EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the final game of the three-game series at Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon (March 17). The Tigers (18-9, 6-7 MIAA) tallied a pair of hits while the Bronchos (21-5, 9-4 MIAA) had 12.

Central Oklahoma had a big first inning by scoring four runs on five hits in the inning taking advantage early. After the Bronchos got out to an early lead, they tallied another run after a single in the bottom of the second. The Tigers were able to get on the board in the top of the third when Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;homered down the right field line, making it 5-1.

The fourth inning saw the Bronchos score again after a couple singles and a wild pitch. UCO was able to squeeze three more runs on two hits in the fourth. The Bronchos did not score again till scoring off a double to right field in the seventh.

Right hand senior Trevor Baugh went 2/3 innings giving up five hits and four earned while striking out a batter. Dylan Rinker&nbsp;came in to relieve Baugh, pitching a solid 4 2/3 innings striking out six. Brett Jacobs&nbsp;came in for 2 2/3 innings, giving up just a pair of hits and an earned run.

Dax Sharp, UCO starter, went six innings striking out four on two Tiger hits, giving up the home run from Kreutzer. Chase Yarger came in after Sharp and was able to keep the Tigers scoreless through the rest of the game.

Jose Cintron&nbsp;and Kreutzer were the only Tigers able to tally a hit on the day, with Elliott Herrmann, Sebastian Burgos and Justin Lipka&nbsp;getting on base from walks.

The Tigers will now travel to Warrensburg, Mo. for a three-game series against Central Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710756661953.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the final game of the three-game series at Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon (March 17). The Tigers (18-9, 6-7 MIAA) tallied a pair of hits while the Bronchos (21-5, 9-4 MIAA) had 12.Central Oklahoma had a big first inning by scoring four runs on five hits in the inning taking advantage early. After the Bronchos got out to an early lead, they tallied another run after a single in the bottom of the second. The Tigers were able to get on the board in the top of the third when Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;homered down the right field line, making it 5-1.The fourth inning saw the Bronchos score again after a couple singles and a wild pitch. UCO was able to squeeze three more runs on two hits in the fourth. The Bronchos did not score again till scoring off a double to right field in the seventh.Right hand senior Trevor Baugh went 2/3 innings giving up five hits and four earned while striking out a batter. Dylan Rinker&nbsp;came in to relieve Baugh, pitching a solid 4 2/3 innings striking out six. Brett Jacobs&nbsp;came in for 2 2/3 innings, giving up just a pair of hits and an earned run.Dax Sharp, UCO starter, went six innings striking out four on two Tiger hits, giving up the home run from Kreutzer. Chase Yarger came in after Sharp and was able to keep the Tigers scoreless through the rest of the game.Jose Cintron&nbsp;and Kreutzer were the only Tigers able to tally a hit on the day, with Elliott Herrmann, Sebastian Burgos and Justin Lipka&nbsp;getting on base from walks.UP NEXTThe Tigers will now travel to Warrensburg, Mo. for a three-game series against Central Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers drop finale at Central Oklahoma

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/minnesota-state/boxscore/13065">BOX SCORE</a>

BETHANY, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team was unable to break through relentless pressure from 13th-ranked Minnesota State, falling to the Mavericks 78-66 in the 2024 NCAA Division II Central Region semifinals on Saturday at the Sawyer Center. The Tigers end the season with a record of 25-8, tied for the sixth-most wins in program history.

Minnesota State (28-5), the No. 7 seed in the tournament won the opening tip and took the lead just two seconds into the game before scoring nine points in the first minute of the game.&nbsp;Emma Ruddle&nbsp;hit two free throws 68 seconds into the contest for FHSU's first points of the night, but the Tigers, the No. 3 seed in the region, were unable to knock down a field goal until four minutes in when&nbsp;Sydney Golladay&nbsp;buried a 3-pointer.

Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;kept the Tigers in the game over the first 10 minutes by scoring 10 of FHSU's 19 points in the opening quarter, including her second 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in the frame to help the Tigers cut an 11-point deficit to five, 24-19.

The Tigers closed within four midway through the second quarter on a steal and layup from Dilsaver, 30-26, but each time FHSU made a run the Mavericks were able to answer with a bigger run of their own.

Despite trailing by as many as 18 Fort Hays State was unwilling to fold, closing within six at three different points throughout the remainder of the game. The Tigers used a 7-0 run spanning halftime to close within 41-35 and went on another 7-0 run midway through the third to close within 50-44, but runs of 9-2 and 14-3 by Minnesota State took back any momentum gained by FHSU.

Fort Hays State was led in scoring by&nbsp;Katie Wagner, who totaled 20 points, including 14 after halftime. Dilsaver finished the night with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting while adding a season-high five steals on the defensive end.&nbsp;Brooke Loewe&nbsp;led the team with five assists,&nbsp;Jessie Sallach&nbsp;scored 10 points and&nbsp;Emma Ruddle&nbsp;contributed four points, two steals and one block.

Wagner grabbed six rebounds, helping her move to second all-time at Fort Hays State, now with 965 in her career. She finishes the season with 569 points, fifth-most in a single season in program history, while ranking ninth in single season rebounds (287) and ninth in single season steals (72).

The Tigers were foiled by 35 turnovers, their most in a game since 1999. Minnesota State scored 35 points off the FHSU miscues, with the Tigers totaling 25 points off 24 Maverick turnovers. The Tigers finished the game shooting 40.7 percent from the floor (22-of-54) while hitting 18-of-23 from the free-throw line (78.3 percent). Minnesota State hit 44.6 percent of its shots in the win (29-of-65).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710637413463.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Kate Dilsaver drives to the basket against Minnesota State in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Bethany, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kate Dilsaver drives to the basket against Minnesota State in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Bethany, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/minnesota-state/boxscore/13065">BOX SCORE</a>BETHANY, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team was unable to break through relentless pressure from 13th-ranked Minnesota State, falling to the Mavericks 78-66 in the 2024 NCAA Division II Central Region semifinals on Saturday at the Sawyer Center. The Tigers end the season with a record of 25-8, tied for the sixth-most wins in program history.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1776803868&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-coach-and-players-press-room-interview-v-minn-state-march-16th-2024" title="FHSU Postgame Press Conference vs. #13 Minnesota State (March 16, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">FHSU Postgame Press Conference vs. #13 Minnesota State (March 16, 2024)</a></div></div>Minnesota State (28-5), the No. 7 seed in the tournament won the opening tip and took the lead just two seconds into the game before scoring nine points in the first minute of the game.&nbsp;Emma Ruddle&nbsp;hit two free throws 68 seconds into the contest for FHSU's first points of the night, but the Tigers, the No. 3 seed in the region, were unable to knock down a field goal until four minutes in when&nbsp;Sydney Golladay&nbsp;buried a 3-pointer.Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;kept the Tigers in the game over the first 10 minutes by scoring 10 of FHSU's 19 points in the opening quarter, including her second 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in the frame to help the Tigers cut an 11-point deficit to five, 24-19.The Tigers closed within four midway through the second quarter on a steal and layup from Dilsaver, 30-26, but each time FHSU made a run the Mavericks were able to answer with a bigger run of their own.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1776803445&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-v-minn-state-march-16th-2024" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. #13 Minnesota State (March 16, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. #13 Minnesota State (March 16, 2024)</a></div></div>Despite trailing by as many as 18 Fort Hays State was unwilling to fold, closing within six at three different points throughout the remainder of the game. The Tigers used a 7-0 run spanning halftime to close within 41-35 and went on another 7-0 run midway through the third to close within 50-44, but runs of 9-2 and 14-3 by Minnesota State took back any momentum gained by FHSU.Fort Hays State was led in scoring by&nbsp;Katie Wagner, who totaled 20 points, including 14 after halftime. Dilsaver finished the night with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting while adding a season-high five steals on the defensive end.&nbsp;Brooke Loewe&nbsp;led the team with five assists,&nbsp;Jessie Sallach&nbsp;scored 10 points and&nbsp;Emma Ruddle&nbsp;contributed four points, two steals and one block.Wagner grabbed six rebounds, helping her move to second all-time at Fort Hays State, now with 965 in her career. She finishes the season with 569 points, fifth-most in a single season in program history, while ranking ninth in single season rebounds (287) and ninth in single season steals (72).The Tigers were foiled by 35 turnovers, their most in a game since 1999. Minnesota State scored 35 points off the FHSU miscues, with the Tigers totaling 25 points off 24 Maverick turnovers. The Tigers finished the game shooting 40.7 percent from the floor (22-of-54) while hitting 18-of-23 from the free-throw line (78.3 percent). Minnesota State hit 44.6 percent of its shots in the win (29-of-65).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women fall to MSU in Central Region semifinal

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2024/central-oklahoma/boxscore/12898">BOX SCORE</a>

EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener at Central Oklahoma Saturday evening (March 16). The Tigers (18-8, 6-6 MIAA) and Bronchos (21-5, 8-4 MIAA) both tallied ten hits, but were not able to pull out with the win at the Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond, Okla.

Central Oklahoma had a big first inning by scoring four runs from a double, taking advantage early with a fielding error. The Bronchos scored four on four hits and only left one base runner on. The Tigers were able to get on the board in the top of the fifth when Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;collected an RBI when Kyle Morrell&nbsp;came across home. After a Kreutzer stolen base, Isaiah Ural&nbsp;was able to capitalize the situation with an RBI single.

The sixth inning saw the Tigers score again with a Garrett Wellbrock&nbsp;ground out to third, scoring Jose Cintron. The Tigers couldn't score till an Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;home run to right field in the top of the ninth, his tenth on the season. Herrmann put the score to 8-4 in the ninth, too little too late.

Tiger starter Cade Flaherty&nbsp;went 6 1/3 innings giving up seven hits and seven runs (five earned runs) while striking out seven. Spencer Maley&nbsp;came out to relieve Flaherty, pitching a solid 1 2/3 innings striking out a batter while giving up an earned run.

Brady Gilmore, UCO starter, went 4.2 innings striking out eight on six Tiger hits, giving up two earned runs. Three relievers came in after Gilmore and were able to keep the Tigers under wraps, giving up just three hits between the three relievers.

Herrmann and Luis Ayala&nbsp;were able to get multiple hits, with seven total Tigers able to get a knock on the day. Herrmann and Ural were able to tally an RBI.&nbsp;The teams will end the series Sunday (March 17), with the first pitch set for 1 p.m. in the afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710687677547.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/stats/2024/central-oklahoma/boxscore/12898">BOX SCORE</a>EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener at Central Oklahoma Saturday evening (March 16). The Tigers (18-8, 6-6 MIAA) and Bronchos (21-5, 8-4 MIAA) both tallied ten hits, but were not able to pull out with the win at the Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond, Okla.Central Oklahoma had a big first inning by scoring four runs from a double, taking advantage early with a fielding error. The Bronchos scored four on four hits and only left one base runner on. The Tigers were able to get on the board in the top of the fifth when Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;collected an RBI when Kyle Morrell&nbsp;came across home. After a Kreutzer stolen base, Isaiah Ural&nbsp;was able to capitalize the situation with an RBI single.The sixth inning saw the Tigers score again with a Garrett Wellbrock&nbsp;ground out to third, scoring Jose Cintron. The Tigers couldn't score till an Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;home run to right field in the top of the ninth, his tenth on the season. Herrmann put the score to 8-4 in the ninth, too little too late.Tiger starter Cade Flaherty&nbsp;went 6 1/3 innings giving up seven hits and seven runs (five earned runs) while striking out seven. Spencer Maley&nbsp;came out to relieve Flaherty, pitching a solid 1 2/3 innings striking out a batter while giving up an earned run.Brady Gilmore, UCO starter, went 4.2 innings striking out eight on six Tiger hits, giving up two earned runs. Three relievers came in after Gilmore and were able to keep the Tigers under wraps, giving up just three hits between the three relievers.Herrmann and Luis Ayala&nbsp;were able to get multiple hits, with seven total Tigers able to get a knock on the day. Herrmann and Ural were able to tally an RBI.&nbsp;The teams will end the series Sunday (March 17), with the first pitch set for 1 p.m. in the afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Herrmann homer not enough as Tigers fall to UCO

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12772">BOX SCORE</a>

MANKATO, Minn. – Fort Hays State did everything it had to do to slow down a potent Minnesota Duluth offense in their NCAA Central Regional first round game Saturday afternoon at Bresnan Arena. The Tigers had the lead with seven seconds to go, but two missed free throws and a last second layup lifted the Bulldogs to a 59-58 loss to the matchup of NABC Top 20-ranked teams.

The No. 19 ranked Tigers ended their season at 23-8 overall, while the No. 10 ranked Bulldogs improved to 26-6 overall.

Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;had a tremendous second half for the Tigers, scoring 15 of his team-high 19 points. He went to the line with seven seconds remaining and the Tigers leading by one, but unfortunately had a free throw that was half-way down the cylinder rattle out and the Bulldogs raced to the other end of the floor to score on a layup just before the final horn. Shaun Riley slipped on the play which allowed Matt Thompson to get loose on the baseline and get to the rim right before the buzzer.

The Bulldogs opened the game hot, hitting 60 percent of their field goals in the first 10:30 of the game and umped out to a 22-8 lead. The Tigers, lead Division II on scoring defense, clamped down the remainder of the game. They outscored the Bulldogs 19-9 the rest of the half to close within four at 31-27 at halftime.

The Tigers continued to grind their way back into the game in the second half. They used a 6-0 run from the 17:10 to 15:11 mark to take their first lead of the game. They built the lead to five at 46-41 on a Nnanabu jumper with 10:22 to play. The Bulldogs were able to hang close and moved back on top three times before tip-ins from Bjarni Johnsson and R.J. Crawford put the Tigers up three with 47 seconds to go. 

A tough foul call gave UMD a chance to tie the game with eight seconds to go, but their top player, Drew Blair, made just one of two free throws to keep the Tigers in the lead.

FHSU held UMD over 20 points below their season scoring average but lose for the first time this season when holding an opponent under 60 points. It was also the only time the Tigers lost consecutive games this year after an MIAA semifinal loss in Kansas City.

The Tigers, who were playing in the NCAA Tournament for an eighth time under head coach Mark Johnson,&nbsp;won at least 23 games for the sixth time under his guidance.

Aside from Nnanabu's 19 points, Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;finished with 13 as the Tigers' only other player in double figures. Shaun Riley&nbsp;led the Tigers with nine rebounds.

FHSU hit one more field goal in the game, but UMD had a 15-12 advantage in made free-throws which accounted for the difference. Both teams hit only two 3-point field goals.

The Tigers held one of the nation's elite scorers in Blair to just 13 points. Charlie Katona matched that 13 and Austin Andrews had 10 for the Bulldogs who advance to the second round against the winner of the Northwest Missouri State/ Southwest Minnesota State game in the regional semifinals Sunday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710619370777.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke (5) goes in for a shot against Minnesota Duluth forward Austin Andres (32) in the first half of NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Mankato, Minn. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kaleb Hammeke (5) goes in for a shot against Minnesota Duluth forward Austin Andres (32) in the first half of NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Mankato, Minn. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12772">BOX SCORE</a>MANKATO, Minn. – Fort Hays State did everything it had to do to slow down a potent Minnesota Duluth offense in their NCAA Central Regional first round game Saturday afternoon at Bresnan Arena. The Tigers had the lead with seven seconds to go, but two missed free throws and a last second layup lifted the Bulldogs to a 59-58 loss to the matchup of NABC Top 20-ranked teams.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1777844676&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/19-fort-hays-state-mbb-postgame-press-conference-march-16-2024" title="#19 Fort Hays State MBB Postgame Press Conference (March 16, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#19 Fort Hays State MBB Postgame Press Conference (March 16, 2024)</a></div></div>The No. 19 ranked Tigers ended their season at 23-8 overall, while the No. 10 ranked Bulldogs improved to 26-6 overall.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1776637719&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-coach-interview-v-minn-duluth-march-16th-2024" title="Associate HC Jeremy Brown Postgame vs. Minnesota Duluth (March 16, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Associate HC Jeremy Brown Postgame vs. Minnesota Duluth (March 16, 2024)</a></div></div>Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;had a tremendous second half for the Tigers, scoring 15 of his team-high 19 points. He went to the line with seven seconds remaining and the Tigers leading by one, but unfortunately had a free throw that was half-way down the cylinder rattle out and the Bulldogs raced to the other end of the floor to score on a layup just before the final horn. Shaun Riley slipped on the play which allowed Matt Thompson to get loose on the baseline and get to the rim right before the buzzer.The Bulldogs opened the game hot, hitting 60 percent of their field goals in the first 10:30 of the game and umped out to a 22-8 lead. The Tigers, lead Division II on scoring defense, clamped down the remainder of the game. They outscored the Bulldogs 19-9 the rest of the half to close within four at 31-27 at halftime.The Tigers continued to grind their way back into the game in the second half. They used a 6-0 run from the 17:10 to 15:11 mark to take their first lead of the game. They built the lead to five at 46-41 on a Nnanabu jumper with 10:22 to play. The Bulldogs were able to hang close and moved back on top three times before tip-ins from Bjarni Johnsson and R.J. Crawford put the Tigers up three with 47 seconds to go. A tough foul call gave UMD a chance to tie the game with eight seconds to go, but their top player, Drew Blair, made just one of two free throws to keep the Tigers in the lead.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1776640926&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-v-minn-duluth-march-16th-2024" title="#19 Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. #10 Minnesota Duluth (March 16, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#19 Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. #10 Minnesota Duluth (March 16, 2024)</a></div></div>FHSU held UMD over 20 points below their season scoring average but lose for the first time this season when holding an opponent under 60 points. It was also the only time the Tigers lost consecutive games this year after an MIAA semifinal loss in Kansas City.The Tigers, who were playing in the NCAA Tournament for an eighth time under head coach Mark Johnson,&nbsp;won at least 23 games for the sixth time under his guidance.Aside from Nnanabu's 19 points, Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;finished with 13 as the Tigers' only other player in double figures. Shaun Riley&nbsp;led the Tigers with nine rebounds.FHSU hit one more field goal in the game, but UMD had a 15-12 advantage in made free-throws which accounted for the difference. Both teams hit only two 3-point field goals.The Tigers held one of the nation's elite scorers in Blair to just 13 points. Charlie Katona matched that 13 and Austin Andrews had 10 for the Bulldogs who advance to the second round against the winner of the Northwest Missouri State/ Southwest Minnesota State game in the regional semifinals Sunday evening.

🏀 Tigers fall on last second shot to Bulldogs in NCAA first round

No. 3 seed Fort Hays State (25-7) vs. No. 7 seed #13 Minnesota State (27-5) Saturday, March 16, 2024 • 5 p.m. Bethany, Okla. • Sawyer Center

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The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will play in the Central Region semifinals of the 2024 NCAA Division II Championship tournament Saturday evening when the third-seeded Tigers take on No. 7 seed and 13th-ranked Minnesota State. First tip is slated for 5 p.m. from the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla.

Fort Hays State (25-7) advanced to the regional semifinal after a 62-47 win over Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round on Friday, while the Mavericks (27-5) will play in the regional semifinal for a second-consecutive season thanks to a convincing 78-58 win over the No. 2 seed and 20th-ranked Missouri Western.

This is Fort Hays State's eighth trip to the regional tournament in the last 10 years, more than any other school in the Central region during that span (UCM 6, ESU 6, PSU 6). This is the first time the Tigers have played as the No. 3 seed in the regional tournament. FHSU has been the top seed four times and has been seeded fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth once each.

The Tigers are 8-7 all-time in NCAA postseason play, including a 3-2 record in the quarterfinals, a 2-2 record in neutral site contests, a 5-1&nbsp;record against NSIC teams, a 1-0 record as the No. 3 seed and an 0-1 record against the No. 7 seed.

The Tigers won their 25th game of the season on Friday, reaching the 25-win plateau for the seventh time in program history. A win Saturday would give FHSU 26 wins on the year, tied for fifth-most in program history.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;totaled 19 points and 15 rebounds in Friday's win, giving the junior her fourth-consecutive double-double. She is the first Tiger to record at least four-straight double-doubles since Belle Barbieri in November 2019.Wagner was named the Most Outstanding Player of the MIAA Championship after posting a pair of triple-doubles in Kansas City. She averaged 19.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals in the three games inside Municipal Auditorium. The Maize, Kan. native added the tournament honor to this year's trophy case that also includes MIAA Player of the Year, first team All-Region, first team All-MIAA and MIAA All-Defensive Team honors.

With 959 career rebounds through Friday, The Maize, Kan. native needs two rebounds to tie for second all-time at Fort Hays State. She is fourth all-time in points (1,712), tied for&nbsp;ninth all-time in steals (181), sixth in single-season points (549, nine&nbsp;behind fifth) and tied for 10th in single-season steals (70).

Sydney Golladay&nbsp;scored a season-high 15 points in the MIAA title game, her eighth game scoring in double figures this season. With 258 career assists, the Fremont, Neb. native now ranks sixth all-time at Fort Hays State.

Olivia Hollenbeck also earned a spot on the MIAA All-Tournament team after averaging 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 3.0 steals per game in KC. The forward was a third-team All-MIAA pick this year, garnering all-conference awards for a fourth time in her career. Hollenbeck scored 20 points in the quarterfinal win, passing Whitney Randall to move into the top 10 in scoring all-time at Fort Hays State (1,398 career points).

FHSU reached 20 wins for a 13th-consecutive season this year, extending the longest active streak in DII to 13 (since 2011-12). It's tied for the seventh-longest across all NCAA Divisions. The next-best streak in DII is 11 (Drury), while the next-best streak in the MIAA is three (MWSU, MSSU).

Fort Hays State leads the all-time series, 3-2.&nbsp;The teams have split a pair of neutral site matchups, both coming in the regular season.&nbsp;Fort Hays State is 2-0 against the Mavericks in the NCAA DII Central Regional.&nbsp;The Tigers are 1-0 against MSU during the Talia Kahrs&nbsp;era.

No. 7 seed Minnesota State advanced to the semifinals after a dominant 78-58 win over No. 2 seed Missouri Western in the quarterfinals on Friday.&nbsp;The Mavericks entered the tournament leading the country in turnover margin (+13.5), ranking second in turnovers forced per game (28.1) and steals per game (17.5) and ranking fourth in scoring margin (+20.4) and scoring offense (83.3).&nbsp;Joey Batt is fourth in the country with an average of 3.6 steals per game. She was NSIC Defensive Player of the Year and was recently named D2CCA All-Central Region First Team.&nbsp;Batt was one of three first team All-NSIC selections for Minnesota State alongside Destinee Bursch and Natalie Bremer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710555376786.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNo. 3 seed Fort Hays State (25-7) vs. No. 7 seed #13 Minnesota State (27-5) Saturday, March 16, 2024 • 5 p.m. Bethany, Okla. • Sawyer CenterRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;NCAA Championships Pass:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/game/6285265">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will play in the Central Region semifinals of the 2024 NCAA Division II Championship tournament Saturday evening when the third-seeded Tigers take on No. 7 seed and 13th-ranked Minnesota State. First tip is slated for 5 p.m. from the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla.Fort Hays State (25-7) advanced to the regional semifinal after a 62-47 win over Northwest Missouri State in the quarterfinal round on Friday, while the Mavericks (27-5) will play in the regional semifinal for a second-consecutive season thanks to a convincing 78-58 win over the No. 2 seed and 20th-ranked Missouri Western.This is Fort Hays State's eighth trip to the regional tournament in the last 10 years, more than any other school in the Central region during that span (UCM 6, ESU 6, PSU 6). This is the first time the Tigers have played as the No. 3 seed in the regional tournament. FHSU has been the top seed four times and has been seeded fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth once each.The Tigers are 8-7 all-time in NCAA postseason play, including a 3-2 record in the quarterfinals, a 2-2 record in neutral site contests, a 5-1&nbsp;record against NSIC teams, a 1-0 record as the No. 3 seed and an 0-1 record against the No. 7 seed.The Tigers won their 25th game of the season on Friday, reaching the 25-win plateau for the seventh time in program history. A win Saturday would give FHSU 26 wins on the year, tied for fifth-most in program history.Katie Wagner&nbsp;totaled 19 points and 15 rebounds in Friday's win, giving the junior her fourth-consecutive double-double. She is the first Tiger to record at least four-straight double-doubles since Belle Barbieri in November 2019.Wagner was named the Most Outstanding Player of the MIAA Championship after posting a pair of triple-doubles in Kansas City. She averaged 19.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals in the three games inside Municipal Auditorium. The Maize, Kan. native added the tournament honor to this year's trophy case that also includes MIAA Player of the Year, first team All-Region, first team All-MIAA and MIAA All-Defensive Team honors.With 959 career rebounds through Friday, The Maize, Kan. native needs two rebounds to tie for second all-time at Fort Hays State. She is fourth all-time in points (1,712), tied for&nbsp;ninth all-time in steals (181), sixth in single-season points (549, nine&nbsp;behind fifth) and tied for 10th in single-season steals (70).Sydney Golladay&nbsp;scored a season-high 15 points in the MIAA title game, her eighth game scoring in double figures this season. With 258 career assists, the Fremont, Neb. native now ranks sixth all-time at Fort Hays State.Olivia Hollenbeck also earned a spot on the MIAA All-Tournament team after averaging 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 3.0 steals per game in KC. The forward was a third-team All-MIAA pick this year, garnering all-conference awards for a fourth time in her career. Hollenbeck scored 20 points in the quarterfinal win, passing Whitney Randall to move into the top 10 in scoring all-time at Fort Hays State (1,398 career points).FHSU reached 20 wins for a 13th-consecutive season this year, extending the longest active streak in DII to 13 (since 2011-12). It's tied for the seventh-longest across all NCAA Divisions. The next-best streak in DII is 11 (Drury), while the next-best streak in the MIAA is three (MWSU, MSSU).Fort Hays State leads the all-time series, 3-2.&nbsp;The teams have split a pair of neutral site matchups, both coming in the regular season.&nbsp;Fort Hays State is 2-0 against the Mavericks in the NCAA DII Central Regional.&nbsp;The Tigers are 1-0 against MSU during the Talia Kahrs&nbsp;era.No. 7 seed Minnesota State advanced to the semifinals after a dominant 78-58 win over No. 2 seed Missouri Western in the quarterfinals on Friday.&nbsp;The Mavericks entered the tournament leading the country in turnover margin (+13.5), ranking second in turnovers forced per game (28.1) and steals per game (17.5) and ranking fourth in scoring margin (+20.4) and scoring offense (83.3).&nbsp;Joey Batt is fourth in the country with an average of 3.6 steals per game. She was NSIC Defensive Player of the Year and was recently named D2CCA All-Central Region First Team.&nbsp;Batt was one of three first team All-NSIC selections for Minnesota State alongside Destinee Bursch and Natalie Bremer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀📻 LISTEN - Tiger women face Minnesota State in NCAA second round

(#6 seed) #19 Fort Hays State (23-7) &nbsp;vs.(#3 seed) #10 Minnesota Duluth (25-6) Saturday, March 16 • 12 p.m. Mankato, Minn.&nbsp;• Taylor Center

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;NCAA Championships Pass:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/champs-pass/?iid=cp_art_pr">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Fort Hays State men's basketball team makes its 14th&nbsp;appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament on Saturday when it faces Minnesota Duluth in the opening round of the Central Regional in Mankato, Minn. The game features a pair of NABC Top 25 ranked teams, with Minnesota State ranked No. 10 in the nation and Fort Hays State ranked No. 19. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. at the Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University.

Fort Hays State is the No. 6 seed in this regional, while Minnesota Duluth is the No. 3 seed. This is the second time the Tigers are playing in an NCAA regional in Mankato, Minn. and the last time they played in Mankato they were the No. 6 seed as well.

Fort Hays State and Minnesota Duluth are among five NABC Top 25 teams competing in the Central Regional of the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Only the South Central Region matched the Central Region in amount of nationally ranked teams in its field, while the Atlantic and Southeast regions each have four. No. 1 seed Minnesota State is ranked No. 2 in the nation, No. 2 seed Northwest Missouri State is ranked No. 4 in the nation, and No. 4 seed MSU Moorhead is ranked No. 11 in the nation. The Central Region has been so strong perennially, which has made it very difficult to get an at-large bid. This year the Tigers won 23 games and it was good enough to get in, but in 2021-22 they did the same and did not get in.

This matchup will feature the nation's best scoring defense in the Tigers, allowing just 57.9 points per game, against a Bulldog team that averages 81.2 points per game. The Bulldogs have the second-highest scoring average among the eight teams competing in the Central Regional, only behind Minnesota State (86.5).The Tigers are making their first appearance in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament since the 2016 season. That year Augustana (S.D.) was the top seed and tournament host and the regional was held at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. Fort Hays State met Nebraska-Kearney in the opening round and fell by a score of 79-67. FHSU will be looking for its first win in an NCAA regional since the 2010-11 season, when it defeated West Texas A&amp;M in the opening round of the South Central Regional in Edmond, Okla.

Fort Hays State is no stranger to the Taylor Center in Mankato. They are returning 10 years later after playing in the Central Regional there in 2014. That year, the Tigers fell to No. 3 seed Missouri Southern in the opening round of the tournament 80-69. Fort Hays State was also the No. 6 seed that year.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Fort Hays State and Minnesota Duluth in men's basketball. UMD is one of seven schools in the NSIC that the Tiger men have never played. FHSU has met all of the other teams in the Central Regional field in its men's basketball history.

The Bulldogs are making an appearance in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament for a third-straight year. The Bulldogs were the Central Regional champions last year and advanced to the Elite Eight, where they lost to Black Hills State in the national quarterfinals.

Spearheading the offensive attack for Minnesota Duluth is Drew Blair, who is the second-highest ranked active scorer in NCAA Division II with 2,738 career points. Only Kelvin Jones of Emmanuel (Ga.) has more at 3,064. Blair averages 19.4 points per game, which is the fifth-best scoring average in the nation entering the national tournament. The aforementioned Jones has the top average at 21.7 per game.

The winner of this game will play in Sunday night's semifinals against the winner of the game between No. 2 seed Northwest Missouri State and No. 7 seed Southwest Minnesota State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710519508359.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics(#6 seed) #19 Fort Hays State (23-7) &nbsp;vs.(#3 seed) #10 Minnesota Duluth (25-6) Saturday, March 16 • 12 p.m. Mankato, Minn.&nbsp;• Taylor CenterRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;NCAA Championships Pass:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/champs-pass/?iid=cp_art_pr">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Fort Hays State men's basketball team makes its 14th&nbsp;appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament on Saturday when it faces Minnesota Duluth in the opening round of the Central Regional in Mankato, Minn. The game features a pair of NABC Top 25 ranked teams, with Minnesota State ranked No. 10 in the nation and Fort Hays State ranked No. 19. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. at the Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University.Fort Hays State is the No. 6 seed in this regional, while Minnesota Duluth is the No. 3 seed. This is the second time the Tigers are playing in an NCAA regional in Mankato, Minn. and the last time they played in Mankato they were the No. 6 seed as well.Fort Hays State and Minnesota Duluth are among five NABC Top 25 teams competing in the Central Regional of the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Only the South Central Region matched the Central Region in amount of nationally ranked teams in its field, while the Atlantic and Southeast regions each have four. No. 1 seed Minnesota State is ranked No. 2 in the nation, No. 2 seed Northwest Missouri State is ranked No. 4 in the nation, and No. 4 seed MSU Moorhead is ranked No. 11 in the nation. The Central Region has been so strong perennially, which has made it very difficult to get an at-large bid. This year the Tigers won 23 games and it was good enough to get in, but in 2021-22 they did the same and did not get in.This matchup will feature the nation's best scoring defense in the Tigers, allowing just 57.9 points per game, against a Bulldog team that averages 81.2 points per game. The Bulldogs have the second-highest scoring average among the eight teams competing in the Central Regional, only behind Minnesota State (86.5).The Tigers are making their first appearance in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament since the 2016 season. That year Augustana (S.D.) was the top seed and tournament host and the regional was held at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. Fort Hays State met Nebraska-Kearney in the opening round and fell by a score of 79-67. FHSU will be looking for its first win in an NCAA regional since the 2010-11 season, when it defeated West Texas A&amp;M in the opening round of the South Central Regional in Edmond, Okla.Fort Hays State is no stranger to the Taylor Center in Mankato. They are returning 10 years later after playing in the Central Regional there in 2014. That year, the Tigers fell to No. 3 seed Missouri Southern in the opening round of the tournament 80-69. Fort Hays State was also the No. 6 seed that year.This will be the first-ever meeting between Fort Hays State and Minnesota Duluth in men's basketball. UMD is one of seven schools in the NSIC that the Tiger men have never played. FHSU has met all of the other teams in the Central Regional field in its men's basketball history.The Bulldogs are making an appearance in the Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament for a third-straight year. The Bulldogs were the Central Regional champions last year and advanced to the Elite Eight, where they lost to Black Hills State in the national quarterfinals.Spearheading the offensive attack for Minnesota Duluth is Drew Blair, who is the second-highest ranked active scorer in NCAA Division II with 2,738 career points. Only Kelvin Jones of Emmanuel (Ga.) has more at 3,064. Blair averages 19.4 points per game, which is the fifth-best scoring average in the nation entering the national tournament. The aforementioned Jones has the top average at 21.7 per game.The winner of this game will play in Sunday night's semifinals against the winner of the game between No. 2 seed Northwest Missouri State and No. 7 seed Southwest Minnesota State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀📻 LISTEN - Tiger men face UMD in top-20 showdown in NCAA opening round

Watch free live video of the Rockies taking on the Diamondbacks. First pitch at 6:10 p.m. CST.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592874458812.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><div data-stn-player="00y99lfn"></div><script async type="text/javascript" src="https://embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=00y99lfn"></script></div>Watch free live video of the Rockies taking on the Diamondbacks. First pitch at 6:10 p.m. CST.

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Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. Minnesota State, 4:35pm

Sunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. Minnesota State, 4:35pmSunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

PARK CITY, Kan. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling junior Tereus Henry&nbsp;represented the Tigers at the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Championships Friday. Henry finished the day with one win and two defeats, wrapping up his season with an overall record of 28-9.

Competing at the national meet for a third time in his career, Henry opened the tournament against Ethan Lopez from King University. The duo wrestled to a scoreless stalemate at the end of the first period before Henry managed a quick escape to start the second period. Lopez then went up 3-1 after he was awarded a takedown on the edge of the mat following a coaches challenge with six seconds remaining in the period.

Down by two, Henry started the third period in the top position. He held on for the entire two minutes and forced Lopez into a pair of stalling calls that tied the score at three alongside the ride time point.

Henry finished things off with a takedown 40 seconds into the first sudden victory period, winning with a 6-3 decision.

Henry then faced off with third-seeded Dominic Murphy from St. Cloud State. The pair again wrestled to a scoreless first period before Henry secured a quick escape to start the second period. Murphy took control midway through the period with a takedown before trapping Henry on his back, finishing off a pin in 4:17.

He then faced off with Wyatt Miller of Grand Valley State in the consolation second round. Neither could score in the first period before Miller got on the board first with a reversal in the second period. Henry closed within 2-1 with an escape 25 seconds later before tying the score with a quick escape in the third period.

Things got interesting late in the third when Henry jumped in front 5-2 with his first takedown of the match. Miller was able to escape just seconds later before recording a takedown of his own to go back up, 6-5. Henry nearly had a reversal as time expired but was only awarded an escape, tying the score at six and sending things to a sudden victory period where Miller took a 9-6 decision with another takedown.

Full FHSU Results 197 | Tereus Henry&nbsp;- 1-2 - 1.0 team point Champ. Round 1 - Tereus Henry&nbsp;won in sudden victory - 1 over Ethan Lopez (King) (SV-1 6-3) Quarterfinal - Dominic Murphy (St. Cloud State) won by fall over Tereus Henry&nbsp;(Fall 4:17) Cons. Round 2 - Wyatt Miller (Grand Valley State) won in sudden victory - 1 over Tereus Henry&nbsp;(SV-1 9-6)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710599482102.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsPARK CITY, Kan. - Fort Hays State men's wrestling junior Tereus Henry&nbsp;represented the Tigers at the 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Wrestling Championships Friday. Henry finished the day with one win and two defeats, wrapping up his season with an overall record of 28-9.Competing at the national meet for a third time in his career, Henry opened the tournament against Ethan Lopez from King University. The duo wrestled to a scoreless stalemate at the end of the first period before Henry managed a quick escape to start the second period. Lopez then went up 3-1 after he was awarded a takedown on the edge of the mat following a coaches challenge with six seconds remaining in the period.Down by two, Henry started the third period in the top position. He held on for the entire two minutes and forced Lopez into a pair of stalling calls that tied the score at three alongside the ride time point.Henry finished things off with a takedown 40 seconds into the first sudden victory period, winning with a 6-3 decision.Henry then faced off with third-seeded Dominic Murphy from St. Cloud State. The pair again wrestled to a scoreless first period before Henry secured a quick escape to start the second period. Murphy took control midway through the period with a takedown before trapping Henry on his back, finishing off a pin in 4:17.He then faced off with Wyatt Miller of Grand Valley State in the consolation second round. Neither could score in the first period before Miller got on the board first with a reversal in the second period. Henry closed within 2-1 with an escape 25 seconds later before tying the score with a quick escape in the third period.Things got interesting late in the third when Henry jumped in front 5-2 with his first takedown of the match. Miller was able to escape just seconds later before recording a takedown of his own to go back up, 6-5. Henry nearly had a reversal as time expired but was only awarded an escape, tying the score at six and sending things to a sudden victory period where Miller took a 9-6 decision with another takedown.Full FHSU Results 197 | Tereus Henry&nbsp;- 1-2 - 1.0 team point Champ. Round 1 - Tereus Henry&nbsp;won in sudden victory - 1 over Ethan Lopez (King) (SV-1 6-3) Quarterfinal - Dominic Murphy (St. Cloud State) won by fall over Tereus Henry&nbsp;(Fall 4:17) Cons. Round 2 - Wyatt Miller (Grand Valley State) won in sudden victory - 1 over Tereus Henry&nbsp;(SV-1 9-6)&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ FHSU's Henry concludes season at NCAA DII Championships

BETHANY, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire in a NCAA Division II Central Region quarterfinal victory over Northwest Missouri State Friday afternoon, 62-47. The Tigers (25-7) now advance to the regional semifinals for the sixth time in school history where they will take on No. 7 seed Minnesota State on Saturday evening inside the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University.

The Mavericks defeated MIAA regular season champ Missouri Western State 78-58 Friday.

The win gives Fort Hays State 25 victories in a season for the seventh time in program history, including the sixth 25-win season in the last 10 years.

After losing the opening tip for just the eighth time in 32 games this season, the No. 3-seeded Tigers still got on the board first when&nbsp;Sydney Golladay&nbsp;knocked down a jumper on FHSU's first possession of the game. Fort Hays State played stellar defense over the first 10 minutes, limiting the No. 6-seeded Bearcats (23-8) to just one field goal (1-of-11) and forcing six NWMSU turnovers.

Fort Hays State took advantage on offense, hitting 8-of-19 from the floor in the opening quarter, including six points on three offensive rebounds.&nbsp;Jessie Sallach&nbsp;scored six points in the first frame, with five other Tigers totaling two points each. After trailing by as many as 10, the Bearcats trailed by eight at the end of the frame, 16-8, after hitting 5-of-6 from the line in the quarter. FHSU did not get to the line once over the first 10 minutes.

Foul trouble continued for the Tigers in the second quarter, with three different players drawing their second foul in the frame. Fort Hays State turned to&nbsp;Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;on offense in the second quarter, with the forward totaling eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in the frame. The Bearcats closed within two late in the second quarter before Hollenbeck scored the final five points of the half for the Tigers, giving the Tigers a 26-22 lead at the break.

After playing less than 10 minutes in the first half,&nbsp;Katie Wagner&nbsp;opened the third quarter with a bucket to put the Tigers back up by six, 28-22. Fort Hays State was able to keep the Bearcats at bay for the rest of the day, maintaining a multiple-possession lead for the remainder of the game.

Wagner added a 3-pointer two minutes into the half before Hollenbeck scored on a second-chance layup, putting the Tigers up nine. Wagner's 10th point of the quarter gave Fort Hays State a 43-36 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;came up big for the Tigers in the second half, hitting both of her shots from the floor and all three of her free-throw attempts.

Fort Hays State left little doubt in the fourth quarter, knocking down 57.1 percent from the floor (8-of-14) to put away the Bearcats and secure the win.

Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points, 10 in each half, while adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. After scoring just two points before halftime, Wagner finished the game with her fourth-consecutive double-double, totaling 19 points and 15 rebounds. She is the first Tiger with double-doubles in four-straight games since Belle Barbieri in 2019.Golladay dished out eight assists, matching Northwest's assist total for the game. It's the ninth time the point guard has totaled at least five assists in a game this season and the third time she's had eight assists in the last six games.

Emma Ruddle&nbsp;was integral on the defensive end, totaling three steals and one block.

Fort Hays State dominated the game in the paint, outscoring the Bearcats 42-20 under the basket while grabbing 13 more rebounds, 42-29. Northwest managed just two offensive rebounds, with Fort Hays State scoring 15 second-chance points off 11 offensive boards.

The Tigers will look to clinch their fourth trip to the regional championship game Saturday when FHSU takes on either Missouri Western or Minnesota State in the regional semifinals, with the opening tip slated for 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710539450275.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck (33) goes in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwest Missouri State on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Bethany, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck (33) goes in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwest Missouri State on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Bethany, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsBETHANY, Okla. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team led wire-to-wire in a NCAA Division II Central Region quarterfinal victory over Northwest Missouri State Friday afternoon, 62-47. The Tigers (25-7) now advance to the regional semifinals for the sixth time in school history where they will take on No. 7 seed Minnesota State on Saturday evening inside the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University.The Mavericks defeated MIAA regular season champ Missouri Western State 78-58 Friday.The win gives Fort Hays State 25 victories in a season for the seventh time in program history, including the sixth 25-win season in the last 10 years.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1775810577&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/03-15-24-fhsu-wbkb-coach-talia-kahrs-interview" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Northwest Missouri State (March 15, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Northwest Missouri State (March 15, 2024)</a></div></div>After losing the opening tip for just the eighth time in 32 games this season, the No. 3-seeded Tigers still got on the board first when&nbsp;Sydney Golladay&nbsp;knocked down a jumper on FHSU's first possession of the game. Fort Hays State played stellar defense over the first 10 minutes, limiting the No. 6-seeded Bearcats (23-8) to just one field goal (1-of-11) and forcing six NWMSU turnovers.Fort Hays State took advantage on offense, hitting 8-of-19 from the floor in the opening quarter, including six points on three offensive rebounds.&nbsp;Jessie Sallach&nbsp;scored six points in the first frame, with five other Tigers totaling two points each. After trailing by as many as 10, the Bearcats trailed by eight at the end of the frame, 16-8, after hitting 5-of-6 from the line in the quarter. FHSU did not get to the line once over the first 10 minutes.Foul trouble continued for the Tigers in the second quarter, with three different players drawing their second foul in the frame. Fort Hays State turned to&nbsp;Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;on offense in the second quarter, with the forward totaling eight points on 3-of-5 shooting in the frame. The Bearcats closed within two late in the second quarter before Hollenbeck scored the final five points of the half for the Tigers, giving the Tigers a 26-22 lead at the break.After playing less than 10 minutes in the first half,&nbsp;Katie Wagner&nbsp;opened the third quarter with a bucket to put the Tigers back up by six, 28-22. Fort Hays State was able to keep the Bearcats at bay for the rest of the day, maintaining a multiple-possession lead for the remainder of the game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1775810664&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/03-15-24-fhsu-wbkb-vs-nw-mo-st-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Northwest Missouri State (March 15, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Northwest Missouri State (March 15, 2024)</a></div></div>Wagner added a 3-pointer two minutes into the half before Hollenbeck scored on a second-chance layup, putting the Tigers up nine. Wagner's 10th point of the quarter gave Fort Hays State a 43-36 lead entering the fourth quarter.Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;came up big for the Tigers in the second half, hitting both of her shots from the floor and all three of her free-throw attempts.Fort Hays State left little doubt in the fourth quarter, knocking down 57.1 percent from the floor (8-of-14) to put away the Bearcats and secure the win.Hollenbeck led all scorers with 20 points, 10 in each half, while adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. After scoring just two points before halftime, Wagner finished the game with her fourth-consecutive double-double, totaling 19 points and 15 rebounds. She is the first Tiger with double-doubles in four-straight games since Belle Barbieri in 2019.Golladay dished out eight assists, matching Northwest's assist total for the game. It's the ninth time the point guard has totaled at least five assists in a game this season and the third time she's had eight assists in the last six games.Emma Ruddle&nbsp;was integral on the defensive end, totaling three steals and one block.Fort Hays State dominated the game in the paint, outscoring the Bearcats 42-20 under the basket while grabbing 13 more rebounds, 42-29. Northwest managed just two offensive rebounds, with Fort Hays State scoring 15 second-chance points off 11 offensive boards.The Tigers will look to clinch their fourth trip to the regional championship game Saturday when FHSU takes on either Missouri Western or Minnesota State in the regional semifinals, with the opening tip slated for 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU women outlast Bearcats in NCAA opener

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Kaleb Hemmeke&nbsp;of Fort Hays State was named to the D2CCA All-Central Region Second Team for the 2023-24 season. Hammeke adds this honor to an All-MIAA First Team selection this season.

Hammeke enters the NCAA Tournament averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He has scored in double figures 24 times this year and dished out three or more assists in games 26 times this season. Hammeke ranks sixth all-time in scoring at FHSU with 1,546 points and fourth all-time in assists with 440.

Hammeke is a four-time All-MIAA selection overall, receiving first-team honors each of the last two seasons. He was also an NABC All-District selection for the Central Region last year and in his first year on the court at FHSU, he was the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

Hammeke was one of 11 players selected to the D2CCA All-Central Region Team. He is one of four players to earn the honor from the MIAA, joining Wes Dreamer of Northwest Missouri State, Jaden Wells of Central Oklahoma, and Deshaun English II of Pittsburg State. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference had five selections on the team and the Great American Conference had two. Malik Willingham of Minnesota State was selected as Player of the Year.

2023-24 D2CCA All-Central Region Team First Team Malik Willingham – Minnesota State Wes Dreamer – Northwest Missouri State Taelon Peter – Arkansas Tech Drew Blair – Minnesota Duluth Jaden Wells – Central Oklahoma

Second Team Isaac Fink – Augustana Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;– Fort Hays State Brennen Burns – Southeastern Oklahoma State Deshaun English II – Pittsburg State John Sutherland – Bemidji State Connor Dillon – Winona State&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710554996269.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsST. PAUL, Minn. – Kaleb Hemmeke&nbsp;of Fort Hays State was named to the D2CCA All-Central Region Second Team for the 2023-24 season. Hammeke adds this honor to an All-MIAA First Team selection this season.Hammeke enters the NCAA Tournament averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He has scored in double figures 24 times this year and dished out three or more assists in games 26 times this season. Hammeke ranks sixth all-time in scoring at FHSU with 1,546 points and fourth all-time in assists with 440.Hammeke is a four-time All-MIAA selection overall, receiving first-team honors each of the last two seasons. He was also an NABC All-District selection for the Central Region last year and in his first year on the court at FHSU, he was the MIAA Freshman of the Year.Hammeke was one of 11 players selected to the D2CCA All-Central Region Team. He is one of four players to earn the honor from the MIAA, joining Wes Dreamer of Northwest Missouri State, Jaden Wells of Central Oklahoma, and Deshaun English II of Pittsburg State. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference had five selections on the team and the Great American Conference had two. Malik Willingham of Minnesota State was selected as Player of the Year.2023-24 D2CCA All-Central Region Team First Team Malik Willingham – Minnesota State Wes Dreamer – Northwest Missouri State Taelon Peter – Arkansas Tech Drew Blair – Minnesota Duluth Jaden Wells – Central OklahomaSecond Team Isaac Fink – Augustana Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;– Fort Hays State Brennen Burns – Southeastern Oklahoma State Deshaun English II – Pittsburg State John Sutherland – Bemidji State Connor Dillon – Winona State&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU's Hammeke named D2CCA All-Central Region second team

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=12897">BOX SCORE</a>

EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener at Central Oklahoma Friday evening, 8-2. The Tigers (18-7, 6-5 MIAA) collected four hits compared to 10 for the Bronchos (20-5, 7-4 MIAA), while the Bronchos committed an error.

Central Oklahoma struck first in the bottom of the first by scoring a run from a double, taking advantage early. The Tigers were quick to tie it up in the top of the second when Sebastian Burgos&nbsp;collected an RBI when Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;scored came across home. The Bronchos were quick to take the back the lead, with Central Oklahoma scoring two off three hits.

The third inning was all the Tigers, with Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;continuing his tear at the plate by hitting a solo home run to right center. Tiger starter Ty Riley&nbsp;went 4.1 innings giving up five hits and five earned runs while striking out three. Tanner Vaughn came out to relieve Riley, pitching a solid 3.2 innings striking out six and giving up three runs.

The Tigers were unable to get things going after Kreutzer's home run, not getting another base-runner till the sixth inning when Isaiah Ural was hit by a pitch and Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;walked on a full count. The Tigers weren't able to capitalize,&nbsp;with a Tiger grounding into a double play, leading to a punch out for Caleb Burchfield, Central Oklahoma's starter.

Burchfield&nbsp;went seven innings striking out six on just four Tiger hits. The two relievers that came in after Burchfield were able to keep the Tigers hit-less the remainder two innings.

Kreutzer, Saavedra, DeGarmo and Justin Lipka&nbsp;were the Tigers able to get a knock on the day, with Kreutzer and Burgos tallying the only RBI. DeGarmo was able to get on three of four at bats in the game today, tallying a double and two walks.

The teams will continue the series Saturday, with first pitch slated for 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710554753798.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=baseball&amp;id=12897">BOX SCORE</a>EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener at Central Oklahoma Friday evening, 8-2. The Tigers (18-7, 6-5 MIAA) collected four hits compared to 10 for the Bronchos (20-5, 7-4 MIAA), while the Bronchos committed an error.Central Oklahoma struck first in the bottom of the first by scoring a run from a double, taking advantage early. The Tigers were quick to tie it up in the top of the second when Sebastian Burgos&nbsp;collected an RBI when Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;scored came across home. The Bronchos were quick to take the back the lead, with Central Oklahoma scoring two off three hits.The third inning was all the Tigers, with Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;continuing his tear at the plate by hitting a solo home run to right center. Tiger starter Ty Riley&nbsp;went 4.1 innings giving up five hits and five earned runs while striking out three. Tanner Vaughn came out to relieve Riley, pitching a solid 3.2 innings striking out six and giving up three runs.The Tigers were unable to get things going after Kreutzer's home run, not getting another base-runner till the sixth inning when Isaiah Ural was hit by a pitch and Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;walked on a full count. The Tigers weren't able to capitalize,&nbsp;with a Tiger grounding into a double play, leading to a punch out for Caleb Burchfield, Central Oklahoma's starter.Burchfield&nbsp;went seven innings striking out six on just four Tiger hits. The two relievers that came in after Burchfield were able to keep the Tigers hit-less the remainder two innings.Kreutzer, Saavedra, DeGarmo and Justin Lipka&nbsp;were the Tigers able to get a knock on the day, with Kreutzer and Burgos tallying the only RBI. DeGarmo was able to get on three of four at bats in the game today, tallying a double and two walks.The teams will continue the series Saturday, with first pitch slated for 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers drop series opener at Central Oklahoma

One of the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes' goals before the season began was to qualify for the NAIA Men's National Championship for a third consecutive season.

Mission accomplished and there's a bonus they did not anticipate - playing their first-round game and perhaps a second-round game in the cozy, comfortable confines of Mabee Arena, their home gymnasium.

KWU plays Louisiana State-Shreveport at 8 p.m. Friday. Concordia (Neb.) takes on Indiana University Northwest in the first game at 6 p.m. Winners advance to the second round at 6 p.m. Saturday, a trip to the Final Site that starts March 21 in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri at stake.

The Coyotes (23-8) are the fifth seed in the Duer Quadrant and LSU-Shreveport (22-8) the 12th seed. Concordia (23-7) is the fourth seed and IU Northwest (21-10) the 13th.

KWU is the first Kansas Conference team to play a first-round game on its home floor since the NAIA expanded the field to 64 teams.

"I think it's pretty great to be in front of all our fans, hopefully it's a packed house," senior point guard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ffc7ef4-a2f1-4966-91ea-e3507d834109?elinkdata=7222">Jun Murdock</a> said. "Our crowd has been doing a good job of coming out to all the games so I think it's going to be great."

His coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d25786eb-f180-46cb-90db-9b447121fcca?elinkdata=7222">Anthony Monson</a> agrees.

"Some comfort and understanding 'hey, we've played in this gym, won a lot of games in this gym,'" he said. "It's fun to be able to have a national tournament at your home site.

"This school has been to five national tournaments and this group's done three of them. It's pretty exciting for the school, for the program and for the city of Salina have the chance to actually host one of these."

While playing in Mabee Arena is great the Coyotes view it as an avenue in their quest to get beyond the second round. They've won first-round games each of the last two years only to fall short in the second round - last year they defeated Indiana Kokomo before falling to Morningside.

"We're comfortable in here, we practice in here every day, but I think it's more than just playing at home," Murdock said. "We're trying to take it to another level and we're trying to get to that next round."

"Our goal from the beginning of the year was to get the Final Site and have a chance to play for a national title and nothing's changed since then," Monson said.

KWU qualified for the national championship by finishing second in the KCAC Tournament behind No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan and tied No. 9 Southwestern for second in the regular season standings.

The Coyotes are 12-3 in Mabee Arena this season, but their first NAIA hurdle is a tall one. LSU-Shreveport plays in the rugged Red River Conference and lost to a talented LSU-Alexandria team in the conference tournament semifinals.

"Very long, very athletic," Monson said. "They play a lot of zone with their length, mix in their man-to-man with it. They like to get up and down the court and play fast. Lot of really good players - 6-8, 6-9 and 6-11 kids. We're going to have our work cut out for us."

Four Pilots' starters score in double figures led by senior guard Calvin Carpenter who averages 12.8 points. Junior point guard Melvion Flanagan is next at 11.7 and is no stranger to Kansas. He played for Wichita State last season and averaged 4.9 points in 21 games that included three starts. The Pilots score just over 84 points per game.

Coach Kyle Blankenship will be busy Friday. He also coaches the LSU-Shreveport women's team that plays Tabor earlier in the day in Mabee Arena.

"We're going to have to do our jobs, boxing out, just playing disciplined basketball," Murdock said. "Everybody's going to give their best shot to us, we know that."

Murdock, an All-American and the starting point guard the last three years, averages a team-best 18 points along with five assists and four rebounds. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/157b9657-ab58-4f32-ae74-ccb9aa13ea96?elinkdata=7222">Alex Littlejohn</a> is next at 17.3 points with 11.5 rebounds (fifth in the NAIA) and 3.4 assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77e921db-218f-426c-a79f-0eea9273d0c7?elinkdata=7222">Izaiah Hale</a> averages 10.2 points and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2cf2cb6f-4002-4b69-b71b-62cae6c71dff?elinkdata=7222">Thurbil Bile</a> 9.6 and five rebounds.

Monson wants to win but also wants his team to enjoy the experience.

"I had a coach once tell me 'don't ever take winning for granted,'" he said. "When you get to these moments you've got to really enjoy them regardless of the situation that you're in. There's 230-plus teams in the NAIA and only 64 get to play in this thing.

"This team's done it all year long. They've been doubted, questions about this, questions about that and yet they still find themselves where they're at."

"It's the national tournament," Murdock said. "No one wants to go home."

Tonight's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with pregame coverage beginning at 7:30.

One of the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes' goals before the season began was to qualify for the NAIA Men's National Championship for a third consecutive season.Mission accomplished and there's a bonus they did not anticipate - playing their first-round game and perhaps a second-round game in the cozy, comfortable confines of Mabee Arena, their home gymnasium.KWU plays Louisiana State-Shreveport at 8 p.m. Friday. Concordia (Neb.) takes on Indiana University Northwest in the first game at 6 p.m. Winners advance to the second round at 6 p.m. Saturday, a trip to the Final Site that starts March 21 in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri at stake.The Coyotes (23-8) are the fifth seed in the Duer Quadrant and LSU-Shreveport (22-8) the 12th seed. Concordia (23-7) is the fourth seed and IU Northwest (21-10) the 13th.KWU is the first Kansas Conference team to play a first-round game on its home floor since the NAIA expanded the field to 64 teams."I think it's pretty great to be in front of all our fans, hopefully it's a packed house," senior point guard <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ffc7ef4-a2f1-4966-91ea-e3507d834109?elinkdata=7222">Jun Murdock</a> said. "Our crowd has been doing a good job of coming out to all the games so I think it's going to be great."His coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d25786eb-f180-46cb-90db-9b447121fcca?elinkdata=7222">Anthony Monson</a> agrees."Some comfort and understanding 'hey, we've played in this gym, won a lot of games in this gym,'" he said. "It's fun to be able to have a national tournament at your home site."This school has been to five national tournaments and this group's done three of them. It's pretty exciting for the school, for the program and for the city of Salina have the chance to actually host one of these."While playing in Mabee Arena is great the Coyotes view it as an avenue in their quest to get beyond the second round. They've won first-round games each of the last two years only to fall short in the second round - last year they defeated Indiana Kokomo before falling to Morningside."We're comfortable in here, we practice in here every day, but I think it's more than just playing at home," Murdock said. "We're trying to take it to another level and we're trying to get to that next round.""Our goal from the beginning of the year was to get the Final Site and have a chance to play for a national title and nothing's changed since then," Monson said.KWU qualified for the national championship by finishing second in the KCAC Tournament behind No. 4-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan and tied No. 9 Southwestern for second in the regular season standings.The Coyotes are 12-3 in Mabee Arena this season, but their first NAIA hurdle is a tall one. LSU-Shreveport plays in the rugged Red River Conference and lost to a talented LSU-Alexandria team in the conference tournament semifinals."Very long, very athletic," Monson said. "They play a lot of zone with their length, mix in their man-to-man with it. They like to get up and down the court and play fast. Lot of really good players - 6-8, 6-9 and 6-11 kids. We're going to have our work cut out for us."Four Pilots' starters score in double figures led by senior guard Calvin Carpenter who averages 12.8 points. Junior point guard Melvion Flanagan is next at 11.7 and is no stranger to Kansas. He played for Wichita State last season and averaged 4.9 points in 21 games that included three starts. The Pilots score just over 84 points per game.Coach Kyle Blankenship will be busy Friday. He also coaches the LSU-Shreveport women's team that plays Tabor earlier in the day in Mabee Arena."We're going to have to do our jobs, boxing out, just playing disciplined basketball," Murdock said. "Everybody's going to give their best shot to us, we know that."Murdock, an All-American and the starting point guard the last three years, averages a team-best 18 points along with five assists and four rebounds. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/157b9657-ab58-4f32-ae74-ccb9aa13ea96?elinkdata=7222">Alex Littlejohn</a> is next at 17.3 points with 11.5 rebounds (fifth in the NAIA) and 3.4 assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77e921db-218f-426c-a79f-0eea9273d0c7?elinkdata=7222">Izaiah Hale</a> averages 10.2 points and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2cf2cb6f-4002-4b69-b71b-62cae6c71dff?elinkdata=7222">Thurbil Bile</a> 9.6 and five rebounds.Monson wants to win but also wants his team to enjoy the experience."I had a coach once tell me 'don't ever take winning for granted,'" he said. "When you get to these moments you've got to really enjoy them regardless of the situation that you're in. There's 230-plus teams in the NAIA and only 64 get to play in this thing."This team's done it all year long. They've been doubted, questions about this, questions about that and yet they still find themselves where they're at.""It's the national tournament," Murdock said. "No one wants to go home."Tonight's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with pregame coverage beginning at 7:30.

Coyotes eager to play NAIA Tournament in Mabee Arena 

No. 3 seed Fort Hays State (24-7) vs. No. 6 seed Northwest Missouri State (23-7) Friday, March 15, 2024 • Noon Bethany, Okla. • Sawyer Center

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;NCAA Championships Pass:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/champs-pass?iid=cp_art_pr&amp;B=1012612">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will play in its ninth NCAA Division II Championship tournament this weekend when the third-seeded Tigers take on No. 6 Northwest Missouri State in the Central Region quarterfinals Friday (March 15). First tip between the conference rivals is slated for noon from the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla.

The Tigers are 7-7 all-time in NCAA postseason play, including a 4-2 record in the quarterfinals, a 1-2 record in neutral site contests and a 1-4 record against other MIAA teams. This is FHSU's first postseason game in the state of Oklahoma. The Tigers are 6-4 in Kansas, 1-1 in South Dakota, 0-1 in Missouri and 0-1 in North Dakota.

Fort Hays State last played in the NCAA Tournament two years ago when the Tigers hosted the 2022 Central Regional inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers reached the regional championship game for a third time in program history before falling to Missouri Western, 70-69.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;was named to the 2022 Central Region All-Tournament team after averaging 17.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the three games that year. For her career, Wagner averages 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in four NCAA tournament games.

Wagner was named the Most Outstanding Player of the MIAA Championship after posting a pair of triple-doubles in Kansas City. She averaged 19.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals in the three games inside Municipal Auditorium. The Maize, Kan. native added the tournament honor to this year's trophy case that also includes MIAA Player of the Year, first team All-MIAA and MIAA All-Defensive Team honors.

With 944 career rebounds through the MIAA tournament, The Maize, Kan. native needs 17 rebounds to tie for second all-time at Fort Hays State. She is fourth all-time in points (1,693), tied for ninth all-time in steals (181), seventh in single-season points (530, 28 behind fifth) and tied for 10th in single-season steals (70).

Jessie Sallach&nbsp;has hit seven 3-pointers across the MIAA quarterfinals and semifinals. Going back to the regular season, Sallach hit nine in a three-game span and 11 across five games. For reference, the forward hit five 3-pointers in her first 115 games in a Tiger uniform before drilling 11 over the final three games of the regular season and the first two games of the MIAA tourney.

Sydney Golladayu&nbsp;scored a season-high 15 points in the MIAA title game, her eighth game scoring in double figures this season. With 250 career assists, the Fremont, Neb. native is seven assists shy of tying for sixth all-time at Fort Hays State.

Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;also earned a spot on the MIAA All-Tournament team after averaging 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 3.0 steals per game in KC. The forward was a third-team All-MIAA pick this year, garnering all-conference awards for a fourth time in her career.

Fort Hays State and NMSU are playing for a fourth time this season. The Tigers have played a team four times in a season only once during the DII era (ESU 2014-15). FHSU also played ESU four times in 1979-80 and played WU four times in 1987-88.Fort Hays State is 23-11 all-time against the Bearcats after defeating NMSU just six days ago. The Tigers are 2-1 against NWMSU this season. Fort Hays state holds a 2-1 record in neutral site matchups in the series. The Bearcats beat FHSU earlier this season in Maryville, snapping a 10-game losing streak to the Tigers.

Northwest Missouri State finished the regular season tied for second in the MIAA before bowing out in the conference semifinals against Fort Hays State less than one week ago. The Bearcats are playing in their first regional tournament since 2011 and their seventh all-time. NWMSU is 6-6 in the tournament, advancing as far as the national semifinals in 2011. NWMSU is third in the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing just 59.3 points per game.

Molly Hartnett (12.7 ppg) and Caely Kesten (12.3 ppg) lead the Bearcats in scoring, with Hartnett also leading the team with 3.3 assists per game. The Bearcats had three All-MIAA honorees, with Hartnett earning second team accolades, Kesten picking up third team honors and Jayna Green joining Wagner on the MIAA All-Defensive Team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710467614926.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNo. 3 seed Fort Hays State (24-7) vs. No. 6 seed Northwest Missouri State (23-7) Friday, March 15, 2024 • Noon Bethany, Okla. • Sawyer CenterRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;NCAA Championships Pass:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/champs-pass?iid=cp_art_pr&amp;B=1012612">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will play in its ninth NCAA Division II Championship tournament this weekend when the third-seeded Tigers take on No. 6 Northwest Missouri State in the Central Region quarterfinals Friday (March 15). First tip between the conference rivals is slated for noon from the Sawyer Center on the campus of Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla.This is Fort Hays State's eighth trip to the regional tournament in the last 10 years, more than any other school in the Central region during that span (UCM 6, ESU 6, PSU 6). This is the first time the Tigers have played as the No. 3 seed in the regional tournament. FHSU has been the top seed four times and has been seeded fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth once each.The Tigers are 7-7 all-time in NCAA postseason play, including a 4-2 record in the quarterfinals, a 1-2 record in neutral site contests and a 1-4 record against other MIAA teams. This is FHSU's first postseason game in the state of Oklahoma. The Tigers are 6-4 in Kansas, 1-1 in South Dakota, 0-1 in Missouri and 0-1 in North Dakota.Fort Hays State last played in the NCAA Tournament two years ago when the Tigers hosted the 2022 Central Regional inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers reached the regional championship game for a third time in program history before falling to Missouri Western, 70-69.Katie Wagner&nbsp;was named to the 2022 Central Region All-Tournament team after averaging 17.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the three games that year. For her career, Wagner averages 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in four NCAA tournament games.Wagner was named the Most Outstanding Player of the MIAA Championship after posting a pair of triple-doubles in Kansas City. She averaged 19.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals in the three games inside Municipal Auditorium. The Maize, Kan. native added the tournament honor to this year's trophy case that also includes MIAA Player of the Year, first team All-MIAA and MIAA All-Defensive Team honors.With 944 career rebounds through the MIAA tournament, The Maize, Kan. native needs 17 rebounds to tie for second all-time at Fort Hays State. She is fourth all-time in points (1,693), tied for ninth all-time in steals (181), seventh in single-season points (530, 28 behind fifth) and tied for 10th in single-season steals (70).Jessie Sallach&nbsp;has hit seven 3-pointers across the MIAA quarterfinals and semifinals. Going back to the regular season, Sallach hit nine in a three-game span and 11 across five games. For reference, the forward hit five 3-pointers in her first 115 games in a Tiger uniform before drilling 11 over the final three games of the regular season and the first two games of the MIAA tourney.Sydney Golladayu&nbsp;scored a season-high 15 points in the MIAA title game, her eighth game scoring in double figures this season. With 250 career assists, the Fremont, Neb. native is seven assists shy of tying for sixth all-time at Fort Hays State.Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;also earned a spot on the MIAA All-Tournament team after averaging 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 3.0 steals per game in KC. The forward was a third-team All-MIAA pick this year, garnering all-conference awards for a fourth time in her career.FHSU reached 20 wins for a 13th-consecutive season this year, extending the longest active streak in DII to 13 (since 2011-12). It's tied for the seventh-longest across all NCAA Divisions. The next-best streak in DII is 11 (Drury), while the next-best streak in the MIAA is three (MWSU, MSSU).Fort Hays State and NMSU are playing for a fourth time this season. The Tigers have played a team four times in a season only once during the DII era (ESU 2014-15). FHSU also played ESU four times in 1979-80 and played WU four times in 1987-88.Fort Hays State is 23-11 all-time against the Bearcats after defeating NMSU just six days ago. The Tigers are 2-1 against NWMSU this season. Fort Hays state holds a 2-1 record in neutral site matchups in the series. The Bearcats beat FHSU earlier this season in Maryville, snapping a 10-game losing streak to the Tigers.Northwest Missouri State finished the regular season tied for second in the MIAA before bowing out in the conference semifinals against Fort Hays State less than one week ago. The Bearcats are playing in their first regional tournament since 2011 and their seventh all-time. NWMSU is 6-6 in the tournament, advancing as far as the national semifinals in 2011. NWMSU is third in the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing just 59.3 points per game.Molly Hartnett (12.7 ppg) and Caely Kesten (12.3 ppg) lead the Bearcats in scoring, with Hartnett also leading the team with 3.3 assists per game. The Bearcats had three All-MIAA honorees, with Hartnett earning second team accolades, Kesten picking up third team honors and Jayna Green joining Wagner on the MIAA All-Defensive Team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - FHSU women face NW Missouri State in NCAA opener

Watch free live video of the Cardinals taking on the Marlins. First pitch at 1:05 p.m. CST.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592874458812.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><div data-stn-player="00y99lfn"></div><script async type="text/javascript" src="https://embed.sendtonews.com/player3/embedcode.js?fk=00y99lfn"></script></div>Watch free live video of the Cardinals taking on the Marlins. First pitch at 1:05 p.m. CST.

Watch free: MLB Cardinals vs. Marlins, 1 p.m. CST

Friday, March 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. NW Missouri State, 11:35am

Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am

 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/15) vs. TBD, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women&nbsp; (if win 3/15) vs.
MWSU/MSU, 4:35pm

Friday, March 15
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women vs. NW Missouri State, 11:35am Saturday, March 16
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men vs. Minnesota Duluth, 11:30am

 KAYS: Kansas basketball (if win 3/15) vs. TBD, 3:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State women&nbsp; (if win 3/15) vs.
MWSU/MSU, 4:35pmSunday, March 17
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men (if win 3/16) vs. NMSU/SMSU, 4:30pm

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team plays Pittsburg State in the MIAA Tournament championship game on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team plays Pittsburg State in the MIAA Tournament championship game on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Pittsburg State (March 10, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x2zkm-15ab6f1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Pittsburg State (March 10, 2024)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Marquise Brown have agreed on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $11 million, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the upgrade at wide receiver the team had been searching for since the Super Bowl.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.

The Chiefs beat the 49ers for their second straight Lombardi Trophy last month despite one of the least productive wide receiver groups in the NFL. Second-round draft pick Rashee Rice developed into a serviceable option in the passing game, but the Chiefs otherwise were left to rely on journeymen and stopgaps as they chased another title.

Brown could be the perfect complement to Rice in a new-look passing attack that includes recently signed tight end Irv Smith Jr., who was brought aboard one a one-year deal to play alongside star tight end Travis Kelce.

“Blessed Beyond Measures,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Primetime_jet/status/1768471457586155725?s=20">Brown posted on X</a>.

Brown's best season came three years ago for Baltimore, when he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was traded to Arizona the following year, where he caught 118 passes for 1,283 yards and seven TDs in 26 games.

His biggest problem has been staying healthy. He dealt with a heel problem last year and last played a full season in 2020.

The Chiefs had been focused on keeping their own players in the fold in the offseason, signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a mammoth five-year deal that includes $95 million over the first three years; bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a $19 million, three-year deal; and signing Tershawn Wharton earlier Thursday to a one-year contract.

But the Chiefs knew they needed to go outside the organization to upgrade their wide receiver room, especially given the fact they will pick low in each round of the draft. And it was clear Brown was one of their targets — Tranquill was even posting at him on social media this week, and Mahomes posted a smiling emoji when word of the deal became public.

The Chiefs might not be done, either. They restructured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-free-agency-9d6a2049e7ffd9d878c9fc1bf3ec2782">Mahomes' contract earlier this week</a>&nbsp;to free up more than $21 million under the salary cap, and that could give them flexibility to chase more help for their offense.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Marquise Brown have agreed on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $11 million, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the upgrade at wide receiver the team had been searching for since the Super Bowl.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been signed.The Chiefs beat the 49ers for their second straight Lombardi Trophy last month despite one of the least productive wide receiver groups in the NFL. Second-round draft pick Rashee Rice developed into a serviceable option in the passing game, but the Chiefs otherwise were left to rely on journeymen and stopgaps as they chased another title.Brown could be the perfect complement to Rice in a new-look passing attack that includes recently signed tight end Irv Smith Jr., who was brought aboard one a one-year deal to play alongside star tight end Travis Kelce.“Blessed Beyond Measures,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Primetime_jet/status/1768471457586155725?s=20">Brown posted on X</a>.Brown's best season came three years ago for Baltimore, when he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was traded to Arizona the following year, where he caught 118 passes for 1,283 yards and seven TDs in 26 games.His biggest problem has been staying healthy. He dealt with a heel problem last year and last played a full season in 2020.The Chiefs had been focused on keeping their own players in the fold in the offseason, signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a mammoth five-year deal that includes $95 million over the first three years; bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a $19 million, three-year deal; and signing Tershawn Wharton earlier Thursday to a one-year contract.But the Chiefs knew they needed to go outside the organization to upgrade their wide receiver room, especially given the fact they will pick low in each round of the draft. And it was clear Brown was one of their targets — Tranquill was even posting at him on social media this week, and Mahomes posted a smiling emoji when word of the deal became public.The Chiefs might not be done, either. They restructured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-nfl-free-agency-9d6a2049e7ffd9d878c9fc1bf3ec2782">Mahomes' contract earlier this week</a>&nbsp;to free up more than $21 million under the salary cap, and that could give them flexibility to chase more help for their offense.

🏈Chiefs agree with WR Marquise Brown on 1-year deal worth up to $11 million, AP source says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Robert Jones scored 18 points, Tre King added 16 points and No. 7 Iowa State harried Kansas State into 20 turnovers on Thursday night, allowing the Cyclones to cruise to a 76-57 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.

Keshon Gilbert added 12 points and six steals and Tamin Lipsey had 11 points for the fourth-seeded Cyclones (25-7), who were clinging to a 40-39 lead with about 16 minutes to go when the Wildcats' turnovers really began to pile up.

Tylor Perry had 18 points, Arthur Kaluma scored 13 and Will McNair Jr. had 12 points for 10th-seeded Kansas State (19-14), which may have popped its own NCAA Tournament bubble through its own offensive ineptitude.

The Wildcats were hanging precipitously on the NCAA bubble until late-season losses to Cincinnati and Kansas put them in desperation mode. They responded with a win over Iowa State on senior day, then beat seventh-seeded Texas — an almost certain tourney team — on Wednesday to earn the opportunity for another marquee win over the Cyclones.

But this is the Big 12 Tournament, where Iowa State always seems to show up.

The four-time champs methodically went about their business in the first half Thursday night, building a 34-27 halftime lead by beating Kansas State to loose balls and turning dominance in the paint into a bunch of second-chance baskets.

They won the kind of hustle plays Kansas State won when the teams met at Bramlage Coliseum last Saturday.

The Wildcats tried to make a second-half run, closing within 40-39 on McNair's layup with 16 minutes to go. But then a team ranked 338th out of 351 teams in Division I in turnovers proceeded to cough the ball up on five of its next seven trips down the floor, and the Cyclones capitalized behind Hason Ward and Milan Momcilovic to pull away again.

They outscored Kansas State 26-6 over the next 10 minutes to put the game away.

Kansas State is left to hope three wins over top-10 teams is enough to get it into the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

Iowa State will play the winner of No. 14 Baylor vs. Cincinnati in the semifinals. The Cyclones lost to the Bears in February on a layup in the closing seconds, a game better remembered for the Bears' Scott Drew getting ejected, and beat Cincinnati later in the month when the Cyclones forced 25 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710463675847.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletis" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletis</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Robert Jones scored 18 points, Tre King added 16 points and No. 7 Iowa State harried Kansas State into 20 turnovers on Thursday night, allowing the Cyclones to cruise to a 76-57 victory in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.Keshon Gilbert added 12 points and six steals and Tamin Lipsey had 11 points for the fourth-seeded Cyclones (25-7), who were clinging to a 40-39 lead with about 16 minutes to go when the Wildcats' turnovers really began to pile up.Tylor Perry had 18 points, Arthur Kaluma scored 13 and Will McNair Jr. had 12 points for 10th-seeded Kansas State (19-14), which may have popped its own NCAA Tournament bubble through its own offensive ineptitude.The Wildcats were hanging precipitously on the NCAA bubble until late-season losses to Cincinnati and Kansas put them in desperation mode. They responded with a win over Iowa State on senior day, then beat seventh-seeded Texas — an almost certain tourney team — on Wednesday to earn the opportunity for another marquee win over the Cyclones.But this is the Big 12 Tournament, where Iowa State always seems to show up.The four-time champs methodically went about their business in the first half Thursday night, building a 34-27 halftime lead by beating Kansas State to loose balls and turning dominance in the paint into a bunch of second-chance baskets.They won the kind of hustle plays Kansas State won when the teams met at Bramlage Coliseum last Saturday.The Wildcats tried to make a second-half run, closing within 40-39 on McNair's layup with 16 minutes to go. But then a team ranked 338th out of 351 teams in Division I in turnovers proceeded to cough the ball up on five of its next seven trips down the floor, and the Cyclones capitalized behind Hason Ward and Milan Momcilovic to pull away again.They outscored Kansas State 26-6 over the next 10 minutes to put the game away.UP NEXTKansas State is left to hope three wins over top-10 teams is enough to get it into the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.Iowa State will play the winner of No. 14 Baylor vs. Cincinnati in the semifinals. The Cyclones lost to the Bears in February on a layup in the closing seconds, a game better remembered for the Bears' Scott Drew getting ejected, and beat Cincinnati later in the month when the Cyclones forced 25 turnovers.___

🏀 Jones leads Iowa State to win over K-State in Big 12 tourney quarterfinals

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2024/bethany-college-kan-/boxscore/12949">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=softball&amp;id=12950">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State picked up a doubleheader sweep for the second straight day in its home park, this time defeating Bethany College twice to move to 13-11 overall on the season. The Swedes moved to 7-9. The Tigers won by scores of 7-2 and 8-5. FHSU has now won four games in a row.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710468043681.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/stats/2024/bethany-college-kan-/boxscore/12949">GAME 1 BOX SCORE</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=softball&amp;id=12950">GAME 2 BOX SCORE</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State picked up a doubleheader sweep for the second straight day in its home park, this time defeating Bethany College twice to move to 13-11 overall on the season. The Swedes moved to 7-9. The Tigers won by scores of 7-2 and 8-5. FHSU has now won four games in a row.Game 1: Fort Hays State 7, Bethany College 2 Bethany took an early advantage in the first contest of the day, scoring a pair of runs in the first inning on a pair of hits. But, the Tigers rallied back for a pair of runs in the bottom of the first and went on to win the first game handily by a count of 7-2.To get the game tied in the first, Peyton Shepard&nbsp;led off with a single, stole a base, then Sarah Tiffany&nbsp;singled and stole a base to put runners at second and third. Two batters later, Loren Beggs&nbsp;tied the game with 2-RBI single. In the third, the Tigers took the lead when a Tiffany single and Beggs walk set up a Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson&nbsp;RBI single.Shepard extended the lead to 5-2 in the fourth with a 2-run inside the park home run to left center field with the outfielders drawn in a bit on the play. Audrey Gillespie&nbsp;walked in the at bat prior to set up the pair of runs for the Tigers. Carly Stuke&nbsp;pushed the lead to 6-2 in the sixth, leading off the inning with a solo blast over the left field wall. Moments later, a Regan Curry triple down the right field line set up an RBI groundout by Gillespie.Savannah Egger&nbsp;pitched a complete game for the Tigers, scattering five hits. She struck out seven batters and walked just one, moving to 7-5 on the season. Morgan Pennycuff also threw a complete game for the Swedes. She allowed eight hits and three walks, while striking out three. Shepard and Tiffany both had two hits in the game.Game 2: Fort Hays State 8, Bethany College 5 Fort Hays State had to outlast Bethany in the second contest of the day after the Swedes tied the game twice. FHSU initially led 2-0 before Bethany tied the game with a pair of runs in the third. After the Tigers immediately took the lead back, Bethany rallied again in the sixth to tie the game at 5-5. FHSU plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth that decided the game. The Tiger offense erupted for 15 hits in the game.Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson&nbsp;got the Tigers going with a base hit in the second, followed by a walk drawn by Carly Stuke. Audrey Gillespie&nbsp;put the first tally on the board with an RBI double to right field and Regan Curry&nbsp;followed with an RBI sacrifice fly. Three straight hits by the Swedes in the third leveled the score at 2-2, but FHSU moved back in front by two in the bottom half of the inning when Sarah Tiffany&nbsp;and Loren Beggs&nbsp;doubles generated the first run, then Stuke had an RBI single to score Beggs.Curry added another sacrifice fly RBI for the Tigers in the fifth before Bethany rallied for three runs in the sixth to tie the game again. Three hits in the inning plated the first run, walk drove in another, and a seeing-eye single through the right side tied the game. Coming on in relief, Bailey Carlson was able to slam the door on the Bethany rally with a big strikeout and then weak groundout with the bases loaded.The Tigers used small ball for their final rally of the game. Peyton Shepard&nbsp;and Tiffany had back-to-back bunt singles and Alondra Dominguez&nbsp;drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Ramirez-Johnson doubled home a run and Stuke followed with another RBI single to make it 8-5. That was plenty for Carlson, who retired the Bethany side in order in the seventh for the win. She moved to 2-1 on the season, working 1.2 innings in relief of Morgan Schmidt&nbsp;who pitched 5.1 innings and struck out eight. Jordyn Stelzig relieved for the Swedes in the sixth and took the loss, allowing the final three runs.Stuke (3-for-3), Ramirez-Johnson (3-for-4) and Gillespie (3-for-4) all recorded three-hit games for the Tigers, while Shepard, Beggs, and Tiffany all had two.The Tigers will be back in action next week in Hays against Colorado School of Mines.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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