KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There was a play last Sunday night at Tampa Bay when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes did a pirouette away from a defender,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1576740935735513088">then flicked a pass</a>&nbsp;to Clyde Edwards-Helaire standing in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

It was the kind of play that perhaps only Mahomes can make, and he made it look easy.

The way Raiders coach Josh McDaniels sees it, those kinds of did-you-see-that plays are going to happen, probably again when the AFC West rivals face each other Monday night. Mahomes is due for at least one a game. The trick is to make sure that one incredible play doesn’t set the tone for the rest of the night.

“When you play a great player in any sport,” McDaniels said, "they’re going to produce some moments like that during the course of the game. I think the biggest thing is you just have to try to be consistent and disciplined in your approach, if you can keep playing and have the right idea and make it as hard as you can on him.

“I think everybody tries to do that,” McDaniels added. “Some may have more success than others. But you’re not going to stop this guy from doing some really good things for their team. That’s just the nature of the sport.”

It's what makes facing the Chiefs (3-1) such a daunting challenge.

And unless you're facing them, it's also what makes them so much fun to watch.

“It may be surprising to some,” Edwards-Helaire said of those highlight-reel plays, “but it's just one of those things that, not necessarily we work on, but it's scramble rules. It's football, man. Spacing. You have to get to the open spot.”

Or, to describe it more succinctly: “That's Patrick, man,” Edwards-Helaire said.

The Raiders (1-3), who are coming off a much-needed win over Denver, have some playmakers of their own on offense, and it will be up to Derek Carr and the rest of them to keep up with Kansas City's second-ranked scoring offense.

Josh Jacobs is coming off arguably the best game of his career, catching five passes while running for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams caught nine passes for 109 yards. And fellow wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who has been out with a concussion since Week 2, was back at practice this week and could play Monday night at Kansas City.

“Any division game, you’ve got to pay a little bit more attention,” Adams said. “We obviously know those are going to be huge games, and especially against a really good team like this. You can’t take anybody lightly, but you’ve definitely got to get up to play a team like this, especially going into their place where the Raiders haven’t done a great job in the past.”

The Chiefs are hopeful that Harrison Butker, otherwise known as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/buttkicker7">@buttkicker7 on Twitter</a>, will return for the first time since spraining his plant ankle in the opener against Arizona. Matthew Wright was perfect as his replacement last week in Tampa Bay, but the Chiefs clearly prefer to have their accurate, strong-legged kicker on the field.

Carr ran for a career-high five first downs last week for the Raiders. Two came on short-yardage sneaks and three more on scrambles as he ran for 40 yards, his most productive day on the ground since 2017. And if defenses continue double-teaming Adams, Renfrow and Darren Waller, Carr intends to keep running.

“I take it upon my shoulders and find a lane and go,” he said. “It’s definitely something I’m conscious about.”

The red-zone issues that have plagued the Raiders in recent years still haven’t been solved, despite a new coaching staff and an upgraded roster. The Raiders have converted 44% of their red-zone drives into touchdowns, tied for fourth worst in the NFL, and they are fourth worst on defense, too, allowing TDs on 76.9% of red-zone drives.

“It comes down to being locked in and knowing your assignment and being disciplined enough to go execute,” Adams said.

The Chiefs are playing in prime time for the third time — one Thursday, one Sunday and now Monday — in their first five games. But don’t think for a moment they don’t like the spotlight. Kansas City has won its last five Monday night games while Mahomes is 6-1 as a starter in such high-profile contests.

Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense earned most of the plaudits for their 41-31 win over the Buccaneers, but all the defense did last week was allow a franchise-low 3 yards rushing on six carries to Leonard Fournette and Co.

“The thing that makes me most excited is the influx of young guys we've got, and those guys have an opportunity to grow and get better,” Chiefs coach Andy Reis said. “If you keep working and do it day-in and day-out, and work, you have a chance to be something special. But you have to stay in that frame of mind.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — There was a play last Sunday night at Tampa Bay when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes did a pirouette away from a defender,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1576740935735513088">then flicked a pass</a>&nbsp;to Clyde Edwards-Helaire standing in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.It was the kind of play that perhaps only Mahomes can make, and he made it look easy.The way Raiders coach Josh McDaniels sees it, those kinds of did-you-see-that plays are going to happen, probably again when the AFC West rivals face each other Monday night. Mahomes is due for at least one a game. The trick is to make sure that one incredible play doesn’t set the tone for the rest of the night.“When you play a great player in any sport,” McDaniels said, "they’re going to produce some moments like that during the course of the game. I think the biggest thing is you just have to try to be consistent and disciplined in your approach, if you can keep playing and have the right idea and make it as hard as you can on him.“I think everybody tries to do that,” McDaniels added. “Some may have more success than others. But you’re not going to stop this guy from doing some really good things for their team. That’s just the nature of the sport.”It's what makes facing the Chiefs (3-1) such a daunting challenge.And unless you're facing them, it's also what makes them so much fun to watch.“It may be surprising to some,” Edwards-Helaire said of those highlight-reel plays, “but it's just one of those things that, not necessarily we work on, but it's scramble rules. It's football, man. Spacing. You have to get to the open spot.”Or, to describe it more succinctly: “That's Patrick, man,” Edwards-Helaire said.The Raiders (1-3), who are coming off a much-needed win over Denver, have some playmakers of their own on offense, and it will be up to Derek Carr and the rest of them to keep up with Kansas City's second-ranked scoring offense.Josh Jacobs is coming off arguably the best game of his career, catching five passes while running for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams caught nine passes for 109 yards. And fellow wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who has been out with a concussion since Week 2, was back at practice this week and could play Monday night at Kansas City.“Any division game, you’ve got to pay a little bit more attention,” Adams said. “We obviously know those are going to be huge games, and especially against a really good team like this. You can’t take anybody lightly, but you’ve definitely got to get up to play a team like this, especially going into their place where the Raiders haven’t done a great job in the past.”BUTT-KICKER RETURNSThe Chiefs are hopeful that Harrison Butker, otherwise known as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/buttkicker7">@buttkicker7 on Twitter</a>, will return for the first time since spraining his plant ankle in the opener against Arizona. Matthew Wright was perfect as his replacement last week in Tampa Bay, but the Chiefs clearly prefer to have their accurate, strong-legged kicker on the field.RUN TO THE CARRCarr ran for a career-high five first downs last week for the Raiders. Two came on short-yardage sneaks and three more on scrambles as he ran for 40 yards, his most productive day on the ground since 2017. And if defenses continue double-teaming Adams, Renfrow and Darren Waller, Carr intends to keep running.“I take it upon my shoulders and find a lane and go,” he said. “It’s definitely something I’m conscious about.”RED ZONE WOESThe red-zone issues that have plagued the Raiders in recent years still haven’t been solved, despite a new coaching staff and an upgraded roster. The Raiders have converted 44% of their red-zone drives into touchdowns, tied for fourth worst in the NFL, and they are fourth worst on defense, too, allowing TDs on 76.9% of red-zone drives.“It comes down to being locked in and knowing your assignment and being disciplined enough to go execute,” Adams said.PRIME TIMEThe Chiefs are playing in prime time for the third time — one Thursday, one Sunday and now Monday — in their first five games. But don’t think for a moment they don’t like the spotlight. Kansas City has won its last five Monday night games while Mahomes is 6-1 as a starter in such high-profile contests.STINGY DEFENSEMahomes and the Chiefs' offense earned most of the plaudits for their 41-31 win over the Buccaneers, but all the defense did last week was allow a franchise-low 3 yards rushing on six carries to Leonard Fournette and Co.“The thing that makes me most excited is the influx of young guys we've got, and those guys have an opportunity to grow and get better,” Chiefs coach Andy Reis said. “If you keep working and do it day-in and day-out, and work, you have a chance to be something special. But you have to stay in that frame of mind.”

🏈 Raiders aim to dispel more Mahomes magic in MNF trip to KC

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2022 Week 5 Volleyball Rankings. This week’s rankings reflect the new 2022-23 KSHSAAclassifications, as well as information that was submitted by Monday, October 3.

Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 20-1 (1) 2. Olathe Northwest 18-5 (2) 3. Olathe West 21-4 (3) 4. Blue Valley 19-6 (4) 5. Blue Valley West 15-7 (5) 6. Blue Valley Northwest 17-8 (7) 7. Mill Valley 19-6 (8) 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 19-9 (NR) 9. Wichita Northwest 20-3 (10) 10. Blue Valley North 13-8 (6)

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 18-2 (1) 2. St. James Academy 15-1 (2) 3. Maize South 17-2 (3) 4. Lansing 22-4 (4) 5. Topeka-Seaman 18-4 (6) 6. Hutchinson 25-5 (7) 7. Bishop Carroll 13-5 (8) 8. Andover Central 25-7 (5) 9. Blue Valley Southwest 18-11 (NR) 10. Goddard-Eisenhower 19-7 (9)

Class 4A 1. Andale 26-0 (1) 2. Baldwin 24-1 (2) 3. Circle 17-3 (3) 4. Bishop Miege 8-14 (4) 5. Rock Creek 17-7 (6) 6. Paola 15-9 (5) 7. Clay Center 16-8 (7) 8. Eudora 16-9 (8) 9. Tonganoxie 16-12 (9) 10. Chanute 17-7 (10)

Class 3A 1. Nemaha Central 27-1 (1) 2. Heritage Christian 19-7 (2) 3. Cheney 23-2 (4) 4. Beloit 26-5 (3) 5. Riverton 23-1 (5) 6. Goodland 20-3 (7) 7. Rossville 23-3 (10) 8. Eureka 22-1 (8) 9. Silver Lake 21-8 (NR) 10. Smoky Valley 18-6 (NR)

Class 2A 1. Hillsboro 23-1 (1) 2. Sedgwick 28-0 (2) 3. Smith Center 28-2 (3) 4. Ellinwood 23-3 (5) 5. Inman 24-5 (4) 6. Garden Plain 14-5 (6) 7. Jackson Heights 20-3 (7) 8. Berean Academy 21-6 (9) 9. Ell-Saline 23-4 (NR) 10. Hoxie 22-6 (10)

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Spearville 18-2 (3) 2. Little River 24-3 (1) 3. Pretty Prairie 23-3 (2) 4. Doniphan West 20-2 (4) 5. South Gray 19-4 (6) 6. Sylvan-Lucas 25-2 (5) 7. Centralia 21-5 (8) 8. St. Francis 21-6 (7) 9. Flinthills 25-2 (9) 10. Kiowa County 16-6 (10)

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Attica 25-1 (1) 2. Lebo 23-1 (2) 3. Hanover 20-5 (3) 4. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton 20-6 (4) 5. St. Paul 24-6 (5) 6. Coldwater-South Central 16-6 (6) 7. Greeley County 17-7 (7) 8. Southern Coffey County 16-6 (8) 9. Hutchinson-Central Christian 16-7 (10) 10. Ingalls 14-7 (NR)

KVA ReleaseTOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the 2022 Week 5 Volleyball Rankings. This week’s rankings reflect the new 2022-23 KSHSAAclassifications, as well as information that was submitted by Monday, October 3.Class 6A 1. Washburn Rural 20-1 (1) 2. Olathe Northwest 18-5 (2) 3. Olathe West 21-4 (3) 4. Blue Valley 19-6 (4) 5. Blue Valley West 15-7 (5) 6. Blue Valley Northwest 17-8 (7) 7. Mill Valley 19-6 (8) 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 19-9 (NR) 9. Wichita Northwest 20-3 (10) 10. Blue Valley North 13-8 (6)Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 18-2 (1) 2. St. James Academy 15-1 (2) 3. Maize South 17-2 (3) 4. Lansing 22-4 (4) 5. Topeka-Seaman 18-4 (6) 6. Hutchinson 25-5 (7) 7. Bishop Carroll 13-5 (8) 8. Andover Central 25-7 (5) 9. Blue Valley Southwest 18-11 (NR) 10. Goddard-Eisenhower 19-7 (9)Class 4A 1. Andale 26-0 (1) 2. Baldwin 24-1 (2) 3. Circle 17-3 (3) 4. Bishop Miege 8-14 (4) 5. Rock Creek 17-7 (6) 6. Paola 15-9 (5) 7. Clay Center 16-8 (7) 8. Eudora 16-9 (8) 9. Tonganoxie 16-12 (9) 10. Chanute 17-7 (10)Class 3A 1. Nemaha Central 27-1 (1) 2. Heritage Christian 19-7 (2) 3. Cheney 23-2 (4) 4. Beloit 26-5 (3) 5. Riverton 23-1 (5) 6. Goodland 20-3 (7) 7. Rossville 23-3 (10) 8. Eureka 22-1 (8) 9. Silver Lake 21-8 (NR) 10. Smoky Valley 18-6 (NR)Class 2A 1. Hillsboro 23-1 (1) 2. Sedgwick 28-0 (2) 3. Smith Center 28-2 (3) 4. Ellinwood 23-3 (5) 5. Inman 24-5 (4) 6. Garden Plain 14-5 (6) 7. Jackson Heights 20-3 (7) 8. Berean Academy 21-6 (9) 9. Ell-Saline 23-4 (NR) 10. Hoxie 22-6 (10)Class 1A – Division 1 1. Spearville 18-2 (3) 2. Little River 24-3 (1) 3. Pretty Prairie 23-3 (2) 4. Doniphan West 20-2 (4) 5. South Gray 19-4 (6) 6. Sylvan-Lucas 25-2 (5) 7. Centralia 21-5 (8) 8. St. Francis 21-6 (7) 9. Flinthills 25-2 (9) 10. Kiowa County 16-6 (10)Class 1A – Division 2 1. Attica 25-1 (1) 2. Lebo 23-1 (2) 3. Hanover 20-5 (3) 4. Beloit-St. John’s/Tipton 20-6 (4) 5. St. Paul 24-6 (5) 6. Coldwater-South Central 16-6 (6) 7. Greeley County 17-7 (7) 8. Southern Coffey County 16-6 (8) 9. Hutchinson-Central Christian 16-7 (10) 10. Ingalls 14-7 (NR)

🏐 Latest KVA rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred were fired by the Kansas Cty Royals on Wednesday night, shortly after the struggling franchise finished the season 65-97 with a listless 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

The Royals had exercised their option on Matheny's contract for 2023 during spring training, when the club hoped it was turning the corner from also-ran to contender. But plagued by poor pitching, struggles from young position players and a lackluster group of veterans, the Royals were largely out of playoff contention by the middle of summer.

The disappointing on-field product led owner John Sherman last month to fire longtime front office executive Dayton Moore, the architect of back-to-back American League champions and the 2015 World Series title team. He was replaced by one of his longtime understudies, J.J. Picollo, who made the decision to fire Matheny hours after the season ended.

"Managing the Royals has been a true privilege,” Matheny said in a statement. “I’m thankful to so many, primarily Dayton Moore, and the coaches and players I’ve worked with. I would like to thank Mr. John Sherman and the ownership group for the opportunity to manage their team, and everyone involved in this great organization.

"I came to the Royals knowing it was an organization of excellence and care, and was shown that care every single day. Royals fans should be excited about this group of players, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow.”

Matheny spent parts of seven seasons managing the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing each with a winning record and winning the National League pennant in 2013. But after his firing midway through 2018, he was hired by the Royals in an advisory role, and then tapped to succeed longtime manager Ned Yost when he retired before the 2020 season.

Put in charge of a rebuild in the works, Matheny went 26-34 during a COVID-19-shortened first season, then appeared to show progress last season, when the Royals ushered forward a slew of young prospects and finished 74-88.

The expectation was another step forward this season, but the Royals instead spent September fighting off 100 losses.

Matheny finished 165-219 during his time with the Royals, though the number that perhaps is more important to the future of the club is 29 — the number of players that made their Major League debut during his tenure.

"We are grateful to Mike for leading us through some unusual times these last three seasons,” Picollo said in a statement. “He met those challenges head on and helped us move forward in a positive manner. We thank him for his leadership and know his influence will have a positive impact moving forward.”

Matheny became the fifth big league manager to be fired this year.

Philadelphia's Joe Girardi was replaced on June 3 by Rob Thomson, who engineered a miraculous turnaround to get the Phillies into the playoffs. The Angels replaced Joe Maddon with Phil Nevin four days later, Toronto's Charlie Montoyo was succeeded by John Schneider on July 13 and the Rangers' Chris Woodward by Tony Beasley on Aug. 15.

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa left the team on Aug. 30 for medical tests and said Monday he will not return for 2023.

In addition, Miami's Don Mattingly said late last month that he will not return next season.

While he was well-liked in the Kansas City clubhouse, it seemed unlikely Matheny would be granted another season when Moore was fired last month. Sherman indicated at the time the change in the leadership of the baseball operations department was only the start of what was expected to be widespread shifts throughout the organization.

The Royals have struggled for years to develop pitching — they had the fourth-worst ERA and the worst WHIP by far of any staff in the majors this season. And the continued struggles by their latest wave of young arms was a big reason for letting go of Eldred, the pitching coach since 2018.

“The bottom line here is it's time for change,” Sherman said last month. “There is a gap right now between where we are and where we expected to be. ... I felt like in 2021 we did make progress, and in 2022, that's not how I feel. There have been some bright spots — I love seeing the young players — but in 2022, we are not where we expected to be.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred were fired by the Kansas Cty Royals on Wednesday night, shortly after the struggling franchise finished the season 65-97 with a listless 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.The Royals had exercised their option on Matheny's contract for 2023 during spring training, when the club hoped it was turning the corner from also-ran to contender. But plagued by poor pitching, struggles from young position players and a lackluster group of veterans, the Royals were largely out of playoff contention by the middle of summer.The disappointing on-field product led owner John Sherman last month to fire longtime front office executive Dayton Moore, the architect of back-to-back American League champions and the 2015 World Series title team. He was replaced by one of his longtime understudies, J.J. Picollo, who made the decision to fire Matheny hours after the season ended."Managing the Royals has been a true privilege,” Matheny said in a statement. “I’m thankful to so many, primarily Dayton Moore, and the coaches and players I’ve worked with. I would like to thank Mr. John Sherman and the ownership group for the opportunity to manage their team, and everyone involved in this great organization."I came to the Royals knowing it was an organization of excellence and care, and was shown that care every single day. Royals fans should be excited about this group of players, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow.”Matheny spent parts of seven seasons managing the St. Louis Cardinals, finishing each with a winning record and winning the National League pennant in 2013. But after his firing midway through 2018, he was hired by the Royals in an advisory role, and then tapped to succeed longtime manager Ned Yost when he retired before the 2020 season.Put in charge of a rebuild in the works, Matheny went 26-34 during a COVID-19-shortened first season, then appeared to show progress last season, when the Royals ushered forward a slew of young prospects and finished 74-88.The expectation was another step forward this season, but the Royals instead spent September fighting off 100 losses.Matheny finished 165-219 during his time with the Royals, though the number that perhaps is more important to the future of the club is 29 — the number of players that made their Major League debut during his tenure."We are grateful to Mike for leading us through some unusual times these last three seasons,” Picollo said in a statement. “He met those challenges head on and helped us move forward in a positive manner. We thank him for his leadership and know his influence will have a positive impact moving forward.”Matheny became the fifth big league manager to be fired this year.Philadelphia's Joe Girardi was replaced on June 3 by Rob Thomson, who engineered a miraculous turnaround to get the Phillies into the playoffs. The Angels replaced Joe Maddon with Phil Nevin four days later, Toronto's Charlie Montoyo was succeeded by John Schneider on July 13 and the Rangers' Chris Woodward by Tony Beasley on Aug. 15.Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa left the team on Aug. 30 for medical tests and said Monday he will not return for 2023.In addition, Miami's Don Mattingly said late last month that he will not return next season.While he was well-liked in the Kansas City clubhouse, it seemed unlikely Matheny would be granted another season when Moore was fired last month. Sherman indicated at the time the change in the leadership of the baseball operations department was only the start of what was expected to be widespread shifts throughout the organization.The Royals have struggled for years to develop pitching — they had the fourth-worst ERA and the worst WHIP by far of any staff in the majors this season. And the continued struggles by their latest wave of young arms was a big reason for letting go of Eldred, the pitching coach since 2018.“The bottom line here is it's time for change,” Sherman said last month. “There is a gap right now between where we are and where we expected to be. ... I felt like in 2021 we did make progress, and in 2022, that's not how I feel. There have been some bright spots — I love seeing the young players — but in 2022, we are not where we expected to be.”

⚾ Royals fire manager Mike Matheny after 65-97 end to season

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramirez drove in two runs and had four hits, Aaron Civale pitched six solid innings and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Wednesday in their final tune-up for the postseason.

Cleveland opens the wild-card round against Tampa Bay on Friday at Progressive Field.

The AL Central champions are 24-6 since Sept. 5 and finished the regular season 92-70. The youngest team in baseball had 17 players make their major league debuts this season. Cleveland finished 80-82 last season.

Ramirez had run-scoring singles in the second and sixth, and ends the regular season with 126 RBIs. Ramirez doubled in the eighth and received a loud ovation from the 12,983 fans when he was removed for a pinch-runner.

The fact Ramirez hustled into second for a double in his final at-bat of the regular season with his team ahead by six runs came as no surprise.

“He’s the heart and soul of the team and everyone would tell you that same thing,” Civale said. “There’s a lot of pieces involved, but he is that supreme piece. It’s extremely fun to watch. It’s great that we get to do it from the same dugout and not across the way.”

Rookie Steven Kwan ended the regular season batting .298. His chance to hit .300 ended when he was hit by a pitch in the seventh.

“I thought it was fitting that Josey finished on a hustle double and Kwan, who’s trying to hit .300, alerts the umpire that he gets hit because he’s playing the game,” manager Terry Francona said “That, to me, means we’re going in a good direction. ”

Civale (5-6) struck out nine and is 3-0 since returning from his third stint on the injured list. The right-hander gave up solo homers to Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel. Civale will be Cleveland’s starter in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, if the wild-card round goes three games.

Kansas City starter Jonathan Heasley (4-10) allowed six runs and nine hits in five innings.

Kansas City (65-97) finished last in the AL Central. The Royals were 74-88 last season. Kansas City hasn’t reached the postseason since winning the World Series in 2015.

Five players drove in runs for the Guardians. Josh Naylor had three RBIs, including a two-run single when the Guardians scored four times in the first. Myles Straw had a sacrifice fly in the second and an RBI single in the seventh.

Rookie Will Brennan and Luke Maile also had RBIs in the first.

“I gave up the run in the first inning and Naylor, of course, says, ‘Don’t worry, we got you’ and we put up four in the first and then one in the next, one in the next,” Civale said. “It never stops. We’ve said all year we’re never out of a game.”

Pasquantino finished his rookie season with 10 home runs, while Isbel batted .308 over his final 11 games after snapping an 0-for-21 slump.

“Good for both of them, getting a little reward in a long year, do a little damage,” said Matheny, who became the fifth big league manager to be fired this year.

Cleveland drew 1,295,870 in 76 dates fans this season. Cleveland had an attendance of 1,738,642 fans in 2019, the last season before COVID-19 restrictions.

The last thing a postseason team needs is an injury in the final game of the regular season, but Andrés Giménez and Oscar Gonzalez caused the Guardians brief concern Wednesday.

Giménez was hit by a pitch for an AL-leading 25th time this season in the fourth when he took one on the right knee. He limped out of the box, but stayed in the game after talking to manager Terry Francona and a team trainer.

Gonzalez's slide into third base got the attention of Cleveland’s dugout in the first. After drawing a walk, he slid headfirst into the bag on Brennan’s single to right, but appeared to land on his nose as he slid in safely.

Gonzalez stayed on the ground for a couple of moments as third base coach Mike Sarbaugh retrieved his helmet. Gonzalez slowly got to his feet and stayed in the game.

Royals: C Salvador Perez (left thumb soreness) missed the final four games of the six-game series. He had surgery on his thumb earlier this season and felt soreness during Saturday’s game when he went 4 for 4. Perez homered in his final at-bat Saturday for his 1,274th career hit, passing Billy Butler for eighth place on the Royals’ all-time list.

Royals: Kansas City plays Texas on Feb. 24 in the spring training opener.

Guardians: RHP Shane Bieber (13-8, 2.88 ERA) will start Friday’s series opener. He reached the 200-inning mark in his final regular-season start against Kansas City on Sunday. Bieber hasn’t lost since Sept. 1 and is 5-0 over his last six starts. His only postseason start came in 2020, when he won the AL Cy Young Award, but was the losing pitcher in Game 1 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees. Bieber allowed seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramirez drove in two runs and had four hits, Aaron Civale pitched six solid innings and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Wednesday in their final tune-up for the postseason.Cleveland opens the wild-card round against Tampa Bay on Friday at Progressive Field.The AL Central champions are 24-6 since Sept. 5 and finished the regular season 92-70. The youngest team in baseball had 17 players make their major league debuts this season. Cleveland finished 80-82 last season.Ramirez had run-scoring singles in the second and sixth, and ends the regular season with 126 RBIs. Ramirez doubled in the eighth and received a loud ovation from the 12,983 fans when he was removed for a pinch-runner.The fact Ramirez hustled into second for a double in his final at-bat of the regular season with his team ahead by six runs came as no surprise.“He’s the heart and soul of the team and everyone would tell you that same thing,” Civale said. “There’s a lot of pieces involved, but he is that supreme piece. It’s extremely fun to watch. It’s great that we get to do it from the same dugout and not across the way.”Rookie Steven Kwan ended the regular season batting .298. His chance to hit .300 ended when he was hit by a pitch in the seventh.“I thought it was fitting that Josey finished on a hustle double and Kwan, who’s trying to hit .300, alerts the umpire that he gets hit because he’s playing the game,” manager Terry Francona said “That, to me, means we’re going in a good direction. ”Civale (5-6) struck out nine and is 3-0 since returning from his third stint on the injured list. The right-hander gave up solo homers to Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel. Civale will be Cleveland’s starter in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, if the wild-card round goes three games.Kansas City starter Jonathan Heasley (4-10) allowed six runs and nine hits in five innings.Kansas City (65-97) finished last in the AL Central. The Royals were 74-88 last season. Kansas City hasn’t reached the postseason since winning the World Series in 2015.Five players drove in runs for the Guardians. Josh Naylor had three RBIs, including a two-run single when the Guardians scored four times in the first. Myles Straw had a sacrifice fly in the second and an RBI single in the seventh.Rookie Will Brennan and Luke Maile also had RBIs in the first.“I gave up the run in the first inning and Naylor, of course, says, ‘Don’t worry, we got you’ and we put up four in the first and then one in the next, one in the next,” Civale said. “It never stops. We’ve said all year we’re never out of a game.”Pasquantino finished his rookie season with 10 home runs, while Isbel batted .308 over his final 11 games after snapping an 0-for-21 slump.“Good for both of them, getting a little reward in a long year, do a little damage,” said Matheny, who became the fifth big league manager to be fired this year.Cleveland drew 1,295,870 in 76 dates fans this season. Cleveland had an attendance of 1,738,642 fans in 2019, the last season before COVID-19 restrictions.TIME FOR THE PLAYOFFSThe last thing a postseason team needs is an injury in the final game of the regular season, but Andrés Giménez and Oscar Gonzalez caused the Guardians brief concern Wednesday.Giménez was hit by a pitch for an AL-leading 25th time this season in the fourth when he took one on the right knee. He limped out of the box, but stayed in the game after talking to manager Terry Francona and a team trainer.Gonzalez's slide into third base got the attention of Cleveland’s dugout in the first. After drawing a walk, he slid headfirst into the bag on Brennan’s single to right, but appeared to land on his nose as he slid in safely.Gonzalez stayed on the ground for a couple of moments as third base coach Mike Sarbaugh retrieved his helmet. Gonzalez slowly got to his feet and stayed in the game.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (left thumb soreness) missed the final four games of the six-game series. He had surgery on his thumb earlier this season and felt soreness during Saturday’s game when he went 4 for 4. Perez homered in his final at-bat Saturday for his 1,274th career hit, passing Billy Butler for eighth place on the Royals’ all-time list.UP NEXTRoyals: Kansas City plays Texas on Feb. 24 in the spring training opener.Guardians: RHP Shane Bieber (13-8, 2.88 ERA) will start Friday’s series opener. He reached the 200-inning mark in his final regular-season start against Kansas City on Sunday. Bieber hasn’t lost since Sept. 1 and is 5-0 over his last six starts. His only postseason start came in 2020, when he won the AL Cy Young Award, but was the losing pitcher in Game 1 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees. Bieber allowed seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

⚾ Royals close out season with loss in Cleveland

The entire Major League Baseball playoff picture is now set. 

The four matchups in the wild-card round were locked in Tuesday night, right before the last day of the regular season. Every series starts Friday and is a best two of three. Plus, the higher seed will host every game. In the National League, the San Diego Padres visit the New York Mets while the Philadelphia Phillies play at the St. Louis Cardinals. In the American League, the Seattle Mariners visit the Toronto Blue Jays while the Tampa Bay Rays play at the Cleveland Guardians. The postseason was expanded from 10 teams last year to 12 this season.

Albert Pujols taking his final swings in October, Julio Rodríguez stepping in for the first time. Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom facing Manny Machado and Juan Soto.

Bryce Harper, back at last. José Ramírez and his Cleveland teammates trying to break a long drought — with a new name.

And Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and other top stars looming next week.

The entire Major League Baseball playoff picture came into focus Tuesday night. The matchups were finally set, right before the last day of the regular season.

The postseason, expanded from 10 teams last year to 12 this season, begins Friday with a newly created wild-card round. All four series are best two of three — three days in a row, no breaks, with the higher seed hosting every game.

In the National League, it's Padres-Mets and Phillies-Cardinals. In the American League, it's Mariners-Blue Jays and Rays-Guardians.

At Citi Field, New York figures to throw aces Scherzer and deGrom at San Diego, featuring big-hitting Machado and Soto. The Mets' bid to win the NL East ended when they were beaten out by the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves, so New York wound up as the top NL wild-card team.

"We have to go on the road and play against a tough team and beat some of the best pitchers in the game," Machado said. "It is about going out there and enjoying the moment."

At Busch Stadium, soon-to-be retired St. Louis stars Yadier Molina and Pujols host Harper and Philadelphia. The Cardinals won the NL Central, but as the No. 3 seed don't get the benefit of an early bye.

A two-time champion with the Cardinals, the 42-year-old Pujols has looked like a 24-year-old version of himself down the stretch, topping 700 career home runs and passing Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time RBIs list.

A two-time MVP, Harper makes his first playoff appearance since 2017 with Washington. He missed two months in the middle of the season because of a broken thumb but is ready to swing away for the Phillies.

In Cleveland, Ramírez leads a young team that includes rookie sparkplug Steven Kwan and hard-throwing closer Emmanuel Clase as the AL Central champs host Tampa Bay.

This will be Cleveland's first postseason appearance as the Guardians. The team hasn't won the World Series since 1948. Randy Arozarena, already established as a playoff star, will try to boost the Rays to the first championship in franchise history.

The Guardians went 4-2 against the Rays this year, winning two of three last week at Progressive Field. All three games in the series were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings.

"It will be a good environment," Tampa Bay second baseman Taylor Walls. "It's a good thing that we just went there. ... I know the guys are amped up. We're ready to be there."

In Toronto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the top AL wild-card Blue Jays take on Seattle and its rookie sensation, Rodríguez. The series also matches Robbie Ray, who won the Cy Young Award with Toronto last year, against his former team.

All four matchups are scheduled to end Sunday. The best-of-five Division Series in both leagues begin Oct. 11.

Judge, fresh off hitting his 62nd home run to set the AL record, and the Yankees will host the Tampa Bay-Cleveland winner in Game 1. Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros start at home against the Seattle-Toronto winner.

In the NL, Freddie Freeman, Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have set a franchise record for wins, host the Mets-San Diego winner in the opener. Ronald Acuña Jr., injured last fall when the Braves won the World Series, will start at home against the St. Louis-Philadelphia winner.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSThe entire Major League Baseball playoff picture is now set. The four matchups in the wild-card round were locked in Tuesday night, right before the last day of the regular season. Every series starts Friday and is a best two of three. Plus, the higher seed will host every game. In the National League, the San Diego Padres visit the New York Mets while the Philadelphia Phillies play at the St. Louis Cardinals. In the American League, the Seattle Mariners visit the Toronto Blue Jays while the Tampa Bay Rays play at the Cleveland Guardians. The postseason was expanded from 10 teams last year to 12 this season.Albert Pujols taking his final swings in October, Julio Rodríguez stepping in for the first time. Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom facing Manny Machado and Juan Soto.Bryce Harper, back at last. José Ramírez and his Cleveland teammates trying to break a long drought — with a new name.And Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and other top stars looming next week.The entire Major League Baseball playoff picture came into focus Tuesday night. The matchups were finally set, right before the last day of the regular season.The postseason, expanded from 10 teams last year to 12 this season, begins Friday with a newly created wild-card round. All four series are best two of three — three days in a row, no breaks, with the higher seed hosting every game.In the National League, it's Padres-Mets and Phillies-Cardinals. In the American League, it's Mariners-Blue Jays and Rays-Guardians.At Citi Field, New York figures to throw aces Scherzer and deGrom at San Diego, featuring big-hitting Machado and Soto. The Mets' bid to win the NL East ended when they were beaten out by the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves, so New York wound up as the top NL wild-card team."We have to go on the road and play against a tough team and beat some of the best pitchers in the game," Machado said. "It is about going out there and enjoying the moment."At Busch Stadium, soon-to-be retired St. Louis stars Yadier Molina and Pujols host Harper and Philadelphia. The Cardinals won the NL Central, but as the No. 3 seed don't get the benefit of an early bye.A two-time champion with the Cardinals, the 42-year-old Pujols has looked like a 24-year-old version of himself down the stretch, topping 700 career home runs and passing Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time RBIs list.A two-time MVP, Harper makes his first playoff appearance since 2017 with Washington. He missed two months in the middle of the season because of a broken thumb but is ready to swing away for the Phillies.In Cleveland, Ramírez leads a young team that includes rookie sparkplug Steven Kwan and hard-throwing closer Emmanuel Clase as the AL Central champs host Tampa Bay.This will be Cleveland's first postseason appearance as the Guardians. The team hasn't won the World Series since 1948. Randy Arozarena, already established as a playoff star, will try to boost the Rays to the first championship in franchise history.The Guardians went 4-2 against the Rays this year, winning two of three last week at Progressive Field. All three games in the series were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings."It will be a good environment," Tampa Bay second baseman Taylor Walls. "It's a good thing that we just went there. ... I know the guys are amped up. We're ready to be there."In Toronto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the top AL wild-card Blue Jays take on Seattle and its rookie sensation, Rodríguez. The series also matches Robbie Ray, who won the Cy Young Award with Toronto last year, against his former team.All four matchups are scheduled to end Sunday. The best-of-five Division Series in both leagues begin Oct. 11.Judge, fresh off hitting his 62nd home run to set the AL record, and the Yankees will host the Tampa Bay-Cleveland winner in Game 1. Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros start at home against the Seattle-Toronto winner.In the NL, Freddie Freeman, Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have set a franchise record for wins, host the Mets-San Diego winner in the opener. Ronald Acuña Jr., injured last fall when the Braves won the World Series, will start at home against the St. Louis-Philadelphia winner.

⚾ MLB playoff picture all set, best-of-3 matchups start Friday

DODGE CITY -&nbsp;The Hays High girls’ golf team placed three in the top-10 and
easily won the Great Bend Invitational by 41 strokes over Garden City Tuesday. The victory also secured them a third-straight Western Athletic Conference team title.

The tournament, which was the final Western Athletic Conference event of the season, was played at the Dodge City Country Club due to the condition at the Stoneridge Country Club.

Katie Dinkel shot a 2-over-par 74 and was top medalist. Jaycee Oakley finished third with a 78, Lily Garrison placed fourth with an 83 and Claire Humphrey finished seventh with an 88.

Dinkel earned Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. She needed to beat Garden City's Ryann Warren and did by one stroke to take home the WAC top player honor by a half-point.

Jaycee Oakley and Abbie Norris were also on the All-WAC first team. Evyn Cox, Claire Humphrey and Lily Garrison are on the second team.

Indians head coach Mark Watts is the WAC Coach of the Year.

HHS golfs in regionals Monday at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664968041235.jpeg" alt="HHS Athletics" />
 <figcaption>HHS Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostDODGE CITY -&nbsp;The Hays High girls’ golf team placed three in the top-10 and
easily won the Great Bend Invitational by 41 strokes over Garden City Tuesday. The victory also secured them a third-straight Western Athletic Conference team title.The tournament, which was the final Western Athletic Conference event of the season, was played at the Dodge City Country Club due to the condition at the Stoneridge Country Club.Katie Dinkel shot a 2-over-par 74 and was top medalist. Jaycee Oakley finished third with a 78, Lily Garrison placed fourth with an 83 and Claire Humphrey finished seventh with an 88.Dinkel earned Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. She needed to beat Garden City's Ryann Warren and did by one stroke to take home the WAC top player honor by a half-point.Jaycee Oakley and Abbie Norris were also on the All-WAC first team. Evyn Cox, Claire Humphrey and Lily Garrison are on the second team.Indians head coach Mark Watts is the WAC Coach of the Year.HHS golfs in regionals Monday at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.

⛳ HHS, Dinkel win final WAC event of the season

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cal Quantrill's record at home has gone from oddity to rarity.

Quantrill finished the regular season unbeaten at Progressive Field, improving to 14-0 in his career at the ballpark after Owen Miller hit a two-run homer to send the Cleveland Guardians to a 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Quantrill (15-5) was in danger of his unblemished record at home ending before Miller's shot off Daniel Lynch (4-13) capped Cleveland's five-run fifth. Quantrill's 14-game winning streak is the longest in the ballpark's history.

“I try to keep the boys in the game,” he said of his charmed ways in Cleveland. "I trust that if I come out of a game with the lead that they’ll keep it, and if I don’t, that they’ll score. I don’t have a magic formula. I just compete.”

Quantrill's streak also matches the longest for a pitcher in any ballpark since 1901. Vic Raschi went 14-0 at Chicago's Comiskey Park from 1947-55. Also, Quantrill has gone 36 starts without a home loss, two shy of Kenny Rogers' record.

Now 23-6 since Sept. 5, the Guardians keep finding ways to win.

“It’s how this team has played all year long,” said Quantrill. "I know that if I give this team a chance to win, it’s more than likely that they’re going to get it done. It’s not always on schedule. It’s not always first inning, six runs.

“But I know if I come out of the game and it’s close I have confidence in our hitters. There’s no way that a staff is excited to face us three or four times through the order. Showed again today.”

José Ramírez hit a two-run double and Andrés Giménez had an RBI single in the fifth.

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase gave up a run in the ninth before getting his MLB-leading 42nd save.

About an hour after the game, Cleveland learned it will face Tampa Bay in the wild-card round beginning Friday. The Guardians went 4-2 against the Rays during the season, winning two of three last week. All three games in the series were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings.

Quantrill, who is slated to start Game 3 — if there is one — in the first series or Game 1 if the Guardians advance, said he and his teammates are primed for the playoffs.

“We show up. We have energy. We play for a manager that we believe in,” Quantrill said. “We play for a team and a city that we believe in.”

The Guardians couldn't get anything going through four innings against Lynch before getting to the left-hander in the fifth.

Myles Straw led off with a perfectly placed bunt, and one out later, Amed Rosario got his third single. Following a double steal, Ramírez doubled high off the wall in left.

Giménez's RBI single made it 3-1 before Miller chased Lynch by connecting for his first homer since Aug. 1.

Despite the loss, Royals manager Mike Matheny was pleased with Lynch, who went 0-6 with five no-decisions in his last 11 starts.

“I was surprised how strong he looked Game 161, all things considered with how he looked kind of limping into August,” Matheny said. “He finished strong. Good fastball, thought the slider was good, one of the best changeups he’s had.”

Giménez, the Guardians' All-Star second baseman, was hit by a pitch for the 24th time this season. He leads the AL in a category he'd rather not.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. has moved into elite company.

He's only the second rookie in 35 years to get at least 20 homers and 30 steals. Mike Trout had 30 homers and 49 steals in 2012.

“I'm glad we're seeing some of those comps because what we see on a daily basis in those big categories, it's different," said Matheny. “It's special. What he's been able to do all season I believe deserves that kind of attention.”

Giménez will play for Venezuela in next year's World Baseball Classic, which will be held during spring training. Kansas City's Salvador Perez is a teammate.

Cleveland has given Giménez its blessing, but that doesn't mean the club doesn't have concerns about him playing. After all, players have sustained injuries that have derailed seasons and careers.

“With the position players you grin and bear it," Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "Nobody likes not having your guys around in spring training. But if I was Gimi, I would want to represent my country. I get it. It’s a big honor. But you worry.”

Royals: Perez (left thumb soreness) was not in Kansas City's starting lineup for the third day in a row. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this season and the Royals don't want him to re-injure it.

Royals: RHP Jonathan Heasley (4-9, 5.00 ERA) starts the season finale for Kansas City. He's just 1-3 on the road this season.

Guardians: Aaron Civale (4-6, 5.04) is 2-0 since returning from his third stint on the injured list. He'll be Cleveland's starter in Game 1 of the AL Division Series if the wild-card round goes three games.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cal Quantrill's record at home has gone from oddity to rarity.Quantrill finished the regular season unbeaten at Progressive Field, improving to 14-0 in his career at the ballpark after Owen Miller hit a two-run homer to send the Cleveland Guardians to a 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Quantrill (15-5) was in danger of his unblemished record at home ending before Miller's shot off Daniel Lynch (4-13) capped Cleveland's five-run fifth. Quantrill's 14-game winning streak is the longest in the ballpark's history.“I try to keep the boys in the game,” he said of his charmed ways in Cleveland. "I trust that if I come out of a game with the lead that they’ll keep it, and if I don’t, that they’ll score. I don’t have a magic formula. I just compete.”Quantrill's streak also matches the longest for a pitcher in any ballpark since 1901. Vic Raschi went 14-0 at Chicago's Comiskey Park from 1947-55. Also, Quantrill has gone 36 starts without a home loss, two shy of Kenny Rogers' record.Now 23-6 since Sept. 5, the Guardians keep finding ways to win.“It’s how this team has played all year long,” said Quantrill. "I know that if I give this team a chance to win, it’s more than likely that they’re going to get it done. It’s not always on schedule. It’s not always first inning, six runs.“But I know if I come out of the game and it’s close I have confidence in our hitters. There’s no way that a staff is excited to face us three or four times through the order. Showed again today.”José Ramírez hit a two-run double and Andrés Giménez had an RBI single in the fifth.Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase gave up a run in the ninth before getting his MLB-leading 42nd save.About an hour after the game, Cleveland learned it will face Tampa Bay in the wild-card round beginning Friday. The Guardians went 4-2 against the Rays during the season, winning two of three last week. All three games in the series were decided by one run, with two going to extra innings.Quantrill, who is slated to start Game 3 — if there is one — in the first series or Game 1 if the Guardians advance, said he and his teammates are primed for the playoffs.“We show up. We have energy. We play for a manager that we believe in,” Quantrill said. “We play for a team and a city that we believe in.”The Guardians couldn't get anything going through four innings against Lynch before getting to the left-hander in the fifth.Myles Straw led off with a perfectly placed bunt, and one out later, Amed Rosario got his third single. Following a double steal, Ramírez doubled high off the wall in left.Giménez's RBI single made it 3-1 before Miller chased Lynch by connecting for his first homer since Aug. 1.Despite the loss, Royals manager Mike Matheny was pleased with Lynch, who went 0-6 with five no-decisions in his last 11 starts.“I was surprised how strong he looked Game 161, all things considered with how he looked kind of limping into August,” Matheny said. “He finished strong. Good fastball, thought the slider was good, one of the best changeups he’s had.”OUCHGiménez, the Guardians' All-Star second baseman, was hit by a pitch for the 24th time this season. He leads the AL in a category he'd rather not.ROOKIE ROYALTYKansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. has moved into elite company.He's only the second rookie in 35 years to get at least 20 homers and 30 steals. Mike Trout had 30 homers and 49 steals in 2012.“I'm glad we're seeing some of those comps because what we see on a daily basis in those big categories, it's different," said Matheny. “It's special. What he's been able to do all season I believe deserves that kind of attention.”TOURNEY TIMEGiménez will play for Venezuela in next year's World Baseball Classic, which will be held during spring training. Kansas City's Salvador Perez is a teammate.Cleveland has given Giménez its blessing, but that doesn't mean the club doesn't have concerns about him playing. After all, players have sustained injuries that have derailed seasons and careers.“With the position players you grin and bear it," Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "Nobody likes not having your guys around in spring training. But if I was Gimi, I would want to represent my country. I get it. It’s a big honor. But you worry.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Perez (left thumb soreness) was not in Kansas City's starting lineup for the third day in a row. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on his thumb earlier this season and the Royals don't want him to re-injure it.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Jonathan Heasley (4-9, 5.00 ERA) starts the season finale for Kansas City. He's just 1-3 on the road this season.Guardians: Aaron Civale (4-6, 5.04) is 2-0 since returning from his third stint on the injured list. He'll be Cleveland's starter in Game 1 of the AL Division Series if the wild-card round goes three games.

⚾ Big fifth innings carries Guardians past Royals

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Volleyball moved to 7-10 overall and 2-7 in the MIAA with a 3-0 win over Emporia State on Tuesday nightat Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers won by scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-20, leveling their season series with the Hornets. Emporia State moved to 4-14 overall and 1-8 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State used a 5-0 run early in the first set to take a 10-7 lead. The Tigers held on to that lead the remainder of the first set and used a 9-0 run to create plenty of separation with a lead of 21-11. The Tigers went on to win the set by 10.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6665">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;led the way in the set with four kills, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6666">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;each with three. The Tigers hit .225 in the set on 14 kills and held the Hornets to a .000 hitting percentage (9 kills, 9 errors). The second set was a back-and-forth battle that saw eight ties and six lead changes. With the score tied at 20-20, the Tigers used a 3-0 run to gain a bit of separation, then scored the final two points of the set for a 25-22 win. Ellis once again put down four kills, while Tinder,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6663">Morgan Christiansen</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6671">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;all recorded three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6664">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;produced eight digs within the set. Fort Hays State never trailed in the third set, though the Hornets were able to even the score four times. Tied at 10-10, the Tigers went on a 6-0 run to get separation, then later had a 5-0 run to push their advantage to 10 at 22-12. The Tigers had nine match points to work with, though the Hornets were able to fight off five before Tinder put the contest away with a kill. Eshbaugh had a strong set with six kills, while Olson and Tinder each added four. The Tigers put down 18 kills as a team within the set. Eshbaugh finished with a team-high 11 kills, while Tinder also reached double figures with 10 and added 16 digs for a double-double in the match. Ellis had nine kills and added three blocks. Christiansen and Olson also had three blocks each.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6838">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;split assists evenly at 19 apiece. Daffer finished with a strong 6.7 digs per set average with a total of 20. Leah Mach led the Hornet attack with seven kills, while McKenya Sorrells was right behind with six. Ainslee Stepp had 15 assists and Shelby Ebert had 15 digs to lead the Hornets in each category. The Tigers head on the road this weekend to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State for more conference action. The match at MSSU starts at 6 p.m. on Friday night in Joplin. The match at PSU on Saturday also begins at 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664966416783.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Mykah Eshbaugh goes for the kill in vs. Emporia State Tuesday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland." />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Mykah Eshbaugh goes for the kill in vs. Emporia State Tuesday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Volleyball moved to 7-10 overall and 2-7 in the MIAA with a 3-0 win over Emporia State on Tuesday nightat Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers won by scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-20, leveling their season series with the Hornets. Emporia State moved to 4-14 overall and 1-8 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State used a 5-0 run early in the first set to take a 10-7 lead. The Tigers held on to that lead the remainder of the first set and used a 9-0 run to create plenty of separation with a lead of 21-11. The Tigers went on to win the set by 10.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6665">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;led the way in the set with four kills, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6666">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;each with three. The Tigers hit .225 in the set on 14 kills and held the Hornets to a .000 hitting percentage (9 kills, 9 errors). The second set was a back-and-forth battle that saw eight ties and six lead changes. With the score tied at 20-20, the Tigers used a 3-0 run to gain a bit of separation, then scored the final two points of the set for a 25-22 win. Ellis once again put down four kills, while Tinder,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6663">Morgan Christiansen</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6671">Claire Olson</a>&nbsp;all recorded three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6664">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;produced eight digs within the set. Fort Hays State never trailed in the third set, though the Hornets were able to even the score four times. Tied at 10-10, the Tigers went on a 6-0 run to get separation, then later had a 5-0 run to push their advantage to 10 at 22-12. The Tigers had nine match points to work with, though the Hornets were able to fight off five before Tinder put the contest away with a kill. Eshbaugh had a strong set with six kills, while Olson and Tinder each added four. The Tigers put down 18 kills as a team within the set. Eshbaugh finished with a team-high 11 kills, while Tinder also reached double figures with 10 and added 16 digs for a double-double in the match. Ellis had nine kills and added three blocks. Christiansen and Olson also had three blocks each.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6838">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;split assists evenly at 19 apiece. Daffer finished with a strong 6.7 digs per set average with a total of 20. Leah Mach led the Hornet attack with seven kills, while McKenya Sorrells was right behind with six. Ainslee Stepp had 15 assists and Shelby Ebert had 15 digs to lead the Hornets in each category. The Tigers head on the road this weekend to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State for more conference action. The match at MSSU starts at 6 p.m. on Friday night in Joplin. The match at PSU on Saturday also begins at 6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Tigers defeat Emporia State in straight sets

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer

Some of the Big 12's lesser-known transfers are making big impacts so far for the teams at the top of the conference. 

When No. 17 TCU visits No. 19 Kansas on Saturday, a combined eight starters and several key backups will be first-year players for the Horned Frogs and Jayhawks after having played at other schools. At TCU, linebacker Johnny Hodges, strong safety Mark Perry and cornerback Josh Newton lead the defense. At Kansas, defensive end Lonnie Phelps and linebacker Craig Young have been keys and offensive lineman Dominick Puni is the highest-graded pass blocker.

Adrian Martinez, Dillon Gabriel, Quinn Ewers and JT Daniels understandably topped the preseason lists of players transferring to Big 12 schools. They're quarterbacks, after all.

While Kansas State's Martinez might be the conference's most celebrated transfer after the first month of the season, it's been lesser-known transfers who have been big difference-makers for the surprise teams at the top of the Big 12 standings.

When No. 17 TCU (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) visits No. 19 Kansas (5-0, 2-0) on Saturday, a combined eight starters and several key backups will be first-year players for the Horned Frogs and Jayhawks after having played at other schools.

At TCU, linebacker Johnny Hodges (Navy) and strong safety Mark Perry (Colorado) are the team's top two tacklers and cornerback Josh Newton (Louisiana-Monroe) is tied for third in the conference in passes defended. Tight end Jared Wiley (Texas) has two touchdown catches and center Alan Ali (SMU) has not allowed a sack in 132 pass-protection snaps.

At Kansas, defensive end Lonnie Phelps (Miami, Ohio) is second in the Big 12 and tied for sixth nationally with five sacks, linebacker Craig Young (Ohio State) is the third-leading tackler and left guard Dominick Puni (Central Missouri) is the highest-graded pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.

The move to TCU has proved to be a welcome change for Hodges, who said the stringent academic and military training regimen at Navy along with football obligations made his daily schedule "insane."

"I just feel like I'm a different player than I was when I was at Navy," Hodges said. "I'm 20-25 pounds heavier, faster, stronger, more confident. Everyone wants to win. Everyone's having a good time. We have fun at practice. I'm much more loose and having much more fun than I had in the past couple of years."

The change of scenery also has rejuvenated Martinez, who struggled with uneven performances and turnovers in four losing seasons at Nebraska. He's run for seven of his Big 12-leading nine touchdowns the past two weeks against Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Martinez said he had been tentative in early games and got a pep talks from coach Chris Klieman and offensive coordinator Collin Klein after a 17-10 home loss to Tulane.

"They challenged me, and I felt like I needed that," Martinez said. "And their vote of confidence was huge, not only from them but from my teammates."

BAYLOR: NT Jaxon Player (Tulsa), one of only three transfers, has started one of five games and split time with Siaki Ika. He has eight tackles, four for loss.

IOWA STATE: LB Colby Reeder (Delaware) is second on the team with 23 tackles and is one of two Big 12 linebackers with two interceptions. He also has a team-best five quarterback hurries.

KANSAS: DE Phelps (Miami, Ohio) has had no problem transitioning to a Power Five team after making the All-Mid-American Conference second team at last year. Pro Football Focus credits him with six sacks, one more than his official total.

KANSAS STATE: QB Martinez is the No. 4 rusher in the Big 12 at just under 94 yards per game. He has no turnovers in 336 snaps after committing a nation-high 48 (30 interceptions, 18 fumbles) in four seasons at Nebraska, according to Sportradar.

OKLAHOMA: QB Gabriel (Central Florida) has completed 64% of his passes for 243 yards per game and thrown for 11 touchdowns with no interceptions. He went into the concussion protocol after getting hit in the head and leaving last week's game against TCU.

OKLAHOMA STATE: OL Jason Brooks (Vanderbilt), one of three transfers, has settled in as the No. 2 right tackle and has allowed no sacks or hurries in 67 pass-protection snaps, according to PFF.

TCU: LB Hodges (Navy) leads the Horned Frogs with 25 tackles, three for loss and 1.5 sacks. He made a season-high 10 stops against Oklahoma.

TEXAS: CB Ryan Watts (Ohio State) gets the nod over QB Ewers (Ohio State), who has missed the last three games with a clavicle injury. Watts has started all five games and made 22 tackles and broken up three passes.

TEXAS TECH: OL Monroe Mills (Oklahoma State) has started all five games at right tackle and allowed no sacks. He was on the field for 103 of 106 plays against Houston and all 102 plays against Texas, not counting extra-point and field-goal attempts.

WEST VIRGINIA: QB Daniels (Georgia) is putting up decent numbers in an otherwise disappointing start to the season for the Mountaineers. He has 16 passes that have gone for at least 20 yards and is completing 64% for 244 yards per game.

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football WriterSome of the Big 12's lesser-known transfers are making big impacts so far for the teams at the top of the conference. When No. 17 TCU visits No. 19 Kansas on Saturday, a combined eight starters and several key backups will be first-year players for the Horned Frogs and Jayhawks after having played at other schools. At TCU, linebacker Johnny Hodges, strong safety Mark Perry and cornerback Josh Newton lead the defense. At Kansas, defensive end Lonnie Phelps and linebacker Craig Young have been keys and offensive lineman Dominick Puni is the highest-graded pass blocker.Adrian Martinez, Dillon Gabriel, Quinn Ewers and JT Daniels understandably topped the preseason lists of players transferring to Big 12 schools. They're quarterbacks, after all.While Kansas State's Martinez might be the conference's most celebrated transfer after the first month of the season, it's been lesser-known transfers who have been big difference-makers for the surprise teams at the top of the Big 12 standings.When No. 17 TCU (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) visits No. 19 Kansas (5-0, 2-0) on Saturday, a combined eight starters and several key backups will be first-year players for the Horned Frogs and Jayhawks after having played at other schools.At TCU, linebacker Johnny Hodges (Navy) and strong safety Mark Perry (Colorado) are the team's top two tacklers and cornerback Josh Newton (Louisiana-Monroe) is tied for third in the conference in passes defended. Tight end Jared Wiley (Texas) has two touchdown catches and center Alan Ali (SMU) has not allowed a sack in 132 pass-protection snaps.At Kansas, defensive end Lonnie Phelps (Miami, Ohio) is second in the Big 12 and tied for sixth nationally with five sacks, linebacker Craig Young (Ohio State) is the third-leading tackler and left guard Dominick Puni (Central Missouri) is the highest-graded pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.The move to TCU has proved to be a welcome change for Hodges, who said the stringent academic and military training regimen at Navy along with football obligations made his daily schedule "insane.""I just feel like I'm a different player than I was when I was at Navy," Hodges said. "I'm 20-25 pounds heavier, faster, stronger, more confident. Everyone wants to win. Everyone's having a good time. We have fun at practice. I'm much more loose and having much more fun than I had in the past couple of years."The change of scenery also has rejuvenated Martinez, who struggled with uneven performances and turnovers in four losing seasons at Nebraska. He's run for seven of his Big 12-leading nine touchdowns the past two weeks against Texas Tech and Oklahoma.Martinez said he had been tentative in early games and got a pep talks from coach Chris Klieman and offensive coordinator Collin Klein after a 17-10 home loss to Tulane."They challenged me, and I felt like I needed that," Martinez said. "And their vote of confidence was huge, not only from them but from my teammates."Other top transfers:BAYLOR: NT Jaxon Player (Tulsa), one of only three transfers, has started one of five games and split time with Siaki Ika. He has eight tackles, four for loss.IOWA STATE: LB Colby Reeder (Delaware) is second on the team with 23 tackles and is one of two Big 12 linebackers with two interceptions. He also has a team-best five quarterback hurries.KANSAS: DE Phelps (Miami, Ohio) has had no problem transitioning to a Power Five team after making the All-Mid-American Conference second team at last year. Pro Football Focus credits him with six sacks, one more than his official total.KANSAS STATE: QB Martinez is the No. 4 rusher in the Big 12 at just under 94 yards per game. He has no turnovers in 336 snaps after committing a nation-high 48 (30 interceptions, 18 fumbles) in four seasons at Nebraska, according to Sportradar.OKLAHOMA: QB Gabriel (Central Florida) has completed 64% of his passes for 243 yards per game and thrown for 11 touchdowns with no interceptions. He went into the concussion protocol after getting hit in the head and leaving last week's game against TCU.OKLAHOMA STATE: OL Jason Brooks (Vanderbilt), one of three transfers, has settled in as the No. 2 right tackle and has allowed no sacks or hurries in 67 pass-protection snaps, according to PFF.TCU: LB Hodges (Navy) leads the Horned Frogs with 25 tackles, three for loss and 1.5 sacks. He made a season-high 10 stops against Oklahoma.TEXAS: CB Ryan Watts (Ohio State) gets the nod over QB Ewers (Ohio State), who has missed the last three games with a clavicle injury. Watts has started all five games and made 22 tackles and broken up three passes.TEXAS TECH: OL Monroe Mills (Oklahoma State) has started all five games at right tackle and allowed no sacks. He was on the field for 103 of 106 plays against Houston and all 102 plays against Texas, not counting extra-point and field-goal attempts.WEST VIRGINIA: QB Daniels (Georgia) is putting up decent numbers in an otherwise disappointing start to the season for the Mountaineers. He has 16 passes that have gone for at least 20 yards and is completing 64% for 244 yards per game.

Transfers making a big impact for Big 12's early leaders

HAYS - The Hays High volleyball team went 1-1 at their final home triangular of the season. The Indians defeated Garden City in three (25-22, 15-25, 25-19) then lost in two to Phillipsburg (16-25, 23-25). 

The Panthers defeated Garden City in two (25-15, 25-18) in the other match.

The Indians
are now 13-15 on the season. They play at a triangular at Salina Central on Thursday.

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High volleyball team went 1-1 at their final home triangular of the season. The Indians defeated Garden City in three (25-22, 15-25, 25-19) then lost in two to Phillipsburg (16-25, 23-25). The Panthers defeated Garden City in two (25-15, 25-18) in the other match.The Indians
are now 13-15 on the season. They play at a triangular at Salina Central on Thursday.

🏐 Indians go 1-1 at own triangular

DODGE CITY -&nbsp;The Hays High boys soccer team lost 5-0 at undefeated Dodge
City Tuesday. 

The Red Demons (11-0) have now outscored&nbsp; their opponents 57-5 this season.

Hays falls to 6-4 on the season and 2-4 in the Western Athletic Conference. The Indians host Liberal Thursday.

Hays PostDODGE CITY -&nbsp;The Hays High boys soccer team lost 5-0 at undefeated Dodge
City Tuesday. The Red Demons (11-0) have now outscored&nbsp; their opponents 57-5 this season.Hays falls to 6-4 on the season and 2-4 in the Western Athletic Conference. The Indians host Liberal Thursday.

⚽ HHS shut out by Red Demons

TOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf finished in a tie for seventh at the Washburn Invitational, held this week at the Topeka Country Club. Jackson Rader&nbsp;tied for sixth individually, shooting 4-over par over three rounds at the par-71 venue. Rader was consistent throughout the tournament, carding rounds of 72, 73, and 72. He had 13 birdies, tying for the tournament lead with Dawson Wills of Washburn who finished in second at 2-under par overall and Ben Corbid of Bemidji State. Corbid tied for sixth with Rader at 4-over. Rader also carded an eagle on a par 5 in the final round.

Dustin Nichols and Parker Krob&nbsp;tied for 45th. Nichols played as an individual in the tournament and shot rounds of 79, 81, and 76, while Krob posted 80, 76, and 80. Bryce Cowan&nbsp;tied for 53rd&nbsp;with rounds of 77, 74, and 87. Tanner Copeland&nbsp;claimed sole possession of 58th&nbsp;with rounds of 78, 84, and 77. Maddux Mills&nbsp;tied for 69th&nbsp;with rounds of 80, 79, and 86. The Tigers posted their best score as a team in the second round on day one with a 302. They bookended that with a 307 in the first round and 315 in the final round. The Tigers finished in a tie with both William Jewell and Rockhurst, all with a 924 total. Jeffery Johnston of Missouri Western won the tournament at 3-under par overall. He and Wills of Washburn were the only players in the 83-man field under par for the tournament. Washburn won the team title with rounds of 286, 284, and 299, good for an 869 total. The Ichabods were 13 strokes better than second-place Missouri Western. The Tigers return to action on October 17-18 at the Newman Fall Invitational, which will take place at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664918154699.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Missouri Southern State Media Relations" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Missouri Southern State Media Relations</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsTOPEKA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf finished in a tie for seventh at the Washburn Invitational, held this week at the Topeka Country Club. Jackson Rader&nbsp;tied for sixth individually, shooting 4-over par over three rounds at the par-71 venue. Rader was consistent throughout the tournament, carding rounds of 72, 73, and 72. He had 13 birdies, tying for the tournament lead with Dawson Wills of Washburn who finished in second at 2-under par overall and Ben Corbid of Bemidji State. Corbid tied for sixth with Rader at 4-over. Rader also carded an eagle on a par 5 in the final round.Dustin Nichols and Parker Krob&nbsp;tied for 45th. Nichols played as an individual in the tournament and shot rounds of 79, 81, and 76, while Krob posted 80, 76, and 80. Bryce Cowan&nbsp;tied for 53rd&nbsp;with rounds of 77, 74, and 87. Tanner Copeland&nbsp;claimed sole possession of 58th&nbsp;with rounds of 78, 84, and 77. Maddux Mills&nbsp;tied for 69th&nbsp;with rounds of 80, 79, and 86. The Tigers posted their best score as a team in the second round on day one with a 302. They bookended that with a 307 in the first round and 315 in the final round. The Tigers finished in a tie with both William Jewell and Rockhurst, all with a 924 total. Jeffery Johnston of Missouri Western won the tournament at 3-under par overall. He and Wills of Washburn were the only players in the 83-man field under par for the tournament. Washburn won the team title with rounds of 286, 284, and 299, good for an 869 total. The Ichabods were 13 strokes better than second-place Missouri Western. The Tigers return to action on October 17-18 at the Newman Fall Invitational, which will take place at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU's Rader sixth, Tigers tie for seventh at Washburn

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6932">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;earned GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors on Tuesday (Oct. 4) for his performance in the pair of wins for Fort Hays State last week. The Tigers won 3-1 over Southern Nazarene in Bethany, Okla. and 2-1 over then 16th-ranked Northeastern State in Hays. The Nottingham, England native started both matches and was ten minutes shy of playing the full 180 minutes. Frogson scored one goal and added an assist to generate three points for the week. He had the first goal of three in the win over Southern Nazarene, his fourth goal of the season. He was also credited with an assist on the game-winning goal against Northeastern State. Frogson joined Marcus Vasallo (Offensive Player of the Week) and Declan Viljoen (Goalkeeper of the Week), both of Rogers State, as the weekly honorees from the GAC office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664967040697.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsRUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6932">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;earned GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors on Tuesday (Oct. 4) for his performance in the pair of wins for Fort Hays State last week. The Tigers won 3-1 over Southern Nazarene in Bethany, Okla. and 2-1 over then 16th-ranked Northeastern State in Hays. The Nottingham, England native started both matches and was ten minutes shy of playing the full 180 minutes. Frogson scored one goal and added an assist to generate three points for the week. He had the first goal of three in the win over Southern Nazarene, his fourth goal of the season. He was also credited with an assist on the game-winning goal against Northeastern State. Frogson joined Marcus Vasallo (Offensive Player of the Week) and Declan Viljoen (Goalkeeper of the Week), both of Rogers State, as the weekly honorees from the GAC office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU's Frogson named GAC/MIAA Defensive Player of the Week

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Senituli Teuhema and defensive lineman Octavious Bouie talked with the media Tuesday before the Tigers hosts Washburn on Saturday.

Fort Hays State Tiger football coach Chris Brown, offensive lineman Senituli Teuhema and defensive lineman Octavious Bouie talked with the media Tuesday before the Tigers hosts Washburn on Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q04fGE60sOc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7QvCMaNjTBA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NVZW4IgztsY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈📹FHSU weekly press conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State rose to No. 15 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on October 4th. The Tigers have been among the Top 25 in four of the five regular season polls and the preseason poll this year. The Tigers defeated Southern Nazarene 3-1 and slipped past then No. 16 Northeastern State 2-1 last week to keep sole leadership in the GAC/MIAA standings and rise from No. 24 to No. 15 in the national poll. FHSU is 7-2-3 overall on the year. Fort Hays State and Northeastern State remain the only two teams from the GAC/MIAA listed in the Top 25, with the RiverHawks dropping to No. 22 this week.

Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for October 4, 2022.&nbsp;

1. Davis &amp; Elkins College 1 9-0-0 2. Franklin Pierce 2 12-0-1 3. California State University-Dominguez Hills 4 9-0-2 4. Saginaw Valley State 5 8-0-2 5. Florida Tech 6 5-0-3 6. Mercyhurst 8 10-0-1 7. Colorado State University-Pueblo 15 9-2-1 8. Midwestern State 3 6-1-2 9. University of Charleston 9 9-1-0 10. Cal Poly Pomona 12 8-1-2 11. University of Tampa 13 4-2-1 12. California State University-Los Angeles 7 7-1-2 13. Carson-Newman University RV 6-1-4 14. University of Montevallo 10 6-1-3 15. Fort Hays State 24 7-2-3 16. Oklahoma Christian RV 7-1-2 17. Adelphi 20 5-1-4 18. St. Mary's (Texas) 18 5-0-4 19. Maryville (Mo.) NR 7-3-1 20. Western Washington 19 7-0-3 21. Barry 23 6-1-2 22. Northeastern State 16 5-2-2 23. Wisconsin-Parkside RV 7-2-1 24. Mercy College 22 8-2-1 25. Catawba College NR 7-2-1

Records shown are through games of Oct. 2, 2022

Also receiving votes:&nbsp;University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Nova Southeastern University, Lander University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Notre Dame College, Rockhurst University, Rogers State University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Simon Fraser University, Mars Hill University, University of West Florida

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664911511708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State rose to No. 15 in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, released on October 4th. The Tigers have been among the Top 25 in four of the five regular season polls and the preseason poll this year. The Tigers defeated Southern Nazarene 3-1 and slipped past then No. 16 Northeastern State 2-1 last week to keep sole leadership in the GAC/MIAA standings and rise from No. 24 to No. 15 in the national poll. FHSU is 7-2-3 overall on the year. Fort Hays State and Northeastern State remain the only two teams from the GAC/MIAA listed in the Top 25, with the RiverHawks dropping to No. 22 this week.Below is the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 for October 4, 2022.&nbsp;1. Davis &amp; Elkins College 1 9-0-0 2. Franklin Pierce 2 12-0-1 3. California State University-Dominguez Hills 4 9-0-2 4. Saginaw Valley State 5 8-0-2 5. Florida Tech 6 5-0-3 6. Mercyhurst 8 10-0-1 7. Colorado State University-Pueblo 15 9-2-1 8. Midwestern State 3 6-1-2 9. University of Charleston 9 9-1-0 10. Cal Poly Pomona 12 8-1-2 11. University of Tampa 13 4-2-1 12. California State University-Los Angeles 7 7-1-2 13. Carson-Newman University RV 6-1-4 14. University of Montevallo 10 6-1-3 15. Fort Hays State 24 7-2-3 16. Oklahoma Christian RV 7-1-2 17. Adelphi 20 5-1-4 18. St. Mary's (Texas) 18 5-0-4 19. Maryville (Mo.) NR 7-3-1 20. Western Washington 19 7-0-3 21. Barry 23 6-1-2 22. Northeastern State 16 5-2-2 23. Wisconsin-Parkside RV 7-2-1 24. Mercy College 22 8-2-1 25. Catawba College NR 7-2-1Records shown are through games of Oct. 2, 2022Also receiving votes:&nbsp;University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Nova Southeastern University, Lander University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Notre Dame College, Rockhurst University, Rogers State University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Simon Fraser University, Mars Hill University, University of West Florida

⚽ FHSU men rise to No. 15 in United Soccer Coaches Top 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State Women's Soccer is receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll, posted on Tuesday, October 4. After a shutout win over Newman and a draw with then No. 11 ranked Central Oklahoma last week, the Tigers received votes for the poll the first time this season. Central Missouri (No. 3) and Central Oklahoma (No. 21) represent the MIAA in the Top 25 this week, while Fort Hays State is the lone MIAA team in the receiving votes section. The Tigers are one of two unbeaten teams in the MIAA at 8-0-4 overall and have posted a 3-0-2 record in the conference so far. Central Missouri is the other unbeaten team at 11-0-1 on the year, 5-0 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State leads the MIAA with eight shutout wins.&nbsp;This is Fort Hays State's best start to a season through 12 matches in program history. This is the first time the Tigers are receiving recognition in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll since September 17, 2017. The Tigers were No. 14 in the preseason poll in 2017 and then No. 17 in the first regular season poll that season before moving into the receiving votes section on September 17. Below is the United Soccer Coaches Women's Division II Top 25 Poll.

1. Dallas Baptist 1 7-1-1 2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Fla.) 2 8-0-3 3. Central Missouri 4 11-0-1 4. Columbus State 3 8-1-1 5. West Chester 5 10-0-0 6. Grand Valley State 6 8-1-2 6. Hawaii-Hilo 7 7-0-1 8. Catawba College 9 11-0-1 9. College of Saint Rose 8 9-0-2 10. Colorado School of Mines 15 8-1-2 11. Lee 14 7-0-4 12. McKendree 12 9-0-2 13. Minnesota State-Mankato 19 8-1-2 14. Western Washington RV 6-1-3 15. Mercy College 17 8-1-0 16. West Texas A&amp;M 10 8-1-1 17t. Frostburg State 23 10-0-0 17t. Point Loma Nazarene 18 6-1-2 19. Mississippi College 21 8-2-0 20. Flagler College 20 5-2-2 21. Central Oklahoma 11 8-1-3 22. Angelo State 24 10-1-1 23. Adelphi RV 7-2-1 24. Ashland NR 8-3-0 25. West Florida NR 9-2-1

Also receiving votes:&nbsp;West Virginia State University, California State University Chico, Sonoma State University, St. Edward's University, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, University of North Carolina-Pembroke,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, Franklin Pierce University, Bloomsburg University

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664914678963.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State Women's Soccer is receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll, posted on Tuesday, October 4. After a shutout win over Newman and a draw with then No. 11 ranked Central Oklahoma last week, the Tigers received votes for the poll the first time this season. Central Missouri (No. 3) and Central Oklahoma (No. 21) represent the MIAA in the Top 25 this week, while Fort Hays State is the lone MIAA team in the receiving votes section. The Tigers are one of two unbeaten teams in the MIAA at 8-0-4 overall and have posted a 3-0-2 record in the conference so far. Central Missouri is the other unbeaten team at 11-0-1 on the year, 5-0 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State leads the MIAA with eight shutout wins.&nbsp;This is Fort Hays State's best start to a season through 12 matches in program history. This is the first time the Tigers are receiving recognition in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll since September 17, 2017. The Tigers were No. 14 in the preseason poll in 2017 and then No. 17 in the first regular season poll that season before moving into the receiving votes section on September 17. Below is the United Soccer Coaches Women's Division II Top 25 Poll.1. Dallas Baptist 1 7-1-1 2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Fla.) 2 8-0-3 3. Central Missouri 4 11-0-1 4. Columbus State 3 8-1-1 5. West Chester 5 10-0-0 6. Grand Valley State 6 8-1-2 6. Hawaii-Hilo 7 7-0-1 8. Catawba College 9 11-0-1 9. College of Saint Rose 8 9-0-2 10. Colorado School of Mines 15 8-1-2 11. Lee 14 7-0-4 12. McKendree 12 9-0-2 13. Minnesota State-Mankato 19 8-1-2 14. Western Washington RV 6-1-3 15. Mercy College 17 8-1-0 16. West Texas A&amp;M 10 8-1-1 17t. Frostburg State 23 10-0-0 17t. Point Loma Nazarene 18 6-1-2 19. Mississippi College 21 8-2-0 20. Flagler College 20 5-2-2 21. Central Oklahoma 11 8-1-3 22. Angelo State 24 10-1-1 23. Adelphi RV 7-2-1 24. Ashland NR 8-3-0 25. West Florida NR 9-2-1Records shown are through games of Oct. 2, 2022Also receiving votes:&nbsp;West Virginia State University, California State University Chico, Sonoma State University, St. Edward's University, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, University of North Carolina-Pembroke,&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, Franklin Pierce University, Bloomsburg University

⚽ Tiger women receiving votes on latest United Soccer Coaches poll

On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dov6d18hwhw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On this week's Tiger Talk, Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock speaks with Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown about the latest in FHSU Football.

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