By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Quarterback Jack Dawson tied a school record with five touchdown passes, Fort Hays State forced five turnovers and the Tigers ended a three-game season-opening losing streak with a 56-0 rout of Northeastern State Thursday night at Doc Wadley Stadium.

After going three-and-out on their first possession, the Tigers (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) scored touchdowns on their next four first half possessions and built a 35-0 lead at halftime.

Dawson scored the Tigers first touchdown on a three-yard run with 3:53 to play in the first quarter. It came after defensive end Gaven Haselhorst tipped a pass from Northeastern State quarterback Ben Ward which was intercepted by Myles Menges.

Following and NSU three-and-out, Dawson led an eight-play, 73-yard yard drive then ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to sophomore&nbsp; Ryan Allen. 

Dawson connected on a six-yard strike to tight end Cale Cormaney and a seven-yarder to transfer Hosia Stokes with under a minute to play in the first half.

Transfer Jayden Horace and tight end Sloan Hayden caught touchdown passes from Dawson in the second half.

Mason Perez added a special teams touchdown during FHSU's 28-point second quarter when he scooped up a punt blocked by redshirt freshman Trey Hines near the goal line.

Perez also had an interception at the RiverHawk 12 yard line late in the second quarter which led to a touchdown. Makel Williams and Travon Mitchell also picked off passes in the second quarter which led to Tiger touchdowns.

Dawson completed 20-of-23 passes for 317 yards. His five-touchdown pass performance tied the school record for most in a game, accomplished now nine times. Robert Long and Chance Fuller&nbsp;&nbsp;each did it twice in their careers.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Caleb&nbsp;Heavner played in the fourth quarter and completed both of his passes, one of them in the endzone to Logan Heigele, to help the Tigers finish 22-of-25 through the air for 349 yards and six scores. 

The Tigers netted 110 yards on the ground, led by Shane Watts&nbsp;with 41 yards. Stokes was credited with 132 receiving yards.

Ty Cooper and Silas Etter&nbsp;were each credited with a team-leading six tackles.

The FHSU defense held NSU to 199 yards of total offense, allowing 83 yards on the ground and 116 through the air.

The Tigers picked up their first shutout since September 18, 2021 when they delivered a 72-0 blowout against Lincoln.

Next up for FHSU will be their home opener against the defending MIAA champion Pittsburg State next Thursday (Sept. 7) in Hays. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693560937838.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson passes the ball vs. Northeastern State Thursday, August 31, 2023 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson passes the ball vs. Northeastern State Thursday, August 31, 2023 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostTAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Quarterback Jack Dawson tied a school record with five touchdown passes, Fort Hays State forced five turnovers and the Tigers ended a three-game season-opening losing streak with a 56-0 rout of Northeastern State Thursday night at Doc Wadley Stadium.<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/1605824418&color=%230e0d0d&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/chris-brown-postgame-at-northeastern-state-aug-31-2023" title="Chris Brown Postgame at Northeastern State (Aug 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Chris Brown Postgame at Northeastern State (Aug 31, 2023)</a></div></div>After going three-and-out on their first possession, the Tigers (1-0, 1-0 MIAA) scored touchdowns on their next four first half possessions and built a 35-0 lead at halftime.Dawson scored the Tigers first touchdown on a three-yard run with 3:53 to play in the first quarter. It came after defensive end Gaven Haselhorst tipped a pass from Northeastern State quarterback Ben Ward which was intercepted by Myles Menges.Following and NSU three-and-out, Dawson led an eight-play, 73-yard yard drive then ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to sophomore&nbsp; Ryan Allen. Dawson connected on a six-yard strike to tight end Cale Cormaney and a seven-yarder to transfer Hosia Stokes with under a minute to play in the first half.Transfer Jayden Horace and tight end Sloan Hayden caught touchdown passes from Dawson in the second half.Mason Perez added a special teams touchdown during FHSU's 28-point second quarter when he scooped up a punt blocked by redshirt freshman Trey Hines near the goal line.Perez also had an interception at the RiverHawk 12 yard line late in the second quarter which led to a touchdown. Makel Williams and Travon Mitchell also picked off passes in the second quarter which led to Tiger touchdowns.Dawson completed 20-of-23 passes for 317 yards. His five-touchdown pass performance tied the school record for most in a game, accomplished now nine times. Robert Long and Chance Fuller&nbsp;&nbsp;each did it twice in their careers.<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/1605829281&color=%230e0d0d&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/jack-dawson-postgame-at-northeastern-state-aug-31-2023" title="Jack Dawson Postgame at Northeastern State (Aug 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jack Dawson Postgame at Northeastern State (Aug 31, 2023)</a></div></div>Redshirt freshman quarterback Caleb&nbsp;Heavner played in the fourth quarter and completed both of his passes, one of them in the endzone to Logan Heigele, to help the Tigers finish 22-of-25 through the air for 349 yards and six scores. The Tigers netted 110 yards on the ground, led by Shane Watts&nbsp;with 41 yards. Stokes was credited with 132 receiving yards.Ty Cooper and Silas Etter&nbsp;were each credited with a team-leading six tackles.<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/1605828441&color=%230e0d0d&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/mason-perez-postgame-at-northeastern-state-aug-31-2023" title="Mason Perez Postgame at Northeastern State (Aug 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mason Perez Postgame at Northeastern State (Aug 31, 2023)</a></div></div>The FHSU defense held NSU to 199 yards of total offense, allowing 83 yards on the ground and 116 through the air.The Tigers picked up their first shutout since September 18, 2021 when they delivered a 72-0 blowout against Lincoln.<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/1605830481&color=%230e0d0d&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/fort-hays-state-fb-at-northeastern-state-highlights-aug-31-2023" title="Fort Hays State FB at Northeastern State Highlights (Aug 31, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State FB at Northeastern State Highlights (Aug 31, 2023)</a></div></div>Next up for FHSU will be their home opener against the defending MIAA champion Pittsburg State next Thursday (Sept. 7) in Hays. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Dawson ties school record in Tigers blowout win over RiverHawks

Hays Post The Hays High volleyball team was swept in three sets Thursday
at Halstead.

The Indians lost the three sets 15-25, 18-25 and 20-25.

Hays is now 2-4 on the season and will travel to Nickerson
on Tuesday for a triangular.

Hays Post The Hays High volleyball team was swept in three sets Thursday
at Halstead.The Indians lost the three sets 15-25, 18-25 and 20-25.Hays is now 2-4 on the season and will travel to Nickerson
on Tuesday for a triangular.

🏐HHS falls in three sets to Halstead

Dighton 52, Oberlin-Decatur 16Garden Plain 20, Conway Springs 14Gardner-Edgerton 42, SM East 7Kapaun Mount Carmel 72, Wichita South 14Lawrence Free State 47, Olathe West 29

🏈 Thursday's Scores

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team defeated
Northwestern Oklahoma State by a score of 2-1 in the season opener on Thursday
(Aug. 31) The Tigers wasted no time on the offensive end to start the season
with two first half scores against the Rangers to improve to 1-0. The loss
dropped NWOSU to 0-1.
&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/hannah-mares/7293">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;netted the first goal of the season for the
Tigers just under three minutes into the match on an assist from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/jadyn-newell/7296">Jadyn Newell</a>&nbsp;to give FHSU the early momentum. Shortly
after the first goal&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/montserrat-diaz/7282">Montserrat Diaz</a>&nbsp;knocked in another score for the Tigers to stretch the
lead to 2-0.
&nbsp;

Northwestern State would later respond in the
first half of the match with their lone goal of the contest off of a shot from
Isabella McMillan that was assisted by Lily Anderson to make the score 2-1.
&nbsp;


The match would stay deadlocked from there with
both teams working hard on the defensive end. The Fort Hays State Tigers
recorded a total of 14 shots throughout the match, seven of which were on goal
while the Rangers got off five shots, two on goal. Both teams finished the
match with four fouls a piece.
&nbsp;


The Tigers will be back in action at home on
Saturday (Sep. 2) against Southwestern College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693570119920.jpeg" alt="(FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>(FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State women's soccer team defeated
Northwestern Oklahoma State by a score of 2-1 in the season opener on Thursday
(Aug. 31) The Tigers wasted no time on the offensive end to start the season
with two first half scores against the Rangers to improve to 1-0. The loss
dropped NWOSU to 0-1.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/hannah-mares/7293">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;netted the first goal of the season for the
Tigers just under three minutes into the match on an assist from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/jadyn-newell/7296">Jadyn Newell</a>&nbsp;to give FHSU the early momentum. Shortly
after the first goal&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/montserrat-diaz/7282">Montserrat Diaz</a>&nbsp;knocked in another score for the Tigers to stretch the
lead to 2-0.
&nbsp;
Northwestern State would later respond in the
first half of the match with their lone goal of the contest off of a shot from
Isabella McMillan that was assisted by Lily Anderson to make the score 2-1.
&nbsp;
The match would stay deadlocked from there with
both teams working hard on the defensive end. The Fort Hays State Tigers
recorded a total of 14 shots throughout the match, seven of which were on goal
while the Rangers got off five shots, two on goal. Both teams finished the
match with four fouls a piece.
&nbsp;
The Tigers will be back in action at home on
Saturday (Sep. 2) against Southwestern College. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

⚽ First Half Goals Propel Tigers to Season Opener Win

HAYS, Kan. –&nbsp;The Fort Hays State Men's Soccer team kicked off the season with a 3-1 win against the MSU Denver Roadrunners. The Tiger offense scored three goals, two by the transfer from Slippery Rock University,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>.

Fort Hays State opened its scoring in the 22nd minute when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;scored on a cross by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/david-ivarsson/7675">David Ivarsson</a>. Plimmer was there for the rebound for an easy tap-in with the goalkeeper out of position. The stalemate did not last long as the Tigers found another opportunity in the 33rd minute.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jackson-elgas/7309">Jackson Elgas</a>&nbsp;crossed the ball into the box that was around a few Tigers, but&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;finished it to score his second goal on the day.

At the end of the half, the Tigers out shot the Roadrunners 6-1 and had possession for the majority of the half.&nbsp;

Out of the half,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;was fouled on the pitch and put a perfectly placed cross into the box for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;to ricochet into the goal during the 52nd minute. Only two minutes after the insurance goal by Arndt, the Roadrunners got one for themselves. Eduardo Gentile crossed it for Aaron Biggerstaff to cut the lead 3-1.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State ended up getting out shot 7-3 in the second half, but the Tigers stellar defense was able to keep the comfortable lead. The game was fairly physical with three cards and 22 fouls throughout the match.&nbsp;

The Tigers are at home for their next match, facing UC Colorado Springs Sunday, September 3rd, 1:00 p.m. before heading on the road for the first time this season to face Maryville and Rockhurst.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693570303989.jpeg" alt="(FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>(FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. –&nbsp;The Fort Hays State Men's Soccer team kicked off the season with a 3-1 win against the MSU Denver Roadrunners. The Tiger offense scored three goals, two by the transfer from Slippery Rock University,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>.Fort Hays State opened its scoring in the 22nd minute when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;scored on a cross by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/david-ivarsson/7675">David Ivarsson</a>. Plimmer was there for the rebound for an easy tap-in with the goalkeeper out of position. The stalemate did not last long as the Tigers found another opportunity in the 33rd minute.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/jackson-elgas/7309">Jackson Elgas</a>&nbsp;crossed the ball into the box that was around a few Tigers, but&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;finished it to score his second goal on the day.At the end of the half, the Tigers out shot the Roadrunners 6-1 and had possession for the majority of the half.&nbsp;Out of the half,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/alex-plimmer/7444">Alex Plimmer</a>&nbsp;was fouled on the pitch and put a perfectly placed cross into the box for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/blake-arndt/7300">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;to ricochet into the goal during the 52nd minute. Only two minutes after the insurance goal by Arndt, the Roadrunners got one for themselves. Eduardo Gentile crossed it for Aaron Biggerstaff to cut the lead 3-1.&nbsp;Fort Hays State ended up getting out shot 7-3 in the second half, but the Tigers stellar defense was able to keep the comfortable lead. The game was fairly physical with three cards and 22 fouls throughout the match.&nbsp;The Tigers are at home for their next match, facing UC Colorado Springs Sunday, September 3rd, 1:00 p.m. before heading on the road for the first time this season to face Maryville and Rockhurst.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Plimmer Nets Two to Fuel Tiger Win in Season Opener

The Hays High girls earned a fourth place finish and the boys
were 11th in the first cross country meet of the season Thursday at the
Great Bend cross country meet at Lake Barton.

Arely Maldonado led the Indians with a fourth place finish
with a time of 20:08.7.

Brynn Kinderknecht also earned a top-20 finish, placing 17th.

Elijah McCullough was the Indians top placer in 15th
and Taevin Maupin finished 23rd.

The Indians are at Hesston next Thursday.

Hays PostThe Hays High girls earned a fourth place finish and the boys
were 11th in the first cross country meet of the season Thursday at the
Great Bend cross country meet at Lake Barton.Arely Maldonado led the Indians with a fourth place finish
with a time of 20:08.7.Brynn Kinderknecht also earned a top-20 finish, placing 17th.The Hays High boys finished 11th.Elijah McCullough was the Indians top placer in 15th
and Taevin Maupin finished 23rd.The Indians are at Hesston next Thursday.

👟 HHS girls finish 4th; boys 11th at Great Bend

Fort Hays State (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at
Northeastern State (0-0,
0-0 MIAA)
 Thursday, August 31 - 6 p.m. Tahlequah, Okla. – Gable Field at Doc Wadley
Stadium
&nbsp;
 Radio - KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>

Fort Hays State Football opens its 2023 campaign
on Thursday night (Aug. 31) at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah,
Okla. After an injury riddled 2022 season, the Tigers are looking to get back
on track this year in the perennially tough Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association. Kickoff from Doc Wadley Stadium will be at 6 p.m. Watch
the game live on The MIAA Network, or follow on KJLS radio (103.3) or live stats.

Fort Hays State has won the last eight meetings versus Northeastern State dating back to the 2014 season. FHSU has scored 27 or more points in all eight games during the streak, highlighted by a 91-point
outburst in Tehlequah in 2019. The Tigers have outscored the RiverHawks 380-67 during the
eight-game streak, averaging 47.5 points per game. 

FHSU leads the all-time
series 8-2 and has an 8-0 mark against NSU in MIAA play. NSU won the first two
meetings in 1989 and 1990, when both teams were a member of the NAIA.
&nbsp;


Fort Hays State won last year's meeting in Hays, 27-14. The Tigers led 20-0 through three quarters before the RiverHawks mounted a comeback early in the fourth quarter when they pulled within six points. A 38-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Dawson Brown II with just over nine minutes to play pushed the lead to the final 13-point margin.

Though the Tigers struggled to just three wins in
2022, they owned one of the top red-zone efficiencies in NCAA Division II, finishing 11th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II with an 88.9 percent
success rate, converting 32-of-36 chances with 23 touchdowns and nine field
goals.
&nbsp;


All of FHSU's returning all-conference performers
are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Myles Menges, linebacker Makel Williams and safety Mason Perez&nbsp;earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2022.
The trio combined for 178 tackles in 2022.
&nbsp;


On the offensive side of the ball, Jack Dawson&nbsp;is projected to start at quarterback after
throwing for 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He is also the top
returning rusher for the Tigers, churning out 245 yards. Ja'Quan Tillis&nbsp;had the most rushing yards last season (166) among returning
running backs. Leyton Cure leads the team in&nbsp;receiving yards among returners
with 281.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693345353620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at
Northeastern State (0-0,
0-0 MIAA)
 Thursday, August 31 - 6 p.m. Tahlequah, Okla. – Gable Field at Doc Wadley
Stadium
&nbsp;
 Radio - KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>Fort Hays State Football opens its 2023 campaign
on Thursday night (Aug. 31) at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah,
Okla. After an injury riddled 2022 season, the Tigers are looking to get back
on track this year in the perennially tough Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association. Kickoff from Doc Wadley Stadium will be at 6 p.m. Watch
the game live on The MIAA Network, or follow on KJLS radio (103.3) or live stats.Fort Hays State has won the last eight meetings versus Northeastern State dating back to the 2014 season. FHSU has scored 27 or more points in all eight games during the streak, highlighted by a 91-point
outburst in Tehlequah in 2019. The Tigers have outscored the RiverHawks 380-67 during the
eight-game streak, averaging 47.5 points per game. FHSU leads the all-time
series 8-2 and has an 8-0 mark against NSU in MIAA play. NSU won the first two
meetings in 1989 and 1990, when both teams were a member of the NAIA.
&nbsp;
Fort Hays State won last year's meeting in Hays, 27-14. The Tigers led 20-0 through three quarters before the RiverHawks mounted a comeback early in the fourth quarter when they pulled within six points. A 38-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Dawson Brown II with just over nine minutes to play pushed the lead to the final 13-point margin.Though the Tigers struggled to just three wins in
2022, they owned one of the top red-zone efficiencies in NCAA Division II, finishing 11th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II with an 88.9 percent
success rate, converting 32-of-36 chances with 23 touchdowns and nine field
goals.
&nbsp;
All of FHSU's returning all-conference performers
are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Myles Menges, linebacker Makel Williams and safety Mason Perez&nbsp;earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2022.
The trio combined for 178 tackles in 2022.
&nbsp;
On the offensive side of the ball, Jack Dawson&nbsp;is projected to start at quarterback after
throwing for 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He is also the top
returning rusher for the Tigers, churning out 245 yards. Ja'Quan Tillis&nbsp;had the most rushing yards last season (166) among returning
running backs. Leyton Cure leads the team in&nbsp;receiving yards among returners
with 281.

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU opens 2023 season Thursday at Northeastern State

Due to extreme heat in the forecast, the JV/9th grade football games vs Junction City at Hays High scheduled for Monday, Sept. 4th have been cancelled.

Hays PostDue to extreme heat in the forecast, the JV/9th grade football games vs Junction City at Hays High scheduled for Monday, Sept. 4th have been cancelled.At this time, there is no make up date.

🏈Monday's Hays High JV game cancelled

ELLIS–In a 5-2 vote Monday, the USD 388 school board voted
to move to the ranks of eight-man football starting in 2024.

The district conducted a community survey and also got feedback
from students, staff and community members before the board made it’s decision.

First-year head football coach Bryant Eichman said he believed both sides presented good points during the lengthy discussion Monday, and it was not an easy decision for the board to make.

“I think what it ultimately came down to was the fact that
it's so hard for us right now with the numbers that we have out to fill the JV
team on Mondays,” Eichman said.

Eichman said they have 26 players out for football this
year, and they have 16 or 17 that will play varsity on Friday night leaving them
with 10, one player short of fielding a starting 11-man lineup.

“We kind of have to bring some of those varsity guys down to
play JV this year, and then you always worry about injuries,” Eichman said. “Then
if those varsity guys get hurt, then how does that affect your team on Friday
nights?”

Eichman, who comes from the junior-high level where they
played eight-man last season and also had eight-man experience at Palco, said he
was prepared to coach the team no matter what the board decided. However, he said he was
happy about the decision.

“I'm happy about the vote because, obviously, I love eight-man
football. I understand that it was a tough decision for the community and quite a few of them are not going to be happy with what was decided,” Eichman
said. 

The 2023 season is the final year of a two-year cycle for
KSHSAA classifications, and schools considering making the change to eight-man
football had to make that decision by Friday. The classifications and district
assignments for the 2024 and 2025 seasons will come out later this fall.

The Ellis Railroaders will compete in the 1A classification
of the 11-man ranks in 2023.

Hays PostELLIS–In a 5-2 vote Monday, the USD 388 school board voted
to move to the ranks of eight-man football starting in 2024.The district conducted a community survey and also got feedback
from students, staff and community members before the board made it’s decision.First-year head football coach Bryant Eichman said he believed both sides presented good points during the lengthy discussion Monday, and it was not an easy decision for the board to make.“I think what it ultimately came down to was the fact that
it's so hard for us right now with the numbers that we have out to fill the JV
team on Mondays,” Eichman said.Eichman said they have 26 players out for football this
year, and they have 16 or 17 that will play varsity on Friday night leaving them
with 10, one player short of fielding a starting 11-man lineup.“We kind of have to bring some of those varsity guys down to
play JV this year, and then you always worry about injuries,” Eichman said. “Then
if those varsity guys get hurt, then how does that affect your team on Friday
nights?”Eichman, who comes from the junior-high level where they
played eight-man last season and also had eight-man experience at Palco, said he
was prepared to coach the team no matter what the board decided. However, he said he was
happy about the decision.“I'm happy about the vote because, obviously, I love eight-man
football. I understand that it was a tough decision for the community and quite a few of them are not going to be happy with what was decided,” Eichman
said. The 2023 season is the final year of a two-year cycle for
KSHSAA classifications, and schools considering making the change to eight-man
football had to make that decision by Friday. The classifications and district
assignments for the 2024 and 2025 seasons will come out later this fall.The Ellis Railroaders will compete in the 1A classification
of the 11-man ranks in 2023.

🏈 Ellis to play 8-man football starting in 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team will head into the 2023-24 season ranked eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday (Aug. 31) by the league office.

The Tigers received 27 points in the balloting process, 12 behind seventh-place Missouri Western and 13 clear of ninth-ranked Lincoln. Defending conference champion Missouri Southern tops the poll after picking up just one more point than second-ranked Central Missouri.

Fort Hays State placed eighth in the season-long points standings in the league last season, including a sixth-place finish amongst league competition at the Newman Fall Invitational last October. The Tigers' top finish of the season was a t-4th result out of 20 teams at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational in March.

The Tigers return five golfers from last year's squad, including four players that competed in at least four events last fall. Jackson Rader returns for his junior season after picking up All-MIAA accolades a year ago. FHSU also added three new players to the roster this season, including a pair of junior college transfers and one true freshman.

FHSU will open the season with an MIAA mandated event at the LU Invitational, hosted by Lincoln at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Mo. September 11-12.

2023-24 MIAA Men's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Missouri Southern (3) - 62 points 2. Central Missouri (4) - 61 points 3. Central Oklahoma (1) - 52 points 4. Washburn - 51 points 5. Northeastern State (1) - 48 points 6. Rogers State - 40 points 7. Missouri Western - 39 points 8. Fort Hays State - 27 points 9. Lincoln - 14 points 10. Newman - 11 points

FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's golf team will head into the 2023-24 season ranked eighth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday (Aug. 31) by the league office.The Tigers received 27 points in the balloting process, 12 behind seventh-place Missouri Western and 13 clear of ninth-ranked Lincoln. Defending conference champion Missouri Southern tops the poll after picking up just one more point than second-ranked Central Missouri.Fort Hays State placed eighth in the season-long points standings in the league last season, including a sixth-place finish amongst league competition at the Newman Fall Invitational last October. The Tigers' top finish of the season was a t-4th result out of 20 teams at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational in March.The Tigers return five golfers from last year's squad, including four players that competed in at least four events last fall. Jackson Rader returns for his junior season after picking up All-MIAA accolades a year ago. FHSU also added three new players to the roster this season, including a pair of junior college transfers and one true freshman.FHSU will open the season with an MIAA mandated event at the LU Invitational, hosted by Lincoln at The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Mo. September 11-12.2023-24 MIAA Men's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll1. Missouri Southern (3) - 62 points 2. Central Missouri (4) - 61 points 3. Central Oklahoma (1) - 52 points 4. Washburn - 51 points 5. Northeastern State (1) - 48 points 6. Rogers State - 40 points 7. Missouri Western - 39 points 8. Fort Hays State - 27 points 9. Lincoln - 14 points 10. Newman - 11 points

🏌️‍♂️FHSU Men's Golf Eighth in 2023 MIAA Preseason Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team was picked ninth in the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Thursday (Aug. 31) by the league office.

The Tigers earned 24 points in the voting process, four in front of 10th-ranked Lincoln and 12 behind eighth-ranked Northwest Missouri State. Defending conference champion Central Missouri was picked to defend their title, edging out second-ranked Rogers State by six points.

Fort Hays State finished 10th at the league meet a year ago, including a third-place finish from conference Player of the Year Morgan Brasser. Brasser, entering her senior season in 2023-24, set the school record with a stroke average of 75.8 last season while winning three tournaments on the year. Also returning for her junior campaign is Shauna Lee, while head coach Jerol DeBoer brought in a trio of freshmen this season - Corbyn Marquess, Ella Neuhauser and Hayden York.

The Tigers are slated to kick off the season in Broomfield, Colo. September 8-9 at The Swan Memorial, hosted by Colorado Christian at the Broadlands Golf Course.

2023-24 MIAA Women's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Central Missouri (7) - 87 points 2. Rogers State (3) - 81 points 3. Nebraska Kearney - 70 points 4. Northeastern State - 66 points 5. Central Oklahoma - 63 points 6. Missouri Southern - 46 points 7. Missouri Western - 45 points 8. Northwest Missouri - 36 points 9. Fort Hays State - 24 points 10. Lincoln - 20 points 11. Newman - 12 points

FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team was picked ninth in the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Thursday (Aug. 31) by the league office.The Tigers earned 24 points in the voting process, four in front of 10th-ranked Lincoln and 12 behind eighth-ranked Northwest Missouri State. Defending conference champion Central Missouri was picked to defend their title, edging out second-ranked Rogers State by six points.Fort Hays State finished 10th at the league meet a year ago, including a third-place finish from conference Player of the Year Morgan Brasser. Brasser, entering her senior season in 2023-24, set the school record with a stroke average of 75.8 last season while winning three tournaments on the year. Also returning for her junior campaign is Shauna Lee, while head coach Jerol DeBoer brought in a trio of freshmen this season - Corbyn Marquess, Ella Neuhauser and Hayden York.The Tigers are slated to kick off the season in Broomfield, Colo. September 8-9 at The Swan Memorial, hosted by Colorado Christian at the Broadlands Golf Course.2023-24 MIAA Women's Golf Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Central Missouri (7) - 87 points 2. Rogers State (3) - 81 points 3. Nebraska Kearney - 70 points 4. Northeastern State - 66 points 5. Central Oklahoma - 63 points 6. Missouri Southern - 46 points 7. Missouri Western - 45 points 8. Northwest Missouri - 36 points 9. Fort Hays State - 24 points 10. Lincoln - 20 points 11. Newman - 12 points

🏌️‍♀️FHSU Women's Golf Slotted Ninth in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

🎥🏈 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andre Jackson pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.

Jackson (1-1) struck out a career-high seven and walked two in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed one run in his 20th major league appearance.

“We saw in the fourth and fifth his velo started to tick down,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. ”But the changeup still played. He was able to execute some pitches."

Jackson became the first Pirate to strike out the first five batters in a game since Bruce Kison in 1979. But the last part of his outing was more difficult.

“I felt like I started out strong and then kind of lost a little steam," he said. "I tried to get ahead of guys. I battled.”

Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski homered for the Pirates (61-73), and Vinny Capra hit an RBI double.

It was the first sweep for Pittsburgh since June 27-29 versus San Diego. The Pirates limited the Royals to four runs and 12 hits in the series.

“We pitched well,” Shelton said. "That’s where it starts. We did a really good job. (Jackson) did a good job starting out the game with five punchouts to get his first career win. Overall we just played solid baseball all around.”

Kansas City was swept for the 12th time this year. The Royals (41-94) have dropped six in a row and are on pace for 113 losses, which would break the club record of 106.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 27th homer for Kansas City. Witt, who has 38 steals, is trying to become the first player in franchise history to finish with at least 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season.

Royals left-hander Angel Zerpa (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.

“His stuff was good in the first couple of innings,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He just struggled to get it in the zone. He was all around the zone at the beginning. But then, as he started to get more efficient in the zone he got quick outs.”

After Jackson departed, Ryan Borucki, Thomas Hatch, Colin Holderman and David Bednar combined for 3 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. Bednar worked the ninth for his 29th save.

The Pirates jumped in front when Reynolds launched a 436-foot drive to left-center in the first inning. It was his 19th homer this season.

Pittsburgh scored two more in the second. Capra drove in Liover Peguero with a double for his first career extra-base hit and RBI. Suwinski added a run-scoring single.

Witt responded with a leadoff shot in the fourth. He also drove a pitch to the wall in right-center with a runner on in the sixth, but Suwinski chased it down.

Suwinski connected in the seventh for his first homer since July 24 and No. 22 on the year.

“It’s challenging to do everything you can and still go through tough stretches,” Suwinski said. "It was great having the team carry me.”

Royals: C Salvador Perez was scratched because of tightness in his upper back/neck. ... RHP John McMillon was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. RHP Taylor Clarke was reinstated from the family medical emergency list.

Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller (11-8, 4.01 ERA) starts Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at St. Louis. RHP Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.41 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals.

Royals: Following an off day, Jordan Lyles (3-15, 6.51 ERA) faces Boston left-hander James Paxton (7-4, 3.99 ERA) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game set against the visiting Red Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693451140588.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Angel Zerpa throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Angel Zerpa throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andre Jackson pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.Jackson (1-1) struck out a career-high seven and walked two in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed one run in his 20th major league appearance.“We saw in the fourth and fifth his velo started to tick down,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. ”But the changeup still played. He was able to execute some pitches."Jackson became the first Pirate to strike out the first five batters in a game since Bruce Kison in 1979. But the last part of his outing was more difficult.“I felt like I started out strong and then kind of lost a little steam," he said. "I tried to get ahead of guys. I battled.”Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski homered for the Pirates (61-73), and Vinny Capra hit an RBI double.It was the first sweep for Pittsburgh since June 27-29 versus San Diego. The Pirates limited the Royals to four runs and 12 hits in the series.“We pitched well,” Shelton said. "That’s where it starts. We did a really good job. (Jackson) did a good job starting out the game with five punchouts to get his first career win. Overall we just played solid baseball all around.”Kansas City was swept for the 12th time this year. The Royals (41-94) have dropped six in a row and are on pace for 113 losses, which would break the club record of 106.Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 27th homer for Kansas City. Witt, who has 38 steals, is trying to become the first player in franchise history to finish with at least 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season.Royals left-hander Angel Zerpa (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.“His stuff was good in the first couple of innings,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He just struggled to get it in the zone. He was all around the zone at the beginning. But then, as he started to get more efficient in the zone he got quick outs.”After Jackson departed, Ryan Borucki, Thomas Hatch, Colin Holderman and David Bednar combined for 3 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. Bednar worked the ninth for his 29th save.The Pirates jumped in front when Reynolds launched a 436-foot drive to left-center in the first inning. It was his 19th homer this season.Pittsburgh scored two more in the second. Capra drove in Liover Peguero with a double for his first career extra-base hit and RBI. Suwinski added a run-scoring single.Witt responded with a leadoff shot in the fourth. He also drove a pitch to the wall in right-center with a runner on in the sixth, but Suwinski chased it down.Suwinski connected in the seventh for his first homer since July 24 and No. 22 on the year.“It’s challenging to do everything you can and still go through tough stretches,” Suwinski said. "It was great having the team carry me.”TRAINING ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez was scratched because of tightness in his upper back/neck. ... RHP John McMillon was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. RHP Taylor Clarke was reinstated from the family medical emergency list.UP NEXTPirates: RHP Mitch Keller (11-8, 4.01 ERA) starts Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at St. Louis. RHP Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.41 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals.Royals: Following an off day, Jordan Lyles (3-15, 6.51 ERA) faces Boston left-hander James Paxton (7-4, 3.99 ERA) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game set against the visiting Red Sox.

⚾ Jackson gets first big league win as Pirates finish off sweep of Royals

By ERIC OLSON AP Sports Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's fight song begins, “There is no place like Nebraska.” When it comes to volleyball, those words never rang more true than Wednesday night.

The Cornhuskers laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for their volleyball match against Omaha.

The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million.

“We took a chance by playing in Memorial Stadium, and to go for the record and break it. ... I don’t think anybody could have envisioned that when this whole thing started,” Nebraska coach John Cook said. “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”

The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. Country artist Scotty McCreery performed afterward.

The previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-soccer-sports-soccer-barcelona-0abf21b88c76e5183fda8cc4ac03244a">attendance record was 91,648, set during a Champions League soccer match</a>&nbsp;when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at the Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.

Memorial Stadium's official capacity is just over 85,000 for football, but that number was higher for this event because there were seats and standing room on the field.

Fans in red and white started their tailgate parties outside the stadium hours before first serve of an exhibition Wayne State won in three sets. The stadium was one-quarter full at the start of that match and gradually filled to capacity as players for Omaha and Nebraska were warming up.

There was a flyover during the national anthem and, minutes before first serve, Cook led his Huskers into the stadium to the Tunnel Walk, the longtime tradition of the football team. Synchronized chants of “Go Big Red!” were heard all around.

Conditions were 83 degrees, clear skies and a south wind listed at 4-mph at court level with gusts that sometimes moved the ball in unpredictable ways.

Though 91,648 was widely acknowledged as the women’s sports attendance record, at least one match at the unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mundo-women71.html">1971 Women’s World Cup in Mexico City reportedly drew 110,000 people.</a>

The American record attendance for a women’s sporting event had been 90,185 for the 1999 World Cup soccer final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California — the game where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/sports/soccer/23seconds.html">Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt</a>&nbsp;after scoring the decisive penalty shot for the U.S. win.

The NCAA does not track attendance across all sports, but associate director of media coordination and statistics Jeff Williams said a crowd of 90,000-plus was easily among the largest for a non-football game. A 2010 outdoor&nbsp;<a href="https://collegehockeyinc.com/stats/boxes11.php?mmicmsu1.d11">hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor drew more than 113,000 fans.</a>

A message seeking comment from officials of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/">Guinness World Records</a>&nbsp;was not immediately returned.

Nebraska has sold out 306 consecutive regular-season matches. (Wednesday's event won't count toward the streak because it is not being held on the team's Devaney Center court.) The Huskers have led the nation in attendance every season since 2013, and eight of the top nine crowds in NCAA volleyball history are matches that have involved Nebraska.

Nebraska has won five national championships in volleyball, and its program is one of the few in Division I women's sports that turns a profit — $1 million last year, according to athletic department CFO Doug Ewald.

“This is a statement on Title IX, and having two daughters of my own, what Title IX has done for women's sports is huge,” fan Troy Pfannenstiel of Omaha said before the matches.

Chancellor Rodney Bennett canceled classes for the day. NCAA President Charlie Baker, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti were on hand, as was Gov. Jim Pillen. So were Husker volleyball players who were part of iconic coach Terry Pettit's teams over four decades. High school teams from across a state stretching 430 miles border to border were excused from classes to attend.

There are 75 women from the state of Nebraska who are on Division I volleyball rosters this season. At 44 players per million in population, the state trails only Hawaii (67 per million) in Division I players produced per capita, according to volleyball statistician and historian Rich Kern of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.richkern.com/vb/FreePage.asp">RichKern.com.</a>

“You don’t think you’re going to be part of a world record event, and seeing how much everyone supports volleyball and wanted to be part of that record is awesome to see,” Omaha's Shayla McCormick said.

Volleyball has surpassed basketball as the No. 1 girls high school team sport in the United States. It’s long been No. 1 in Nebraska.

About 7,000 girls play high school volleyball in the state. Volleyball has been played in varying forms in Nebraska since the early 1900s. For many years, girls volleyball matches were warmup acts for boys basketball games. Volleyball became a sanctioned sport in 1972 and took off in the late 1970s when Pettit invited many of the state’s high school coaches to work at his camps in Lincoln.

Pettit also conducted so-called “satellite” clinics in small towns across the state. In a place where boys grow up dreaming of becoming Cornhusker football players, many girls are equally passionate about some day playing volleyball for a Nebraska team that annually ranks among the nation’s elite.

Ella Beck, 10, came with a group from tiny Pierce to see her first college volleyball match and root for her favorite player, setter Lexi Rodriguez.

Neveah Kehr, 10, came with her mom, Nicki, from Bismarck, North Dakota, to be part of the event. Nicki graduated from Nebraska, and she brought up her daughter watching the Huskers on television.

Neveah wore the No. 5 jersey of middle blocker Bekka Allick at a pep rally before the matches and, with more than 1,000 fans cheering, was invited to walk to where the players stood and was introduced to the woman she called her idol.

Neveah teared up, and Bekka gave her a hug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693453778144.jpeg" alt="Nebraska and Omaha play a college volleyball match Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska and Omaha play a college volleyball match Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP Sports WriterLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's fight song begins, “There is no place like Nebraska.” When it comes to volleyball, those words never rang more true than Wednesday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">😌😌😌 <a href="https://t.co/KyQCRk99A5">https://t.co/KyQCRk99A5</a>&mdash; Kansas Volleyball (@KUVolleyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUVolleyball/status/1697082227476107476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cornhuskers laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for their volleyball match against Omaha.The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million.“We took a chance by playing in Memorial Stadium, and to go for the record and break it. ... I don’t think anybody could have envisioned that when this whole thing started,” Nebraska coach John Cook said. “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. Country artist Scotty McCreery performed afterward.The previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-soccer-sports-soccer-barcelona-0abf21b88c76e5183fda8cc4ac03244a">attendance record was 91,648, set during a Champions League soccer match</a>&nbsp;when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at the Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.Memorial Stadium's official capacity is just over 85,000 for football, but that number was higher for this event because there were seats and standing room on the field.Fans in red and white started their tailgate parties outside the stadium hours before first serve of an exhibition Wayne State won in three sets. The stadium was one-quarter full at the start of that match and gradually filled to capacity as players for Omaha and Nebraska were warming up.There was a flyover during the national anthem and, minutes before first serve, Cook led his Huskers into the stadium to the Tunnel Walk, the longtime tradition of the football team. Synchronized chants of “Go Big Red!” were heard all around.Conditions were 83 degrees, clear skies and a south wind listed at 4-mph at court level with gusts that sometimes moved the ball in unpredictable ways.Though 91,648 was widely acknowledged as the women’s sports attendance record, at least one match at the unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mundo-women71.html">1971 Women’s World Cup in Mexico City reportedly drew 110,000 people.</a>The American record attendance for a women’s sporting event had been 90,185 for the 1999 World Cup soccer final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California — the game where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/sports/soccer/23seconds.html">Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt</a>&nbsp;after scoring the decisive penalty shot for the U.S. win.The NCAA does not track attendance across all sports, but associate director of media coordination and statistics Jeff Williams said a crowd of 90,000-plus was easily among the largest for a non-football game. A 2010 outdoor&nbsp;<a href="https://collegehockeyinc.com/stats/boxes11.php?mmicmsu1.d11">hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor drew more than 113,000 fans.</a>A message seeking comment from officials of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/">Guinness World Records</a>&nbsp;was not immediately returned.Nebraska has sold out 306 consecutive regular-season matches. (Wednesday's event won't count toward the streak because it is not being held on the team's Devaney Center court.) The Huskers have led the nation in attendance every season since 2013, and eight of the top nine crowds in NCAA volleyball history are matches that have involved Nebraska.Nebraska has won five national championships in volleyball, and its program is one of the few in Division I women's sports that turns a profit — $1 million last year, according to athletic department CFO Doug Ewald.“This is a statement on Title IX, and having two daughters of my own, what Title IX has done for women's sports is huge,” fan Troy Pfannenstiel of Omaha said before the matches.Chancellor Rodney Bennett canceled classes for the day. NCAA President Charlie Baker, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti were on hand, as was Gov. Jim Pillen. So were Husker volleyball players who were part of iconic coach Terry Pettit's teams over four decades. High school teams from across a state stretching 430 miles border to border were excused from classes to attend.There are 75 women from the state of Nebraska who are on Division I volleyball rosters this season. At 44 players per million in population, the state trails only Hawaii (67 per million) in Division I players produced per capita, according to volleyball statistician and historian Rich Kern of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.richkern.com/vb/FreePage.asp">RichKern.com.</a>“You don’t think you’re going to be part of a world record event, and seeing how much everyone supports volleyball and wanted to be part of that record is awesome to see,” Omaha's Shayla McCormick said.Volleyball has surpassed basketball as the No. 1 girls high school team sport in the United States. It’s long been No. 1 in Nebraska.About 7,000 girls play high school volleyball in the state. Volleyball has been played in varying forms in Nebraska since the early 1900s. For many years, girls volleyball matches were warmup acts for boys basketball games. Volleyball became a sanctioned sport in 1972 and took off in the late 1970s when Pettit invited many of the state’s high school coaches to work at his camps in Lincoln.Pettit also conducted so-called “satellite” clinics in small towns across the state. In a place where boys grow up dreaming of becoming Cornhusker football players, many girls are equally passionate about some day playing volleyball for a Nebraska team that annually ranks among the nation’s elite.Ella Beck, 10, came with a group from tiny Pierce to see her first college volleyball match and root for her favorite player, setter Lexi Rodriguez.Neveah Kehr, 10, came with her mom, Nicki, from Bismarck, North Dakota, to be part of the event. Nicki graduated from Nebraska, and she brought up her daughter watching the Huskers on television.Neveah wore the No. 5 jersey of middle blocker Bekka Allick at a pep rally before the matches and, with more than 1,000 fans cheering, was invited to walk to where the players stood and was introduced to the woman she called her idol.Neveah teared up, and Bekka gave her a hug.

🏐 Nebraska volleyball stadium event draws 92,003 to set women's world attendance record

We're joined on the first show of the new school year by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, women's soccer coach Tyson John, men's soccer coach Gerry Cleary and volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins.

Tiger Talk airs live Wednesday's at 12:15 on KAYS (1400/94.3) and is a part of Tiger Club at the Robbins Center on the FHSU campus.

We're joined on the first show of the new school year by Fort Hays State cross country coach Jason McCullough, women's soccer coach Tyson John, men's soccer coach Gerry Cleary and volleyball coach Jessica Wood-Atkins.Tiger Talk airs live Wednesday's at 12:15 on KAYS (1400/94.3) and is a part of Tiger Club at the Robbins Center on the FHSU campus.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (September 30,2023)" 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=ybbyh-1493309-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: Tiger Talk (September 30, 2023)

CLASS 6A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
GARDNER-EDGERTON (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA NORTHWEST (0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
DERBY (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MANHATTAN (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLATHE NORTH (0-0)

CLASS
5A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MILL
VALLEY (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP
CARROLL (0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
KAPAUN MT.
CARMEL (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HUTCHINSON
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BLUE
VALLEY SOUTHWEST (0-0)

CLASS 4A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP
MIEGE (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. THOMAS
AQUINAS (0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. JAMES
ACADEMY (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WAMEGO
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
EUDORA
(0-0)

CLASS 3A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ANDALE
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CHENEY
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
TOPEKA
HAYDEN (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA
COLLEGIATE (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CLAY
CENTER (0-0)

CLASS 2A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NEMAHA
CENTRAL (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SABETHA
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
KINGMAN
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HOISINGTON
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SILVER
LAKE (0-0)

CLASS 1A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. MARYS
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
INMAN
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. MARYS
COLGAN (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CONWAY
SPRINGS (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLPE (0-0)

CLASS 8M-I 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA
CO. (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
LYNDON
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HILL CITY
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MEADE
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WEST ELK
(0-0)

CLASS 8M-II 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
AXTELL
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OSBORNE
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
VICTORIA
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
DIGHTON
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HANOVER
(0-0)

CLASS 6M RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CUNNINGHAM
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ASHLAND
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NORTHERN
VALLEY (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CHEYLIN
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WAVERLY
(0-0)

CLASS 6A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
GARDNER-EDGERTON (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA NORTHWEST (0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
DERBY (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MANHATTAN (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLATHE NORTH (0-0)CLASS
5A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MILL
VALLEY (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP
CARROLL (0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
KAPAUN MT.
CARMEL (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HUTCHINSON
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BLUE
VALLEY SOUTHWEST (0-0)CLASS 4A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
BISHOP
MIEGE (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. THOMAS
AQUINAS (0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. JAMES
ACADEMY (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WAMEGO
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
EUDORA
(0-0)CLASS 3A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ANDALE
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CHENEY
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
TOPEKA
HAYDEN (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA
COLLEGIATE (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CLAY
CENTER (0-0)CLASS 2A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NEMAHA
CENTRAL (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SABETHA
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
KINGMAN
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HOISINGTON
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
SILVER
LAKE (0-0)CLASS 1A 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. MARYS
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
INMAN
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ST. MARYS
COLGAN (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CONWAY
SPRINGS (0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OLPE (0-0)CLASS 8M-I 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WICHITA
CO. (0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
LYNDON
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HILL CITY
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
MEADE
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WEST ELK
(0-0)CLASS 8M-II 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
AXTELL
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
OSBORNE
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
VICTORIA
(0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
DIGHTON
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
HANOVER
(0-0)CLASS 6M RANKINGS 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CUNNINGHAM
(0-0) 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ASHLAND
(0-0) 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
NORTHERN
VALLEY (0-0) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
CHEYLIN
(0-0) 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
WAVERLY
(0-0)

🏈Kpreps week 1 rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ke'Bryan Hayes hit a two-run homer with two out in the eighth inning, helping rally the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Hayes hit his 11th homer of the season 424 feet to left-center to erase a one-run deficit. In the ninth inning, Liover Peguero added a three-run homer and Jack Suwinski scored on a Kansas City error.

“It feels great,” Hayes said. “Those are the type of moments you grow up playing the game for — late in the game tying the game up or taking the lead.”

The Pirates won the series opener 5-0 on Monday and will try to win three in a row on Wednesday for only the second time since the All-Star break. Pittsburgh hasn't swept a series since June 27-29 against San Diego.

Luis Ortiz (3-4) allowed just one run on three hits in five innings of relief to get the victory.

“Ortiz was outstanding,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. “He was totally in control of his delivery. The big inning was when he got out of the bases-loaded jam. He gave up one run, but he stayed composed and did a nice job.”

Carlos Hernandez (1-9), one of five Kansas City pitchers, gave up the home run to Hayes and took the loss.

The Royals lost a series for the seventh time in eight tries and would need to go 16-12 in their final 28 games to avoid matching the franchise record of 106 losses from 2005.

Kansas City squandered a solid effort by starter Cole Ragans, who allowed three hits, struck out nine and walked one in carrying a shutout through seven innings. With the nine strikeouts, he finished the month of August with 53 Ks, the second-most in Royals history behind Dennis Leonard's 55 in June 1977. He has a 1.73 ERA in seven starts with the Royals since being acquired in mid-July from Texas for Aroldis Chapman.

Shelton gave credit to Ragans when asked what changed after seven fruitless innings on offense.

“Ragans was out of the game, quite honestly,” he said. “That's really good stuff, a left-handed fastball at 99 and a change-up and a cutter. That's a good young pitcher.”

Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro was equally impressed.

“(A) continuation of what he’s been doing," he said. "All his pitches (were) effective, around the zone, in the zone, getting chase when he needed it, swing-and-miss in the zone. I would guess he might say it wasn’t his best command. He lost some balls arm-side, but was able to correct. But, his stuff’s so good that even when he was behind in the count he would get swing and miss.”

The first hit of the game came with no outs in the bottom of the fourth, when Bobby Witt Jr. lined a single into left field. Salvador Perez then lined a single off the glove of Hayes, sending Witt to third with no outs. After striking out MJ Melendez, Ortiz walked Nelson Velazquez, loading the bases. Drew Waters hit a line drive that tipped off Connor Joe's glove at first. Waters was retired, 4-3, but he picked up the game's first RBI.

Ragans allowed his first baserunner on a leadoff walk to Joe in the fifth. He later gave up a two-out single to Peguero, ending his no-hit bid. He struck out Jack Suwinski to end the threat.

Steven Cruz made his MLB debut Tuesday for Kansas City. He was acquired in the offseason in a trade for Michael A Taylor from the Twins. He became the 34th pitcher to appear in a game this season for Kansas City, extending a club record set last year at 32.

The Royals added two runs in the ninth on an RBI single by Freddy Fermin.

Royals: RHP Steven Cruz was selected from Triple-A Omaha. In a corresponding move, LHP Taylor Hearn was optioned to Triple-A Omaha following Monday night's game.

The Pirates and Royals conclude their three-game series Wednesday night. The Pirates will send Andre Jackson (0-1, 4.91 ERA) to the mound. Kansas City has not announced a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693365714889.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ke'Bryan Hayes hit a two-run homer with two out in the eighth inning, helping rally the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Hayes hit his 11th homer of the season 424 feet to left-center to erase a one-run deficit. In the ninth inning, Liover Peguero added a three-run homer and Jack Suwinski scored on a Kansas City error.“It feels great,” Hayes said. “Those are the type of moments you grow up playing the game for — late in the game tying the game up or taking the lead.”The Pirates won the series opener 5-0 on Monday and will try to win three in a row on Wednesday for only the second time since the All-Star break. Pittsburgh hasn't swept a series since June 27-29 against San Diego.Luis Ortiz (3-4) allowed just one run on three hits in five innings of relief to get the victory.“Ortiz was outstanding,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. “He was totally in control of his delivery. The big inning was when he got out of the bases-loaded jam. He gave up one run, but he stayed composed and did a nice job.”Carlos Hernandez (1-9), one of five Kansas City pitchers, gave up the home run to Hayes and took the loss.The Royals lost a series for the seventh time in eight tries and would need to go 16-12 in their final 28 games to avoid matching the franchise record of 106 losses from 2005.Kansas City squandered a solid effort by starter Cole Ragans, who allowed three hits, struck out nine and walked one in carrying a shutout through seven innings. With the nine strikeouts, he finished the month of August with 53 Ks, the second-most in Royals history behind Dennis Leonard's 55 in June 1977. He has a 1.73 ERA in seven starts with the Royals since being acquired in mid-July from Texas for Aroldis Chapman.Shelton gave credit to Ragans when asked what changed after seven fruitless innings on offense.“Ragans was out of the game, quite honestly,” he said. “That's really good stuff, a left-handed fastball at 99 and a change-up and a cutter. That's a good young pitcher.”Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro was equally impressed.“(A) continuation of what he’s been doing," he said. "All his pitches (were) effective, around the zone, in the zone, getting chase when he needed it, swing-and-miss in the zone. I would guess he might say it wasn’t his best command. He lost some balls arm-side, but was able to correct. But, his stuff’s so good that even when he was behind in the count he would get swing and miss.”The first hit of the game came with no outs in the bottom of the fourth, when Bobby Witt Jr. lined a single into left field. Salvador Perez then lined a single off the glove of Hayes, sending Witt to third with no outs. After striking out MJ Melendez, Ortiz walked Nelson Velazquez, loading the bases. Drew Waters hit a line drive that tipped off Connor Joe's glove at first. Waters was retired, 4-3, but he picked up the game's first RBI.Ragans allowed his first baserunner on a leadoff walk to Joe in the fifth. He later gave up a two-out single to Peguero, ending his no-hit bid. He struck out Jack Suwinski to end the threat.Steven Cruz made his MLB debut Tuesday for Kansas City. He was acquired in the offseason in a trade for Michael A Taylor from the Twins. He became the 34th pitcher to appear in a game this season for Kansas City, extending a club record set last year at 32.The Royals added two runs in the ninth on an RBI single by Freddy Fermin.TRANSACTIONS:Royals: RHP Steven Cruz was selected from Triple-A Omaha. In a corresponding move, LHP Taylor Hearn was optioned to Triple-A Omaha following Monday night's game.UP NEXT:The Pirates and Royals conclude their three-game series Wednesday night. The Pirates will send Andre Jackson (0-1, 4.91 ERA) to the mound. Kansas City has not announced a starter.

⚾ Ke’Bryan Hayes' 2-run homer sends Pirates to win over the Royals

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs acquired defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. from the Las Vegas Raiders for a sixth-round pick in a rare trade among division rivals, giving Kansas City some needed depth as All-Pro pass rusher Chris Jones continues his holdout.

The Chiefs agreed to the trade on Tuesday just hours before the deadline for teams to reach the 53-man roster limit, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because Farrell still must pass a physical. That is not expected to be an issue after the Raiders' fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft appeared in all of their preseason games.

About an hour after the deadline passed, word spread that the Chiefs had put Jones on the reserve/did not report list. That means he will not count toward the 53-man roster and his $19.5 million base salary will not count toward the salary cap.

Jones has been holding out in the hopes of earning a lucrative long-term contract, racking up millions in fines for missing the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp, their entire training camp and three preseason games.

In a back-and-forth with fans on social media, Jones indicated he would be willing to hold out until Week 8. That would be the deadline for making sure he would accrue a full season and fulfill the terms of his four-year, $80 million contract.

Even in that case, the Chiefs could use the franchise tag on him next offseason.

Farrell, who at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds plugs a mammoth hole in the middle of the defensive line, only had 12 tackles and two quarterback hits in nine games last season. But the acquisition of the 25-year-old tackle follows a trend of Chiefs general manager Brett Veach acquiring relatively high draft picks and giving them a fresh start in Kansas City.

“God don’t make mistakes, forever blessed and highly favored,” Farrell posted on Twitter after the trade.

The Chiefs were relatively thin along the defensive line with Jones holding out. Turk Wharton missed a big chunk of training camp with a knee injury, though he should be ready to go for their Sept. 7 opener against the Detroit Lions, while defensive end Charles Omenihu will begin serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

Among the players cut by the Chiefs on Tuesday was Danny Shelton, a defensive tackle who made a push for a roster spot.

“This is the toughest day, when you have to make the cuts because these guys have busted their tails through all the OTAs and then through the training camp,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They all can’t be here unfortunately.”

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs acquired defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. from the Las Vegas Raiders for a sixth-round pick in a rare trade among division rivals, giving Kansas City some needed depth as All-Pro pass rusher Chris Jones continues his holdout.The Chiefs agreed to the trade on Tuesday just hours before the deadline for teams to reach the 53-man roster limit, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because Farrell still must pass a physical. That is not expected to be an issue after the Raiders' fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft appeared in all of their preseason games.About an hour after the deadline passed, word spread that the Chiefs had put Jones on the reserve/did not report list. That means he will not count toward the 53-man roster and his $19.5 million base salary will not count toward the salary cap.Jones has been holding out in the hopes of earning a lucrative long-term contract, racking up millions in fines for missing the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp, their entire training camp and three preseason games.In a back-and-forth with fans on social media, Jones indicated he would be willing to hold out until Week 8. That would be the deadline for making sure he would accrue a full season and fulfill the terms of his four-year, $80 million contract.Even in that case, the Chiefs could use the franchise tag on him next offseason.Farrell, who at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds plugs a mammoth hole in the middle of the defensive line, only had 12 tackles and two quarterback hits in nine games last season. But the acquisition of the 25-year-old tackle follows a trend of Chiefs general manager Brett Veach acquiring relatively high draft picks and giving them a fresh start in Kansas City.“God don’t make mistakes, forever blessed and highly favored,” Farrell posted on Twitter after the trade.The Chiefs were relatively thin along the defensive line with Jones holding out. Turk Wharton missed a big chunk of training camp with a knee injury, though he should be ready to go for their Sept. 7 opener against the Detroit Lions, while defensive end Charles Omenihu will begin serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.Among the players cut by the Chiefs on Tuesday was Danny Shelton, a defensive tackle who made a push for a roster spot.“This is the toughest day, when you have to make the cuts because these guys have busted their tails through all the OTAs and then through the training camp,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They all can’t be here unfortunately.”

🏈 Chiefs get DT Neil Farrell Jr from division-rival Raiders for draft pick

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — With injuries impacting their depth at wide receiver, the Carolina Panthers made a move to acquire wide receiver/returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Kansas City Chiefs in a deal involving a swap of conditional 2025 seventh-round draft picks.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Smith-Marsette is coming off a strong preseason in which he was second in the league with 195 yards receiving on nine receptions.

The 2021 fifth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings averaged 21.7 yards per catch in three games, including two 40-plus yard receptions from Chiefs backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Smith-Marsette spent time with Minnesota and the Chicago Bears the past two seasons, catching five passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.

“We think he's a really good route runner with very good hands — and he's a smart guy,” Panthers coach Frank Reich said. “If you're on our roster, you need to be able to play all three positions because we move guys around a lot.”

With the NFL regular season less than two weeks away, the Panthers are dealing with injuries to three of their top five receivers — DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr.

By STEVE REED AP Sports WriterCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — With injuries impacting their depth at wide receiver, the Carolina Panthers made a move to acquire wide receiver/returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Kansas City Chiefs in a deal involving a swap of conditional 2025 seventh-round draft picks.The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Smith-Marsette is coming off a strong preseason in which he was second in the league with 195 yards receiving on nine receptions.The 2021 fifth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings averaged 21.7 yards per catch in three games, including two 40-plus yard receptions from Chiefs backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Smith-Marsette spent time with Minnesota and the Chicago Bears the past two seasons, catching five passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.“We think he's a really good route runner with very good hands — and he's a smart guy,” Panthers coach Frank Reich said. “If you're on our roster, you need to be able to play all three positions because we move guys around a lot.”With the NFL regular season less than two weeks away, the Panthers are dealing with injuries to three of their top five receivers — DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr.Chark, who is projected to start opposite Adam Thielen, did not practice on Tuesday as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury.“The goal is to be ready for Week 1,” Chark said. “That is what me and the training staff are working toward. I've been running, but not it's about getting back to the workload that I was at. But we have some time.”Shenault was limited at practice as he continues to make his way back from the concussion protocol. The Panthers got some good news on Marshall, who returned to practice Tuesday after dealing with a back injury in what Reich called “a good first step.”The Panthers also announced their other roster moves to get down to 53 players on Tuesday.The most notable cut was linebacker Deion Jones, a 2016 Pro Bowl linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons who was signed earlier this offseason to a one-year deal. Jones has started 88 games and played in 96 in his career, with 12 interceptions and 11 sacks.Carolina is keeping three QBs on the roster for now, with Matt Corral making the team as a backup to No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young and veteran Andy Dalton.The Panthers also parted ways with five draft picks from the era of former coach Matt Rhule, including wide receiver Shi Smith, cornerbacks Keith Taylor and Stantley Thomas-Oliver, linebacker Brandon Smith and offensive lineman Deonte Brown.Smith caught 22 passes for 296 yards and two TDs last season for Carolina, but he struggled to find his footing in the team's new offensive system.The team also cut wide receivers Javon Wims and Josh Vann, running back Spencer Brown, offensive linemen Cam Erving, Justin McCray, Michael Jordan, Sam Tecklenburg and JD Direnzo; defensive linemen Taylor Stallworth and Raequan Williams; outside linebackers Kobe Jones, Eku Leota and Jordan Thomas; inside linebacker Ace Eley; safety Eric Rowe; and cornerbacks Greg Mabin, Herb Miller, Mac McCain and Mark Milton.Right guard Austin Corbett will begin the season on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-rosters-football-injured-reserve-833263d4157e7c8f289ea99578830ae4">physically unable to perform list</a>&nbsp;as he continues to recover from a torn ACL he sustained in last year’s regular-season finale. That means Corbett will miss at least the first four games of the season.Defensive end Henry Anderson was placed on injured reserve.