Sports - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Dream settle down in second half, beat Liberty in semifinal opener

The Atlanta Dream ended the regular season on a winning streak, and they've only added to it in their most successful postseason in nearly a decade.

By ALAN COLE / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) drives to the basket as New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart defends during an WNBA playoff game Sunday at State Farm Arena. Howard is a Bradley Central High School graduate. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Chase Briscoe holds off Kyle Larson for Cup Series win in Las Vegas

Chase points leader Kyle Larson pushed his car to the limit at the end of Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway while seeking a third win in four weeks.

By KIRK KERN / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe passes the start/finish line at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race. (AP Photo/Sam Morris)

Four-time F1 champ Max Verstappen wins for first time since 2025 finale

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's long wait for another win in a Formula 1 race is finally over.

By The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen celebrates with his trophy on the podium after winning Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday in Sepang, Malaysia. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Golf roundup: Austin Smotherman picks up first PGA Tour victory

Austin Smotherman never trailed at the Bank of Utah Championship, but his final round required some resilience to finally break through on the PGA Tour.

By The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Austin Smotherman closed with a 68 for a two-shot victory Sunday at the Bank of Utah Championship, securing the first tournament title of his PGA Tour career in his 100th start. (AP File Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Case: Keep mapping out big plans and dreaming of the next place

I lost another good friend this past week. In that respect, it has been quite a year.

By Larry Case October 4, 2026

Contributed photo / Like many outdoors enthusiasts, “Guns & Cornbread” columnist Larry Case is sometimes better at dreaming up big plans for hunting and fishing than he is at following through, but that’s OK with him.

Cavan Sullivan, 17, sets US record with goal in win over Mexico

Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to score in U.S. men's soccer team history, doing so Saturday night at 17 years and 5 days old.

By DAVID BRANDT / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

U.S. soccer player Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates after scoring against Mexico in the second half of Saturday night's exhibition match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Sullivan's goal was the first of a 3-0 victory for the host Americans. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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Snap judgments: Howard celebrates ‘much-needed win’ over Sale Creek

Howard football coach Dedric Maffett admitted that once the final seconds ticked off the game clock Friday night at Sale Creek, he paused to soak in the moment.

By Patrick MacCoon, David Paschall, Lindsey Young October 3, 2026

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / Howard football coach Dedric Maffett speaks with Kivi Paiz (56) during an Aug. 29 home game against Brainerd at Reggie White Field.

Mocs fall in SoCon rivalry game at ETSU as late mistakes hurt

Rusty Wright said he knew coming into Johnson City exactly what kind of afternoon it would take to leave with a victory.

By Gene Henley October 3, 2026

UTC photo by Dakota Hamilton / UTC quarterback Battle Alberson hands off to running back Journey Wyche during Saturday's SoCon rivalry game against East Tennessee State in Johnson City.

Bishop’s career day paces Vols: ‘It was only a matter of time’

It was a rushing performance General Robert Neyland would have treasured.

By David Paschall October 3, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo / DeSean Bishop rushed for 220 yards Saturday in Tennessee's 24-14 win over Auburn inside Neyland Stadium.

Vols notebook: New starting guards step up in victory over Auburn

Tennessee had two first-time starters at guard Saturday, with Nic Moore on the left side of the offensive line and Donovan Haslam on the right side.