HAYS - The Hays High girls' soccer team was dominant in their home opener Thursday, shutting out Liberal 9-0.

Dani Willeford scored the first of her three goals four minutes into the match. She put Hays up 2-0 in the 24th minute then added her third goal on an assist from Kinslee Newll in the 41st minute.

Arely Maldonado scored four goals, Anni Humphrey and Katie Dinkel netted the other two.

Humphrey's came in the 52nd minute on an assist from her cousin Kinslee Newell who finished with four assists on the day.

HHS improves to 4-2 and are back at home Monday against Junction City.

Hays PostHAYS - The Hays High girls' soccer team was dominant in their home opener Thursday, shutting out Liberal 9-0.Dani Willeford scored the first of her three goals four minutes into the match. She put Hays up 2-0 in the 24th minute then added her third goal on an assist from Kinslee Newll in the 41st minute.Arely Maldonado scored four goals, Anni Humphrey and Katie Dinkel netted the other two.Humphrey's came in the 52nd minute on an assist from her cousin Kinslee Newell who finished with four assists on the day.Liberal had no shots on goal.HHS improves to 4-2 and are back at home Monday against Junction City.

⚽ Maldonado's four goals helps HHS to shutout over Liberal

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Fort Hays State baseball team suffered an 8-2 loss in their series opener with Northeastern State on Thursday.&nbsp;The Tigers struggled to get their bats going early and a four-run sixth inning by the RiverHawks put the game out of reach. FHSU moved to 15-23 overall and 5-16 in the MIAA while NSU improved to 15-18 overall and 9-12 in conference action.

The RiverHawks took the early lead manufacturing a run in the opening frame before scoring a pair of unearned runs in the third to take a 3-0 lead. The Tigers put a runner on first in the first two innings but were unable to find a rhythm. Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;retired the RiverHawks in order in the fourth before the Tigers got on the board in the fifth. Back-to-back singled from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jenner-kehe/6818">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;opened the inning for the Tigers before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/joel-nieves/7267">Joel Nieves</a>&nbsp;reached on a sacrifice bunt plating Kehe. Later,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;singled to center to bring home Felton before Berg set down Northeastern State in the home half narrowing the deficit to 3-2 entering the sixth.

The RiverHawks rallied in the sixth scoring four runs on five hits before adding another in the seventh. In the ninth, Kehe reached on another single but the NSU bullpen collected the final out of the contest to secure the opener.&nbsp;

Kehe picked up his second multi-hit game of the season while Nieves and DeGarmo each batted in a run. Berg (3-4) gave up seven runs (five earned) on ten hits over 5.1 innings of work while striking out a pair of batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;took over in the sixth and gave up one run on two hits over 1.2 frames before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-shope/7270">Jacob Shope</a>&nbsp;tossed a 1-2-3 inning in the eighth.

The series will resume Saturday at 2 p.m.

FHSU AthleticsTAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Fort Hays State baseball team suffered an 8-2 loss in their series opener with Northeastern State on Thursday.&nbsp;The Tigers struggled to get their bats going early and a four-run sixth inning by the RiverHawks put the game out of reach. FHSU moved to 15-23 overall and 5-16 in the MIAA while NSU improved to 15-18 overall and 9-12 in conference action.The RiverHawks took the early lead manufacturing a run in the opening frame before scoring a pair of unearned runs in the third to take a 3-0 lead. The Tigers put a runner on first in the first two innings but were unable to find a rhythm. Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;retired the RiverHawks in order in the fourth before the Tigers got on the board in the fifth. Back-to-back singled from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jenner-kehe/6818">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;opened the inning for the Tigers before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/joel-nieves/7267">Joel Nieves</a>&nbsp;reached on a sacrifice bunt plating Kehe. Later,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;singled to center to bring home Felton before Berg set down Northeastern State in the home half narrowing the deficit to 3-2 entering the sixth.The RiverHawks rallied in the sixth scoring four runs on five hits before adding another in the seventh. In the ninth, Kehe reached on another single but the NSU bullpen collected the final out of the contest to secure the opener.&nbsp;Kehe picked up his second multi-hit game of the season while Nieves and DeGarmo each batted in a run. Berg (3-4) gave up seven runs (five earned) on ten hits over 5.1 innings of work while striking out a pair of batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;took over in the sixth and gave up one run on two hits over 1.2 frames before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-shope/7270">Jacob Shope</a>&nbsp;tossed a 1-2-3 inning in the eighth.The series will resume Saturday at 2 p.m.

⚾ FHSU drops series opener at Northeastern State

HAYS - Following four games on the road to start the season, Hays High softball hosted for the first as they played Dodge City Thursday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. The doubleheader completed the three game regular season series between the two. Hays won in Dodge City Monday 13-0.

Game 1: Hays 15, Dodge City 0 (3 innings) The Indians scored two in the first, three in the second and ten runs in the third. Dezarae Schmidt hit a pair of run scoring triples while Elle Dreiling and Lakyn Zimmerman each hit two-run homers.&nbsp;

Riley Dreher allowed just two hits over three innings while striking out six and walking none. It was Dreher's first win on the year in just her second apperance.

Eight of the nine Hays batters hit safely and all nine reached and scored in the run-rule victory.

Game 2: Hays 16, Dodge City 0 (3 innings) Hays sent 17 to the plate and scored 11 runs in the first inning of game two. The first eleven batters reached and scored.

The Indians tacked on five more runs in the second inning which included the first home run of the season for Dezarae Schmidt.

Aubree Thomas earned the victory. She retired the first eight batters she faced before Dodge City loaded the bases with two outs in the third. The Red Demons could not push a run across the plate.

Hays High improves to 4-2 on the year and 4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. Dodge City has lost four in a row and is 1-4, 0-3.

Hays PostHAYS - Following four games on the road to start the season, Hays High softball hosted for the first as they played Dodge City Thursday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex. The doubleheader completed the three game regular season series between the two. Hays won in Dodge City Monday 13-0.Coach Abby Gillan<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1486971124&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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-814667509/4-6-23-hh-sb-coach-int" title="4 - 6-23 HH SB Coach Int" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4 - 6-23 HH SB Coach Int</a></div></div>Game 1: Hays 15, Dodge City 0 (3 innings) The Indians scored two in the first, three in the second and ten runs in the third. Dezarae Schmidt hit a pair of run scoring triples while Elle Dreiling and Lakyn Zimmerman each hit two-run homers.&nbsp;Riley Dreher allowed just two hits over three innings while striking out six and walking none. It was Dreher's first win on the year in just her second apperance.Eight of the nine Hays batters hit safely and all nine reached and scored in the run-rule victory.Game 1 Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1486934296&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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-814667509/4-6-23-hh-sb-game-1-v-dodge-city-hilights" title="4 - 6-23 HH SB Game 1 V. Dodge City Hilights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4 - 6-23 HH SB Game 1 V. Dodge City Hilights</a></div></div>Game 2: Hays 16, Dodge City 0 (3 innings) Hays sent 17 to the plate and scored 11 runs in the first inning of game two. The first eleven batters reached and scored.The Indians tacked on five more runs in the second inning which included the first home run of the season for Dezarae Schmidt.Aubree Thomas earned the victory. She retired the first eight batters she faced before Dodge City loaded the bases with two outs in the third. The Red Demons could not push a run across the plate.Game 2 Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1486970887&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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-814667509/4-6-23-hh-sb-game-2-v-dodge-city-hilights" title="4 - 6-23 HH SB Game 2 V Dodge City Hilights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4 - 6-23 HH SB Game 2 V Dodge City Hilights</a></div></div>Hays High improves to 4-2 on the year and 4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. Dodge City has lost four in a row and is 1-4, 0-3.

🥎 Hays opens home slate with sweep of Dodge City

McPHERSON - Hays High had two golfers place in the top-20 and finished fourth at the Thursday's McPherson Invitational at the Turkey Creek Golf Course.

The Indians shot a 340 and tied with Hutchinson but edges the Salthawks with the fifth-score tiebreaker.

Landen Clark shot an 82 and finished 11th, Blake Buckles was two strokes back with an 84 and placed 13th.

Hutchinson's Ty Adkins won the individual title with a 1-under-par 69.

Hays PostMcPHERSON - Hays High had two golfers place in the top-20 and finished fourth at the Thursday's McPherson Invitational at the Turkey Creek Golf Course.The Indians shot a 340 and tied with Hutchinson but edges the Salthawks with the fifth-score tiebreaker.Landen Clark shot an 82 and finished 11th, Blake Buckles was two strokes back with an 84 and placed 13th.Hutchinson's Ty Adkins won the individual title with a 1-under-par 69.

⛳ HHS has two in top-20, finishes fourth in McPherson

SCOTT CITY – The Hays High boys tennis team had two second
and two third place finishes at the Scott City Invitational Thursday. The Indians
finished in second place in the team standings with 28 points, eight behind
first place Scott City.

Colin Clark finished second at No. 1 Singles as did the No.
1 Doubles team of Henry Fitzthum and Kaiden Bunger. Xavier Catura finished
third in No. 2 Singles and the No. 2 Doubles team of Ken Shaffer and Kale Schwien
also finished in second place.

All four went 2-0 in pool play. Clark lost in the finals 8-1
to Scott City’s Houston Frank. Fitzthum and Bunger lost 8-0 in the finals to
Avery Noll and Sage Stoecklien of Scott City.

Catura lost 8-5 in the finals to Scott City’s Ayden Presson
and Shaffer and Schwien lost 8-3 in their last match to Scott City’s Dante
Franco and Dylan Duff.

Hays PostSCOTT CITY – The Hays High boys tennis team had two second
and two third place finishes at the Scott City Invitational Thursday. The Indians
finished in second place in the team standings with 28 points, eight behind
first place Scott City.Colin Clark finished second at No. 1 Singles as did the No.
1 Doubles team of Henry Fitzthum and Kaiden Bunger. Xavier Catura finished
third in No. 2 Singles and the No. 2 Doubles team of Ken Shaffer and Kale Schwien
also finished in second place.All four went 2-0 in pool play. Clark lost in the finals 8-1
to Scott City’s Houston Frank. Fitzthum and Bunger lost 8-0 in the finals to
Avery Noll and Sage Stoecklien of Scott City.Catura lost 8-5 in the finals to Scott City’s Ayden Presson
and Shaffer and Schwien lost 8-3 in their last match to Scott City’s Dante
Franco and Dylan Duff.

🎾 HHS boys finish second in Scott City

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Fort Hays State fell 7-0 to Missouri Western on Thursday afternoon (Apr. 6) in MIAA play. The Griffons swept all nine matches contested on the day. The No. 37 ranked Griffons improved to 11-4 overall, 4-2 in the MIAA, while FHSU moved to 6-11 overall, 0-7 in the MIAA. The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/6793">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/maria-paz-diaz/6800">Maria Paz Diaz</a>&nbsp;were the only Tiger doubles team to win a game within doubles competition, falling 6-1 in their contest. The other two matches went in favor of the Griffons 6-0 as they secure the first team point of the match. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/maria-paz-diaz/6800">Maria Paz Diaz</a>&nbsp;(No. 4) came the closest to forcing a tiebreak set in her singles match, falling 7-5 in the second set after dropping the opening set 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/stefany-stemmer/6801">Stefany Stemmer</a>&nbsp;took six games off her opponent at the No. 1 position, falling 6-4, 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/6802">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;(No. 6) won five games within her match, a 6-2, 6-3 loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/6793">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;(No. 2) took three games in her match and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/fiorella-mendez/6799">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;(No. 3) took one. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/heidi-lubbers/6797">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/hope-lubbers/6798">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;played exhibition contests aside from the official scoring matches. They won their doubles match and Hope took her singles match. The Tigers continue their road trip with non-conference action at Truman in Kirksville, Mo. on Friday (Apr. 7).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680826054566.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Fort Hays State fell 7-0 to Missouri Western on Thursday afternoon (Apr. 6) in MIAA play. The Griffons swept all nine matches contested on the day. The No. 37 ranked Griffons improved to 11-4 overall, 4-2 in the MIAA, while FHSU moved to 6-11 overall, 0-7 in the MIAA. The No. 1 team of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/6793">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/maria-paz-diaz/6800">Maria Paz Diaz</a>&nbsp;were the only Tiger doubles team to win a game within doubles competition, falling 6-1 in their contest. The other two matches went in favor of the Griffons 6-0 as they secure the first team point of the match. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/maria-paz-diaz/6800">Maria Paz Diaz</a>&nbsp;(No. 4) came the closest to forcing a tiebreak set in her singles match, falling 7-5 in the second set after dropping the opening set 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/stefany-stemmer/6801">Stefany Stemmer</a>&nbsp;took six games off her opponent at the No. 1 position, falling 6-4, 6-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/6802">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;(No. 6) won five games within her match, a 6-2, 6-3 loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/6793">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;(No. 2) took three games in her match and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/fiorella-mendez/6799">Fiorella Mendez</a>&nbsp;(No. 3) took one. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/heidi-lubbers/6797">Heidi Lubbers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/hope-lubbers/6798">Hope Lubbers</a>&nbsp;played exhibition contests aside from the official scoring matches. They won their doubles match and Hope took her singles match. The Tigers continue their road trip with non-conference action at Truman in Kirksville, Mo. on Friday (Apr. 7).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers fall in conference match at Missouri Western

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 run in 2021, Kansas Volleyball Coach Ray Bechard has signed a three-year contract extension through the 2025 season, Director of Athletics Travis Goff announced Thursday.

Bechard just concluded his 25th&nbsp;season as head coach of Kansas and has amassed a record of 446-301 with 11 NCAA Tournament appearances leading the Jayhawks. Last season, after a 3-0 sweep of West Virginia, Bechard moved into second all-time in the Big 12 Conference in league wins, and currently has 209. He also guided the Jayhawks to the NCAA Final Four and a 30-3 season in 2015.

“Coach Bechard has long been a national leader in the sport of volleyball, a key fixture for Kansas Athletics and in our community, and has elevated our entire department on a daily basis,” Goff said. “He is an exceptional mentor and embodies what it means to be a Jayhawk. As much success as the program has already experienced over the past 25 years, I am incredibly excited about the future of Kansas Volleyball with Ray remaining at the helm.”

Bechard is a four-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and has led the Jayhawks to eight of the last 11 NCAA Tournaments. Last year’s squad went 19-11, beating seventh-seeded Miami (Fla.) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, before a second-round loss to second-seeded Nebraska in Lincoln in four sets. Kansas had four players – redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady, sophomore Camryn Turner, super-senior Anezka Szabo and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley – named All-Big 12 following the season.

“I’m extremely grateful for my continued association with an athletic program that is exceptionally supported and creates a first-class experience for its student-athletes,” Bechard said. “I’m thankful for the working relationship I have with the other head coaches and the synergy and support that exists between Chancellor Doug Girod, Athletics Director Travis Goff and our sport administrator, Nicole Corcoran.

“I am blessed with hard-working and gifted assistant coaches, along with an outstanding support staff. We are very enthusiastic about the current trajectory of the Kansas Volleyball program and what is ahead.”

Bechard, who has coached 10 AVCA All-Americans during his tenure at Kansas, will welcome back key contributors from last year’s squad, including Elnady, Turner, Caroline Bien, Kennedy Farris, London Davis, Molly Schultz and Brynn Kirsch. The Jayhawks also recently announced the addition of two graduate transfers – both from within the Big 12 – to the roster for the upcoming season; Reagan Cooper (Texas Tech) and Mykayla Myers (TCU), along with three high school signees set to join KU this summer.

Under Bechard, the Jayhawks have posted winning seasons in 13 of the last 14 years, reaching at least 18 wins in eight of those seasons. Bechard, who served as the head coach of Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, before his time at KU, has a career record of 1,163-361 in 38 total seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680864401163.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 run in 2021, Kansas Volleyball Coach Ray Bechard has signed a three-year contract extension through the 2025 season, Director of Athletics Travis Goff announced Thursday.Bechard just concluded his 25th&nbsp;season as head coach of Kansas and has amassed a record of 446-301 with 11 NCAA Tournament appearances leading the Jayhawks. Last season, after a 3-0 sweep of West Virginia, Bechard moved into second all-time in the Big 12 Conference in league wins, and currently has 209. He also guided the Jayhawks to the NCAA Final Four and a 30-3 season in 2015.“Coach Bechard has long been a national leader in the sport of volleyball, a key fixture for Kansas Athletics and in our community, and has elevated our entire department on a daily basis,” Goff said. “He is an exceptional mentor and embodies what it means to be a Jayhawk. As much success as the program has already experienced over the past 25 years, I am incredibly excited about the future of Kansas Volleyball with Ray remaining at the helm.”Bechard is a four-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and has led the Jayhawks to eight of the last 11 NCAA Tournaments. Last year’s squad went 19-11, beating seventh-seeded Miami (Fla.) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, before a second-round loss to second-seeded Nebraska in Lincoln in four sets. Kansas had four players – redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady, sophomore Camryn Turner, super-senior Anezka Szabo and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley – named All-Big 12 following the season.“I’m extremely grateful for my continued association with an athletic program that is exceptionally supported and creates a first-class experience for its student-athletes,” Bechard said. “I’m thankful for the working relationship I have with the other head coaches and the synergy and support that exists between Chancellor Doug Girod, Athletics Director Travis Goff and our sport administrator, Nicole Corcoran.“I am blessed with hard-working and gifted assistant coaches, along with an outstanding support staff. We are very enthusiastic about the current trajectory of the Kansas Volleyball program and what is ahead.”Bechard, who has coached 10 AVCA All-Americans during his tenure at Kansas, will welcome back key contributors from last year’s squad, including Elnady, Turner, Caroline Bien, Kennedy Farris, London Davis, Molly Schultz and Brynn Kirsch. The Jayhawks also recently announced the addition of two graduate transfers – both from within the Big 12 – to the roster for the upcoming season; Reagan Cooper (Texas Tech) and Mykayla Myers (TCU), along with three high school signees set to join KU this summer.Under Bechard, the Jayhawks have posted winning seasons in 13 of the last 14 years, reaching at least 18 wins in eight of those seasons. Bechard, who served as the head coach of Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, before his time at KU, has a career record of 1,163-361 in 38 total seasons.

🏐 Bechard signs 3-year contract extension with Jayhawks

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kevin Gausman pitched six scoreless innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio hit home runs and the Toronto Blue Jays won their third straight game, 6-3, over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday to take the four-game series.

Gausman (1-1) gave up just four hits to the struggling Royals, striking out seven and walking two. Kansas City did not have a runner reach second base until the sixth inning.

“I felt pretty good with the split today,” Gausman said. “I felt like I had good command that got better as the game went on. It's a good pitch for me.”

It wasn't an easy game for Gausman with the temperature in the low 50s Fahrenheit (around 11 degrees Celsius). But he fought through it.

“His stuff speaks for itself,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “His split was great and he located his heater really well off that. That's what good pitchers do. They make adjustments when they need to.”

The Royals scored three runs in the eighth to avoid their fourth shutout of the season.

“We just continued to have good at-bats,” said interim Kansas City manager Paul Hoover, who is filling in for Matt Quatraro, out with COVID-19. “It was good to see the guys string a couple together and get the heartbeat up a little bit. We had the tying run at the plate with no outs.”

Jordan Lyles (0-2) took the loss. He struck out nine but gave up five runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Five of the hits were for extra bases, including a pair of homers.

The Blue Jays wasted no time in jumping out to an early lead. Guerrero blooped a one-out single in the first, followed by a double by Daulton Varsho. Matt Chapman, the American League's leading hitter at .522 entering the game, then lined a double off the top of the wall in left to score both runners.

The Jays added to their lead in the second on a two-out single by Bo Bichette scoring Kevin Kiermaier.

Biggio hit his first home run of the season into the Royals' bullpen in right for a 4-0 lead in the fourth.

“(Lyles) struck the first two batters out and got ahead 0-2,” Biggio said. “I was trying to battle and trying to protect. I didn't want to let him get me on a two-seamer. He left one over the plate and I put a good swing on it.”

Guerrero extended the lead to 5-0 in the fifth with a 436-foot home run to left center to go deep for the second time in as many days.

“He's really staying within himself,” Schneider said. “Even when he's making an out, he's knowing what he's doing and just missing. His approach is awesome.”

Toronto used three straight singles in the seventh to plate its sixth run. Varsho's RBI single drove in Bichette.

The Royals finally got on the board in the eighth, when Bobby Witt Jr. hit the left-field foul pole for his first home run of the season. Vinnie Pasquantino had an RBI single and Edward Olivares added an RBI double. But with runners on second and third with no outs, the Royals could not score again.

Blue Jays: Toronto continues its season-opening road trip with a three-game series in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels. RHP Chris Bassitt (0-1, 24.30 ERA) will get the start for the Blue Jays. The Angels will counter with LHP Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.80 ERA).

Royals: Kansas City also heads west for its first road series of the season in San Francisco against the Giants. RHP Brad Keller (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will face RHP Alex Cobb (0-0, 2.45 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680818727154.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, April 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, April 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kevin Gausman pitched six scoreless innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio hit home runs and the Toronto Blue Jays won their third straight game, 6-3, over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday to take the four-game series.Gausman (1-1) gave up just four hits to the struggling Royals, striking out seven and walking two. Kansas City did not have a runner reach second base until the sixth inning.“I felt pretty good with the split today,” Gausman said. “I felt like I had good command that got better as the game went on. It's a good pitch for me.”It wasn't an easy game for Gausman with the temperature in the low 50s Fahrenheit (around 11 degrees Celsius). But he fought through it.“His stuff speaks for itself,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “His split was great and he located his heater really well off that. That's what good pitchers do. They make adjustments when they need to.”The Royals scored three runs in the eighth to avoid their fourth shutout of the season.“We just continued to have good at-bats,” said interim Kansas City manager Paul Hoover, who is filling in for Matt Quatraro, out with COVID-19. “It was good to see the guys string a couple together and get the heartbeat up a little bit. We had the tying run at the plate with no outs.”Adam Cimber earned his first save.Jordan Lyles (0-2) took the loss. He struck out nine but gave up five runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Five of the hits were for extra bases, including a pair of homers.The Blue Jays wasted no time in jumping out to an early lead. Guerrero blooped a one-out single in the first, followed by a double by Daulton Varsho. Matt Chapman, the American League's leading hitter at .522 entering the game, then lined a double off the top of the wall in left to score both runners.The Jays added to their lead in the second on a two-out single by Bo Bichette scoring Kevin Kiermaier.Biggio hit his first home run of the season into the Royals' bullpen in right for a 4-0 lead in the fourth.“(Lyles) struck the first two batters out and got ahead 0-2,” Biggio said. “I was trying to battle and trying to protect. I didn't want to let him get me on a two-seamer. He left one over the plate and I put a good swing on it.”Guerrero extended the lead to 5-0 in the fifth with a 436-foot home run to left center to go deep for the second time in as many days.“He's really staying within himself,” Schneider said. “Even when he's making an out, he's knowing what he's doing and just missing. His approach is awesome.”Toronto used three straight singles in the seventh to plate its sixth run. Varsho's RBI single drove in Bichette.The Royals finally got on the board in the eighth, when Bobby Witt Jr. hit the left-field foul pole for his first home run of the season. Vinnie Pasquantino had an RBI single and Edward Olivares added an RBI double. But with runners on second and third with no outs, the Royals could not score again.UP NEXTBlue Jays: Toronto continues its season-opening road trip with a three-game series in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels. RHP Chris Bassitt (0-1, 24.30 ERA) will get the start for the Blue Jays. The Angels will counter with LHP Patrick Sandoval (1-0, 1.80 ERA).Royals: Kansas City also heads west for its first road series of the season in San Francisco against the Giants. RHP Brad Keller (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will face RHP Alex Cobb (0-0, 2.45 ERA).

⚾ Gausman leads Blue Jays to 3rd straight win over Royals

For Thomas More Prep-Marian, the search for a new activities 
director cast a wide net. Ultimately, the person for the job was in Hays
 the whole time.

James Harris, who is a 10-year veteran teacher and coach at TMP-M, 
has accepted the position vacated by Troy Schulte. Schulte is 
returning to Archie, Mo., to become the principal at Archie High School, 
where he was a teacher, activities director and coach for 19 years.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3db8234c-4820-4f64-bd2f-c86bd7d5562d">RELATED: Schulte heads back to Missouri after 7 years at alma mater</a>

Harris is intimately familiar with the inner workings of TMP-Marian 
by virtue of his time at the school as a PE and technology teacher, 
coach of various sports such as football, basketball, and track, Student
 Council sponsor, and assistant activities supervisor. Harris was 
selected after reviewing over 30 applications from across the country 
and state.

“James knows so many of the ins and outs about all our activities,” 
said TMP-M principal Chad Meitner. “He will be a strong advocate for 
student involvement in academic, spiritual, and leadership activities as
 well as athletics.”

Harris will begin his activities director duties on July 1.

“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve as 
TMP-Marian‘s activities director,” Harris said. “TMP-Marian is an 
incredibly special place, and I’m excited to continue building on the 
tradition of excellence. I’m eager to utilize my passion for sports and 
activities in this position to positively impact the students and 
families.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680809698554.jpeg" alt="Harris " />
 <figcaption>Harris </figcaption>
 </figure>
 TMP-Marian
 For Thomas More Prep-Marian, the search for a new activities 
director cast a wide net. Ultimately, the person for the job was in Hays
 the whole time.James Harris, who is a 10-year veteran teacher and coach at TMP-M, 
has accepted the position vacated by Troy Schulte. Schulte is 
returning to Archie, Mo., to become the principal at Archie High School, 
where he was a teacher, activities director and coach for 19 years.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3db8234c-4820-4f64-bd2f-c86bd7d5562d">RELATED: Schulte heads back to Missouri after 7 years at alma mater</a>Harris is intimately familiar with the inner workings of TMP-Marian 
by virtue of his time at the school as a PE and technology teacher, 
coach of various sports such as football, basketball, and track, Student
 Council sponsor, and assistant activities supervisor. Harris was 
selected after reviewing over 30 applications from across the country 
and state.“James knows so many of the ins and outs about all our activities,” 
said TMP-M principal Chad Meitner. “He will be a strong advocate for 
student involvement in academic, spiritual, and leadership activities as
 well as athletics.”Harris will begin his activities director duties on July 1.“I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to serve as 
TMP-Marian‘s activities director,” Harris said. “TMP-Marian is an 
incredibly special place, and I’m excited to continue building on the 
tradition of excellence. I’m eager to utilize my passion for sports and 
activities in this position to positively impact the students and 
families.”

Harris named TMP-Marian activities director

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will host 3-time NCAA
champion Villanova on Tuesday, Dec. 5 as part of the fifth edition of the BIG
EAST/Big 12 Battle, the two conferences announced on Thursday (April 6).

The game will be broadcast on one of ESPN’s properties at a
time to be determined later.

The 11 matchups were jointly determined by the two
conferences and will be played on various campuses starting on Thursday, Nov.
30 and running through Tuesday, Dec. 5. The series will increase to 11 games in
2023-24 and 2024-25 due to increased membership for both leagues. The Big 12
will host six games in 2023-24 while the BIG EAST will host six the following
season.

This will be just the second meeting between the programs
and the first in more than 80 years since Villanova knocked off K-State, 51-34,
on Dec. 27, 1940 in Philadelphia.

K-State is 0-3 all-time in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle
following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021 and Butler in 2022. This past
season, the Bulldogs posted a 76-64 win over the Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Overall, K-State is 24-27 all-time against BIG EAST
opponents, including 11-4 at home. The last win against a BIG EAST foe came
against Creighton in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 16 in
Charlotte.

Led by first-year head coach Kyle Neptune, Villanova
posted a 17-17 overall record, including a 10-10 mark in the BIG EAST, and
advanced to the NIT in 2022-23. Rocked by injuries early in the season, the
Wildcats won 6 of their last 8 regular-season games, including notable
victories over NCAA Tournament teams Xavier and Creighton, to earn a bid to the
NIT, where they lost at Big South Champion Liberty, 62-57, in the first round.

Neptune replaced the legendary Jay Wright as the
Wildcats’ head coach on April 20, 2022, after guiding Fordham to a 16-16 record
in his first and only season in 2021-22. Neptune was a Villanova assistant
coach from 2013-21, helping the school to 233 victories, 7 BIG EAST
regular-season titles, 4 BIG EAST Tournament crowns and NCAA Championships in
2016 and 2018.

Led by Naismith National Coach of the Year Jerome Tang,
the Wildcats compiled a 26-10 record in 2022-23, which included a tie for third
place in the Big 12 and the school’s 13th trip to the Elite Eight.
The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27
in 2012-13.

The rest of the 2023-24 men’s basketball schedule will be
released as it becomes official.

Big 12/BIG EAST Challenge November 30 – Texas Tech at Butler November 30 – Creighton at Oklahoma State December 1 – Iowa State at DePaul December 1 – Houston at Xavier December 1 – UConn at Kansas December 1 – St. John’s at West Virginia December 2 – TCU at Georgetown December 5 – Texas at Marquette December 5 – Providence at Oklahoma December 5 – Seton Hall at Baylor December 5 – Villanova at K-State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680803967277.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will host 3-time NCAA
champion Villanova on Tuesday, Dec. 5 as part of the fifth edition of the BIG
EAST/Big 12 Battle, the two conferences announced on Thursday (April 6).The game will be broadcast on one of ESPN’s properties at a
time to be determined later.The 11 matchups were jointly determined by the two
conferences and will be played on various campuses starting on Thursday, Nov.
30 and running through Tuesday, Dec. 5. The series will increase to 11 games in
2023-24 and 2024-25 due to increased membership for both leagues. The Big 12
will host six games in 2023-24 while the BIG EAST will host six the following
season.This will be just the second meeting between the programs
and the first in more than 80 years since Villanova knocked off K-State, 51-34,
on Dec. 27, 1940 in Philadelphia.K-State is 0-3 all-time in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle
following losses to Marquette in 2019 and 2021 and Butler in 2022. This past
season, the Bulldogs posted a 76-64 win over the Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse.Overall, K-State is 24-27 all-time against BIG EAST
opponents, including 11-4 at home. The last win against a BIG EAST foe came
against Creighton in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament on March 16 in
Charlotte.Led by first-year head coach Kyle Neptune, Villanova
posted a 17-17 overall record, including a 10-10 mark in the BIG EAST, and
advanced to the NIT in 2022-23. Rocked by injuries early in the season, the
Wildcats won 6 of their last 8 regular-season games, including notable
victories over NCAA Tournament teams Xavier and Creighton, to earn a bid to the
NIT, where they lost at Big South Champion Liberty, 62-57, in the first round.Neptune replaced the legendary Jay Wright as the
Wildcats’ head coach on April 20, 2022, after guiding Fordham to a 16-16 record
in his first and only season in 2021-22. Neptune was a Villanova assistant
coach from 2013-21, helping the school to 233 victories, 7 BIG EAST
regular-season titles, 4 BIG EAST Tournament crowns and NCAA Championships in
2016 and 2018.Led by Naismith National Coach of the Year Jerome Tang,
the Wildcats compiled a 26-10 record in 2022-23, which included a tie for third
place in the Big 12 and the school’s 13th trip to the Elite Eight.
The 26 wins are the third-most in school history and the most since winning 27
in 2012-13.The rest of the 2023-24 men’s basketball schedule will be
released as it becomes official.Big 12/BIG EAST Challenge November 30 – Texas Tech at Butler November 30 – Creighton at Oklahoma State December 1 – Iowa State at DePaul December 1 – Houston at Xavier December 1 – UConn at Kansas December 1 – St. John’s at West Virginia December 2 – TCU at Georgetown December 5 – Texas at Marquette December 5 – Providence at Oklahoma December 5 – Seton Hall at Baylor December 5 – Villanova at K-State

🏀 K-State to host Villanova in BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle

By MARC BOWMAN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah allowed one hit over seven innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first homer of the season and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Manoah (1-0) held the Royals hitless until Jackie Bradley Jr. singled with one out in the fifth.

“I think we were able to attack them for the most part and force them to dig out of a hole,” Manoah said. "Just going out there and letting that defense work. I think I was able to do that, to go out there and command most of my pitches, limit damage and get some weak contact.

"The weather, a little gloomy, a little windy, little cold. I just kept trying to blow into my hand. Some of those balls can get a little bit slick. Still left some pitches that I felt like command-wise need to be a little bit better. But, it was a good day on the mound and we got a win.”

Despite struggling to locate his off-speed pitches for strikes, Manoah struck out five with four walks.

“He really buckled down when he needed to,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “He’s a fiery competitor. He kind of has a different gear. You trust him in those spots. His competitive aspect really comes out.”

Toronto broke a scoreless tie in the sixth with a one-out grounder by Matt Chapman, plating Guerrero. With runners at the corners, Chapman appeared to ground into an inning-ending double play, but first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was unable to handle Bobby Witt Jr.’s low relay after the force out.

The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the eighth with Guerrero’s opposite-field leadoff homer and a run-producing single by Chapman. Guerrero and Daulton Varsho had three hits apiece.

“(Going opposite field is) tough to do in this ballpark, this weather,” Schneider said. “That’s impressive. That’s Vladdy being Vladdy right there."

Guerrero said the key was being more relaxed at the plate.

“I believe when you’re trying too hard, when you look for it, it’s going to be harder," he said. "So I feel relaxed. I got a good pitch and put good contact and it went well.”

Zack Greinke (0-2) worked ahead of batters all night, throwing first-pitch strikes to 20-of-25 hitters. He threw six innings, allowing a run on seven singles and a walk, striking out three.

“A pitcher like him with that experience, he goes out there every day and competes,” Guerrero said. “So when you face him you’ve got to do the same thing, you’ve got to compete. You’ve got to have good at-bats against him.”

Manoah also enjoyed the competition against Greinke.

“I thought it was great, his definition of pitching,” Manoah said. “Obviously a future Hall of Famer. It was great to be able to go zero-zero for five or six innings there. That was pretty fun.”

Jordan Romano closed out Kansas City with a scoreless ninth inning, collecting his third save in three chances.

The Royals were shut out for the third time in six games.

TRAINER’S ROOM Bench coach Paul Hoover served as Royals interim manager with Matt Quatraro out with COVID.

Royals OF Kyle Isbel has been placed on the paternity list, with 1B/OF Nick Pratto recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound opposite Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 1.69) in the series finale Thursday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680777953287.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, reacts after hitting a single, next to Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr., left, reacts after hitting a single, next to Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah allowed one hit over seven innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first homer of the season and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Wednesday night.Manoah (1-0) held the Royals hitless until Jackie Bradley Jr. singled with one out in the fifth.“I think we were able to attack them for the most part and force them to dig out of a hole,” Manoah said. "Just going out there and letting that defense work. I think I was able to do that, to go out there and command most of my pitches, limit damage and get some weak contact."The weather, a little gloomy, a little windy, little cold. I just kept trying to blow into my hand. Some of those balls can get a little bit slick. Still left some pitches that I felt like command-wise need to be a little bit better. But, it was a good day on the mound and we got a win.”Despite struggling to locate his off-speed pitches for strikes, Manoah struck out five with four walks.“He really buckled down when he needed to,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “He’s a fiery competitor. He kind of has a different gear. You trust him in those spots. His competitive aspect really comes out.”Toronto broke a scoreless tie in the sixth with a one-out grounder by Matt Chapman, plating Guerrero. With runners at the corners, Chapman appeared to ground into an inning-ending double play, but first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was unable to handle Bobby Witt Jr.’s low relay after the force out.The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the eighth with Guerrero’s opposite-field leadoff homer and a run-producing single by Chapman. Guerrero and Daulton Varsho had three hits apiece.“(Going opposite field is) tough to do in this ballpark, this weather,” Schneider said. “That’s impressive. That’s Vladdy being Vladdy right there."Guerrero said the key was being more relaxed at the plate.“I believe when you’re trying too hard, when you look for it, it’s going to be harder," he said. "So I feel relaxed. I got a good pitch and put good contact and it went well.”Zack Greinke (0-2) worked ahead of batters all night, throwing first-pitch strikes to 20-of-25 hitters. He threw six innings, allowing a run on seven singles and a walk, striking out three.“A pitcher like him with that experience, he goes out there every day and competes,” Guerrero said. “So when you face him you’ve got to do the same thing, you’ve got to compete. You’ve got to have good at-bats against him.”Manoah also enjoyed the competition against Greinke.“I thought it was great, his definition of pitching,” Manoah said. “Obviously a future Hall of Famer. It was great to be able to go zero-zero for five or six innings there. That was pretty fun.”Jordan Romano closed out Kansas City with a scoreless ninth inning, collecting his third save in three chances.The Royals were shut out for the third time in six games.TRAINER’S ROOM Bench coach Paul Hoover served as Royals interim manager with Matt Quatraro out with COVID.TRANSACTIONSRoyals OF Kyle Isbel has been placed on the paternity list, with 1B/OF Nick Pratto recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound opposite Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 1.69) in the series finale Thursday afternoon.TRANSACTIONSRoyals OF Kyle Isbel has been placed on the paternity list, with 1B/OF Nick Pratto recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (0-1, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound opposite Royals RHP Jordan Lyles (0-1, 1.69) in the series finale Thursday afternoon.

⚾ Manoah, Blue Jays blank Royals

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

Bill Self said he's doing well after a health scare kept him from coaching Kansas in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments last month, and he reiterated Wednesday that he has no plans to step away from the Jayhawks any time soon.

Self spoke to reporters for the first time since March 8, when he went to an emergency room after a final shootaround for the conference tournament. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns about his balance, and the 60-year-old had two stents placed to help treat blocked arteries at the University of Kansas Health System.

“To be honest,” Self said, “I haven't done a lot since the Big 12 Tournament. But I'm exercising almost daily. I don't know if you guys believe this: They told me that I need to improve my diet and exercise more.”

“But I feel fine,” the Hall of Fame coach continued. “My energy level is probably back to where it was prior to the episode but not where it's getting ready to go, I believe. I think sometimes we don't realize we don't feel well until we actually feel well and know the difference. And I'm in the process of feeling well again, so I'm excited about that.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-norm-roberts-fbb2c52dc34fa02235d1dbc3177ced01">Longtime assistant Norm Roberts</a>&nbsp;guided the Jayhawks to the Big 12 title game, where they lost to Texas. They still received a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, thanks to their regular-season Big 12 championship and strong schedule, and easily beat Howard in the first round before losing a 72-71 nail-biter to eighth-seeded Arkansas in the second round.

Self helped to run practices during both of the NCAA tourney games but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-4ad50feff4c6e12b4722de893edfc059">decided against coaching</a>&nbsp;on game day.

“I was never scared that I wasn't going to be OK. But it was a different feeling,” he said. “I'm sure many have had it, but it was kind of like an out-of-body type experience that you really don't know what's going on. You have no control over what is going on. So it was something that I'd never experienced before, but it was never to the point where I felt like I was in danger.”

Self did acknowledge that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-bill-self-hospital-ncaa-coach-jayhawks-2053ffeb102c7dfb418109215dab554b">the health scare</a>&nbsp;made him reevaluate his future in coaching.

“I think the last several weeks I've been able to reflect on a lot of things,” he said. “The one thing I can tell you without question: I missed my job. I love my job and I want to do my job for a long time. That's what is positive.”

"Now," Self said, “for me to be effective doing that, I think I have to wake up a little bit and maybe do some things from a lifestyle standpoint, a personal habit standpoint, that I've been very, very, very inconsistent with my entire adult life. And I said that jokingly earlier, can you imagine a doctor telling you to lose weight, eat right and exercise? I've been told that a long time, but I'm taking that serious for the first time I probably have in my life.”

The Jayhawks, who are holding their end-of-season banquet Thursday, are poised to look much different next season.

Star freshman Gradey Dick has declared for the NBA draft, All-American forward Jalen Wilson has likewise announced his intentions to go pro, and Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to join them. The Jayhawks also have had forwards MJ Rice and Zach Clemence, big man Cam Martin and guards Joseph Yesufu and Bobby Pettiford Jr. enter the transfer portal.

The Jayhawks have four high-level freshmen arriving next season, but Self acknowledged the need to work the portal.

“We’ve got work to do before we’re a top-10 team, but I’m really hopeful within weeks everybody would say they should be ranked higher than a top-10 team,” Self said. “I feel like we're in on some good kids.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680777666670.png" alt="Kansas basketball coach Bill Self addresses the media on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Lawrence, Kan. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas basketball coach Bill Self addresses the media on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Lawrence, Kan. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterBill Self said he's doing well after a health scare kept him from coaching Kansas in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments last month, and he reiterated Wednesday that he has no plans to step away from the Jayhawks any time soon.Self spoke to reporters for the first time since March 8, when he went to an emergency room after a final shootaround for the conference tournament. He was complaining of chest tightness and concerns about his balance, and the 60-year-old had two stents placed to help treat blocked arteries at the University of Kansas Health System.“To be honest,” Self said, “I haven't done a lot since the Big 12 Tournament. But I'm exercising almost daily. I don't know if you guys believe this: They told me that I need to improve my diet and exercise more.”“But I feel fine,” the Hall of Fame coach continued. “My energy level is probably back to where it was prior to the episode but not where it's getting ready to go, I believe. I think sometimes we don't realize we don't feel well until we actually feel well and know the difference. And I'm in the process of feeling well again, so I'm excited about that.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-norm-roberts-fbb2c52dc34fa02235d1dbc3177ced01">Longtime assistant Norm Roberts</a>&nbsp;guided the Jayhawks to the Big 12 title game, where they lost to Texas. They still received a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, thanks to their regular-season Big 12 championship and strong schedule, and easily beat Howard in the first round before losing a 72-71 nail-biter to eighth-seeded Arkansas in the second round.Self helped to run practices during both of the NCAA tourney games but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-bill-self-4ad50feff4c6e12b4722de893edfc059">decided against coaching</a>&nbsp;on game day.“I was never scared that I wasn't going to be OK. But it was a different feeling,” he said. “I'm sure many have had it, but it was kind of like an out-of-body type experience that you really don't know what's going on. You have no control over what is going on. So it was something that I'd never experienced before, but it was never to the point where I felt like I was in danger.”Self did acknowledge that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-bill-self-hospital-ncaa-coach-jayhawks-2053ffeb102c7dfb418109215dab554b">the health scare</a>&nbsp;made him reevaluate his future in coaching.“I think the last several weeks I've been able to reflect on a lot of things,” he said. “The one thing I can tell you without question: I missed my job. I love my job and I want to do my job for a long time. That's what is positive.”"Now," Self said, “for me to be effective doing that, I think I have to wake up a little bit and maybe do some things from a lifestyle standpoint, a personal habit standpoint, that I've been very, very, very inconsistent with my entire adult life. And I said that jokingly earlier, can you imagine a doctor telling you to lose weight, eat right and exercise? I've been told that a long time, but I'm taking that serious for the first time I probably have in my life.”The Jayhawks, who are holding their end-of-season banquet Thursday, are poised to look much different next season.Star freshman Gradey Dick has declared for the NBA draft, All-American forward Jalen Wilson has likewise announced his intentions to go pro, and Kevin McCullar Jr. is expected to join them. The Jayhawks also have had forwards MJ Rice and Zach Clemence, big man Cam Martin and guards Joseph Yesufu and Bobby Pettiford Jr. enter the transfer portal.The Jayhawks have four high-level freshmen arriving next season, but Self acknowledged the need to work the portal.“We’ve got work to do before we’re a top-10 team, but I’m really hopeful within weeks everybody would say they should be ranked higher than a top-10 team,” Self said. “I feel like we're in on some good kids.”

🏀 Kansas' Self feels good after scare, plans to keep coaching

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yusei Kikuchi and four relievers limited the Kansas City Royals to one run on four hits, and the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory in Whit Merrifield's return to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night.

Matt Chapman was 3-for-4 with a double for Toronto, and Merrifield doubled and scored the go-ahead run in his first game back in the city where he spent most of seven seasons before he was traded last August.

“Awesome job by (Kikuchi),” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “Efficient with his pitch count. (He was) around the zone. A few less strikeouts than we saw in the spring, but it was an outstanding job.”

Kikuchi (1-0) allowed one run on three hits and retired the side in order three times over his five innings.

“I think I threw well overall,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I felt pretty good for it to be the first start of the season. We obviously had a plan, but we didn't want to over-think it. We wanted to find what was working today.”

He was also helped by his defense, with left fielder Daulton Varsho throwing out Matt Duffy at the plate in the second inning.

“We're focusing and priding ourselves on that (play),” Schneider said. “It was a great throw and a great tag by Jano (Danny Jansen). It kind of squashed a little bit of momentum. Those things add up.”

Jordan Romano pitched a perfect ninth for his second save.

Kris Bubic (0-1) worked around trouble most of the night, only retiring the Blue Jays in order in the fifth, his last inning. He allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk. He was relieved by Carlos Hernandez, who yielded a home run to Varsho on his first pitch.

The Royals never could get the momentum back after the second.

“I thought we took some pretty good swings (against Kikuchi)," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's tough. I think we laid off some of the tougher change-ups he threw. We put some swings on balls; we just missed a few. But overall he was efficient.”

Franmil Reyes got the Royals on the board in the second with his first hit in a Kansas City uniform, a 455-blast over the fountains in left center. Reyes had been 0-for-6 in his first two games with the Royals.

The Jays tied it in the top of the third. Bo Bichette, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Chapman stroked consecutive singles, with Chapman driving in Bichette. Toronto added another run in the fourth. Merrifield led off with a double down the left-field line, went to third on a fly ball and scored on a wild pitch.

The Blue Jays will send RHP Alek Manoah (0-0, 13.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City’s RHP Zach Greinke (0-1, 3.38 ERA) Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game series. Manoah got a no-decision on opening day when the Blue Jays defeated the Cardinals 10-9. Greinke allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Royals lost to the Twins 2-0 on opening day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680689181299.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield acknowledges the cheers of the fans on his first at-bat for the Blue Jays in Kansas City since leaving the Royals late last season, during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield acknowledges the cheers of the fans on his first at-bat for the Blue Jays in Kansas City since leaving the Royals late last season, during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yusei Kikuchi and four relievers limited the Kansas City Royals to one run on four hits, and the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory in Whit Merrifield's return to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night.Matt Chapman was 3-for-4 with a double for Toronto, and Merrifield doubled and scored the go-ahead run in his first game back in the city where he spent most of seven seasons before he was traded last August.“Awesome job by (Kikuchi),” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “Efficient with his pitch count. (He was) around the zone. A few less strikeouts than we saw in the spring, but it was an outstanding job.”Kikuchi (1-0) allowed one run on three hits and retired the side in order three times over his five innings.“I think I threw well overall,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I felt pretty good for it to be the first start of the season. We obviously had a plan, but we didn't want to over-think it. We wanted to find what was working today.”He was also helped by his defense, with left fielder Daulton Varsho throwing out Matt Duffy at the plate in the second inning.“We're focusing and priding ourselves on that (play),” Schneider said. “It was a great throw and a great tag by Jano (Danny Jansen). It kind of squashed a little bit of momentum. Those things add up.”Jordan Romano pitched a perfect ninth for his second save.Kris Bubic (0-1) worked around trouble most of the night, only retiring the Blue Jays in order in the fifth, his last inning. He allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk. He was relieved by Carlos Hernandez, who yielded a home run to Varsho on his first pitch.The Royals never could get the momentum back after the second.“I thought we took some pretty good swings (against Kikuchi)," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "He's tough. I think we laid off some of the tougher change-ups he threw. We put some swings on balls; we just missed a few. But overall he was efficient.”Franmil Reyes got the Royals on the board in the second with his first hit in a Kansas City uniform, a 455-blast over the fountains in left center. Reyes had been 0-for-6 in his first two games with the Royals.The Jays tied it in the top of the third. Bo Bichette, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Chapman stroked consecutive singles, with Chapman driving in Bichette. Toronto added another run in the fourth. Merrifield led off with a double down the left-field line, went to third on a fly ball and scored on a wild pitch.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays will send RHP Alek Manoah (0-0, 13.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City’s RHP Zach Greinke (0-1, 3.38 ERA) Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game series. Manoah got a no-decision on opening day when the Blue Jays defeated the Cardinals 10-9. Greinke allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Royals lost to the Twins 2-0 on opening day.

⚾ Toronto ends 3-game skid in Whit Merrifield's return to KC

HAYS – The TMP softball team scored 33 total runs in a doubleheader sweep
of the Colby Eagles Tuesday at the TMP softball complex in Hays.

GAME 1: TMP 16, Colby 11 The TMP Lady Monarchs (5-3) softball team scored six runs in the
second and added five more in the fifth as they take game of the doubleheader
16-11.

Colby struck first with a run in the top of the first inning
but Halle Dreiling connected on her second home run of the season tying the
game at one in the bottom of the first.

 Three batters later Addison Watson hit her first of two triples in
the game scoring a run and giving TMP a 2-1 lead. 

Watson added a third run in the inning, scoring on a passed
ball.

&nbsp;In the second inning
Madison Augustine drove in three on an inside the park homerun, the first of her career, putting TMP up
5-1.&nbsp;

The Monarchs sent nine to the plate in that six-run second inning
for a 9-1 lead through two innings. 

Colby scored a run in the third and four more in the fourth,
cutting TMP’s lead to 9-6 but the Monarchs got two runs back in the bottom of
the fourth and five more in the fifth for a 16-7 lead.

Colby added a single run in the sixth and three in the seventh
but TMP held on for the 16-11 win.

Dreiling was 3-for-4 with two RBI’s and three runs scored. Brooke
Koenigsman, Jaci VonLintel, Watson and Augustine all drove in two runs for TMP.


Augustine got the win for TMP. She allowed 11 runs, just
four earned with four strikeouts in seven innings.

GAME 2: TMP 17, Colby 2 (4inn) The Monarchs red-hot offense from the first game of the
doubleheader carried over into game two and TMP starter Madison Augustine held
Colby to just two runs as the Monarchs earn a 17-2 run-rule victory.

The Monarchs scored multiple runs in all four innings. 

TMP took advantage of a pair of doubles and a triple in the
first inning for a 3-0 lead.

Dreiling and Koenigsman had back-to-back doubles ahead of a VonLintel
sacrifice fly that put TMP up 2-0. Watson followed that with her third triple
of the day and then scored on the throw back into the infield putting TMP up
3-0.

After adding two runs in the second, TMP sent 12 to the
plate in an eight-run third inning building a 13-2 lead.

Hannah Garcia got the inning started with a two-run single. 

Two batters later Koenigsman hit an inside the park homerun,
the first of her career, scoring three runs for an 11-2 TMP lead.

VonLintel and Nicole Schumacher also drove in runs in the
inning as TMP built the 13-2 lead.

The Monarchs add four more in the fourth securing the 17-2
run-rule victory.

Koenigsman drove in four runs and was two-for-two with
three-runs scored and Watson drove in three runs.

Augustine earned the victory. She allowed two-unearned runs
on three hits in four innings.

HAYS – The TMP softball team scored 33 total runs in a doubleheader sweep
of the Colby Eagles Tuesday at the TMP softball complex in Hays.<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/1485330319&color=%23294b71&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-814667509/4-4-23-tmp-softball-coach-melissa-schoepf-postgame-interview" title="4 - 4-23 TMP Softball Coach Melissa Schoepf POSTGAME INTERVIEW" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4 - 4-23 TMP Softball Coach Melissa Schoepf POSTGAME INTERVIEW</a></div></div>GAME 1: TMP 16, Colby 11 The TMP Lady Monarchs (5-3) softball team scored six runs in the
second and added five more in the fifth as they take game of the doubleheader
16-11.<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/1485330526&color=%23294b71&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-814667509/4-4-2023-tmp-sb-dh-v-colby-game-1-highlights" title="4 - 4-2023 TMP SB DH V Colby GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4 - 4-2023 TMP SB DH V Colby GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS</a></div></div>Colby struck first with a run in the top of the first inning
but Halle Dreiling connected on her second home run of the season tying the
game at one in the bottom of the first. Three batters later Addison Watson hit her first of two triples in
the game scoring a run and giving TMP a 2-1 lead. Watson added a third run in the inning, scoring on a passed
ball.&nbsp;In the second inning
Madison Augustine drove in three on an inside the park homerun, the first of her career, putting TMP up
5-1.&nbsp;The Monarchs sent nine to the plate in that six-run second inning
for a 9-1 lead through two innings. Colby scored a run in the third and four more in the fourth,
cutting TMP’s lead to 9-6 but the Monarchs got two runs back in the bottom of
the fourth and five more in the fifth for a 16-7 lead.Colby added a single run in the sixth and three in the seventh
but TMP held on for the 16-11 win.Dreiling was 3-for-4 with two RBI’s and three runs scored. Brooke
Koenigsman, Jaci VonLintel, Watson and Augustine all drove in two runs for TMP.
Augustine got the win for TMP. She allowed 11 runs, just
four earned with four strikeouts in seven innings.GAME 2: TMP 17, Colby 2 (4inn) The Monarchs red-hot offense from the first game of the
doubleheader carried over into game two and TMP starter Madison Augustine held
Colby to just two runs as the Monarchs earn a 17-2 run-rule victory. <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/1485330658&color=%23294b71&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-814667509/4-4-2023-tmp-sb-dh-v-colby-game-2-highlights" title="4 - 4-2023 TMP SB DH V Colby GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">4 - 4-2023 TMP SB DH V Colby GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS</a></div></div>The Monarchs scored multiple runs in all four innings. TMP took advantage of a pair of doubles and a triple in the
first inning for a 3-0 lead.Dreiling and Koenigsman had back-to-back doubles ahead of a VonLintel
sacrifice fly that put TMP up 2-0. Watson followed that with her third triple
of the day and then scored on the throw back into the infield putting TMP up
3-0.After adding two runs in the second, TMP sent 12 to the
plate in an eight-run third inning building a 13-2 lead.Hannah Garcia got the inning started with a two-run single. Two batters later Koenigsman hit an inside the park homerun,
the first of her career, scoring three runs for an 11-2 TMP lead.VonLintel and Nicole Schumacher also drove in runs in the
inning as TMP built the 13-2 lead.The Monarchs add four more in the fourth securing the 17-2
run-rule victory.Koenigsman drove in four runs and was two-for-two with
three-runs scored and Watson drove in three runs.Augustine earned the victory. She allowed two-unearned runs
on three hits in four innings.TMP will host Ellis on Tuesday.

🥎 TMP offense leads the way in sweep of Colby

HAYS - The TMP-Marian Monarchs came up short in their home opener Tuesday, losing 4-2 and 23-6 to Colby at the Monarch Baseball Complex.

The Monarchs drop to 0-4 on the season. They host Ellis on Tuesday (April 11).

Game 1: Colby 4, TMP-Marian 2 The Eagles turned four singles and a walk into three runs in the top of the first and made it stick. They added another run in the third to build a 4-0 lead.

The Monarchs, who were held to two hits and had four errors, scored their two runs in the seventh on an RBI double from K Walker and a passed ball.

Freshman Carson Liles made the start and allowed one earned run on seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks and took the loss. Drew Werth pitched two hitless inning to finish the game.

Game 2: Colby 23, TMP-Marian 6 (4 innings) The Monarchs had a 4-1 lead after two innings but Colby scored 17 runs in the top of the third then added five more in the fourth.

Carson Liles drove in Caden Dinkel for TMP's first run with a first inning triple.

After the Eagles scored the tying run on two-out error in the second, the Monarchs took back the lead with three in the bottom of the inning. Treger Williby started the rally with a one-0ut triple. Michael Hale and Adler Brown were then hit by pitch to load the bases. Caden Dinkel drew a walk to drive in the first run. The second run scored on an error and the third on a fielders choice.

Colby opened the decisive third with two doubles and a triple. They had 14 hits and four walks in the frame.

Liles had two of the Monarchs five hits and drove in three of their four runs.

Garrett Feauto allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits over the first two innings and took the loss.

Hays PostHAYS - The TMP-Marian Monarchs came up short in their home opener Tuesday, losing 4-2 and 23-6 to Colby at the Monarch Baseball Complex.The Monarchs drop to 0-4 on the season. They host Ellis on Tuesday (April 11).Game 1: Colby 4, TMP-Marian 2 The Eagles turned four singles and a walk into three runs in the top of the first and made it stick. They added another run in the third to build a 4-0 lead.The Monarchs, who were held to two hits and had four errors, scored their two runs in the seventh on an RBI double from K Walker and a passed ball.Freshman Carson Liles made the start and allowed one earned run on seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks and took the loss. Drew Werth pitched two hitless inning to finish the game.Game 2: Colby 23, TMP-Marian 6 (4 innings) The Monarchs had a 4-1 lead after two innings but Colby scored 17 runs in the top of the third then added five more in the fourth.Carson Liles drove in Caden Dinkel for TMP's first run with a first inning triple.After the Eagles scored the tying run on two-out error in the second, the Monarchs took back the lead with three in the bottom of the inning. Treger Williby started the rally with a one-0ut triple. Michael Hale and Adler Brown were then hit by pitch to load the bases. Caden Dinkel drew a walk to drive in the first run. The second run scored on an error and the third on a fielders choice.Colby opened the decisive third with two doubles and a triple. They had 14 hits and four walks in the frame.Liles had two of the Monarchs five hits and drove in three of their four runs.Garrett Feauto allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits over the first two innings and took the loss.

⚾ Monarchs swept at home by Colby

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State baseball team completed the season sweep of Rockhurst with a 21-10 victory in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday. The Tigers scored in all but one frame in the contest as they enacted the ten after seven run-rule. The Tigers improved to 15-22 overall while Rockhurst moved to 12-22.

The Tigers scored twice in the opening frame to take the early lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;drew a leadoff walk before a triple by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;plus a throwing error by the right fielder cleared the bases for the Tigers. The Hawks answered in the home half with a five-run inning collecting a pair of two-run homers taking a 5-2 lead. FHSU scored five runs of their own in the following frame, all of them with two outs. Three straight walks loaded the bases for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;who would be hit by a pitch. Ural followed that up with his second triple of the day plating three more runs before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;drove home Ural with an RBI single through the left side. Rockhurst trimmed the Fort Hays State lead to 7-6 in the bottom of the inning with a run on an RBI single.

Two walks and a bunt single juiced the bags for DeGarmo once again as he plated another run on an infield hit. Ural collected two more RBI with a double down the left field line before Hermann plated two more runs with another single bringing the Tiger lead to 12-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/daniel-bebee/7252">Daniel Bebee</a>&nbsp;retired the Hawks in order in the bottom of the inning before the Tigers added three more in the fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-davis/7256">Zach Davis</a>&nbsp;led off with a solo home run to right field before a handful of free trips loaded the bases for the Tigers once again. A walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;and a pitch hitting Herrmann pushed across two runs to end the frame. The Hawks scored one run on one hit in the home half to bring the score to 15-7.

Fort Hays State continued to pile on runs in the fifth scoring five runs on three hits and an error by Rockhurst. A fielding error on a sacrifice bunt by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/joel-nieves/7267">Joel Nieves</a>&nbsp;allowed the junior to round all the way to third bringing in Davis and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;who each drew walks beforehand. Singles from Scott, DeGarmo, and Ural as well as a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tico-olivas/6823">Tico Olivas</a>&nbsp;helped to bring the Tiger lead to 20-7. The Hawks scored twice in the fifth and once in the sixth to cut the lead to ten but the Tigers plated their final run in the top of the seventh on an RBI single from Davis.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;held the Hawks in check to enact the run-rule.

Bebee (3-2) allowed only one run on three hits over 2.2 frames to claim the win on the mound. Hansen tossed the final two innings allowing one run and striking out four batters. Ural finished 4-for-5 with seven RBI and Herrmann went 3-for-5 with four RBI.

The Tigers will reenter conference play this weekend (April 6-8) as they head to Tahlequah, Okla. for a three-game series with Northeastern State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680657338987.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State Isaiah Ural bats during an NCAA baseball game vs. Adams State on Friday, February 4, 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State Isaiah Ural bats during an NCAA baseball game vs. Adams State on Friday, February 4, 2023 in Colorado Springs, Colo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State baseball team completed the season sweep of Rockhurst with a 21-10 victory in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday. The Tigers scored in all but one frame in the contest as they enacted the ten after seven run-rule. The Tigers improved to 15-22 overall while Rockhurst moved to 12-22.The Tigers scored twice in the opening frame to take the early lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;drew a leadoff walk before a triple by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;plus a throwing error by the right fielder cleared the bases for the Tigers. The Hawks answered in the home half with a five-run inning collecting a pair of two-run homers taking a 5-2 lead. FHSU scored five runs of their own in the following frame, all of them with two outs. Three straight walks loaded the bases for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;who would be hit by a pitch. Ural followed that up with his second triple of the day plating three more runs before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;drove home Ural with an RBI single through the left side. Rockhurst trimmed the Fort Hays State lead to 7-6 in the bottom of the inning with a run on an RBI single.Two walks and a bunt single juiced the bags for DeGarmo once again as he plated another run on an infield hit. Ural collected two more RBI with a double down the left field line before Hermann plated two more runs with another single bringing the Tiger lead to 12-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/daniel-bebee/7252">Daniel Bebee</a>&nbsp;retired the Hawks in order in the bottom of the inning before the Tigers added three more in the fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-davis/7256">Zach Davis</a>&nbsp;led off with a solo home run to right field before a handful of free trips loaded the bases for the Tigers once again. A walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;and a pitch hitting Herrmann pushed across two runs to end the frame. The Hawks scored one run on one hit in the home half to bring the score to 15-7.Fort Hays State continued to pile on runs in the fifth scoring five runs on three hits and an error by Rockhurst. A fielding error on a sacrifice bunt by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/joel-nieves/7267">Joel Nieves</a>&nbsp;allowed the junior to round all the way to third bringing in Davis and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mikey-felton/6810">Mikey Felton</a>&nbsp;who each drew walks beforehand. Singles from Scott, DeGarmo, and Ural as well as a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tico-olivas/6823">Tico Olivas</a>&nbsp;helped to bring the Tiger lead to 20-7. The Hawks scored twice in the fifth and once in the sixth to cut the lead to ten but the Tigers plated their final run in the top of the seventh on an RBI single from Davis.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;held the Hawks in check to enact the run-rule.Bebee (3-2) allowed only one run on three hits over 2.2 frames to claim the win on the mound. Hansen tossed the final two innings allowing one run and striking out four batters. Ural finished 4-for-5 with seven RBI and Herrmann went 3-for-5 with four RBI.The Tigers will reenter conference play this weekend (April 6-8) as they head to Tahlequah, Okla. for a three-game series with Northeastern State.

⚾ Tigers blow past Rockhurst in Kansas City

DENTON, Texas – The Fort Hays State men's golf team finished 12th at the DBU Men's Classic, held Monday and Tuesday at the Wildhorse Golf Club. The course was a par-72 layout with a total yardage of 6,880 yards. Bryce Cowan&nbsp;was the top Tiger on the leaderboard after tying for 21st. Cowan had quite the opening round in the tournament, ranking second out of 83 total players after shooting 5-under par. The 67 shots through the first 18 holes served to be a career-best round for Cowan as well as a season-best round for the team. The senior drilled seven birdie putts in his first round and parred nine times. Cowan shot rounds of 78 and 75 to finish the tournament.

Jackson Rader finished in a tie for 37th&nbsp;with a total of 225, shooting rounds of 74, 78, and 73. Rader ranked in fourth-place in pars on the tournament after recording 38. Dustin Nichols&nbsp;ended the tournament in a tie for 53rd. Nichols turned in eight birdies in his three rounds with four coming in his final round.

Tanner Copeland finished one stroke behind Nichols with a 230, tying for 59th. Copeland shot rounds of 77, 78, and 75 on the tournament with nine birdies and 26 pars. Jacob George&nbsp;tied for 67th&nbsp;with a 233 over the three rounds. George was able to ace the 208-yard No. 7 during the team's practice round on Sunday. As a team Fort Hays State was in eighth-place after the first round with a 293. The Tigers shot 15 birdies as a team in the opening round and 12 throughout the third round. Despite shooting 308 and 300 in their last two rounds, FHSU was able to beat Missouri Southern State by a single stroke. The Lions are currently ranked seventh in the region. Dallas Baptist had two separate teams compete in the tournament, both finishing in the top-3. DBU (B) finished as the champion, outshooting the competition by 19 strokes with a 10-under par. Key Coker from Dallas Baptist was the tournament's individual champion after finishing 12 strokes under par. The Tigers will now prepare for the MIAA Championships in Bolivar, Mo. The tournament is scheduled for April 17-19 at the Silo Ridge Golf &amp; Country Club.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680643954531.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Bryce Cowan tees off the second hole at the Dallas Baptist University Men's Classic on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Wildhorse Golf Club. (FHSU Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Bryce Cowan tees off the second hole at the Dallas Baptist University Men's Classic on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Wildhorse Golf Club. (FHSU Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsDENTON, Texas – The Fort Hays State men's golf team finished 12th at the DBU Men's Classic, held Monday and Tuesday at the Wildhorse Golf Club. The course was a par-72 layout with a total yardage of 6,880 yards. Bryce Cowan&nbsp;was the top Tiger on the leaderboard after tying for 21st. Cowan had quite the opening round in the tournament, ranking second out of 83 total players after shooting 5-under par. The 67 shots through the first 18 holes served to be a career-best round for Cowan as well as a season-best round for the team. The senior drilled seven birdie putts in his first round and parred nine times. Cowan shot rounds of 78 and 75 to finish the tournament.Jackson Rader finished in a tie for 37th&nbsp;with a total of 225, shooting rounds of 74, 78, and 73. Rader ranked in fourth-place in pars on the tournament after recording 38. Dustin Nichols&nbsp;ended the tournament in a tie for 53rd. Nichols turned in eight birdies in his three rounds with four coming in his final round.Tanner Copeland finished one stroke behind Nichols with a 230, tying for 59th. Copeland shot rounds of 77, 78, and 75 on the tournament with nine birdies and 26 pars. Jacob George&nbsp;tied for 67th&nbsp;with a 233 over the three rounds. George was able to ace the 208-yard No. 7 during the team's practice round on Sunday. As a team Fort Hays State was in eighth-place after the first round with a 293. The Tigers shot 15 birdies as a team in the opening round and 12 throughout the third round. Despite shooting 308 and 300 in their last two rounds, FHSU was able to beat Missouri Southern State by a single stroke. The Lions are currently ranked seventh in the region. Dallas Baptist had two separate teams compete in the tournament, both finishing in the top-3. DBU (B) finished as the champion, outshooting the competition by 19 strokes with a 10-under par. Key Coker from Dallas Baptist was the tournament's individual champion after finishing 12 strokes under par. The Tigers will now prepare for the MIAA Championships in Bolivar, Mo. The tournament is scheduled for April 17-19 at the Silo Ridge Golf &amp; Country Club.

⛳ Cowan records career-best opening round, FHSU 12th at DBU Men's Classic

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By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

By EDDIE PELLS AP National WriterHOUSTON — UConn topped off one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, clamping down early and breaking it open late to bring home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.Adama Sanogo had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Tristen Newton also had a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards for the Huskies (31-8), who became the fifth team since the bracket expanded in 1985 to win all six NCAA Tournament games by double-digits on the way to a championship.They won the six games by an average of an even 20 points, only a fraction less than what North Carolina did in sweeping to the title in 2009.UConn built a 16-point lead late in the first half, only to see the Aztecs (32-7) trim the lead to five with 5:19 left. But Jordan Hawkins (16 points) answered with a 3 to trigger a 9-0 run and the only drama left was whether UConn would cover the 7 1/2-point spread and go six for six with double-digit wins.Keshad Johnson had 14 points for San Diego State, which came up one win shy in this, its first trip to the Final Four.UConn set the stage for this one over an 11:07 stretch in the first half during which the Aztecs didn't make a single basket. Unable to shoot over or go around this tall, long UConn team, they missed 14 straight shots from the floor.They went from leading by four to trailing by 11, and when they weren't getting shots blocked (Alex Karaban had three and Sanogo had one) or altered on the inside, they were coming up short — a telltale sign of a team that was out of hops after that draining 72-71 buzzer-beater win over Florida Atlantic two nights earlier.UConn fan Bill Murray was one of the few celebrities on hand to watch the Huskies make it five for five in title games in one of the most unexpected Final Fours in history. This one marked the last that Jim Nantz would call after 37 years behind the mic.He's had a lot of UConn stories to tell, though this certainly wasn't the most dramatic.Even with that brief bout of uncertainty midway through the second half, UConn never truly let the Aztecs, who overcame a 14-point deficit in the semifinal, start thinking about any more last-second dramatics.This was a team built strictly for 2023 — replenished by coach Dan Hurley, who went to the transfer portal to find more outside shooting after back-to-back first-round exits in the tournament.And yet, there was something decidedly old-school about the way the Huskies took care of business in the early going.They didn't even think much about 3-point shooting at the start, instead skip passing into Sanogo on the post and wearing down SDSU while building the early lead.The Aztecs were too good a team to cave and an over-pursuing defense is what triggered the late run to within five. A team built on defense only shot 32% from the floor.And after its late run, they started getting burned and Hurley and Co. were hugging it out on the bench before the buzzer.UConn's latest coronation makes Hurley the third coach to bring a trophy home to Storrs, Connecticut. He joins Jim Calhoun (1999, 2004, 2001) and Kevin Ollie (2014).