National Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kidz Bop rang out on the stereo as groups of sweaty children beamed with joy at the chance to kick around soccer balls with major league professionals at the White House Monday.

FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — Snicker if you wish. Guffaw for good measure. Bill May and other male synchronized swimmers — now called artistic swimmers — have heard the putdowns before. But they're getting the last laugh.

The Las Vegas Aces are on a historic pace heading into the second half of the season and have shown no signs of letting up. With 19 wins in their first 21 games, the Aces sit atop the WNBA standings and have the top offense and defense in the league.

DALLAS (AP) — The Red River Rivalry is back. The name, that is. The game itself never went anywhere.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Brian Kelly and LSU face much higher expectations going into his second season as coach.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Spain star Alexis Putellas quit training on Monday, raising doubts she will be fit to play against Costa Rica in their opening match at the Women’s World Cup on Friday.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The owners of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers have assumed control of the English soccer club Leeds United.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have waived guard-forward Joe Wieskamp, the team announced Monday. The 23-year-old had signed a multi-year deal with Toronto on Feb. 11 after a pair of 10-day contracts in January.

PALERMO, Sicily (AP) — Second-seeded Zheng Qinwen eased past Sara Errani with a double bagel in the opening round of the Palermo Open on Monday. Zheng beat the Italian 6-0, 6-0.

CHICAGO (AP) — Eight former Northwestern football players have retained attorneys following a hazing scandal that led to the firing of coach Pat Fitzgerald and criticism of university leadership for its initial response to the allegations.