BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Community College volleyball team placed second in the BC3 Early Bird Tournament over the weekend.

Northampton CC won the event, defeating the Pioneers 25-13, 25-15. BC3 defeated Cecil College 25-16,. 25-11, Allegany 25-17, 25-14 and Jamestown 25-19, 25-23.

Amanda Wensel was named to the all-tournament team for the Pioneers, tallying 14 kills and 13 blocks. Heather Straynick had 12 kills and 33 digs, Alexis Schrecengost 12 kills and 23 digs, Danika Durand 41 assists.

BC3 hosts Westmoreland at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Wes Welker returned to practice Monday for the first time since sustaining a concussion in an Aug. 23 preseason game against the Houston Texans.The Denver slot receiver ran short routes during the 20-minute viewing period open to the media.Welker's concussion was his third in 10 months. He got hurt on a hard hit from D.J. Swearinger that prompted Peyton Manning to swear at the swaggering safety.Welker caught 73 passes for 778 yards and a career-high 10 TDs last season despite missing the last 3 1-2 games. He also had 18 grabs for 160 yards and a TD in the playoffs.

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Rams signed 10 players to their practice squad. As expected, Michael Sam wasn't among them.The Rams added two each at linebacker, offensive line, wide receiver and safety Monday, fortifying needy positions. Sam starred at defensive line for Missouri, but coach Jeff Fisher said the defensive line was the strongest group on the team.Rookie quarterback Garrett Gilbert and seven others were among the cuts that got the roster to 53 players.

NEW YORK — Former NHL defenseman Carol Vadnais, a six-time all-star, has died. He was 68.The New York Rangers reported on their website that Vadnais, who spent seven seasons with the team, passed away Sunday. A cause of death wasn't given.Vadnais made his NHL debut in 1966-67 with his hometown Montreal Canadiens and played 17 NHL seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 1968 with Montreal and 1972 with Boston. He also played for the California Golden Seals and New Jersey Devils.Vadnais had 169 goals and 587 points in 1,087 games. He appeared in 106 playoff games with 10 goals and 40 assists.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Star tight end Rob Gronkowski stood in front of his Gillette Stadium locker Monday and announced he will be playing in the New England Patriots' opener at Miami this Sunday.Meanwhile, the news hardly caught the Dolphins by surprise.