)
Turnovers: 2
Interceptions thrown: 2
Penalties: 1 for 10 yards

Girls Golf Looks to Find Its Swing

Sterling Tops Geneseo in Season Opener

Geneseo opened its girls golf season Aug. 17 with a home dual against Sterling at Geneseo Country Club, with the Golden Warriors earning a 210-222 victory.

Senior Claire DeGrave led the Maple Leafs and earned medalist honors with a 45 (+10), the lowest score among the golfers listed in the individual results.

Junior Lillian Bellagamba followed with a 52 (+17), while sophomore Madison Kuethe shot 53 (+18). Senior Jordyn Miller finished with a 72 (+37), junior Paysli Christ recorded a 75 (+40) and sophomore Gracie Wilson shot 76 (+41).

Freshman Ella Hepner, competing in the seventh position and therefore not counted toward the team score, finished with a 78 (+43).

Geneseo results:

  • Claire DeGrave — 45 (+10), 1st

  • Lillian Bellagamba — 52 (+17), 4th

  • Madison Kuethe — 53 (+18), 5th

  • Jordyn Miller — 72 (+37), 9th

  • Paysli Christ — 75 (+40), 10th

  • Gracie Wilson — 76 (+41), 11th

  • Ella Hepner — 78 (+43), 13th

Sterling finished at 210 (+70), while Geneseo posted a 222 (+82).

Two days later, the Maple Leafs returned to competition at the Redbird Classic in Metamora.

Maple Leafs Place 13th at Redbird Classic

Geneseo girls golf finished 13th in a 15-team field at the Redbird Classic on Aug. 19 at Metamora Fields Golf Club in Metamora.

The Maple Leafs were led by Claire DeGrave, who carded an 86, 15 over par, to finish 17th individually.

Madison Kuethe finished with a 101 (+30) and tied for 48th. Paysli Christ shot 129 (+58) and tied for 77th, while Jordyn Miller recorded a 140 (+69) to finish 79th.

Gracie Wilson was also listed for Geneseo but did not have a completed 18-hole score in the results, with the leaderboard showing +60 through 15 holes.

Geneseo finished 13th overall in the 15-team field.

Geneseo individual results:

  • Claire DeGrave — 86 (+15), 17th

  • Madison Kuethe — 101 (+30), T-48th

  • Paysli Christ — 129 (+58), T-77th

  • Jordyn Miller — 140 (+69), 79th

  • Gracie Wilson — +60 through 15 holes

Dunlap Gold won the tournament with a 313 (+29), followed by host Metamora at 336 (+52). Quincy finished third at 345 (+61), Peoria Richwoods was fourth at 348 (+64) and Bloomington Central Catholic rounded out the top five with a 350 (+66).

The remainder of the team standings showed Morton sixth at 359 (+75), Peoria Notre Dame seventh at 360 (+76), Dunlap Maroon eighth at 373 (+89) and Macomb ninth at 375 (+91). Bartonville Limestone placed 10th, Washington was 11th with 429 (+145), Eureka placed 12th, Geneseo 13th, Champaign St. Thomas More 14th with 477 (+193) and East Peoria 15th.

Geneseo Boys Golf Falls to Moline in Close Match at Country View

Photo Gallery

The Geneseo boys golf team came up just short against Moline on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Country View Golf Course, with the Maple Leafs posting a team score of 159.

Senior Jaxon Ernst led Geneseo with a 38, the lowest round among the six Geneseo golfers shown on the leaderboard. Freshman Trace Hager followed closely with a 39, while sophomore Gavin Davis carded a 40.

Sophomore Kain Stroud completed Geneseo’s four counting scores with a 42, bringing the Green Machine’s team total to 159.

Junior Kellen Vankerebroeck finished with a 46, while senior Joseph Thoene shot a 48.

Geneseo individual scores were:

  • Jaxon Ernst — 38

  • Trace Hager — 39

  • Gavin Davis — 40

  • Kain Stroud — 42

  • Kellen Vankerebroeck — 46

  • Joseph Thoene — 48

With the four lowest rounds determining the team score, Ernst, Hager, Davis and Stroud combined for Geneseo’s 159.