McPHERSON - The Hays High girls’ soccer team defeated Augusta 9-0 in their opening match at the McPherson Invitational Monday. 

The 2-0 Indians will now play Valley Center in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Hays PostMcPHERSON - The Hays High girls’ soccer team defeated Augusta 9-0 in their opening match at the McPherson Invitational Monday. The 2-0 Indians will now play Valley Center in the semifinals on Tuesday.

⚽ HHS wins McPherson Invite opener

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head softball coach Adrian Pilkington and head baseball coach Justin Wichert and player guest Isaiah Ural.

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State head softball coach Adrian Pilkington and head baseball coach Justin Wichert and player guest Isaiah Ural.<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (March 27, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nx25z-13c9a96-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (March 27, 2023)

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Alijah Martin, Vlad Goldin and ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic became the first and lowest-seeded team to reach this year's Final Four as the Owls withstood another huge game by Kansas State's Markquis Nowell to beat the Wildcats 79-76 on Saturday night.

FAU (35-3), making just its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, won the East Region at Madison Square Garden and will head to Houston to play the winner of Sunday's South Region final between Creighton and San Diego State.

“I expect the prognosticators to pick us fifth in the Final Four,” fifth-year FAU coach Dusty May said.

The winningest team in Division I this season had never won an NCAA Tournament game before ripping off four straight, all by single digits, to become the first No. 9 seed to reach the Final Four since Wichita State in 2013 and the third to get that far since seeding began in 1979.

Nowell, the 5-foot-8 native New Yorker, was incredible again at Madison Square Garden, with 30 points, 12 assists and five steals, coming off a Sweet 16 game in which he set the NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists. He didn't get enough help this time.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin was the only other player in double figures for Kansas State (26-10) with 14 points. Keyontae Johnson, the Wildcats' leading scorer, fouled out with nine points.

Martin scored 17 points, including a huge 3 down the stretch, the 7-foot-1 Goldin had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Michael Forrest made four clutch free throws in the final 20 seconds for the Owls, who held steady as the Wildcats made a late push.

Cam Carter made a 3 from the wing with 22.8 seconds left to cut FAU’s lead to 75-74 and Kansas State fouled and sent Forrest to the line with 17.9 seconds left. The senior made both to make it a three-point game.

Nowell found Tomlin inside for a layup with 8.6 left to cut the lead to one again, and again K-State sent Forrest to the line. With 6.9 left, he made them both.

With no timeouts left, Nowell rushed down the court, gave up the ball to Ismael Massoud outside the 3-point line, and never got it back. FAU's Johnell Davis swiped it away and time ran out.

The Owls rushed the floor to celebrate a historic moment for the school. FAU didn't even have a basketball program until the late 1980s and has only been a Division I school for the last 30 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679794363053.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Markquis Nowell (1) reacts after Florida Atlantic players celebrate after defeating Kansas State in an Elite 8 college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament's East Region final, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Markquis Nowell (1) reacts after Florida Atlantic players celebrate after defeating Kansas State in an Elite 8 college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament's East Region final, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports WriterNEW YORK (AP) — Alijah Martin, Vlad Goldin and ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic became the first and lowest-seeded team to reach this year's Final Four as the Owls withstood another huge game by Kansas State's Markquis Nowell to beat the Wildcats 79-76 on Saturday night.FAU (35-3), making just its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, won the East Region at Madison Square Garden and will head to Houston to play the winner of Sunday's South Region final between Creighton and San Diego State.“I expect the prognosticators to pick us fifth in the Final Four,” fifth-year FAU coach Dusty May said.The winningest team in Division I this season had never won an NCAA Tournament game before ripping off four straight, all by single digits, to become the first No. 9 seed to reach the Final Four since Wichita State in 2013 and the third to get that far since seeding began in 1979.Nowell, the 5-foot-8 native New Yorker, was incredible again at Madison Square Garden, with 30 points, 12 assists and five steals, coming off a Sweet 16 game in which he set the NCAA Tournament record with 19 assists. He didn't get enough help this time.Nae’Qwan Tomlin was the only other player in double figures for Kansas State (26-10) with 14 points. Keyontae Johnson, the Wildcats' leading scorer, fouled out with nine points.Martin scored 17 points, including a huge 3 down the stretch, the 7-foot-1 Goldin had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Michael Forrest made four clutch free throws in the final 20 seconds for the Owls, who held steady as the Wildcats made a late push.Cam Carter made a 3 from the wing with 22.8 seconds left to cut FAU’s lead to 75-74 and Kansas State fouled and sent Forrest to the line with 17.9 seconds left. The senior made both to make it a three-point game.Nowell found Tomlin inside for a layup with 8.6 left to cut the lead to one again, and again K-State sent Forrest to the line. With 6.9 left, he made them both.With no timeouts left, Nowell rushed down the court, gave up the ball to Ismael Massoud outside the 3-point line, and never got it back. FAU's Johnell Davis swiped it away and time ran out.The Owls rushed the floor to celebrate a historic moment for the school. FAU didn't even have a basketball program until the late 1980s and has only been a Division I school for the last 30 years.

🏀 FAU holds off Nowell and K-State to reach 1st Final Four

EMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams recorded eight NCAA Division II national qualifying marks and took home three first-place finishes on the final day of the ESU Relays Saturday (March 25). The Tiger women placed third out of 22 schools, while the men were sixth in the team standings. Both men's and women's teams recorded four national qualifying marks each, including three on the track and five in field events.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/mattie-rossi/7135">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;placed first in the 400m hurdles with a national qualifying time of 1:01.24, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lyric-holman/7123">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;finished third in the 100m dash with a national qualifying time of 11.76.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/philip-landrum/7181">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;also surpassed the national qualifying standard in the 100m dash, finishing eighth in the men's race with a time of 10.49. Two-time national champion and seven-time All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ryan-stanley/7194">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;opened his final season of eligibility with a victory in the pole vault, clearing a national-qualifying height of 16-4.75.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/7169">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;also cleared the national qualifying mark, finishing second with a clearance of 16-0.75. A trio of Tigers recorded national qualifying marks in the pole vault, including a second-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/addie-berens/7115">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;with a top toss of 152-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/rhyann-brown/7117">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;was third with a top mark of 147-7. Competing at the collegiate level for the first time, true freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/william-tice/7215">William Tice</a>&nbsp;surpassed the provisional qualifying mark on his first-ever attempt with a toss of 195-0 to finish fourth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emily-salmans/7136">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;captured the final event victory for the Tigers, winning the 800m run with a time of 2:14.68.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-savolt/7138">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;moved to ninth on the FHSU DII era performance chart in the 100m hurdles with a time of 14.57, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-stanley/7140">Chloe Stanley</a>&nbsp;improved her PR in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:03.90.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/7150">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;jumped to seventh on the DII era top 10 list in the shot put after finishing fifth with a top heave of 43-1.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/7163">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;now ranks eighth on the 100m chart with a time of 10.55. The Tigers will split up to compete at events in three different states next weekend (March 30-April 1), including the Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis, Mo. and the Central Nebraska Challenge in Kearney, Neb. Full FHSU Results - Saturday Women 100m Dash 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lyric-holman/7123">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 11.76 # 14th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/tori-poe/7133">Tori Poe</a>&nbsp;- 12.35 100m Hurdles 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/mattie-rossi/7135">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 14.36 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-savolt/7138">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 14.57 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-stanley/7140">Chloe Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 14.63 19th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hadley-williams/7143">Hadley Williams</a>&nbsp;- 16.60 21st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/7158">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;- 16.92 23rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/anndee-davidson/7153">Anndee Davidson</a>&nbsp;- 17.73 24th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ellie-dusselier/7120">Ellie Dusselier</a>&nbsp;- 17.91 400m Dash 8th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/7156">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;- 58.67 12th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kinley-brown/7116">Kinley Brown</a>&nbsp;- 58.88 20th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jasey-downing/7119">Jasey Downing</a>&nbsp;- 1:00.37 400m Hurdles 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/mattie-rossi/7135">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 1:01.24 # 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-savolt/7138">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 1:02.83 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/chloe-stanley/7140">Chloe Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 1:03.90 800m Run 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emily-salmans/7136">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 2:14.68 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hannah-wiebe/7142">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;- 2:19.46 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/faith-little/7129">Faith Little</a>&nbsp;- 2:21.83 1,500m Run 10th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/faith-little/7129">Faith Little</a>&nbsp;- 4:50.14 4x100m Relay 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/tori-poe/7133">Tori Poe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kinley-brown/7116">Kinley Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jasey-downing/7119">Jasey Downing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lyric-holman/7123">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 47.28 Pole Vault 8th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/annabeth-baalmann/7149">Annabeth Baalmann</a>&nbsp;- 10-11.75 12th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kaitlin-lindstrom/7155">Kaitlin Lindstrom</a>&nbsp;- 10-0 15th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/taylor-linn/7128">Taylor Linn</a>&nbsp;- 10-0 17th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/maleigha-schmidt/7139">Maleigha Schmidt</a>&nbsp;- 10-0 Long Jump 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hadley-williams/7143">Hadley Williams</a>&nbsp;- 16-7 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/anndee-davidson/7153">Anndee Davidson</a>&nbsp;- 16-0.25 19th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ellie-dusselier/7120">Ellie Dusselier</a>&nbsp;- 15-4.25 22nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/7158">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;- 15-0.75 Shot Put Invite 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/7150">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;- 43-1 Discus 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-saunders/7137">Jessica Saunders</a>&nbsp;- 124-2 20th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kieran-burke/7151">Kieran Burke</a>&nbsp;- 119-9 31st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-rudman/7157">Emma Rudman</a>&nbsp;- 110-10 Javelin 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/addie-berens/7115">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;- 152-6 # 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/rhyann-brown/7117">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;- 147-7 # 16th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/patrisha-doll/7154">Patrisha Doll</a>&nbsp;- 130-4 37th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hadley-williams/7143">Hadley Williams</a>&nbsp;- 84-5 40th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/anndee-davidson/7153">Anndee Davidson</a>&nbsp;- 81-5 42nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ellie-dusselier/7120">Ellie Dusselier</a>&nbsp;- 71-7 43rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kylin-rudzik/7158">Kylin Rudzik</a>&nbsp;- 64-9 Men 100m Dash 8th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/philip-landrum/7181">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 10.49 # 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/7163">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;- 10.55 36th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/7217">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;- 10.97 37th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kenny-fritsch/7210">Kenny Fritsch</a>&nbsp;- 10.99 41st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/eddie-mcvay/7476">Eddie McVay</a>&nbsp;- 11.06 110m Hurdles 16th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jonah-remsberg/7213">Jonah Remsberg</a>&nbsp;- 15.56 18th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/7192">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 15.70 400m Dash 57th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jama-gleue/7178">Jama Gleue</a>&nbsp;- 55.02 400m Hurdles 15th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/7192">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 57.49 20th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jonah-remsberg/7213">Jonah Remsberg</a>&nbsp;- 59.39 800m Run 18th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/isaac-radke/7189">Isaac Radke</a>&nbsp;- 1:59.44 4x100m Relay 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/xavier-robinson/7191">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/eddie-mcvay/7476">Eddie McVay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/7163">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/philip-landrum/7181">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 41.11 High Jump Invite 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dayton-williams/7196">Dayton Williams</a>&nbsp;- 6-6.25 Pole Vault Invite 1st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ryan-stanley/7194">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 16-4.75 # 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/7169">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;- 16-0.75 # 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brady-deges/7205">Brady Deges</a>&nbsp;- 14-5.25 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jonah-remsberg/7213">Jonah Remsberg</a>&nbsp;- NH Long Jump 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/xavier-robinson/7191">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;- 23-7.25 Triple Jump 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/xavier-robinson/7191">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;- 46-11.75 Shot Put 25th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/7168">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 37-5.75 30th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/7192">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 31-3.25 Hammer Throw 8th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kolgan-ohl/7186">Kolgan Ohl</a>&nbsp;- 177-1 Javelin 4th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/william-tice/7215">William Tice</a>&nbsp;- 195-0 # 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/garron-champoux/7167">Garron Champoux</a>&nbsp;- 175-9 16th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/tyler-stindt/7195">Tyler Stindt</a>&nbsp;- 166-8 22nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dylan-van-laeys/7216">Dylan Van Laeys</a>&nbsp;- 150-0 24th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/7168">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 148-1 30th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-salmans/7192">Ethan Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 116-2 31st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jonah-remsberg/7213">Jonah Remsberg</a>&nbsp;- 112-1 Friday Results Women 200m Dash 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/lyric-holman/7123">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 24.67 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kinley-brown/7116">Kinley Brown</a>&nbsp;- 25.63 11th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/tori-poe/7133">Tori Poe</a>&nbsp;- 25.68 15th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/jasey-downing/7119">Jasey Downing</a>&nbsp;- 26.01 44th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/reba-mader/7156">Reba Mader</a>&nbsp;- 26.99 72nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/allison-cross/7152">Allison Cross</a>&nbsp;- 28.48 800m Run 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hattie-lukert/7130">Hattie Lukert</a>&nbsp;- 2:25.37 12th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elizabeth-fender/7146">Elizabeth Fender</a>&nbsp;- 2:28.87 20th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ashlyn-harbaugh/7147">Ashlyn Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;- 2:35.30 1,500m Run 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elizabeth-fender/7146">Elizabeth Fender</a>&nbsp;- 5:00.76 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hannah-wiebe/7142">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;- 5:04.43 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/hattie-lukert/7130">Hattie Lukert</a>&nbsp;- 5:04.77 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ashlyn-harbaugh/7147">Ashlyn Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;- 5:10.92 5,000m Run 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/elka-billings/7144">Elka Billings</a>&nbsp;- 18:21.95 26th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/ursula-billings/7145">Ursula Billings</a>&nbsp;- 20:39.83 Shot Put Open 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kieran-burke/7151">Kieran Burke</a>&nbsp;- 38-2.75 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-rudman/7157">Emma Rudman</a>&nbsp;- 34-3 9th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/patrisha-doll/7154">Patrisha Doll</a>&nbsp;- 21-7.5 Hammer Throw Open 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/liberty-booker/7150">Liberty Booker</a>&nbsp;- 154-7 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/kieran-burke/7151">Kieran Burke</a>&nbsp;- 119-10 16th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/emma-rudman/7157">Emma Rudman</a>&nbsp;- 115-1 Hammer Throw Invite 21st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/patrisha-doll/7154">Patrisha Doll</a>&nbsp;- 133-10 Men 200m Dash 2nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/philip-landrum/7181">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 21.37 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hayden-albright/7163">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;- 21.67 20th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kenny-fritsch/7210">Kenny Fritsch</a>&nbsp;- 22.26 29th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/toby-wahlmeier/7217">Toby Wahlmeier</a>&nbsp;- 22.41 81st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jama-gleue/7178">Jama Gleue</a>&nbsp;- 24.26 800m Run 14th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/javyn-contreras/7170">Javyn Contreras</a>&nbsp;- 2:01.15 22nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/andrew-waller/7208">Andrew Waller</a>&nbsp;- 2:02.96 1,500m Run 12th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jaret-pfizenmaier/7188">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;- 4:06.57 14th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/javyn-contreras/7170">Javyn Contreras</a>&nbsp;- 4:07.46 22nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/andrew-waller/7208">Andrew Waller</a>&nbsp;- 4:12.92 24th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/isaac-radke/7189">Isaac Radke</a>&nbsp;- 4:13.56 53rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ethan-emmons/7173">Ethan Emmons</a>&nbsp;- 4:38.57 5,000m Run 33rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/matthew-schrag/7193">Matthew Schrag</a>&nbsp;- 16:05.88 Pole Vault Open 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/carter-jones/7180">Carter Jones</a>&nbsp;- 12-9.5 10th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kurtis-mccormick/7212">Kurtis McCormick</a>&nbsp;- 12-5.5 Discus 13th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/kolgan-ohl/7186">Kolgan Ohl</a>&nbsp;- 146-6 ! - indicates school record mark # - indicates NCAA Division II national qualifying mark

👟 Tigers have eight national qualifiers, three champs at outdoor opener

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State softball team picked up a pair of wins to run their win streak to eight games in a sweep of Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday. The Tigers celebrated the official naming ceremony of Fleharty Family Field with wins by scores of 2-0 and 10-2 (6 inn.). The Tigers are now 21-10 overall, 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Lopers moved to 12-18 overall, 3-3 in the MIAA. Game 1: Fort Hays State 2, Nebraska-Kearney 0 Savannah Egger spun a two-hit shutout in the first contest of the day. She struck out five Lopers and yielded three walks in her complete-game effort, moving to 10-4 on the season. It was her fourth-straight complete game, now with an 0.80 ERA and two shutouts in that stretch that goes back to March 15 at CSU Pueblo.

Regan Curry&nbsp;got the Tigers on the board in the second inning with a smash RBI single to third base that was too hot for the UNK fielder to handle. It scored Sydnee Hoffman&nbsp;as the ball trickled off down the left field line. Peyton Shepard&nbsp;provided the other RBI for the Tigers in the fifth on a triple to center field, scoring Reese Curry. Loren Beggs&nbsp;led the Tigers with two hits in the game, one being a double. Madison Pierce and Lexi Mohr&nbsp;also had doubles, which set up the runs for FHSU after Hoffman and Reese Curry&nbsp;replaced them as pinch runners. UNK pitcher Sydney Thomason and Avery Wood had the only hits for UNK. Thomason went the distance for UNK with six hits allowed and a walk. She struck out three and now stands at 6-3 on the season. Game 2: Fort Hays State 10, Nebraska-Kearney 2 The Tigers grabbed the initial lead in the second contest with a run in the first before UNK slipped past with two in the third. FHSU immediately bounced back in the bottom of the third with three runs to take the lead back 4-2. They tacked on two runs in each inning to follow, running away with a 10-2 run-rule victory in a game that saw conditions turn poor in a hurry in about the fourth inning. The last couple of innings were played in strong winds, with a mix of drizzle and flurries as a front passed through Hays. An RBI groundout by Madison Pierce&nbsp;in the first inning put the Tigers up 1-0. Bailey Carlson&nbsp;yielded the only two runs of her complete-game effort in the third on a pair of weak contact groundouts that allowed runners to score from third. The Tigers shook that off when an RBI bunt single by Sarah Tiffany&nbsp;in the bottom half of the inning tied the game at 2-2. She later came in to score on Pierce's second RBI, this time on a fielder's choice. Then Carly Stuke&nbsp;doubled home Pierce to make it 4-2.

Adysen Burhart&nbsp;notched an RBI on a ground out in the fourth and Tiffany added her third hit of the game, an RBI double to right center making in 6-2. In the fifth, Stuke rifled a ball over the left center field wall for a 2-run homer making it 8-2. The Tigers ended the game in the sixth when a wild pitch plated their ninth run and then Stuke drew a bases loaded walk to end the game by run rule. Stuke finished the game with a team-high four RBIs, while Tiffany and Pierce each cashed in two chances. Tiffany led the Tigers with three hits, while Stuke and Loren Beggs&nbsp;each had two knocks. Carlson finished with seven hits allowed and one walk, while striking out five. She moved to 7-3 on the season with her fourth-straight complete game win, going back to March 14 at MSU Denver. She has a 1.30 ERA in that stretch. Faith Gaynor took the loss for UNK, allowing six runs in 3.0 innings of work. Stacy Bott pitched the final 2.1 innings and allowed four runs. Each had one strikeout. The Tigers head south for a midweek doubleheader at Southwestern Oklahoma State on Tuesday in Weatherford, Okla. Action is set to begin at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679786318503.jpeg" alt="The Gene and Jo Ann Fleharty family along with the Fort Hays State softball team following the official naming of Fleharty Family Field on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)" />
 <figcaption>The Gene and Jo Ann Fleharty family along with the Fort Hays State softball team following the official naming of Fleharty Family Field on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State softball team picked up a pair of wins to run their win streak to eight games in a sweep of Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday. The Tigers celebrated the official naming ceremony of Fleharty Family Field with wins by scores of 2-0 and 10-2 (6 inn.). The Tigers are now 21-10 overall, 4-2 in the MIAA, while the Lopers moved to 12-18 overall, 3-3 in the MIAA. Game 1: Fort Hays State 2, Nebraska-Kearney 0 Savannah Egger spun a two-hit shutout in the first contest of the day. She struck out five Lopers and yielded three walks in her complete-game effort, moving to 10-4 on the season. It was her fourth-straight complete game, now with an 0.80 ERA and two shutouts in that stretch that goes back to March 15 at CSU Pueblo.Regan Curry&nbsp;got the Tigers on the board in the second inning with a smash RBI single to third base that was too hot for the UNK fielder to handle. It scored Sydnee Hoffman&nbsp;as the ball trickled off down the left field line. Peyton Shepard&nbsp;provided the other RBI for the Tigers in the fifth on a triple to center field, scoring Reese Curry. Loren Beggs&nbsp;led the Tigers with two hits in the game, one being a double. Madison Pierce and Lexi Mohr&nbsp;also had doubles, which set up the runs for FHSU after Hoffman and Reese Curry&nbsp;replaced them as pinch runners. UNK pitcher Sydney Thomason and Avery Wood had the only hits for UNK. Thomason went the distance for UNK with six hits allowed and a walk. She struck out three and now stands at 6-3 on the season. Game 2: Fort Hays State 10, Nebraska-Kearney 2 The Tigers grabbed the initial lead in the second contest with a run in the first before UNK slipped past with two in the third. FHSU immediately bounced back in the bottom of the third with three runs to take the lead back 4-2. They tacked on two runs in each inning to follow, running away with a 10-2 run-rule victory in a game that saw conditions turn poor in a hurry in about the fourth inning. The last couple of innings were played in strong winds, with a mix of drizzle and flurries as a front passed through Hays. An RBI groundout by Madison Pierce&nbsp;in the first inning put the Tigers up 1-0. Bailey Carlson&nbsp;yielded the only two runs of her complete-game effort in the third on a pair of weak contact groundouts that allowed runners to score from third. The Tigers shook that off when an RBI bunt single by Sarah Tiffany&nbsp;in the bottom half of the inning tied the game at 2-2. She later came in to score on Pierce's second RBI, this time on a fielder's choice. Then Carly Stuke&nbsp;doubled home Pierce to make it 4-2.Adysen Burhart&nbsp;notched an RBI on a ground out in the fourth and Tiffany added her third hit of the game, an RBI double to right center making in 6-2. In the fifth, Stuke rifled a ball over the left center field wall for a 2-run homer making it 8-2. The Tigers ended the game in the sixth when a wild pitch plated their ninth run and then Stuke drew a bases loaded walk to end the game by run rule. Stuke finished the game with a team-high four RBIs, while Tiffany and Pierce each cashed in two chances. Tiffany led the Tigers with three hits, while Stuke and Loren Beggs&nbsp;each had two knocks. Carlson finished with seven hits allowed and one walk, while striking out five. She moved to 7-3 on the season with her fourth-straight complete game win, going back to March 14 at MSU Denver. She has a 1.30 ERA in that stretch. Faith Gaynor took the loss for UNK, allowing six runs in 3.0 innings of work. Stacy Bott pitched the final 2.1 innings and allowed four runs. Each had one strikeout. The Tigers head south for a midweek doubleheader at Southwestern Oklahoma State on Tuesday in Weatherford, Okla. Action is set to begin at 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers celebrate field naming with sweep of Lopers

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team fell in the series finale with Pittsburg State on Saturday, 11-6. The Tigers (13-19, 4-12 MIAA) and Gorillas (21-7, 13-3 MIAA) fought back and forth in the contest before a four-run ninth inning by the Gorillas put the game out of reach.

Fort Hays State jumped in front in the opening frame with two runs to give them their first lead of the series. Ed Scott&nbsp;drew a leadoff walk before Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;reached on a bunt single up the first base line. Isaiah Ural&nbsp;moved the runners over on a sacrifice bunt to set up a two-RBI single from Emile Boies. After escaping a bases loaded jam in the top of the first, Tiger starter Jake Campbell&nbsp;found himself in trouble again as the Gorillas started off the second with back-to-back singles. Pittsburg State manufactured a pair of runs in the inning to tie the game, including one unearned run, but Mikey Felton&nbsp;put the Tigers back in front with a solo shot over the left center wall in the home half of the second.

Campbell held PSU scoreless in the third before the Gorillas tied the game with a run in the fourth. Two throwing errors by the Tigers in the fifth led to two runs as the Gorillas took a 5-3 lead. Spencer Maley&nbsp;&nbsp;took over with one out in the fifth and managed to prevent further damage. But the Tigers put together a big inning in the bottom of the fifth in response, plating three runs to regain the lead. A leadoff single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;followed by a four-pitch walk to Scott got the Tigers rolling before a double steal put the runners in scoring position. DeGarmo plated Maldonado on a sacrifice fly before a wild pitch brought home Scott. Ural capped of the inning with a solo homer to right field to put the Tigers ahead 6-5. The Gorillas quickly regained the lead with a two-run homer to left center in the sixth. Both bullpens worked efficiently down the stretch, with neither team scoring in the seventh or eighth. The Tigers picked up two free bases to lead off the eighth, but were unable to come away with a run after two strikeouts and a pop up. Pittsburg State added four insurance runs in the ninth, all of which were unearned. Maley retired the first batter of the inning and walked the second before inducing a tailor-made double play ball, but the defense was unable to make the play. The Gorillas scored one run on a sacrifice fly before a three-run home run cleared the bases and made the score 11-6. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;took the mound to record the final out and did so without allowing any more damage, but the Gorillas struck out the side in the bottom of the frame to secure the sweep. Campbell went 4 1/3 innings in his second consecutive start, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out three batters. Maley (0-1) gave up six runs (two earned) on six hits and also recorded three punchouts. Flaherty gave up one hit and recorded a strikeout to end the game. Boies finished 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBI while Scott crossed the plate twice in the finale. After collecting five hits and six runs off the PSU starter over 4.1 innings, the Tigers were hitless and scoreless in 4 2/3 innings against the Gorilla bullpen. The Tigers will go on the road on Tuesday to play the second game of the midweek series with Newman in Wichita. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679785031206.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Mikey Felton watches a pitch in an NCAA baseball game vs. Wayne State College on Wednesday, March, 1, 2023 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Mikey Felton watches a pitch in an NCAA baseball game vs. Wayne State College on Wednesday, March, 1, 2023 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team fell in the series finale with Pittsburg State on Saturday, 11-6. The Tigers (13-19, 4-12 MIAA) and Gorillas (21-7, 13-3 MIAA) fought back and forth in the contest before a four-run ninth inning by the Gorillas put the game out of reach.<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/1477489819&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/03-25-23-fhsu-bsb-coach-justin-wichert-interview" title="Justin Wichert Postgame vs. Pittsburg State (March 25, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Justin Wichert Postgame vs. Pittsburg State (March 25, 2023)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State jumped in front in the opening frame with two runs to give them their first lead of the series. Ed Scott&nbsp;drew a leadoff walk before Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;reached on a bunt single up the first base line. Isaiah Ural&nbsp;moved the runners over on a sacrifice bunt to set up a two-RBI single from Emile Boies. After escaping a bases loaded jam in the top of the first, Tiger starter Jake Campbell&nbsp;found himself in trouble again as the Gorillas started off the second with back-to-back singles. Pittsburg State manufactured a pair of runs in the inning to tie the game, including one unearned run, but Mikey Felton&nbsp;put the Tigers back in front with a solo shot over the left center wall in the home half of the second.<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/1477489807&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/03-25-24-fhsu-bsb-vs-pittsburg-state-highlights-mixdown-1" title="Fort Hays State BSB Highlights vs. Pittsburg State (March 25, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State BSB Highlights vs. Pittsburg State (March 25, 2023)</a></div></div>Campbell held PSU scoreless in the third before the Gorillas tied the game with a run in the fourth. Two throwing errors by the Tigers in the fifth led to two runs as the Gorillas took a 5-3 lead. Spencer Maley&nbsp;&nbsp;took over with one out in the fifth and managed to prevent further damage. But the Tigers put together a big inning in the bottom of the fifth in response, plating three runs to regain the lead. A leadoff single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;followed by a four-pitch walk to Scott got the Tigers rolling before a double steal put the runners in scoring position. DeGarmo plated Maldonado on a sacrifice fly before a wild pitch brought home Scott. Ural capped of the inning with a solo homer to right field to put the Tigers ahead 6-5. The Gorillas quickly regained the lead with a two-run homer to left center in the sixth. Both bullpens worked efficiently down the stretch, with neither team scoring in the seventh or eighth. The Tigers picked up two free bases to lead off the eighth, but were unable to come away with a run after two strikeouts and a pop up. Pittsburg State added four insurance runs in the ninth, all of which were unearned. Maley retired the first batter of the inning and walked the second before inducing a tailor-made double play ball, but the defense was unable to make the play. The Gorillas scored one run on a sacrifice fly before a three-run home run cleared the bases and made the score 11-6. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;took the mound to record the final out and did so without allowing any more damage, but the Gorillas struck out the side in the bottom of the frame to secure the sweep. Campbell went 4 1/3 innings in his second consecutive start, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out three batters. Maley (0-1) gave up six runs (two earned) on six hits and also recorded three punchouts. Flaherty gave up one hit and recorded a strikeout to end the game. Boies finished 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBI while Scott crossed the plate twice in the finale. After collecting five hits and six runs off the PSU starter over 4.1 innings, the Tigers were hitless and scoreless in 4 2/3 innings against the Gorilla bullpen. The Tigers will go on the road on Tuesday to play the second game of the midweek series with Newman in Wichita. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Late rally lifts Gorillas past Tigers in series finale

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped their series opener to Pittsburg State, 14-1, on Friday at Larks Park before falling in the second game of the series, 9-5. The Gorillas move to 19-7, 11-3 MIAA while the Tigers fall to 13-17, 4-10 MIAA.

The Tigers and Gorillas are set to wrap up the series on Saturday (March 25), with first pitch set for noon. Game One – Pittsburg State 14, Fort Hays State 1 The Gorillas got the bats going early in the weekend opener and Zac Shoemaker took command on the mound, tossing five scoreless innings. The Gorillas scored twice in the opening frame including a leadoff home run by Jake Grauberger on the second pitch of the game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/daniel-bebee/7252">Daniel Bebee</a>&nbsp;got the nod for the Tigers on the mound and allowed six runs on seven hits over three innings before leaving early due to an injury. Pittsburg State scored two more runs in the second on another home run before adding another run in the third to take a 5-0 lead.

The Tigers began to build momentum in the bottom of the third with a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;and a single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>, but the Tigers were unable to bring them around. The Gorillas added four runs in the fourth with help from another two-run shot before pushing the lead to 10 in the sixth. The Tigers scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of back-to-back doubles from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;to end the shutout.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-shope/7270">Jacob Shope</a>&nbsp;entered to pitch the seventh for the Tigers and held the Gorillas in check, but PSU pulled away in the eighth with four more runs. Shope threw one scoreless frame while walking three batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dustin-menard/6822">Dustin Menard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trip-davis/7255">Trip Davis</a>&nbsp;combined to throw the final inning allowing two runs each. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ridge-stephens/6828">Ridge Stephens</a>, DeGarmo, Ural and Herrmann each tallied a hit for the Tigers. Game Two – Pittsburg State 9, Fort Hays State 5 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;retired the first two batters he faced in game two before three consecutive singles from the Gorillas plated a run in the top of the first. The Tigers answered in the home half when Scott led off with a solo home run to left center. The Gorillas reclaimed the lead in following frame with a solo shot of their own before scoring two runs on an RBI single in the third. &nbsp;

The Tigers manufactured a run in the bottom of the third when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;drew a leadoff walk. Scott followed with a bunt single, with Maldonado later scoring on a wild pitch. Pittsburg State scored one run in the fourth inning, but the Tigers answered with a pair of runs to trim the deficit to 5-4. Back-to-back doubles from Boies and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;plated the first run before a failed double play attempt allowed Maldonado to reach base safely and Knox to score. Pittsburg State scored a run in the fifth and another in the sixth to stretch their lead to three, but FHSU answered in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI single from Boies. The Gorillas scored their final two runs in the eighth and held off the Tigers to clinch the series victory. Berg went 5.0 innings on the mound, giving up six runs on 11 hits and one walk while collecting five strikeouts.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;provided 2.2 frames of relief, allowing two runs on two hits striking out one batter before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jenner-kehe/6818">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;took over to close out the eighth allowing one run on one hit.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cade-flaherty/6811">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;closed out the contest for the Tigers, retiring the Gorillas in order in the ninth and picked up a strikeout. Scott finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 at the plate with one run and one RBI while Boies (2-for-5) recorded another multi-hit game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679719714941.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Zane Knox swings at a pitch in game 1 of a doubleheader with Pittsburg State on Friday, March 24 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nick Meis)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Zane Knox swings at a pitch in game 1 of a doubleheader with Pittsburg State on Friday, March 24 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nick Meis)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped their series opener to Pittsburg State, 14-1, on Friday at Larks Park before falling in the second game of the series, 9-5. The Gorillas move to 19-7, 11-3 MIAA while the Tigers fall to 13-17, 4-10 MIAA.<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/1476933349&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/03-24-23-fhsu-coach-interview" title="Justin Wichert Postgame vs. Pittsburg State (March 24, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Justin Wichert Postgame vs. Pittsburg State (March 24, 2023)</a></div></div>The Tigers and Gorillas are set to wrap up the series on Saturday (March 25), with first pitch set for noon. Game One – Pittsburg State 14, Fort Hays State 1 The Gorillas got the bats going early in the weekend opener and Zac Shoemaker took command on the mound, tossing five scoreless innings. The Gorillas scored twice in the opening frame including a leadoff home run by Jake Grauberger on the second pitch of the game. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/daniel-bebee/7252">Daniel Bebee</a>&nbsp;got the nod for the Tigers on the mound and allowed six runs on seven hits over three innings before leaving early due to an injury. Pittsburg State scored two more runs in the second on another home run before adding another run in the third to take a 5-0 lead.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1476933502&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-bsb-vs-pittsburg-state-game-1-highlights" title="Fort Hays State BSB Game 1 Highlights vs. Pittsburg State (March 24, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State BSB Game 1 Highlights vs. Pittsburg State (March 24, 2023)</a></div></div>The Tigers began to build momentum in the bottom of the third with a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;and a single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>, but the Tigers were unable to bring them around. The Gorillas added four runs in the fourth with help from another two-run shot before pushing the lead to 10 in the sixth. The Tigers scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of back-to-back doubles from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;to end the shutout.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-shope/7270">Jacob Shope</a>&nbsp;entered to pitch the seventh for the Tigers and held the Gorillas in check, but PSU pulled away in the eighth with four more runs. Shope threw one scoreless frame while walking three batters.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dustin-menard/6822">Dustin Menard</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trip-davis/7255">Trip Davis</a>&nbsp;combined to throw the final inning allowing two runs each. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ridge-stephens/6828">Ridge Stephens</a>, DeGarmo, Ural and Herrmann each tallied a hit for the Tigers. Game Two – Pittsburg State 9, Fort Hays State 5 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;retired the first two batters he faced in game two before three consecutive singles from the Gorillas plated a run in the top of the first. The Tigers answered in the home half when Scott led off with a solo home run to left center. The Gorillas reclaimed the lead in following frame with a solo shot of their own before scoring two runs on an RBI single in the third. &nbsp;<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/1476933400&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/03-24-23-fhsu-baseball-highlights-game2" title="Fort Hays State BSB Game 2 Highlights vs. Pittsburg State (March 24, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State BSB Game 2 Highlights vs. Pittsburg State (March 24, 2023)</a></div></div>The Tigers manufactured a run in the bottom of the third when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/colter-maldonado/7264">Colter Maldonado</a>&nbsp;drew a leadoff walk. Scott followed with a bunt single, with Maldonado later scoring on a wild pitch. Pittsburg State scored one run in the fourth inning, but the Tigers answered with a pair of runs to trim the deficit to 5-4. Back-to-back doubles from Boies and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;plated the first run before a failed double play attempt allowed Maldonado to reach base safely and Knox to score. Pittsburg State scored a run in the fifth and another in the sixth to stretch their lead to three, but FHSU answered in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI single from Boies. The Gorillas scored their final two runs in the eighth and held off the Tigers to clinch the series victory. Berg went 5.0 innings on the mound, giving up six runs on 11 hits and one walk while collecting five strikeouts.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;provided 2.2 frames of relief, allowing two runs on two hits striking out one batter before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jenner-kehe/6818">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;took over to close out the eighth allowing one run on one hit.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cade-flaherty/6811">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;closed out the contest for the Tigers, retiring the Gorillas in order in the ninth and picked up a strikeout. Scott finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 at the plate with one run and one RBI while Boies (2-for-5) recorded another multi-hit game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Gorillas hits their way to DH sweep of the Tigers

Fort Hays State (13-16, 4-9 MIAA) vs. Pittsburg State (18-7, 10-3) Friday-Sunday, March 24-26, 2023 Hays, Kan. • Larks Park Radio&nbsp;• KAYS (94.3/1400)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State baseball team returns to MIAA play this weekend (March 24-26) when the Tigers host Pittsburg State in a three game series at Larks Park. First pitch in Friday's opener has been moved up two hours to noon. The rest of the series is tentatively scheduled for&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;&nbsp;at 1 p.m. and a series finale Sunday at noon, with all game times subject to change due to the ever-changing forecast. The Tigers are fresh off of a doubleheader sweep over Rockhurst on Tuesday (March 21).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;had stellar outings in the midweek showcase, with both collecting three hits each and combining for seven RBI across the two contests.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;added seven strikeouts to his team-leading total, giving the sophomore 32 punchouts for the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jenner-kehe/6818">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;collected his first win of the season on the mound, throwing four perfect innings. The Tigers lead all of DII with 32 sacrifice bunts while leading the MIAA in walks drawn (145, 8th in DII) and on base percentage (.419, 37th&nbsp;in DII). The Tigers also rank in the top-five in the MIAA in runs (217), hits (285), doubles (54), triples (7), home runs (29), RBI (188)&nbsp;and slugging percentage (.478). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers with a .364 batting average which ranks 16th&nbsp;in the conference. DeGarmo has crossed the plate a team high 34 times which is tied for second-most in the MIAA. Ural is tied for second in the conference with 10 doubles on the year followed by DeGarmo and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;with nine each. Boies continues to lead the MIAA in walks drawn with 23, while Ural is tied for second in the league with 21 walks on the year.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/daniel-bebee/7252">Daniel Bebee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-campbell/6805">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;all made great starts against Central Oklahoma and will likely make up the starting rotation this weekend for the Tigers. Fort Hays State is 29-33 against Pittsburg State all-time after dropping a three-game series to the Gorillas last season. PSU is batting .315 as a team and has scored 225 runs over 25 games. Nixon Brannan leads the Gorillas at the plate batting .389 with nine doubles, nine home runs, and accumulating 40 RBI. Zac Shoemaker has been a solid starter for Pittsburg State posting a 1.24 ERA over seven starts and collecting 54 strikeouts while giving up only two walks. Fort Hays State vs Pittsburg State March 24-26, 2023 – Larks Park Game&nbsp;1 • Friday, March 24 • Noon Game 2 • Saturday, March 25 • 1 p.m. Game 3 • Sunday, March 26 • 12 p.m. *subject to change*&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679656178843.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State senior Ed Scott (8) is congratulated by Tico Olivas (1) after scoring a run at at NCAA baseball game earlier this season at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State senior Ed Scott (8) is congratulated by Tico Olivas (1) after scoring a run at at NCAA baseball game earlier this season at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (13-16, 4-9 MIAA) vs. Pittsburg State (18-7, 10-3) Friday-Sunday, March 24-26, 2023 Hays, Kan. • Larks Park Radio&nbsp;• KAYS (94.3/1400)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KAYS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State baseball team returns to MIAA play this weekend (March 24-26) when the Tigers host Pittsburg State in a three game series at Larks Park. First pitch in Friday's opener has been moved up two hours to noon. The rest of the series is tentatively scheduled for&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;&nbsp;at 1 p.m. and a series finale Sunday at noon, with all game times subject to change due to the ever-changing forecast. The Tigers are fresh off of a doubleheader sweep over Rockhurst on Tuesday (March 21).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/7257">Trey DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;had stellar outings in the midweek showcase, with both collecting three hits each and combining for seven RBI across the two contests.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/andrew-hansen/7259">Andrew Hansen</a>&nbsp;added seven strikeouts to his team-leading total, giving the sophomore 32 punchouts for the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jenner-kehe/6818">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;collected his first win of the season on the mound, throwing four perfect innings. The Tigers lead all of DII with 32 sacrifice bunts while leading the MIAA in walks drawn (145, 8th in DII) and on base percentage (.419, 37th&nbsp;in DII). The Tigers also rank in the top-five in the MIAA in runs (217), hits (285), doubles (54), triples (7), home runs (29), RBI (188)&nbsp;and slugging percentage (.478). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;leads the Tigers with a .364 batting average which ranks 16th&nbsp;in the conference. DeGarmo has crossed the plate a team high 34 times which is tied for second-most in the MIAA. Ural is tied for second in the conference with 10 doubles on the year followed by DeGarmo and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;with nine each. Boies continues to lead the MIAA in walks drawn with 23, while Ural is tied for second in the league with 21 walks on the year.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/daniel-bebee/7252">Daniel Bebee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zach-berg/6803">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-campbell/6805">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;all made great starts against Central Oklahoma and will likely make up the starting rotation this weekend for the Tigers. Fort Hays State is 29-33 against Pittsburg State all-time after dropping a three-game series to the Gorillas last season. PSU is batting .315 as a team and has scored 225 runs over 25 games. Nixon Brannan leads the Gorillas at the plate batting .389 with nine doubles, nine home runs, and accumulating 40 RBI. Zac Shoemaker has been a solid starter for Pittsburg State posting a 1.24 ERA over seven starts and collecting 54 strikeouts while giving up only two walks. Fort Hays State vs Pittsburg State March 24-26, 2023 – Larks Park Game&nbsp;1 • Friday, March 24 • Noon Game 2 • Saturday, March 25 • 1 p.m. Game 3 • Sunday, March 26 • 12 p.m. *subject to change*&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾🎙️ LISTEN - Tigers open 3-game series with Gorillas Friday

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Markquis Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game with 19, his last two on spectacular passes in the final minute of overtime, and Kansas State beat Michigan State 98-93 on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 thriller at Madison Square Garden.

Playing in his hometown and fighting through a second-half ankle injury, Nowell found Keyontae Johnson for a reverse alley-oop with 58 seconds left in OT to give the Wildcats (26-9) the lead for good in this back-and-forth East Region semifinal. He then threw an inbound pass to Ismael Massoud, who knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left for a 96-93 lead.

With Michigan State needing a 3 to tie, Nowell stole the ball from the Spartans' Tyson Walker and drove for a clinching layup at the buzzer. The 5-foot-8, Harlem-raised Nowell finished with 20 points and five steals in a signature performance at basketball's most famous arena that drew tweets of praise from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1639055465060474880">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/1639071625432936448">Kevin Durant</a>.

“That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis,” Durant tweeted.

Johnson scored 22 points for the No. 3 seed Wildcats, who will face either fourth-seeded Tennessee or ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic on Saturday as they seek the program's first Final Four berth since 1964.

A.J. Hoggard scored a career-high 25 points for seventh-seeded Michigan State (21-13). Joey Hauser added 18 points and Walker had 16, including a layup with 5 seconds left in regulation that forced the first overtime of this year's NCAA Tournament.

UNLV's Mark Wade had the previous NCAA tourney assists record with 18 during the Runnin' Rebels 1987 Final Four win over Indiana.

Nowell turned his ankle early in the second half, was helped off the court and had it taped. Michigan State took the lead with him sidelined, and when he returned, he pushed off the ankle&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1639055043642163201">to bank in a 3-pointer that beat the shot clock</a>&nbsp;and tied the game at 55-all.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679621520833.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell reacts after a play in the second half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell reacts after a play in the second half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game against Michigan State in the East Regional of the NCAA tournament at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger).</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports WriterNEW YORK (AP) — Markquis Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game with 19, his last two on spectacular passes in the final minute of overtime, and Kansas State beat Michigan State 98-93 on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 thriller at Madison Square Garden.Playing in his hometown and fighting through a second-half ankle injury, Nowell found Keyontae Johnson for a reverse alley-oop with 58 seconds left in OT to give the Wildcats (26-9) the lead for good in this back-and-forth East Region semifinal. He then threw an inbound pass to Ismael Massoud, who knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left for a 96-93 lead.With Michigan State needing a 3 to tie, Nowell stole the ball from the Spartans' Tyson Walker and drove for a clinching layup at the buzzer. The 5-foot-8, Harlem-raised Nowell finished with 20 points and five steals in a signature performance at basketball's most famous arena that drew tweets of praise from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1639055465060474880">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/1639071625432936448">Kevin Durant</a>.“That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis,” Durant tweeted.Johnson scored 22 points for the No. 3 seed Wildcats, who will face either fourth-seeded Tennessee or ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic on Saturday as they seek the program's first Final Four berth since 1964.A.J. Hoggard scored a career-high 25 points for seventh-seeded Michigan State (21-13). Joey Hauser added 18 points and Walker had 16, including a layup with 5 seconds left in regulation that forced the first overtime of this year's NCAA Tournament.UNLV's Mark Wade had the previous NCAA tourney assists record with 18 during the Runnin' Rebels 1987 Final Four win over Indiana.Nowell turned his ankle early in the second half, was helped off the court and had it taped. Michigan State took the lead with him sidelined, and when he returned, he pushed off the ankle&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1639055043642163201">to bank in a 3-pointer that beat the shot clock</a>&nbsp;and tied the game at 55-all.Turns out he was just getting started.

🏀 Nowell breaks NCAA assist record, KSU beats MSU in OT

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

The TMP-Marian softball team is set to open the season Friday
at home against the Russell Broncos.

The Monarchs and head coach Melissa Schoepf return a lot of
experience from last year’s team that finished 12-10, losing in the 3A regional
semifinals. That includes six who started as underclassmen in the semifinals.

Schoepf said she believes the experience the five seniors
have gained from playing in the spring, as well as the summer and fall is a great
benefit.

“Their game knowledge has just grown so much from freshman
year to this year,” Schoepf said. “I’ve been able to notice at the plate, a
little more confidence with them that I hope we can carry over into games.”

&nbsp;Senior Jaci VonLintel
led the Monarchs in all major offensive categories last season. She finished
with a .486 batting average with three home runs and 35 RBIs. 

The Monarchs seniors also include Hannah Garcia, Madison
Augustine, Karli Komarek and Sophie Allen. 

Garcia, Augustine and Allen all started
at least 20 games last season with Komarek appearing in 17. 

Fellow senior
Julianna Baalman played in 20 games for the Monarchs last season but will miss
the spring season after suffering a knee injury during basketball.

Augustine went almost the entire way as the Monarchs’
starter in the circle, starting 21 games.

She finished with a 12-9 record and a 3.80 ERA in 119.2
innings.

First pitch between the Monarchs and the Broncos is set for
4 p.m. Friday at the Monarch softball complex.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostThe TMP-Marian softball team is set to open the season Friday
at home against the Russell Broncos.The Monarchs and head coach Melissa Schoepf return a lot of
experience from last year’s team that finished 12-10, losing in the 3A regional
semifinals. That includes six who started as underclassmen in the semifinals.Schoepf said she believes the experience the five seniors
have gained from playing in the spring, as well as the summer and fall is a great
benefit.“Their game knowledge has just grown so much from freshman
year to this year,” Schoepf said. “I’ve been able to notice at the plate, a
little more confidence with them that I hope we can carry over into games.” <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/1476129685&color=%232a4d75&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/tmp-softball-season-preview-melissa-schoepf-march-23-202" title="TMP softball season preview - Melissa Schoepf (March 23, 202)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP softball season preview - Melissa Schoepf (March 23, 202)</a></div></div>&nbsp;Senior Jaci VonLintel
led the Monarchs in all major offensive categories last season. She finished
with a .486 batting average with three home runs and 35 RBIs. The Monarchs seniors also include Hannah Garcia, Madison
Augustine, Karli Komarek and Sophie Allen. Garcia, Augustine and Allen all started
at least 20 games last season with Komarek appearing in 17. Fellow senior
Julianna Baalman played in 20 games for the Monarchs last season but will miss
the spring season after suffering a knee injury during basketball.Augustine went almost the entire way as the Monarchs’
starter in the circle, starting 21 games.She finished with a 12-9 record and a 3.80 ERA in 119.2
innings.First pitch between the Monarchs and the Broncos is set for
4 p.m. Friday at the Monarch softball complex.

🥎 TMP-M set to open season against Russell

GREAT BEND - The Hays High girls soccer team opened their season with a 10-0 win at Great Bend Thursday. 

Freshman Annie Humphrey scores four goals. Kinslee Newell adds two. 

The Indians will be at the McPherson Invitational next week

Hays PostGREAT BEND - The Hays High girls soccer team opened their season with a 10-0 win at Great Bend Thursday. Freshman Annie Humphrey scores four goals. Kinslee Newell adds two. The Indians will be at the McPherson Invitational next week

⚽ HHS girls win season opener in Great Bend

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A shot made in 1998 occasionally rears its head all these years later on the basketball court. In the NCAA Tournament that year, Valparaiso opened the bracket as a big underdog against Mississippi State. Valpo trailed 69-67 into the final seconds when Homer Drew called the Pacer play. An inbounds pass sailed over the midcourt line where it was quickly passed to a running Bryce Drew. The 3-point shot helped propel Valpo to the Sweet 16 as the No. 13 seed.

Great Bend-native Matt Keeley had a Cinderella story of his own going in the NAIA National Tournament. His Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit needed a buzzer-beater and two wins against two top-10 nationally ranked teams to advance to the Fab Four in Kansas City. OUAZ erased most of a 23-point deficit but came up a point shy of the upset against top-ranked College of Idaho to end the season with a 25-10 record.

"Our guys are starting to Ted Lasso it and hit the 'believe' sign," Keeley said of the run. "Confidence is contagious and it's a big-time drug. We were just on a roll and we were playing well. The locker room at the end was pretty devastating because we were convinced we were going to win it. We thought we had as good a shot as anyone. When it ends, it caught us offguard because we thought we had another day left in us."

The Spirit made the 800-mile trip from Surprise, Ariz. to Park City's Hartman Arena for round one of the tournament. For Keeley, a 2000 graduate of Great Bend High School, the trip was like a Homecoming.

"When the draw came out we were super excited, or I was," he said. "It had nothing to do with who we were playing and everything to do with where we were playing. It was so close to home, and knowing right away some friends and family were going to be able to get down there."

But the best finish in school history almost never happened. The Spirit trailed Baker University by four points in the final 30 seconds of the first round. OUAZ forced overtime, but again the outlook was bleak as Baker took the lead with just 2.7 seconds remaining.

"In overtime, we kind of controlled it," Keeley said. "We thought with 16 seconds to go we're going to win. We have the ball and we're ahead. Then a turnover and a clutch shot by one of their players, now with two seconds left we're going to lose. We run the old Valpo play."

The old Valpo play worked. Josiah De'LaCerda scored the final four points in regulation to force overtime, and his 3-pointer at the buzzer sent the Spirit into the second round.

"What's hilarious is we're in the locker room afterward and our guys are like, 'Coach, where did you come up with that play? That was awesome,'" said Keeley. "'Yeah, I just thought of it. It just came to me.' We had to show them the video because most of these guys weren't born until like 2001."

Things got a little easier after that. OUAZ downed seventh-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan to advance to the Round of 16 at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium. The NAIA Tournament was played in the historic building from 1937 to 1974, then has hosted each tournament since 2002. The building played host to three of the first NCAA Final Fours. It hosted its final NCAA Tournament game in 1964.

"Wilt Chamberlain played in that building, and John Wooden has coached in that building," Keeley said. "To take your team and be a part of that, and now they get to experience it, that's what was really fun. I hope I get to do that often. Winning is hard, so you never take it for granted, but to take a team and be a part of the history of the tournament and the history of that building, and they leave that legacy, that's probably the coolest thing."

OUAZ defeated Southeastern University (Fla.) 79-71 to advance to the school's first-ever Great 8. The Spirit then knocked off tenth-ranked Montana Tech 76-58 to advance to the Fab Four. There, OUAZ drew top-ranked College of Idaho, winners of 34-straight games, including 16 consecutive wins by double figures.

The Spirit trailed by 23 points with under 13 minutes to play in that contest. Keeley's team made a run. The coach nearly decided to begin fouling with more than six minutes to play. Instead, he waited until the final media timeout and began fouling with nearly three minutes remaining. The strategy paid off as the Yotes went 18 of 30 from the line in the second half. Two late missed Idaho free throws resulted in an offensive rebound and two made free throws. Those would prove to be the difference.

Twice in the final seconds, OUAZ was able to cut the gap to a single point. De'leCerda, hero of the first game of the tournament, put up a game-tying attempt near the buzzer. He rebounded the blocked shot and swished a jumper at the buzzer, but the shot came from inside the arc. The Spirit comeback bid came up one point shy at 73-72.

Keeley accepted the job in Arizona six years ago. He's received two regional coaching honors and reached the national tournament in back-to-back seasons. It's a far cry from the program's beginnings - using area high school gyms that made it recruiting difficult. Keeley hopes that will change after this year's run.

"We have been back in the office both (Monday and Tuesday), taking a swing at some guys maybe we couldn't have gotten to answer the phone in the past," he said. "All of a sudden, we're making plans to get them on campus and into their living rooms to present all the positives we have going on out here. We think there are several of them. We're definitely trying to take that momentum and show you're not helping to build it, now you're helping to sustain it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678798785026.jpeg" alt="Matt Keeley" />
 <figcaption>Matt Keeley</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA shot made in 1998 occasionally rears its head all these years later on the basketball court. In the NCAA Tournament that year, Valparaiso opened the bracket as a big underdog against Mississippi State. Valpo trailed 69-67 into the final seconds when Homer Drew called the Pacer play. An inbounds pass sailed over the midcourt line where it was quickly passed to a running Bryce Drew. The 3-point shot helped propel Valpo to the Sweet 16 as the No. 13 seed.Great Bend-native Matt Keeley had a Cinderella story of his own going in the NAIA National Tournament. His Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit needed a buzzer-beater and two wins against two top-10 nationally ranked teams to advance to the Fab Four in Kansas City. OUAZ erased most of a 23-point deficit but came up a point shy of the upset against top-ranked College of Idaho to end the season with a 25-10 record."Our guys are starting to Ted Lasso it and hit the 'believe' sign," Keeley said of the run. "Confidence is contagious and it's a big-time drug. We were just on a roll and we were playing well. The locker room at the end was pretty devastating because we were convinced we were going to win it. We thought we had as good a shot as anyone. When it ends, it caught us offguard because we thought we had another day left in us."The Spirit made the 800-mile trip from Surprise, Ariz. to Park City's Hartman Arena for round one of the tournament. For Keeley, a 2000 graduate of Great Bend High School, the trip was like a Homecoming.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678381237830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"When the draw came out we were super excited, or I was," he said. "It had nothing to do with who we were playing and everything to do with where we were playing. It was so close to home, and knowing right away some friends and family were going to be able to get down there."But the best finish in school history almost never happened. The Spirit trailed Baker University by four points in the final 30 seconds of the first round. OUAZ forced overtime, but again the outlook was bleak as Baker took the lead with just 2.7 seconds remaining."In overtime, we kind of controlled it," Keeley said. "We thought with 16 seconds to go we're going to win. We have the ball and we're ahead. Then a turnover and a clutch shot by one of their players, now with two seconds left we're going to lose. We run the old Valpo play."The old Valpo play worked. Josiah De'LaCerda scored the final four points in regulation to force overtime, and his 3-pointer at the buzzer sent the Spirit into the second round."What's hilarious is we're in the locker room afterward and our guys are like, 'Coach, where did you come up with that play? That was awesome,'" said Keeley. "'Yeah, I just thought of it. It just came to me.' We had to show them the video because most of these guys weren't born until like 2001."Things got a little easier after that. OUAZ downed seventh-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan to advance to the Round of 16 at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium. The NAIA Tournament was played in the historic building from 1937 to 1974, then has hosted each tournament since 2002. The building played host to three of the first NCAA Final Fours. It hosted its final NCAA Tournament game in 1964.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679604028512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Wilt Chamberlain played in that building, and John Wooden has coached in that building," Keeley said. "To take your team and be a part of that, and now they get to experience it, that's what was really fun. I hope I get to do that often. Winning is hard, so you never take it for granted, but to take a team and be a part of the history of the tournament and the history of that building, and they leave that legacy, that's probably the coolest thing."OUAZ defeated Southeastern University (Fla.) 79-71 to advance to the school's first-ever Great 8. The Spirit then knocked off tenth-ranked Montana Tech 76-58 to advance to the Fab Four. There, OUAZ drew top-ranked College of Idaho, winners of 34-straight games, including 16 consecutive wins by double figures.The Spirit trailed by 23 points with under 13 minutes to play in that contest. Keeley's team made a run. The coach nearly decided to begin fouling with more than six minutes to play. Instead, he waited until the final media timeout and began fouling with nearly three minutes remaining. The strategy paid off as the Yotes went 18 of 30 from the line in the second half. Two late missed Idaho free throws resulted in an offensive rebound and two made free throws. Those would prove to be the difference.Twice in the final seconds, OUAZ was able to cut the gap to a single point. De'leCerda, hero of the first game of the tournament, put up a game-tying attempt near the buzzer. He rebounded the blocked shot and swished a jumper at the buzzer, but the shot came from inside the arc. The Spirit comeback bid came up one point shy at 73-72.Keeley accepted the job in Arizona six years ago. He's received two regional coaching honors and reached the national tournament in back-to-back seasons. It's a far cry from the program's beginnings - using area high school gyms that made it recruiting difficult. Keeley hopes that will change after this year's run."We have been back in the office both (Monday and Tuesday), taking a swing at some guys maybe we couldn't have gotten to answer the phone in the past," he said. "All of a sudden, we're making plans to get them on campus and into their living rooms to present all the positives we have going on out here. We think there are several of them. We're definitely trying to take that momentum and show you're not helping to build it, now you're helping to sustain it."

🏀 Great Bend native Keeley shares the ups, downs of NAIA tourney run

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team placed six student-athletes on the 2022-23 MIAA Academic Honor Roll, announced Thursday by the league office. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;was one of just three players across the entire conference to earn the Scholar-Athlete Award, his first-such honor. Other Tigers on the Academic Honor Roll included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/geoff-hamperian/6899">Geoff Hamperian</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/devin-walker/6905">Devin Walker</a>. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. First-year student-athletes, including transfers and true freshmen, will be recognized at the conclusion of the school year when they meet the two terms of attendance requirement. 2022-23 MIAA Men's BasketballAcademic Honor RollNameGPAMajor<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>3.40Communication (Public Relations &amp; Advertising)<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/geoff-hamperian/6899">Geoff Hamperian</a>3.66HHP (Exercise Science) - Masters<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>3.35Computer Science*&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>3.54HHP (Exercise Science)<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>3.53HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy)<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/devin-walker/6905">Devin Walker</a>3.53HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy)&nbsp; * indicates MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679586011396.png" alt="FHSU-MBKB-Academic.png" />
 <figcaption>FHSU-MBKB-Academic.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State men's basketball team placed six student-athletes on the 2022-23 MIAA Academic Honor Roll, announced Thursday by the league office. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;was one of just three players across the entire conference to earn the Scholar-Athlete Award, his first-such honor. Other Tigers on the Academic Honor Roll included&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/geoff-hamperian/6899">Geoff Hamperian</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/devin-walker/6905">Devin Walker</a>. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. First-year student-athletes, including transfers and true freshmen, will be recognized at the conclusion of the school year when they meet the two terms of attendance requirement. 2022-23 MIAA Men's BasketballAcademic Honor RollNameGPAMajor<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/traejon-davis/6896">Traejon Davis</a>3.40Communication (Public Relations &amp; Advertising)<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/geoff-hamperian/6899">Geoff Hamperian</a>3.66HHP (Exercise Science) - Masters<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>3.35Computer Science*&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>3.54HHP (Exercise Science)<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gabe-pieschl/6904">Gabe Pieschl</a>3.53HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy)<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/devin-walker/6905">Devin Walker</a>3.53HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy)&nbsp; * indicates MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Six FHSU men listed on MIAA Academic Honor Roll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team placed all eight returning student-athletes on the 2022-23 MIAA Academic Honor Roll, announced Thursday (March 23) by the league office. Four Tigers received special honors, including two Scholar-Athlete Award recipients and two MIAA Academic Excellence Award winners. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;were two of 16 MIAA Academic Excellence Award winners league-wide. It is the second-such honor for each individual. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;both received the Scholar-Athlete Award alongside 16 other athletes in the league. It is the third Scholar-Athlete Award for Hollenbeck and the second for Wagner. Also earning a spot on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll was&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kia-wilson/6849">Kia Wilson</a>. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. First-year student-athletes, including transfers and true freshmen, will be recognized at the conclusion of the school year when they meet the two terms of attendance requirement. 2022-23 MIAA Women's Basketball Academic Honor RollNameGPAMajor<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>4.00Accounting<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>4.00Marketing<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>3.48Elementary Education*&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>3.65General Studies<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>3.83Nursing<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>3.92HHP (Sport Management/Recreation)*&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>3.88Accounting<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kia-wilson/6849">Kia Wilson</a>3.87HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy)&nbsp; Bold&nbsp;indicates MIAA Academic Excellence Award * indicates MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679584916602.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team placed all eight returning student-athletes on the 2022-23 MIAA Academic Honor Roll, announced Thursday (March 23) by the league office. Four Tigers received special honors, including two Scholar-Athlete Award recipients and two MIAA Academic Excellence Award winners. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;were two of 16 MIAA Academic Excellence Award winners league-wide. It is the second-such honor for each individual. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;both received the Scholar-Athlete Award alongside 16 other athletes in the league. It is the third Scholar-Athlete Award for Hollenbeck and the second for Wagner. Also earning a spot on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll was&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kia-wilson/6849">Kia Wilson</a>. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. First-year student-athletes, including transfers and true freshmen, will be recognized at the conclusion of the school year when they meet the two terms of attendance requirement. 2022-23 MIAA Women's Basketball Academic Honor RollNameGPAMajor<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>4.00Accounting<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>4.00Marketing<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>3.48Elementary Education*&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>3.65General Studies<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>3.83Nursing<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>3.92HHP (Sport Management/Recreation)*&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>3.88Accounting<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kia-wilson/6849">Kia Wilson</a>3.87HHP (Sport &amp; Exercise Therapy)&nbsp; Bold&nbsp;indicates MIAA Academic Excellence Award * indicates MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Eight FHSU women listed on MIAA Academic Honor Roll

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University will announce the official name change of its home venue for softball on Saturday. Tiger Stadium will officially become Fleharty Family Field with a ceremony between games of the home doubleheader against Nebraska-Kearney, which begins at noon. The venue has carried the name of Tiger Stadium ever since it was built and opened for play in 1999, which was the first year of softball for Fort Hays State at the NCAA Division II level. Gene and Jo Ann Fleharty, long-time supporters of FHSU, partnered with the university in making several upgrades to the facility in recent years. In the summer of 2022, a new all-artificial turf playing surface was installed, along with bullpen and batting cage areas on each side of the field. New fencing was also installed along both sidelines. In 2019, a new inning-by-inning scoreboard with LED lighting was installed in place of the old board. In 2013, a permanent grandstand was installed behind home plate between the backstop and the press box. Family members Lyle and Diann Fleharty, Gerald and Cindy Fleharty, and Max Fleharty, assisted Gene and Jo Ann with funding for the scoreboard and permanent seating projects. Gene retired as a professor of Biology from Fort Hays State University, where he taught for 37 years. The Fleharty's have two children, Debra and Chris, along with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679584555666.jpeg" alt="Fleharty Family Field (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fleharty Family Field (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University will announce the official name change of its home venue for softball on Saturday. Tiger Stadium will officially become Fleharty Family Field with a ceremony between games of the home doubleheader against Nebraska-Kearney, which begins at noon. The venue has carried the name of Tiger Stadium ever since it was built and opened for play in 1999, which was the first year of softball for Fort Hays State at the NCAA Division II level. Gene and Jo Ann Fleharty, long-time supporters of FHSU, partnered with the university in making several upgrades to the facility in recent years. In the summer of 2022, a new all-artificial turf playing surface was installed, along with bullpen and batting cage areas on each side of the field. New fencing was also installed along both sidelines. In 2019, a new inning-by-inning scoreboard with LED lighting was installed in place of the old board. In 2013, a permanent grandstand was installed behind home plate between the backstop and the press box. Family members Lyle and Diann Fleharty, Gerald and Cindy Fleharty, and Max Fleharty, assisted Gene and Jo Ann with funding for the scoreboard and permanent seating projects. Gene retired as a professor of Biology from Fort Hays State University, where he taught for 37 years. The Fleharty's have two children, Debra and Chris, along with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 FHSU to celebrate naming of softball venue

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports Writer

NEW YORK — Stories of New York City point guards have an almost mythical quality.

There are Hall of Famers and trailblazers such as Bob Cousy and Nate "Tiny" Archibald. In the 1980s, Kenny Smith and Kenny Anderson followed a similar path — from the same Catholic high school in Queens to the Atlantic Coast Conference to the NBA.

From Pearl Washington to Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury to Sue Bird, tenacious players forged by rugged games played at the famous courts at Rucker Park and West Fourth Street are a part of basketball lore.

And while New York City high schools haven't been pumping out stars in recent years the way they used to, three of the four teams that have reached the NCAA Tournament's East Regional at Madison Square Garden have point guards with Big Apple backgrounds.

Michigan State's Tyson Walker and Kansas State's Markquis Nowell will renew their acquaintance in the Sweet 16 when the seventh-seeded Spartans (21-12) face the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) on Thursday night.

"I grew up playing in parks with him," Nowell said. "I just want to give a big shoutout to New York City for breeding tough and gritty guards and just give him a shoutout."

The other point guard who's making a homecoming this week will only be able to watch his team at The Garden. No. 4 seed Tennessee managed to reach the second weekend of the tournament without the injured Zakai Zeigler, who blew out his left knee on Feb. 28.

"I had no doubt in my mind that we were going to be here in this situation," said Zeigler, who grew up on Long Island and finished his high school career in the Bronx. "So now that I'm back here and I can have some pizza, I feel great."

The Volunteers (25-10) face ninth-seeded FAU (33-3) in the late game of the doubleheader.

The 5-foot-8 Nowell became one of the breakout stars of this NCAA Tournament when he went off for 27 points in a second-round victory against Kentucky.

Nowell, whose Twitter handle is @MrNewYorkCityy and is @mr.newyorkcity on Instagram, grew up in Harlem, attended high school in the Bronx and went to college at Arkansas Little-Rock before transferring to Manhattan — Kansas, that is.

"I made a promise to myself back when I was in high school that I was going to do anything and everything in my power to be the best player that came out of New York," Nowell said. "So I kind of keep that edge and that kind of just reminds me every day that I wake up that I still have more work to do. Guys like Carmelo (Anthony), Bernard King and all the greats came out of New York, so that just keeps me grounded and keeps me working hard."

Ask Nowell about the New York City point guards he idolized in high school and he brings up the Mavericks' Kemba Walker, who led UConn to a national championship and was a first-round pick in the NBA draft in 2011, and the Pelicans' Jose Alvarado, who played at Georgia Tech.

Alvarado went to Christ the King High School in Queens, a power in both boys and girls basketball that also produced Bird and the Spartans' Walker.

Like Nowell, Walker started his college career at a mid-major (Northeastern) and transferred after two seasons to Michigan State in 2021.

According to 247 Sports rankings, the last top-30 national recruit to come from a New York City high school was Moses Brown, a 7-footer who went to UCLA from Archbishop Molloy, where Smith and Anderson starred in the '80s.

"Are we as good as we once was? Well, if you take away all the kids that grew up in New York that go to prep school outside of New York ... and consider them New York, yes, we are," said Cardozo High School coach Ron Neclario, the winningest NYC public school coach ever. "Do we have as many high, high, high majors? Maybe not, but we have plenty of low-majors. We have plenty of mid-majors."

Where Nowell leans into his New York roots, Walker takes a low-key approach.

"Just got to be tough. Got a different type of finesse with you," he said.

Walker was also a difference-maker in the second round of the tournament, scoring 23 points to lead Michigan State past second-seeded Marquette.

"I think sometimes the New York swagger is a very cocky swagger, and sometimes that's good," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "He's kind of had the happy medium. He's got enough cockiness to be confident, and yet he's an unbelievable kid."

Izzo joked after beating Marquette about how Walker owed him cab ride and a slice of pizza for helping him earn a trip home.

"Got me my pizza last night," Izzo said. "I'm looking for the cab ride today."

Nowell is one of four Kansas State players from the New York area, along with Tykei Greene, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Ismael Massoud. None has ever played at The Garden, only dreamed about it.

"I had my big brother, my father, my uncles working me out every day for a moment like this," Nowell said. "Standing here, being here at Madison Square Garden."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679536647349.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell, front center, practices before the team's Sweet 16 college basketball game at the NCAA East Regional of the NCAA Tournament Wednesday in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell, front center, practices before the team's Sweet 16 college basketball game at the NCAA East Regional of the NCAA Tournament Wednesday in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports WriterNEW YORK — Stories of New York City point guards have an almost mythical quality.There are Hall of Famers and trailblazers such as Bob Cousy and Nate "Tiny" Archibald. In the 1980s, Kenny Smith and Kenny Anderson followed a similar path — from the same Catholic high school in Queens to the Atlantic Coast Conference to the NBA.From Pearl Washington to Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury to Sue Bird, tenacious players forged by rugged games played at the famous courts at Rucker Park and West Fourth Street are a part of basketball lore.And while New York City high schools haven't been pumping out stars in recent years the way they used to, three of the four teams that have reached the NCAA Tournament's East Regional at Madison Square Garden have point guards with Big Apple backgrounds.Michigan State's Tyson Walker and Kansas State's Markquis Nowell will renew their acquaintance in the Sweet 16 when the seventh-seeded Spartans (21-12) face the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) on Thursday night."I grew up playing in parks with him," Nowell said. "I just want to give a big shoutout to New York City for breeding tough and gritty guards and just give him a shoutout."The other point guard who's making a homecoming this week will only be able to watch his team at The Garden. No. 4 seed Tennessee managed to reach the second weekend of the tournament without the injured Zakai Zeigler, who blew out his left knee on Feb. 28."I had no doubt in my mind that we were going to be here in this situation," said Zeigler, who grew up on Long Island and finished his high school career in the Bronx. "So now that I'm back here and I can have some pizza, I feel great."The Volunteers (25-10) face ninth-seeded FAU (33-3) in the late game of the doubleheader.The 5-foot-8 Nowell became one of the breakout stars of this NCAA Tournament when he went off for 27 points in a second-round victory against Kentucky.Nowell, whose Twitter handle is @MrNewYorkCityy and is @mr.newyorkcity on Instagram, grew up in Harlem, attended high school in the Bronx and went to college at Arkansas Little-Rock before transferring to Manhattan — Kansas, that is."I made a promise to myself back when I was in high school that I was going to do anything and everything in my power to be the best player that came out of New York," Nowell said. "So I kind of keep that edge and that kind of just reminds me every day that I wake up that I still have more work to do. Guys like Carmelo (Anthony), Bernard King and all the greats came out of New York, so that just keeps me grounded and keeps me working hard."Ask Nowell about the New York City point guards he idolized in high school and he brings up the Mavericks' Kemba Walker, who led UConn to a national championship and was a first-round pick in the NBA draft in 2011, and the Pelicans' Jose Alvarado, who played at Georgia Tech.Alvarado went to Christ the King High School in Queens, a power in both boys and girls basketball that also produced Bird and the Spartans' Walker.Like Nowell, Walker started his college career at a mid-major (Northeastern) and transferred after two seasons to Michigan State in 2021.According to 247 Sports rankings, the last top-30 national recruit to come from a New York City high school was Moses Brown, a 7-footer who went to UCLA from Archbishop Molloy, where Smith and Anderson starred in the '80s."Are we as good as we once was? Well, if you take away all the kids that grew up in New York that go to prep school outside of New York ... and consider them New York, yes, we are," said Cardozo High School coach Ron Neclario, the winningest NYC public school coach ever. "Do we have as many high, high, high majors? Maybe not, but we have plenty of low-majors. We have plenty of mid-majors."Where Nowell leans into his New York roots, Walker takes a low-key approach."Just got to be tough. Got a different type of finesse with you," he said.Walker was also a difference-maker in the second round of the tournament, scoring 23 points to lead Michigan State past second-seeded Marquette."I think sometimes the New York swagger is a very cocky swagger, and sometimes that's good," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "He's kind of had the happy medium. He's got enough cockiness to be confident, and yet he's an unbelievable kid."Izzo joked after beating Marquette about how Walker owed him cab ride and a slice of pizza for helping him earn a trip home."Got me my pizza last night," Izzo said. "I'm looking for the cab ride today."Nowell is one of four Kansas State players from the New York area, along with Tykei Greene, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Ismael Massoud. None has ever played at The Garden, only dreamed about it."I had my big brother, my father, my uncles working me out every day for a moment like this," Nowell said. "Standing here, being here at Madison Square Garden."

🏀 NYC guards lead Wildcats, Spartans to Sweet 16 in MSG

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer

The New York Jets and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman agreed to terms on a one-year deal Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the contract.

The speedy and versatile Hardman gives the Jets and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett another playmaker on what could be a much-improved offense.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the agreement. ESPN first reported Hardman and the Jets agreed to terms on a contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available, but NFL Network reported it could be worth up to $6.5 million.

The 25-year-old Hardman spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs after being a second-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019. He has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career and has rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two scores.

Hardman also adds value on special teams. He has averaged 9.0 yards on punt returns and 23.8 yards on kickoffs — with one touchdown return on each during his career.

With Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers saying last week he intends to play for the Jets this season and the teams continuing to work out details, New York has added a couple of playmaking pieces on offense.

Along with Hardman, the Jets also signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million deal last week. The addition of Hardman made fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore expendable.

New York traded Moore and the No. 74 pick in this year's draft to Cleveland for the 42nd overall selection, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized, but the Jets will have three of the top 50 picks in the draft next month: Nos. 13, 42 and 43.

One or more of those picks could factor in a potential trade for Rodgers.

The Jets still have a deep wide receiver room with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Denzel Mims on the roster, to go along with Hardman and Lazard.

Hardman played in only eight regular-season games last season because of an abdominal injury. He returned for the AFC championship game and had two catches for 10 yards and rushed twice for 7 yards before reinjuring his abdomen. Hardman sat out the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

NOTES: The Jets announced they have re-signed FB Nick Bawden, who spent last season on injured reserve after being hurt in training camp. ... New York also made its signing of former Ravens OL Trystan Colon official.

AP Sports Writer Tom Withers contributed.

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football WriterThe New York Jets and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman agreed to terms on a one-year deal Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the contract.The speedy and versatile Hardman gives the Jets and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett another playmaker on what could be a much-improved offense.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the agreement. ESPN first reported Hardman and the Jets agreed to terms on a contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available, but NFL Network reported it could be worth up to $6.5 million.The 25-year-old Hardman spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs after being a second-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019. He has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career and has rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two scores.Hardman also adds value on special teams. He has averaged 9.0 yards on punt returns and 23.8 yards on kickoffs — with one touchdown return on each during his career.With Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers saying last week he intends to play for the Jets this season and the teams continuing to work out details, New York has added a couple of playmaking pieces on offense.Along with Hardman, the Jets also signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million deal last week. The addition of Hardman made fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore expendable.New York traded Moore and the No. 74 pick in this year's draft to Cleveland for the 42nd overall selection, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized, but the Jets will have three of the top 50 picks in the draft next month: Nos. 13, 42 and 43.One or more of those picks could factor in a potential trade for Rodgers.The Jets still have a deep wide receiver room with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Denzel Mims on the roster, to go along with Hardman and Lazard.Hardman played in only eight regular-season games last season because of an abdominal injury. He returned for the AFC championship game and had two catches for 10 yards and rushed twice for 7 yards before reinjuring his abdomen. Hardman sat out the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.NOTES: The Jets announced they have re-signed FB Nick Bawden, who spent last season on injured reserve after being hurt in training camp. ... New York also made its signing of former Ravens OL Trystan Colon official.AP Sports Writer Tom Withers contributed.

🏈 AP source: Jets, WR Mecole Hardman agree on 1-year deal

FHSU Athletics HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines ended up playing just one game of what should have been the last two of a four-game series at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday (Mar. 22). An agreement by the coaches following game one clipped the second game of the doubleheader, but the Tigers completed a three-game midweek non-conference sweep of the Orediggers by a score of 3-1. With the win, Fort Hays State improved to 19-10 overall. Colorado School of Mines dropped to 11-18. The one run scored by Colorado School of Mines in the first inning on Wednesday was its only run of the entire series after two straight shutouts by the Tigers on Tuesday. After surrendering the one run,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;settled in for another strong performance in the pitching circle as she moved to 9-4 on the season with the win. Fort Hays State leveled the score in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;pushed the Tigers into the lead, 2-1, in the second with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;added to the Tiger lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single of her own. Egger finished with nine strikeouts in her complete-game effort in the circle. She yielded just four hits. Kat Miller took her first loss of the season for Colorado School of Mines, throwing 4.0 innings with three runs allowed (two earned) on seven hits and two walks. Lauren Decker pitched a scoreless final two innings for CSM. Shepard led the Tigers with three of the team's nine hits, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;and Stuke each had two. Fort Hays State returns to action on Saturday (Mar. 25) when it plays host to Nebraska-Kearney in an MIAA doubleheader set to begin at 12 p.m. A ceremony for the official name change of Tiger Stadium to Fleharty Family Field will be held between the games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679519958358.jpeg" alt="(FHSU Athletics photo/Nick Meis)" />
 <figcaption>(FHSU Athletics photo/Nick Meis)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines ended up playing just one game of what should have been the last two of a four-game series at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday (Mar. 22). An agreement by the coaches following game one clipped the second game of the doubleheader, but the Tigers completed a three-game midweek non-conference sweep of the Orediggers by a score of 3-1. With the win, Fort Hays State improved to 19-10 overall. Colorado School of Mines dropped to 11-18. The one run scored by Colorado School of Mines in the first inning on Wednesday was its only run of the entire series after two straight shutouts by the Tigers on Tuesday. After surrendering the one run,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;settled in for another strong performance in the pitching circle as she moved to 9-4 on the season with the win. Fort Hays State leveled the score in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;pushed the Tigers into the lead, 2-1, in the second with an RBI single.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;added to the Tiger lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single of her own. Egger finished with nine strikeouts in her complete-game effort in the circle. She yielded just four hits. Kat Miller took her first loss of the season for Colorado School of Mines, throwing 4.0 innings with three runs allowed (two earned) on seven hits and two walks. Lauren Decker pitched a scoreless final two innings for CSM. Shepard led the Tigers with three of the team's nine hits, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;and Stuke each had two. Fort Hays State returns to action on Saturday (Mar. 25) when it plays host to Nebraska-Kearney in an MIAA doubleheader set to begin at 12 p.m. A ceremony for the official name change of Tiger Stadium to Fleharty Family Field will be held between the games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers Win Final Game vs. Orediggers and Sweep Series

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer

Jerome Tang took his time finding the right players to fit into the program he wanted to build at Kansas State.

They meshed just right, taking <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Tang and the Wildcats to the Sweet 16</a> in a season that started with them being picked to finish last in the Big 12.

Anchored
 by fifth-year seniors Markquis Nowell, Desi Sills, Tykei Greene and 
Abayomi Iyiola, Kansas State is heading from the Little Apple to the Big
 Apple to face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

“To
 have guys who have 100 college games under their belt, there are just 
certain things that you pick up that it doesn’t matter how talented you 
are that you can’t gain it except through experience,” Tang said.

Super seniors have had a huge impact on the teams that have made it this far in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>

Nine
 of the 16 remaining teams have players in fifth seasons granted by the 
NCAA due to the pandemic. They bring experience, leadership and presence
 with them on these deep runs into the bracket.

“There is no 
substitute for experience,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said. “They
 understand what type of urgency you have to play with this time of 
year. They will help the young guys with that.”

Terry has leaned on his “old” players since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beard-mississippi-texas-81a865ff1626f1a9c1cbefa8b53b2c6a">former coach Chris Beard</a>
 was fired in December. Texas has six players 22 or older, including 
super seniors Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen and Christian 
Bishop.

Carr started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2017, had
 a three-year stint at Minnesota that included a redshirt year and is 
the Longhorns' leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. Rice, a New 
Mexico State transfer, chips in 12.8 points and hit seven 3-pointers 
against Colgate. Allen adds 10.3 points after transferring from Utah two
 years ago and Bishop has been a valuable role player in two seasons 
since leaving Creighton.

“We’ve been battle tested time and time again,” Allen said.

Souley
 Boum is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, helping the 
Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 after stints
 at San Francisco and UTEP.

Jordan Miller is Miami's 
second-leading scorer at 15.1 points and is making his second trip to 
the Sweet 16 after starting his career at George Mason. Rasir Bolton has
 given Gonzaga another scoring option, 3-point shooting and clutch shots
 in two seasons since playing at Penn State and Iowa State.

David 
Singleton has been UCLA's sharpshooter in his five seasons in Westwood, 
hitting 43% from the 3-point arc. He suffered a sprained ankle against 
Northwestern in the second round, though the Bruins are hoping he can 
play Thursday against Gonzaga.

Even teams that didn't advance to the Sweet 16 had huge impacts from super seniors.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-furman-upset-f1cbb8736abedf5624bbf36a5f2c1281">Furman pulled off one of the biggest upsets</a>
 of March Madness' first weekend, knocking off No. 4 seed Virginia after
 reaching the Tournament for the first time since 1980. Jalen Slawson 
and Mike Bothwell were a big part of the Paladins' success, averaging 
more than 33 combined points after deciding to play together for a fifth
 season.

“They weren’t just scorers. They weren’t just really good
 basketball players. They became leaders,” Furman coach Bob Richey said.
 “They learned how to bear the burden of expectation. They learned how 
to bear the burden of people thinking, hey, is this story going to be 
written how it’s supposed to be written?”

The
 Wildcats weren't given much of a chance this season. Tang took a 
calculated approach to building his roster after 19 seasons as an 
assistant at Baylor, searching for players who would be the right fit.

Nowell,
 a 5-foot-7 guard who plays well above his size, averaged 12.4 points 
under Bruce Weber last season. He upped it to 17.1 while finishing 
second nationally with 7.8 assists per game.

Sills arrived in 
Manhattan following stints at Arkansas and Arkansas State. Greene played
 two seasons at Manhattan — the one in New York — and Stony Brook before
 heading to Kansas State. Iyiola, a 6-9 forward from Nigeria, played at 
Stetson, Arkansas and Hofstra.

The quartet helped Tang navigate a successful first season.

“I
 feel like we’re trying to set a standard, trying to build a legacy for 
the younger guys that that’s what you want to play in, the best 
tournament in the country," Sill said. "So we’re going to keep on 
working hard, just try to keep doing what we do so they know what the 
standards are when we leave.”

AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Fred Goodall and Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679498648397.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell celebrates after scoring against Kentucky during the second half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball WriterJerome Tang took his time finding the right players to fit into the program he wanted to build at Kansas State.They meshed just right, taking <a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sweet-16-kansas-tang-63e449c8d08c70b3726732c7246bb7a5">Tang and the Wildcats to the Sweet 16</a> in a season that started with them being picked to finish last in the Big 12.Four have been downright super.Anchored
 by fifth-year seniors Markquis Nowell, Desi Sills, Tykei Greene and 
Abayomi Iyiola, Kansas State is heading from the Little Apple to the Big
 Apple to face Michigan State at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.“To
 have guys who have 100 college games under their belt, there are just 
certain things that you pick up that it doesn’t matter how talented you 
are that you can’t gain it except through experience,” Tang said.Super seniors have had a huge impact on the teams that have made it this far in <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>Nine
 of the 16 remaining teams have players in fifth seasons granted by the 
NCAA due to the pandemic. They bring experience, leadership and presence
 with them on these deep runs into the bracket.“There is no 
substitute for experience,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said. “They
 understand what type of urgency you have to play with this time of 
year. They will help the young guys with that.”Terry has leaned on his “old” players since <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beard-mississippi-texas-81a865ff1626f1a9c1cbefa8b53b2c6a">former coach Chris Beard</a>
 was fired in December. Texas has six players 22 or older, including 
super seniors Marcus Carr, Sir’Jabari Rice, Timmy Allen and Christian 
Bishop.Carr started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2017, had
 a three-year stint at Minnesota that included a redshirt year and is 
the Longhorns' leading scorer at 15.8 points per game. Rice, a New 
Mexico State transfer, chips in 12.8 points and hit seven 3-pointers 
against Colgate. Allen adds 10.3 points after transferring from Utah two
 years ago and Bishop has been a valuable role player in two seasons 
since leaving Creighton.“We’ve been battle tested time and time again,” Allen said.Souley
 Boum is Xavier's leading scorer at 16.5 points per game, helping the 
Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 after stints
 at San Francisco and UTEP.Jordan Miller is Miami's 
second-leading scorer at 15.1 points and is making his second trip to 
the Sweet 16 after starting his career at George Mason. Rasir Bolton has
 given Gonzaga another scoring option, 3-point shooting and clutch shots
 in two seasons since playing at Penn State and Iowa State.David 
Singleton has been UCLA's sharpshooter in his five seasons in Westwood, 
hitting 43% from the 3-point arc. He suffered a sprained ankle against 
Northwestern in the second round, though the Bruins are hoping he can 
play Thursday against Gonzaga.Even teams that didn't advance to the Sweet 16 had huge impacts from super seniors.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-furman-upset-f1cbb8736abedf5624bbf36a5f2c1281">Furman pulled off one of the biggest upsets</a>
 of March Madness' first weekend, knocking off No. 4 seed Virginia after
 reaching the Tournament for the first time since 1980. Jalen Slawson 
and Mike Bothwell were a big part of the Paladins' success, averaging 
more than 33 combined points after deciding to play together for a fifth
 season.“They weren’t just scorers. They weren’t just really good
 basketball players. They became leaders,” Furman coach Bob Richey said.
 “They learned how to bear the burden of expectation. They learned how 
to bear the burden of people thinking, hey, is this story going to be 
written how it’s supposed to be written?”Kansas State still has pen to paper.The
 Wildcats weren't given much of a chance this season. Tang took a 
calculated approach to building his roster after 19 seasons as an 
assistant at Baylor, searching for players who would be the right fit.One was already there.Nowell,
 a 5-foot-7 guard who plays well above his size, averaged 12.4 points 
under Bruce Weber last season. He upped it to 17.1 while finishing 
second nationally with 7.8 assists per game.Sills arrived in 
Manhattan following stints at Arkansas and Arkansas State. Greene played
 two seasons at Manhattan — the one in New York — and Stony Brook before
 heading to Kansas State. Iyiola, a 6-9 forward from Nigeria, played at 
Stetson, Arkansas and Hofstra.The quartet helped Tang navigate a successful first season.“I
 feel like we’re trying to set a standard, trying to build a legacy for 
the younger guys that that’s what you want to play in, the best 
tournament in the country," Sill said. "So we’re going to keep on 
working hard, just try to keep doing what we do so they know what the 
standards are when we leave.”AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno, Fred Goodall and Aaron Beard contributed to this report.

🏀 Super seniors lead the way into March Madness Sweet 16

Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Jaci VonLintel made it official Tuesday, signing her letter of
intent to play both basketball and softball at Barton County College next
season.

After spending her entire life playing both sports, VonLintel
said she is grateful to be given the opportunity to play both basketball and softball at
the next level.

“It feels great because I don’t have to give one up,” VonLintel
said. “Because I always thought like, ' Dang, I’m going to have to pick one.'But now, I have to opportunity to go play both and excel in both.”

VonLintel led the TMP-M basketball team in every major statistical
category last season. She averaged 13.8 points per game along with nine
rebounds, 5.5 steals, three assists and two blocks per game.

She was a two-time all Mid-Continent League selection,
earning first-team honors this past season.

On the softball diamond, VonLintel led the Monarchs with a
.486 average as a junior. She amassed a team-high 12 extra base hits with three
home runs and led the team with 35 RBI’s and was second with 31 runs scored.

The Monarchs softball season begins Friday at home against
Russell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679440854128.jpeg" alt="Courtesy TMP-Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy TMP-Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThomas More Prep-Marian senior Jaci VonLintel made it official Tuesday, signing her letter of
intent to play both basketball and softball at Barton County College next
season.After spending her entire life playing both sports, VonLintel
said she is grateful to be given the opportunity to play both basketball and softball at
the next level.“It feels great because I don’t have to give one up,” VonLintel
said. “Because I always thought like, ' Dang, I’m going to have to pick one.'But now, I have to opportunity to go play both and excel in both.”<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/1474493038&color=%232a4d75&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/jaci-vonlintel-signing-march-21-2023" title="Jaci VonLintel - Signing (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jaci VonLintel - Signing (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>VonLintel led the TMP-M basketball team in every major statistical
category last season. She averaged 13.8 points per game along with nine
rebounds, 5.5 steals, three assists and two blocks per game.She was a two-time all Mid-Continent League selection,
earning first-team honors this past season.On the softball diamond, VonLintel led the Monarchs with a
.486 average as a junior. She amassed a team-high 12 extra base hits with three
home runs and led the team with 35 RBI’s and was second with 31 runs scored.The Monarchs softball season begins Friday at home against
Russell.

🏀🥎 TMP’s VonLintel headed to Barton as a two-sport athlete

HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team swept Rockhurst in a midweek non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21). The Tigers trailed early in both contests, but were able to string together some big hits to come from behind for their wins. The Tigers improved to 13-16 overall, while the Hawks fell to 7-18 on the season. Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Rockhurst 4 Luuk ter Beek got the nod in game one on the bump for FHSU. The Hawks got on the board in the opening frame, scoring two runs on a pair of hits and a fielding error by the Tigers. The Tiger starter began to settle in the following frame as he allowed only one hit and held the Hawks scoreless. With one out in the top of the third, ter Beek was struck hard by a single back up the middle and Tiger strikeout leader Andrew Hansen&nbsp;took over. Hansen held his own on the rubber allowing only one hit, while striking out four batters going into the fifth inning.

The Tigers scored the majority of their runs in the home half of the fourth, starting with a two-run pinch hit homer by Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;to bring home Zane Knox. Mikey Felton&nbsp;drew a walk in the next at bat and would later be brought home on an RBI triple from Ed Scott. Back-to-back walks by Trey DeGarmo and Isaiah Ural juiced the bases for Elliott Herrmann, who drew yet another walk to plate Scott. Boies wrapped up the Tiger rally by blasting a double to left field scoring DeGarmo and Ural, putting the Tigers in front 6-2.

The Hawks answered with two runs in the top of the fifth on a couple of hits, but Hansen struck out the final two batters to end the inning. DeGarmo drove in the final two runs of the game for FHSU with a blast over the right field wall to plate Colter Maldanado. Hansen retired the Hawks in order in the sixth, including his seventh punchout of the game. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;entered the game to close it out in the seventh. After allowing a leadoff single, Flaherty punched out the next two batters he faced on his way to closing out the game.

Kreutzer, Boies, and DeGarmo each collected two RBIs in the contest.

Game 2: Fort Hays State 4, Rockhurst 2 Rockhurst jumped out to another early lead in the night cap by drawing a bases loaded walk in the top of the first. Trailing early with no outs in the opening frame, the Tigers brought in reliever Jenner Kehe&nbsp;with the bases loaded. Kehe was able to escape the inning with no further damage done forcing a double play and an easy put out at third. Kehe retired every batter he faced in his four inning appearance.

The Tigers claimed the lead in the third as a walk drawn by Ridge Stephens&nbsp;and a bunt single by Maldonado set up a two-RBI single for DeGarmo into the right center gap. Ural doubled to the same spot to move DeGarmo to third, allowing him to cross the plate on a wild pitch. Boies later added the final run the for Tigers on an RBI single to plate Ural in the fifth inning. The Tigers led 4-1.

Nate Pitts&nbsp;took over on the mound for the Tigers in the fifth and kept the Hawks in check, but a perfectly placed hit down the left field line allowed Rockhurst to plate a run in the sixth. Pitts returned in the seventh to hold off Rockhurst and secure the series sweep.

Boies finished 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. The Tigers will be back at home this weekend (March 24-26) to host Pittsburg State for a three-game conference series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679450730168.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Isaiah Ural hits the ball in game one of an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Isaiah Ural hits the ball in game one of an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Larks Park in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team swept Rockhurst in a midweek non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday (March 21). The Tigers trailed early in both contests, but were able to string together some big hits to come from behind for their wins. The Tigers improved to 13-16 overall, while the Hawks fell to 7-18 on the season. Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Rockhurst 4 Luuk ter Beek got the nod in game one on the bump for FHSU. The Hawks got on the board in the opening frame, scoring two runs on a pair of hits and a fielding error by the Tigers. The Tiger starter began to settle in the following frame as he allowed only one hit and held the Hawks scoreless. With one out in the top of the third, ter Beek was struck hard by a single back up the middle and Tiger strikeout leader Andrew Hansen&nbsp;took over. Hansen held his own on the rubber allowing only one hit, while striking out four batters going into the fifth inning.The Tigers scored the majority of their runs in the home half of the fourth, starting with a two-run pinch hit homer by Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;to bring home Zane Knox. Mikey Felton&nbsp;drew a walk in the next at bat and would later be brought home on an RBI triple from Ed Scott. Back-to-back walks by Trey DeGarmo and Isaiah Ural juiced the bases for Elliott Herrmann, who drew yet another walk to plate Scott. Boies wrapped up the Tiger rally by blasting a double to left field scoring DeGarmo and Ural, putting the Tigers in front 6-2.The Hawks answered with two runs in the top of the fifth on a couple of hits, but Hansen struck out the final two batters to end the inning. DeGarmo drove in the final two runs of the game for FHSU with a blast over the right field wall to plate Colter Maldanado. Hansen retired the Hawks in order in the sixth, including his seventh punchout of the game. Cade Flaherty&nbsp;entered the game to close it out in the seventh. After allowing a leadoff single, Flaherty punched out the next two batters he faced on his way to closing out the game.Kreutzer, Boies, and DeGarmo each collected two RBIs in the contest.Game 2: Fort Hays State 4, Rockhurst 2 Rockhurst jumped out to another early lead in the night cap by drawing a bases loaded walk in the top of the first. Trailing early with no outs in the opening frame, the Tigers brought in reliever Jenner Kehe&nbsp;with the bases loaded. Kehe was able to escape the inning with no further damage done forcing a double play and an easy put out at third. Kehe retired every batter he faced in his four inning appearance.The Tigers claimed the lead in the third as a walk drawn by Ridge Stephens&nbsp;and a bunt single by Maldonado set up a two-RBI single for DeGarmo into the right center gap. Ural doubled to the same spot to move DeGarmo to third, allowing him to cross the plate on a wild pitch. Boies later added the final run the for Tigers on an RBI single to plate Ural in the fifth inning. The Tigers led 4-1.Nate Pitts&nbsp;took over on the mound for the Tigers in the fifth and kept the Hawks in check, but a perfectly placed hit down the left field line allowed Rockhurst to plate a run in the sixth. Pitts returned in the seventh to hold off Rockhurst and secure the series sweep.Boies finished 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. The Tigers will be back at home this weekend (March 24-26) to host Pittsburg State for a three-game conference series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 2 p.m.

⚾ Tigers sweep Rockhurst in midweek doubleheader

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 18-10 overall with a doubleheader sweep of Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday at Tiger Stadium. FHSU won game one by run rule, 8-0 in five innings, then completed 12 innings of shutout ball against CSM with a 2-0 win in game two. The Orediggers dropped to 11-17 overall.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;tied her career high for strikeouts in the first game in just five innings, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;continued a strong stretch of pitching with her third straight complete game.

Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Colorado School of Mines 0 (5 inn.) Fort Hays State took control of game one with a five-run first inning and then tacked on one in the third and two in the fourth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;sealed a run-rule victory in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;started the first-inning rally with a single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;beat out a bunt for a single to load the bases.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/loren-beggs/7075">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;immediately put two runs on the board with a double to the right-center gap, then Tiffany came in to score the third run on a passed ball.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7093">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;recorded the first out of the inning on a sacrifice fly RBI that scored Beggs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;doubled and then came in to score on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;RBI single. Back-to-back singles by Ramirez-Johnson and Pierce in the third set up the sixth run for the Tigers, scored on a sacrifice fly RBI by Curry. Three straight singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/7091">Lexi Mohr</a>, Shepard, and Stuke in the fourth set up the final two runs for the Tigers. Tiffany drove in the first on a fielder's choice, then Beggs picked up her third RBI of the game on a single.

Egger recorded at least two strikeouts in every inning and finished with just one hit allowed, that being a single up the middle in the third by Kendall Aragon. Egger even notched herself the rare four-strikeout inning in the third when one of her strikeouts reached base by wild pitch. Egger tied her career high for strikeouts in a game with 12, matching her total from seven-inning complete games against Rockhurst this season (Feb. 25) and Truman last season (Mar. 5, 2022). She moved to 8-4 on the season with her MIAA-leading fifth shutout of the season. Game 2: Fort Hays State 2, Colorado School of Mines 0 Game two was a pitcher's duel between&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;of FHSU and Allison Westbrook of Colorado School of Mines. Though Westbrook allowed fewer hits, Carlson kept Colorado School of Mines scoreless all seven innings for a 2-0 complete-game victory. The decisive blow was a two-run home run by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;in the fourth inning, which accounted for the game's scoring. Carlson retired the first seven batters she faced before Colorado School of Mines collected its first of seven hits in the game. A runner caught stealing by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;in the third was a big difference in keeping the Orediggers scoreless, since they had three hits in that inning. Carlson worked around two hits in the fifth and finished her shutout in the seventh after giving up a two-out double. She had two strikeouts in the game, both in the sixth inning with a CSM runner at second base. Carlson is now 6-3 on the season.

Westbrook allowed only three hits to the Tigers and walked three. She struck out one in the tough-luck loss as she now stands at 1-1 on the season. Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines will play another doubleheader on Wednesday (Mar. 22) starting at 12 p.m. FHSU enters with a five-game win streak.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679449799153.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Savanah Egger delivers a pitch in game one of an NCAA softball doubleheader against Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Savanah Egger delivers a pitch in game one of an NCAA softball doubleheader against Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Marko Minic)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State improved to 18-10 overall with a doubleheader sweep of Colorado School of Mines on Tuesday at Tiger Stadium. FHSU won game one by run rule, 8-0 in five innings, then completed 12 innings of shutout ball against CSM with a 2-0 win in game two. The Orediggers dropped to 11-17 overall.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;tied her career high for strikeouts in the first game in just five innings, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;continued a strong stretch of pitching with her third straight complete game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1474472479&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/3-21-23-fhsu-sb-coach-interview" title="Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Game 1: Fort Hays State 8, Colorado School of Mines 0 (5 inn.) Fort Hays State took control of game one with a five-run first inning and then tacked on one in the third and two in the fourth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savanah-egger/7081">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;sealed a run-rule victory in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/peyton-shepard/7094">Peyton Shepard</a>&nbsp;started the first-inning rally with a single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/carly-stuke/7096">Carly Stuke</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-tiffany/7088">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;beat out a bunt for a single to load the bases.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/loren-beggs/7075">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;immediately put two runs on the board with a double to the right-center gap, then Tiffany came in to score the third run on a passed ball.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lilliana-ramirez-johnson/7093">Lilliana Ramirez-Johnson</a>&nbsp;recorded the first out of the inning on a sacrifice fly RBI that scored Beggs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;doubled and then came in to score on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;RBI single. Back-to-back singles by Ramirez-Johnson and Pierce in the third set up the sixth run for the Tigers, scored on a sacrifice fly RBI by Curry. Three straight singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lexi-mohr/7091">Lexi Mohr</a>, Shepard, and Stuke in the fourth set up the final two runs for the Tigers. Tiffany drove in the first on a fielder's choice, then Beggs picked up her third RBI of the game on a single.<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/1474396549&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/2-21-23-fhsu-sb-v-co-school-of-mines-game-1-hilights" title="Fort Hays State SB Game 1 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Game 1 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Egger recorded at least two strikeouts in every inning and finished with just one hit allowed, that being a single up the middle in the third by Kendall Aragon. Egger even notched herself the rare four-strikeout inning in the third when one of her strikeouts reached base by wild pitch. Egger tied her career high for strikeouts in a game with 12, matching her total from seven-inning complete games against Rockhurst this season (Feb. 25) and Truman last season (Mar. 5, 2022). She moved to 8-4 on the season with her MIAA-leading fifth shutout of the season. Game 2: Fort Hays State 2, Colorado School of Mines 0 Game two was a pitcher's duel between&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-carlson/7078">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;of FHSU and Allison Westbrook of Colorado School of Mines. Though Westbrook allowed fewer hits, Carlson kept Colorado School of Mines scoreless all seven innings for a 2-0 complete-game victory. The decisive blow was a two-run home run by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/regan-curry/7080">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;in the fourth inning, which accounted for the game's scoring. Carlson retired the first seven batters she faced before Colorado School of Mines collected its first of seven hits in the game. A runner caught stealing by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/madison-pierce/7086">Madison Pierce</a>&nbsp;in the third was a big difference in keeping the Orediggers scoreless, since they had three hits in that inning. Carlson worked around two hits in the fifth and finished her shutout in the seventh after giving up a two-out double. She had two strikeouts in the game, both in the sixth inning with a CSM runner at second base. Carlson is now 6-3 on the season.<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/1474476067&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/3-21-23-fhsu-sb-v-colorado-school-of-mines-game-two-hilights" title="Fort Hays State SB Game 2 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Game 2 Highlights vs. Colorado School of Mines (March 21, 2023)</a></div></div>Westbrook allowed only three hits to the Tigers and walked three. She struck out one in the tough-luck loss as she now stands at 1-1 on the season. Fort Hays State and Colorado School of Mines will play another doubleheader on Wednesday (Mar. 22) starting at 12 p.m. FHSU enters with a five-game win streak.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers pick up pair of shutout wins over Orediggers

EDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 16th&nbsp;at the Broncho Invitational, one of four MIAA designated events for the 2022-23 season held at Rose Creek Country Club.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;was the only Tiger to shoot in the 70s all three rounds, tying for 40th&nbsp;individually. The Tigers were ninth among the MIAA teams competing in the tournament. Fort Hays State as a team shot rounds of 322, 327, and 325 for a 974 total. Central Oklahoma won the event at +30 as a team, shooting 289, 305, and 300. Northeastern State was two strokes back in second place, while Washburn was the next MIAA team in the standings at fifth overall with a +49 total. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;carded rounds of 77, 79, and 78 to lead the Tigers. He had six birdies for the tournament. He tied four other golfers at +18 for the tournament at the par-72 venue.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tanner-copeland/7103">Tanner Copeland</a>&nbsp;was next in the individual standings for the Tigers, tying for 62nd&nbsp;at +23. He had rounds of 75, 81, and 83. He had seven birdies for the tournament, including three in his 3-over par first round. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/7107">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;shot back-to-back rounds of 83 before an 81 to close out his tournament. He finished 80th&nbsp;and had four birdies for the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/7105">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;finished 84th&nbsp;with rounds of 87, 84, and 83, carding two birdies in the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/august-nilsson/7111">August Nilsson</a>&nbsp;shot rounds of 90, 86, and 86 to finish in 88th. His lone birdie was in the final round. Bennett Baldwin of Central Oklahoma won the tournament at +3 overall with rounds of 69, 76, and 74. The Tigers return to action next week in Blue Springs, Mo. (Mar. 27-28) at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679479721452.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEDMOND, Okla. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 16th&nbsp;at the Broncho Invitational, one of four MIAA designated events for the 2022-23 season held at Rose Creek Country Club.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;was the only Tiger to shoot in the 70s all three rounds, tying for 40th&nbsp;individually. The Tigers were ninth among the MIAA teams competing in the tournament. Fort Hays State as a team shot rounds of 322, 327, and 325 for a 974 total. Central Oklahoma won the event at +30 as a team, shooting 289, 305, and 300. Northeastern State was two strokes back in second place, while Washburn was the next MIAA team in the standings at fifth overall with a +49 total. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/7110">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;carded rounds of 77, 79, and 78 to lead the Tigers. He had six birdies for the tournament. He tied four other golfers at +18 for the tournament at the par-72 venue.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/tanner-copeland/7103">Tanner Copeland</a>&nbsp;was next in the individual standings for the Tigers, tying for 62nd&nbsp;at +23. He had rounds of 75, 81, and 83. He had seven birdies for the tournament, including three in his 3-over par first round. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/7107">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;shot back-to-back rounds of 83 before an 81 to close out his tournament. He finished 80th&nbsp;and had four birdies for the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/7105">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;finished 84th&nbsp;with rounds of 87, 84, and 83, carding two birdies in the tournament.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/august-nilsson/7111">August Nilsson</a>&nbsp;shot rounds of 90, 86, and 86 to finish in 88th. His lone birdie was in the final round. Bennett Baldwin of Central Oklahoma won the tournament at +3 overall with rounds of 69, 76, and 74. The Tigers return to action next week in Blue Springs, Mo. (Mar. 27-28) at the NSIC Conference Preview Invitational.&nbsp;&nbsp;