MAYETTA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 16th&nbsp;as a team at the Firekeeper Open, held at the par-72 Firekeeper Golf Course. The Tigers improved as a team in each round, shooting scores of 310, 301, and 298.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jordan-mccaslin/8552">Jordan McCaslin</a>, playing as an individual, had the top performance of the six Tiger golfers competing in the tournament by finishing at 7-over par overall.

McCaslin placed 29th&nbsp;individually, having the same pattern of improvement as the Tiger team. He shot 5-over par in the first round, 2-over in the second round, and then shot even par in the final round. He had five birdies and two eagles throughout the tournament. In the final round, he was 3-over through five holes but had an eagle, par, birdie stretch to get his round back to even. He closed out his tournament with 10-straight pars.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/8548">Cooper Scheck</a>&nbsp;was the top performer among players figuring into the Tiger team score. He was 32nd&nbsp;overall at 8-over par. He had 10 birdies and one eagle in the tournament. He jumped 38 spots on the leaderboard with a final round of 1-under par (71) after shooting 9-over (76, 77) through the first two rounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/8549">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;was just one stroke back of Scheck in 37th&nbsp;at 9-over par. He backed a 5-over first round (77) with a pair of 2-over par rounds (74, 74). He had nine birdies throughout the event.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/8546">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;placed 69th&nbsp;at 13-over par,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/8547">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;was 95th&nbsp;at 20-over par, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/8545">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;was 97th&nbsp;at 22-over par. Krob improved throughout the tournament shooting rounds of 79, 76, and 74. Rader shot rounds of 82, 74, and 80. George shot rounds of 78, 81, and 79. Krob and George each had three birdies in the tournament, while Rader had five birdies and an eagle.

Neighboring schools Oklahoma Christian and Central Oklahoma had the top two team scores. Oklahoma Christian, ranked No. 10, won the tournament at 5-under par overall thanks to a final round of 8-under as a team. Central Oklahoma, ranked No. 5, shot 5-over par overall. Fort Hays State finished fifth out of the seven MIAA teams competing at the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744193663087.png" alt="FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMAYETTA, Kan. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf placed 16th&nbsp;as a team at the Firekeeper Open, held at the par-72 Firekeeper Golf Course. The Tigers improved as a team in each round, shooting scores of 310, 301, and 298.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jordan-mccaslin/8552">Jordan McCaslin</a>, playing as an individual, had the top performance of the six Tiger golfers competing in the tournament by finishing at 7-over par overall.McCaslin placed 29th&nbsp;individually, having the same pattern of improvement as the Tiger team. He shot 5-over par in the first round, 2-over in the second round, and then shot even par in the final round. He had five birdies and two eagles throughout the tournament. In the final round, he was 3-over through five holes but had an eagle, par, birdie stretch to get his round back to even. He closed out his tournament with 10-straight pars.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-scheck/8548">Cooper Scheck</a>&nbsp;was the top performer among players figuring into the Tiger team score. He was 32nd&nbsp;overall at 8-over par. He had 10 birdies and one eagle in the tournament. He jumped 38 spots on the leaderboard with a final round of 1-under par (71) after shooting 9-over (76, 77) through the first two rounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cole-streck/8549">Cole Streck</a>&nbsp;was just one stroke back of Scheck in 37th&nbsp;at 9-over par. He backed a 5-over first round (77) with a pair of 2-over par rounds (74, 74). He had nine birdies throughout the event.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/parker-krob/8546">Parker Krob</a>&nbsp;placed 69th&nbsp;at 13-over par,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jackson-rader/8547">Jackson Rader</a>&nbsp;was 95th&nbsp;at 20-over par, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/jacob-george/8545">Jacob George</a>&nbsp;was 97th&nbsp;at 22-over par. Krob improved throughout the tournament shooting rounds of 79, 76, and 74. Rader shot rounds of 82, 74, and 80. George shot rounds of 78, 81, and 79. Krob and George each had three birdies in the tournament, while Rader had five birdies and an eagle.Neighboring schools Oklahoma Christian and Central Oklahoma had the top two team scores. Oklahoma Christian, ranked No. 10, won the tournament at 5-under par overall thanks to a final round of 8-under as a team. Central Oklahoma, ranked No. 5, shot 5-over par overall. Fort Hays State finished fifth out of the seven MIAA teams competing at the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ Tiger men 16th at Firekeeper Open

MONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State women's golf team finished 19th at the Spring Regional Preview, held Monday (April 7) and Tuesday (April 8) at Shangri-La Golf Club &amp; Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. The course played as a par-72 and spanned 5,813 yards.

The Tigers opened the event with a 343 in round one, then improved by a stroke on day two, posting a 342 for a two-round total of 685.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/shayla-nordlund/8372">Shayla Nordlund</a>&nbsp;led Fort Hays State with rounds of 79 and 81, tying for 64th at 16-over par.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/hayden-york/8339">Hayden York</a>&nbsp;followed, tying for 84th with rounds of 85 and 80 for a 165 (+21).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/abbie-norris/8373">Abbie Norris</a>&nbsp;finished in 103rd after scores of 92 and 88 (+36), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/emma-walz/8374">Emma Walz</a>&nbsp;placed 104th with a total of 181 in rounds of 88 and 93 (+37).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/kiley-maier/8371">Kiley Maier</a>, competing as an individual, shot 91 and 98 to finish 105th at 189 (+45).The Tigers managed four birdies and 70 pars as a team across the two rounds. York finished with three while Norris had one.

Henderson State claimed the team title with a stellar total of 574 (-2), while Felisa Sajulga from Henderson State earned medalist honors at 8-under par, carding rounds of 70 and 66.

The team will take a week off as they prepare themselves for the MIAA Championships at the Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney, Neb. Tournament is set for Sunday (April 13) to Tuesday (April 15).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744193485784.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Dee Welsch" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Dee Welsch</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsMONKEY ISLAND, Okla. – The Fort Hays State women's golf team finished 19th at the Spring Regional Preview, held Monday (April 7) and Tuesday (April 8) at Shangri-La Golf Club &amp; Resort in Monkey Island, Okla. The course played as a par-72 and spanned 5,813 yards.The Tigers opened the event with a 343 in round one, then improved by a stroke on day two, posting a 342 for a two-round total of 685.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/shayla-nordlund/8372">Shayla Nordlund</a>&nbsp;led Fort Hays State with rounds of 79 and 81, tying for 64th at 16-over par.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/hayden-york/8339">Hayden York</a>&nbsp;followed, tying for 84th with rounds of 85 and 80 for a 165 (+21).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/abbie-norris/8373">Abbie Norris</a>&nbsp;finished in 103rd after scores of 92 and 88 (+36), and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/emma-walz/8374">Emma Walz</a>&nbsp;placed 104th with a total of 181 in rounds of 88 and 93 (+37).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/kiley-maier/8371">Kiley Maier</a>, competing as an individual, shot 91 and 98 to finish 105th at 189 (+45).The Tigers managed four birdies and 70 pars as a team across the two rounds. York finished with three while Norris had one.Henderson State claimed the team title with a stellar total of 574 (-2), while Felisa Sajulga from Henderson State earned medalist honors at 8-under par, carding rounds of 70 and 66.The team will take a week off as they prepare themselves for the MIAA Championships at the Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney, Neb. Tournament is set for Sunday (April 13) to Tuesday (April 15).&nbsp;&nbsp;

⛳ FHSU women's finish 19th at Spring Regional Preview

TMP-Marian vs Colby Tuesday, April 8th Hays, Kan. - Monarchs Sports Complex

Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2343466">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to action Tuesday at home against the Colby Eagles.

TMP comes into the contest with a record of 4-0 after sweeping Ellinwood their last time out.

Colby also brings a 4-0 record into the contest after a pair of wins over Oberlin.

The first pitch is set for 4 p.m. on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Colby Tuesday, April 8th Hays, Kan. - Monarchs Sports ComplexRadio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2343466">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to action Tuesday at home against the Colby Eagles.TMP comes into the contest with a record of 4-0 after sweeping Ellinwood their last time out.Colby also brings a 4-0 record into the contest after a pair of wins over Oberlin.The first pitch is set for 4 p.m. on the Monarchs Sports Network.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Colby

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Fort Hays State baseball is ranked No. 27 in the latest ABCA Top 30 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are coming off a 2-1 week, which included a win in their only MIAA contest against Washburn and a split with UC-Colorado Springs. FHSU is 23-9 overall and 17-4 in the MIAA.

The Tigers continue to lead the MIAA standings by a game over Central Missouri, which checks in at No. 3 in the rankings this week. The Mules are 25-8 overall and 16-5 in the MIAA. Central Oklahoma (28-8, 18-6 MIAA) and Pittsburg State (26-7, 15-7 MIAA) are receiving votes in the poll.

Fort Hays State goes on the road this week on Wednesday (Apr. 9) for a mid-week conference contest at Emporia State before returning home to host Northeastern State in a three-game series Friday through Sunday.

ABCA Top 30 Poll for April 8, 2025. Rank - School - Record - Points 1 - Angelo State (Texas) - 30-7 - 268 2 - Tampa (Fla.) - 29-6 - 265 3 - Central Missouri - 24-8 - 255 4 - Minnesota State - 24-2 - 240 5 - Florida Southern - 27-8 - 237 6 - Texas-Tyler - 28-9 - 220 7 - Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 31-6 - 218 8 - Catawba (N.C.) - 26-10 - 205 9 - Westmont (Calif.) - 28-9 - 195 10 - Young Harris (Ga.) - 26-11 - 188 11 - North Greenville (S.C.) - 32-8 - 185 12 - Millersville (Pa.) - 24-5 - 170 13 - Point Loma (Calif.) - 22-10 - 160 14 - West Chester (Pa.) - 25-7 - 150 15 - East Stroudsburg - 24-6 - 145 16 - North Georgia - 27-10 - 130 17 - Delta State (Miss.) - 27-10 - 125 18 - Chico State (Calif.) - 21-12 - 115 19 - Lewis (Ill.) - 24-6 - 112 20 - Colorado Mesa - 26-8 - 110 21 - Carson-Newman (Tenn.) - 27-11 - 90 22 - Grand Valley State (Mich.) - 23-9 - 78 23 - Davenport (Mich.) - 21-10 - 76 24 - Francis Marion (S.C.) - 30-9 - 70 25 - Jefferson (Pa.) - 23-9 - 58 26 - Harding (Ark.) - 26-9 - 45 27 - Fort Hays State (Kan.) - 23-9 - 40 28 - Belmont Abbey (N.C.) - 27-12 - 20 29 - St. Edward's (Texas) - 28-1318 30t. - Rollins (Fla.) - 23-10 - 10 30t. - Seton Hill (Pa.) - 23-7 - 10

Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Bentley (Mass.), Mount Olive (N.C.), Cal State Monterey Bay, Northwood (Mich.), Cal State Dominguez Hills, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho), Montana State Billings, Barton (N.C.), Lander (S.C.), Ashland (Ohio), Illinois Springfield, Spring Hill (Ala.), Central Oklahoma, West Texas A&amp;M, Pittsburg State (Kan.), Lubbock Christian (Texas), Augustana (S.D.), Regis (Colo.), Frostburg State (Md.), California (Pa.).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744135349436.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsGREENSBORO, N.C. – Fort Hays State baseball is ranked No. 27 in the latest ABCA Top 30 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are coming off a 2-1 week, which included a win in their only MIAA contest against Washburn and a split with UC-Colorado Springs. FHSU is 23-9 overall and 17-4 in the MIAA.The Tigers continue to lead the MIAA standings by a game over Central Missouri, which checks in at No. 3 in the rankings this week. The Mules are 25-8 overall and 16-5 in the MIAA. Central Oklahoma (28-8, 18-6 MIAA) and Pittsburg State (26-7, 15-7 MIAA) are receiving votes in the poll.Fort Hays State goes on the road this week on Wednesday (Apr. 9) for a mid-week conference contest at Emporia State before returning home to host Northeastern State in a three-game series Friday through Sunday.ABCA Top 30 Poll for April 8, 2025. Rank - School - Record - Points 1 - Angelo State (Texas) - 30-7 - 268 2 - Tampa (Fla.) - 29-6 - 265 3 - Central Missouri - 24-8 - 255 4 - Minnesota State - 24-2 - 240 5 - Florida Southern - 27-8 - 237 6 - Texas-Tyler - 28-9 - 220 7 - Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 31-6 - 218 8 - Catawba (N.C.) - 26-10 - 205 9 - Westmont (Calif.) - 28-9 - 195 10 - Young Harris (Ga.) - 26-11 - 188 11 - North Greenville (S.C.) - 32-8 - 185 12 - Millersville (Pa.) - 24-5 - 170 13 - Point Loma (Calif.) - 22-10 - 160 14 - West Chester (Pa.) - 25-7 - 150 15 - East Stroudsburg - 24-6 - 145 16 - North Georgia - 27-10 - 130 17 - Delta State (Miss.) - 27-10 - 125 18 - Chico State (Calif.) - 21-12 - 115 19 - Lewis (Ill.) - 24-6 - 112 20 - Colorado Mesa - 26-8 - 110 21 - Carson-Newman (Tenn.) - 27-11 - 90 22 - Grand Valley State (Mich.) - 23-9 - 78 23 - Davenport (Mich.) - 21-10 - 76 24 - Francis Marion (S.C.) - 30-9 - 70 25 - Jefferson (Pa.) - 23-9 - 58 26 - Harding (Ark.) - 26-9 - 45 27 - Fort Hays State (Kan.) - 23-9 - 40 28 - Belmont Abbey (N.C.) - 27-12 - 20 29 - St. Edward's (Texas) - 28-1318 30t. - Rollins (Fla.) - 23-10 - 10 30t. - Seton Hill (Pa.) - 23-7 - 10Receiving Votes:&nbsp;Bentley (Mass.), Mount Olive (N.C.), Cal State Monterey Bay, Northwood (Mich.), Cal State Dominguez Hills, Northwest Nazarene (Idaho), Montana State Billings, Barton (N.C.), Lander (S.C.), Ashland (Ohio), Illinois Springfield, Spring Hill (Ala.), Central Oklahoma, West Texas A&amp;M, Pittsburg State (Kan.), Lubbock Christian (Texas), Augustana (S.D.), Regis (Colo.), Frostburg State (Md.), California (Pa.).&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers drop a spot in latest ABCA national poll

SCOTT CITY - The Hays High boys tennis team finished in third place at Tuesday's Scott City Invitational.

Ken Shaffer went 3-0 and won No. 2 singles. Kale Schwein went 2-1 and placed second at No. 1 singles.

The No. 1 doubles team of Preston Parr and Mason Schleicher went 2-2 and finished in fifth place as the did the No. 2 doubles team of Christian Miller and Madox Zimmerman.

The Indians host their own invitational on Monday, April 14.

Hays Post SportsSCOTT CITY - The Hays High boys tennis team finished in third place at Tuesday's Scott City Invitational.Ken Shaffer went 3-0 and won No. 2 singles. Kale Schwein went 2-1 and placed second at No. 1 singles.The No. 1 doubles team of Preston Parr and Mason Schleicher went 2-2 and finished in fifth place as the did the No. 2 doubles team of Christian Miller and Madox Zimmerman.The Indians host their own invitational on Monday, April 14.

🎾 HHS boys third at Scott City, Shaffer wins No. 2 singles

Tuesday, April 8
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB
(DH) vs. Colby, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm

Wednesday, April 9
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm

Thursday, April 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Hays High SB (DH) vs. Dodge City, 3:45pm

Friday, April 11
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB
(DH) vs. Holcomb, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northeastern State, 4:40pm

Saturday, April 12
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm

Sunday, April 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 12:00pm

Tuesday, April 8
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB
(DH) vs. Colby, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pmWednesday, April 9
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pmThursday, April 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Hays High SB (DH) vs. Dodge City, 3:45pmFriday, April 11
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB
(DH) vs. Holcomb, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northeastern State, 4:40pmSaturday, April 12
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pmSunday, April 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 12:00pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. came up with the perfect going-away present for that spirit-crushing Houston defense that bullied, battered and bedeviled him all night.

It was a defensive gem of his own. Right before the buzzer. For the win and the national title.

The Gators and Clayton somehow overcame Houston's lockdown intensity, along with a 12-point deficit Monday night to will out a 65-63 victory in an NCAA title-game thriller decided when the Florida senior's own D stopped the Cougars from even taking a game-winning shot at the buzzer.

Clayton finished with 11 points, all in the second half. What he'll be remembered for most was getting Houston's Emanuel Sharp to stop in the middle of his motion as he tried to go up for the game-winning 3 in the final seconds.

"Just go 100 percent," Clayton said when asked what he was trying to do at the finish. "We were just trying to get a stop, and we happened to get it. I'm happy we got it done."

With Sharp looking for room, Clayton ran at him. The Houston guard dropped the ball and, unable to pick it up lest he get called for traveling, watched it bounce.

Alex Condon dived on the ball, then flipped it to Clayton, who ran to the opposite free-throw line with the buzzer sounding and tugged his jersey out of his shorts. Next, the court was awash in Gator chomps and orange and blue confetti.

"We guarded them hard and then I saw the ball loose and I just hoped we beat them to the ball," Florida coach Todd Golden said.

This marked the fourth comeback in six March Madness wins for the Gators (36-4). They led this game for a total of 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of a contest that was in limbo until the final shot that never came.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson called it "incomprehensible" that the Cougars couldn't get a shot off on either of their last two possessions.

About the last one, Sampson said: "Clayton made a great play. But that's why you've got to shot fake and get into the paint. Two's fine."

Will Richard had 18 points to keep the Gators in it, and they won their third overall title and first since Billy Donovan went back-to-back in 2006-07.

This time, it's Golden, in his third year, bringing the title back to Gainesville, where the Gator faithful can celebrate a win on one of college sports' grandest stages for the first time since Tim Tebow was playing quarterback for the football team in 2008.

This was the first hoops title for the Southeastern Conference since Kentucky in 2012, and the outcome the power conference was hoping for (expecting?) after placing a record 14 teams in the tournament.

The Cougars (35-5) and Sampson were denied their first championship, and ended up in the same spot as the colorful Phi Slama Jama teams from the 1980s — oh-so-close in second place.

This was a defensive brawl — the Gators failed to crack 70 for only the second time all season — and for most of the night, Clayton got the worst of it.

He was 0 for 4 from the field without a point through the first half. Met at the top of the circle, then double-teamed and trapped when necessary, he didn't score until hitting two free throws with 14:57 left.

The player who scored at least 30 points in the last two games, who averaged 24.6 through the first five games of the tournament, who almost singlehandedly outscored UConn and Texas Tech down the stretch of those March Madness comebacks, finished with one 3-pointer. Before that, he had a pair of three-point plays off drives to the hoop that kept the Gators in striking range. He finished 3 for 10.

He also became part of not one, but two stops that put these Gators in the history book, and possibly cemented himself as the best basketball player to wear the orange and blue.

After Alijah Martin made two free throws to put Florida ahead 64-63 — its first lead since 8-6 — the Gators lured Sharp into a triple-team in the corner, where Clayton pressured him, and then Richard got him to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds.

Florida made one free throw on the next possession and that set up the finale.

The ball first went to L.J. Cryer, who led the Cougars with 19 points. Blanketed by Richard, he threw to Sharp, who was moving to spot up for a 3 when Clayton ran at him. That left him with no choice but to let the ball go.

"It was a great defensive play by Walter," Condon said. "I just dived on it, and hearing the buzzer go was a crazy feeling."

Instead of the 69-year-old Sampson becoming the oldest coach to win the title, the 39-year-old Golden becomes the youngest since N.C. State's Jim Valvano in 1983 to win it all.

This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.

All three Final Four games were decided down the stretch, none by more than Florida's six-point win over Auburn on Saturday. Any thought that the men's game had been overtaken by the increasingly popular women will probably go on hold at least for a year.

The three women's Final Four games, capped by UConn's blowout of South Carolina on Sunday, were decided by an average of 24.7 points.

"When it gets down to the two best teams left," Sampson said of the thriller he barely lost, "it's not going to be easy for either team."

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744107751869.jpeg" alt="Florida celebrates after beating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)" />
 <figcaption>Florida celebrates after beating Houston in the national championship at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)</figcaption>
 </figure>By EDDIE PELLS AP National WriterSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. came up with the perfect going-away present for that spirit-crushing Houston defense that bullied, battered and bedeviled him all night.It was a defensive gem of his own. Right before the buzzer. For the win and the national title.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">champion aura. <a href="https://t.co/r3WFWcunBG">pic.twitter.com/r3WFWcunBG</a>&mdash; Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) <a href="https://twitter.com/GatorsMBK/status/1909475603356483633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Gators and Clayton somehow overcame Houston's lockdown intensity, along with a 12-point deficit Monday night to will out a 65-63 victory in an NCAA title-game thriller decided when the Florida senior's own D stopped the Cougars from even taking a game-winning shot at the buzzer.Clayton finished with 11 points, all in the second half. What he'll be remembered for most was getting Houston's Emanuel Sharp to stop in the middle of his motion as he tried to go up for the game-winning 3 in the final seconds."Just go 100 percent," Clayton said when asked what he was trying to do at the finish. "We were just trying to get a stop, and we happened to get it. I'm happy we got it done."With Sharp looking for room, Clayton ran at him. The Houston guard dropped the ball and, unable to pick it up lest he get called for traveling, watched it bounce.Alex Condon dived on the ball, then flipped it to Clayton, who ran to the opposite free-throw line with the buzzer sounding and tugged his jersey out of his shorts. Next, the court was awash in Gator chomps and orange and blue confetti."We guarded them hard and then I saw the ball loose and I just hoped we beat them to the ball," Florida coach Todd Golden said.This marked the fourth comeback in six March Madness wins for the Gators (36-4). They led this game for a total of 64 seconds, including the last 46 ticks of a contest that was in limbo until the final shot that never came.Houston coach Kelvin Sampson called it "incomprehensible" that the Cougars couldn't get a shot off on either of their last two possessions.About the last one, Sampson said: "Clayton made a great play. But that's why you've got to shot fake and get into the paint. Two's fine."Will Richard had 18 points to keep the Gators in it, and they won their third overall title and first since Billy Donovan went back-to-back in 2006-07.This time, it's Golden, in his third year, bringing the title back to Gainesville, where the Gator faithful can celebrate a win on one of college sports' grandest stages for the first time since Tim Tebow was playing quarterback for the football team in 2008.This was the first hoops title for the Southeastern Conference since Kentucky in 2012, and the outcome the power conference was hoping for (expecting?) after placing a record 14 teams in the tournament.The Cougars (35-5) and Sampson were denied their first championship, and ended up in the same spot as the colorful Phi Slama Jama teams from the 1980s — oh-so-close in second place.This was a defensive brawl — the Gators failed to crack 70 for only the second time all season — and for most of the night, Clayton got the worst of it.He was 0 for 4 from the field without a point through the first half. Met at the top of the circle, then double-teamed and trapped when necessary, he didn't score until hitting two free throws with 14:57 left.The player who scored at least 30 points in the last two games, who averaged 24.6 through the first five games of the tournament, who almost singlehandedly outscored UConn and Texas Tech down the stretch of those March Madness comebacks, finished with one 3-pointer. Before that, he had a pair of three-point plays off drives to the hoop that kept the Gators in striking range. He finished 3 for 10.He also became part of not one, but two stops that put these Gators in the history book, and possibly cemented himself as the best basketball player to wear the orange and blue.After Alijah Martin made two free throws to put Florida ahead 64-63 — its first lead since 8-6 — the Gators lured Sharp into a triple-team in the corner, where Clayton pressured him, and then Richard got him to dribble the ball off his leg and out of bounds.Florida made one free throw on the next possession and that set up the finale.The ball first went to L.J. Cryer, who led the Cougars with 19 points. Blanketed by Richard, he threw to Sharp, who was moving to spot up for a 3 when Clayton ran at him. That left him with no choice but to let the ball go."It was a great defensive play by Walter," Condon said. "I just dived on it, and hearing the buzzer go was a crazy feeling."Instead of the 69-year-old Sampson becoming the oldest coach to win the title, the 39-year-old Golden becomes the youngest since N.C. State's Jim Valvano in 1983 to win it all.This gut-wrenching loss came two nights after the Cougars fashioned a wild comeback of their own, from 14 down against Duke.All three Final Four games were decided down the stretch, none by more than Florida's six-point win over Auburn on Saturday. Any thought that the men's game had been overtaken by the increasingly popular women will probably go on hold at least for a year.The three women's Final Four games, capped by UConn's blowout of South Carolina on Sunday, were decided by an average of 24.7 points."When it gets down to the two best teams left," Sampson said of the thriller he barely lost, "it's not going to be easy for either team."___AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.

🏀 Florida rallies to beat Houston for its third NCAA basketball title

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel went 3 for 4 with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1909416658638127141">home run</a>&nbsp;and two RBIs, Michael Lorenzen allowed one run in six innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Monday night.

Vinnie Pasquantino had an early RBI double for the Royals. Lorenzen (1-1) permitted five hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

Carlos Estévez got three outs for his third save. He gave up a two-out RBI single to Harrison Bader before retiring pinch-hitter Edouard Julien on a grounder with two on to end it.

Pasquantino hit a high fly down the left-field line that dropped in front of Bader for a double that drove in Jonathan India — who doubled leading off the first — to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.

Willi Castro hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Twins/status/1909398585629671639">two-out RBI double</a>&nbsp;in the second for the Twins.

Isbel drove in a run with an infield single in the bottom half, and Maikel Garcia scored when Bobby Witt Jr. grounded out to give the Royals a 3-1 lead.

Isbel, batting ninth, added a solo shot in the sixth for his first homer this season.

Minnesota manager&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baldelli-ejected-twins-cc55631a225496142e15c7a2a065c949">Rocco Baldelli was ejected</a>&nbsp;in the bottom of the sixth for arguing a pitch-clock violation — which came on a full count and resulted in a walk to India — against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson (0-1).

MJ Melendez doubled leading off the second, moved to third on a single by Garcia and scored on Isbel's infield single to put the Royals in front for good.

Richardson allowed four runs and eight hits with four walks in 5 2/3 innings. Only the New York Yankees have fewer quality starts (zero) than Minnesota (one) this season.

Twins RHP Pablo López (1-1, 2.25 ERA) makes his third start of the season Tuesday night against Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 3.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744098366624.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel went 3 for 4 with a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Royals/status/1909416658638127141">home run</a>&nbsp;and two RBIs, Michael Lorenzen allowed one run in six innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Monday night.Vinnie Pasquantino had an early RBI double for the Royals. Lorenzen (1-1) permitted five hits with no walks and three strikeouts.Carlos Estévez got three outs for his third save. He gave up a two-out RBI single to Harrison Bader before retiring pinch-hitter Edouard Julien on a grounder with two on to end it.Pasquantino hit a high fly down the left-field line that dropped in front of Bader for a double that drove in Jonathan India — who doubled leading off the first — to give the Royals a 1-0 lead.Willi Castro hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Twins/status/1909398585629671639">two-out RBI double</a>&nbsp;in the second for the Twins.Isbel drove in a run with an infield single in the bottom half, and Maikel Garcia scored when Bobby Witt Jr. grounded out to give the Royals a 3-1 lead.Isbel, batting ninth, added a solo shot in the sixth for his first homer this season.Minnesota manager&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baldelli-ejected-twins-cc55631a225496142e15c7a2a065c949">Rocco Baldelli was ejected</a>&nbsp;in the bottom of the sixth for arguing a pitch-clock violation — which came on a full count and resulted in a walk to India — against Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson (0-1).<h2>Key moment</h2>MJ Melendez doubled leading off the second, moved to third on a single by Garcia and scored on Isbel's infield single to put the Royals in front for good.<h2>Key stat</h2>Richardson allowed four runs and eight hits with four walks in 5 2/3 innings. Only the New York Yankees have fewer quality starts (zero) than Minnesota (one) this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Twins RHP Pablo López (1-1, 2.25 ERA) makes his third start of the season Tuesday night against Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-0, 3.60).

⚾ Kyle Isbel goes 3 for 4 with a home run as the Royals beat the Twins

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball fell in a pair of conference games to No. 11 ranked Rogers State on Monday. The Hillcats won by scores of 12-5 and 13-3, improving to 30-11 overall and 12-8 in the MIAA, while the Tigers moved to 22-12 overall and 7-7 in the MIAA.

Game 1: Rogers State 12, Fort Hays State 5 A three-error third inning allowed the first four runs of the game to score for Rogers State after the teams played to a scoreless tie through the first couple innings. The Tigers faced an uphill battle from that point, but managed to get within two runs with a four-run sixth inning. However, Rogers State pulled back away with a six-run seventh and FHSU countered with just one run in the final inning.

The Hillcats built a 6-0 lead through five and a half innings. The Tigers finally broke through offensively with singles from Maddie Pierce and Regan Curry set up an RBI single by Lexi Mohr. Then Marisela Landa&nbsp;delivered a big blow with a pinch-hit 3-run home run, instantly cutting the score to 6-4. That chased Rogers State starting pitcher Harley Culie from the game, but Jade Sanders was able to do enough for a four-out save.

Morgan Schmidt pitched 5 innings in the game, allowing nine runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks. She struck out three and moved to 10-5 on the season with the loss. Korryn Johnson&nbsp;relieved for an inning and allowed a run, while Erika Flynn&nbsp;pitched 2/3 innings and allowed two runs. Kylie Casperson&nbsp;got the final out in the seventh. Pierce had a 3-hit game for the Tigers, while Curry had a pair of hits.

Culie finished with seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of work, moving to 14-4 overall on the season. Sanders allowed a run and picked up her second save of the season.

Game 2: Rogers State 13, Fort Hays State 3 (5 inn.) Both teams scored one run each in the first inning and played to the 1-1 tie through three innings. However, the Hillcat offense caught fire with two outs in the fourth. They plated a run to break the tie and then added five more runs with two outs. RSU had seven hits in the inning. They remained hot the following inning, plating six more runs on six hits. RSU finished with 18 hits in the game and 30 for the day.

Lilly Ramirez-Johnson&nbsp;and Maddie Pierce&nbsp;had singles in the first to eventually set up an RBI groundout by Abbey Duerte. In the fifth, the Tigers got RBI singles from Kaydawn Haag&nbsp;and Jules Bosco. Haag led the Tigers with two hits in the game.

Savanah Egger&nbsp;pitched the first 4 1/3 innings for FHSU and had one strikeout. Korryn Johnson&nbsp;relieved for 2/3 innings and allowed two runs. Egger moved to 10-7 on the season. Jade Sanders threw 4 1/3 innings and moved to 11-6 with the win, allowing just one run. She struck out three. Torie Sandoval picked up the last two outs of the game, but allowed two runs.

Fort Hays State looks to bounce back on the road next week with doubleheaders at Newman and Central Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744079322996.png" alt="Fort Hays State's Kaydawn Haag *28) yells to the dugout after hitting a double in the first game of a doubleheader against No. 11 Rogers State on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Fleharty Family Field in Hays, Kan.. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Kaydawn Haag *28) yells to the dugout after hitting a double in the first game of a doubleheader against No. 11 Rogers State on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Fleharty Family Field in Hays, Kan.. (FHSU Athletics photo/Jacob Lawson)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball fell in a pair of conference games to No. 11 ranked Rogers State on Monday. The Hillcats won by scores of 12-5 and 13-3, improving to 30-11 overall and 12-8 in the MIAA, while the Tigers moved to 22-12 overall and 7-7 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2073301640&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-coach-adrian-pilkington" title="Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. #11 Rogers State (April 7, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Adrian Pilkington Postgame vs. #11 Rogers State (April 7, 2025)</a></div></div>Game 1: Rogers State 12, Fort Hays State 5 A three-error third inning allowed the first four runs of the game to score for Rogers State after the teams played to a scoreless tie through the first couple innings. The Tigers faced an uphill battle from that point, but managed to get within two runs with a four-run sixth inning. However, Rogers State pulled back away with a six-run seventh and FHSU countered with just one run in the final inning.The Hillcats built a 6-0 lead through five and a half innings. The Tigers finally broke through offensively with singles from Maddie Pierce and Regan Curry set up an RBI single by Lexi Mohr. Then Marisela Landa&nbsp;delivered a big blow with a pinch-hit 3-run home run, instantly cutting the score to 6-4. That chased Rogers State starting pitcher Harley Culie from the game, but Jade Sanders was able to do enough for a four-out save.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2073300884&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-sb-vs-rogers-state-game-1" title="Fort Hays State SB Game 1 Highlights vs. #11 Rogers State (April 7, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Game 1 Highlights vs. #11 Rogers State (April 7, 2025)</a></div></div>Morgan Schmidt pitched 5 innings in the game, allowing nine runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks. She struck out three and moved to 10-5 on the season with the loss. Korryn Johnson&nbsp;relieved for an inning and allowed a run, while Erika Flynn&nbsp;pitched 2/3 innings and allowed two runs. Kylie Casperson&nbsp;got the final out in the seventh. Pierce had a 3-hit game for the Tigers, while Curry had a pair of hits.Culie finished with seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of work, moving to 14-4 overall on the season. Sanders allowed a run and picked up her second save of the season.Game 2: Rogers State 13, Fort Hays State 3 (5 inn.) Both teams scored one run each in the first inning and played to the 1-1 tie through three innings. However, the Hillcat offense caught fire with two outs in the fourth. They plated a run to break the tie and then added five more runs with two outs. RSU had seven hits in the inning. They remained hot the following inning, plating six more runs on six hits. RSU finished with 18 hits in the game and 30 for the day.Lilly Ramirez-Johnson&nbsp;and Maddie Pierce&nbsp;had singles in the first to eventually set up an RBI groundout by Abbey Duerte. In the fifth, the Tigers got RBI singles from Kaydawn Haag&nbsp;and Jules Bosco. Haag led the Tigers with two hits in the game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2073301272&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-sb-vs-rogers-state-game-2" title="Fort Hays State SB Game 2 Highlights vs. #11 Rogers State (April 7, 2025)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State SB Game 2 Highlights vs. #11 Rogers State (April 7, 2025)</a></div></div>Savanah Egger&nbsp;pitched the first 4 1/3 innings for FHSU and had one strikeout. Korryn Johnson&nbsp;relieved for 2/3 innings and allowed two runs. Egger moved to 10-7 on the season. Jade Sanders threw 4 1/3 innings and moved to 11-6 with the win, allowing just one run. She struck out three. Torie Sandoval picked up the last two outs of the game, but allowed two runs.UP NEXTFort Hays State looks to bounce back on the road next week with doubleheaders at Newman and Central Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers fall twice to No. 11 Rogers State

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Tennis is now 11-5 overall and 1-3 in the MIAA after a 6-1 loss to Emporia State on Monday (Apr. 7). The Hornets moved to 7-7 overall and 2-2 in the MIAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;picked up the only point for FHSU, winning her No. 2 singles match in three sets.

The Hornets swept doubles action to claim the first point of the match, then went on to take five of the six singles matches. All five of ESU's wins in singles were in straight sets, but the two Tigers forced tiebreaker scenarios within their singles-play setbacks. Emporia State claimed doubles matches by the scores of 6-3, 6-3, and 6-2.

Alfonso continued her strong singles play of late, picking up a win for the sixth time in the last seven matches. She defeated ESU's Yuliya Klimova 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 to move to 16-5 overall in singles play for the year.In the No. 4 singles match,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/yone-pereiro/8119">Yone Pereiro</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker in the first set, but fell by scores of 7-6 (7-4) and 6-3.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/bethan-gill/8116">Bethan Gill</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker in the second set of her No. 5 match, falling by scores of 6-4, 7-6 (11-9).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>&nbsp;won four games in her No. 3 singles match, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/8122">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;(No. 1) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/8121">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;(No. 6) both won two games in their matches.

The Tigers will still be at home for the upcoming weekend, hosting Arkansas-Fort Smith and Northeastern State (Saturday, Apr. 12).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744078905265.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Tennis is now 11-5 overall and 1-3 in the MIAA after a 6-1 loss to Emporia State on Monday (Apr. 7). The Hornets moved to 7-7 overall and 2-2 in the MIAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/irina-alfonso/8115">Irina Alfonso</a>&nbsp;picked up the only point for FHSU, winning her No. 2 singles match in three sets.The Hornets swept doubles action to claim the first point of the match, then went on to take five of the six singles matches. All five of ESU's wins in singles were in straight sets, but the two Tigers forced tiebreaker scenarios within their singles-play setbacks. Emporia State claimed doubles matches by the scores of 6-3, 6-3, and 6-2.Alfonso continued her strong singles play of late, picking up a win for the sixth time in the last seven matches. She defeated ESU's Yuliya Klimova 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 to move to 16-5 overall in singles play for the year.In the No. 4 singles match,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/yone-pereiro/8119">Yone Pereiro</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker in the first set, but fell by scores of 7-6 (7-4) and 6-3.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/bethan-gill/8116">Bethan Gill</a>&nbsp;forced a tiebreaker in the second set of her No. 5 match, falling by scores of 6-4, 7-6 (11-9).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/suzana-faucz/8130">Suzana Faucz</a>&nbsp;won four games in her No. 3 singles match, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/shreethika-vangala/8122">Shreethika Vangala</a>&nbsp;(No. 1) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-tennis/roster/grace-unruh/8121">Grace Unruh</a>&nbsp;(No. 6) both won two games in their matches.The Tigers will still be at home for the upcoming weekend, hosting Arkansas-Fort Smith and Northeastern State (Saturday, Apr. 12).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Alfonso claims singles win, Tigers fall to Hornets

By EDDIE PELLS and JANIE McCAULEY Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A federal judge opened the final hearing for a landmark $2.8 billion settlement that will impact every corner of college athletics by saying she will not be granting formal approval on Monday.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken said she would hear from attorneys and some of those objecting to the plan before adjourning.

“I’m not going to rule from the bench,” Wilken said at the start of the hearing, which had about 100 people — including attorneys, past, present and future athletes, and reporters — in attendance.

Testimony was expected from critics of the sprawling plan that was hashed out last year by attorneys representing the NCAA and other defendants and those representing thousands of current and former athletes. LSU gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne was among the 18 people scheduled to testify, though she was expected to appear via Zoom.

Wilken already has granted preliminary approval of the settlement involving the NCAA and the nation’s five largest conferences. The changes would begin July 1, clearing the way for each school to share up to $20.5 million each with their athletes.

The settlement also calls for replacing scholarship limits with roster limits. The effect would be to allow every athlete to be eligible for a scholarship while cutting the number of spots available. There will be winners and losers under such a formula, though some fear it could signal the end of the walk-on athlete in college sports and also imperil smaller sports programs that train and populate the U.S. Olympic team.

Steven Molo, an attorney for a group of athletes objecting to the plan, told the judge that roster limits would unnecessarily limit opportunities. He noted that football teams would be capped at 105 players. The average roster size in 2024 was 128.

“In a free market,” Molo said, “a team should be able to have as many players as they want.”

Wilken said she understands athletes not chosen to be on a roster would be disappointed but that limiting number of athletes on a team is a matter of fairness.

“It could give some sort of competitive advantage if you get to have 50 people running around and sub them in every couple minutes,” she said. “That’s a different scenario than someone who’s got 25 people.”

Universities across the country have been busy making plans under the assumption Wilken will put the terms into effect.

“We're going to have a plan going into July 1, then we're probably going to spend the next year figuring out how good that plan is and how we need to modify it going forward,” said Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin, whose department is among the biggest in the country and includes a Gators men's basketball team playing for the national title Monday night against Houston.

The so-called House settlement, named after Arizona State swimmer Grant House, actually decides three similar lawsuits that were bundled into one. The defendants are the NCAA and the Southeastern, Big Ten, Atlantic Coast, Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences, all of whom have been touting the settlement as the best path forward for their industry.

“It's a huge step forward for college sports, especially at the highest level," said NCAA President Charlie Baker, whose organization continues to seek antitrust protections from Congress. “My biggest problem with the way the whole thing works right now is the schools have been removed from the primary relationship with the student-athletes.”

The most ground-shifting part of the settlement calls on schools from the biggest conferences to pay some 22% of their revenue from media rights, ticket sales and sponsorships — which equals about $20.5 million in the first year — directly to athletes for use of their name, images and likeness (NIL).

Still allowed would be NIL payments to athletes from outside sources, which is what triggered the seismic shift that college sports has endured over the last four years. For instance, Cooper Flagg of Duke reportedly makes $4.8 million in NIL deals from groups affiliated with the school and others.

The settlement calls for a “clearinghouse” to make sure any NIL deal worth more than $600 is pegged at “fair market value." It's an attempt to prevent straight “pay for play” deals, though many critics believe the entire new structure is simply NIL masquerading as that.

The proposal calls for paying more than $2.5 billion in back damages to athletes who played sports between 2016 and 2024 and were not entitled to the full benefits of NIL at the time they attended schools. Those payments are being calculated by a formula that will favor football and basketball players and will be doled out by the NCAA and the conferences.

Plaintiffs’ counsel Jeffrey Kessler told the judge that 88,104 college athletes have filed claims to participate in the settlement and another 30,775 have indicated they will file claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744053240523.jpeg" alt="Attorney Steve Berman arrives at federal court on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)" />
 <figcaption>Attorney Steve Berman arrives at federal court on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)</figcaption>
 </figure>By EDDIE PELLS and JANIE McCAULEY Associated PressOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A federal judge opened the final hearing for a landmark $2.8 billion settlement that will impact every corner of college athletics by saying she will not be granting formal approval on Monday.U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken said she would hear from attorneys and some of those objecting to the plan before adjourning.“I’m not going to rule from the bench,” Wilken said at the start of the hearing, which had about 100 people — including attorneys, past, present and future athletes, and reporters — in attendance.Testimony was expected from critics of the sprawling plan that was hashed out last year by attorneys representing the NCAA and other defendants and those representing thousands of current and former athletes. LSU gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne was among the 18 people scheduled to testify, though she was expected to appear via Zoom.Wilken already has granted preliminary approval of the settlement involving the NCAA and the nation’s five largest conferences. The changes would begin July 1, clearing the way for each school to share up to $20.5 million each with their athletes.The settlement also calls for replacing scholarship limits with roster limits. The effect would be to allow every athlete to be eligible for a scholarship while cutting the number of spots available. There will be winners and losers under such a formula, though some fear it could signal the end of the walk-on athlete in college sports and also imperil smaller sports programs that train and populate the U.S. Olympic team.Steven Molo, an attorney for a group of athletes objecting to the plan, told the judge that roster limits would unnecessarily limit opportunities. He noted that football teams would be capped at 105 players. The average roster size in 2024 was 128.“In a free market,” Molo said, “a team should be able to have as many players as they want.”Wilken said she understands athletes not chosen to be on a roster would be disappointed but that limiting number of athletes on a team is a matter of fairness.“It could give some sort of competitive advantage if you get to have 50 people running around and sub them in every couple minutes,” she said. “That’s a different scenario than someone who’s got 25 people.”Universities across the country have been busy making plans under the assumption Wilken will put the terms into effect.“We're going to have a plan going into July 1, then we're probably going to spend the next year figuring out how good that plan is and how we need to modify it going forward,” said Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin, whose department is among the biggest in the country and includes a Gators men's basketball team playing for the national title Monday night against Houston.The so-called House settlement, named after Arizona State swimmer Grant House, actually decides three similar lawsuits that were bundled into one. The defendants are the NCAA and the Southeastern, Big Ten, Atlantic Coast, Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences, all of whom have been touting the settlement as the best path forward for their industry.“It's a huge step forward for college sports, especially at the highest level," said NCAA President Charlie Baker, whose organization continues to seek antitrust protections from Congress. “My biggest problem with the way the whole thing works right now is the schools have been removed from the primary relationship with the student-athletes.”The most ground-shifting part of the settlement calls on schools from the biggest conferences to pay some 22% of their revenue from media rights, ticket sales and sponsorships — which equals about $20.5 million in the first year — directly to athletes for use of their name, images and likeness (NIL).Still allowed would be NIL payments to athletes from outside sources, which is what triggered the seismic shift that college sports has endured over the last four years. For instance, Cooper Flagg of Duke reportedly makes $4.8 million in NIL deals from groups affiliated with the school and others.The settlement calls for a “clearinghouse” to make sure any NIL deal worth more than $600 is pegged at “fair market value." It's an attempt to prevent straight “pay for play” deals, though many critics believe the entire new structure is simply NIL masquerading as that.The proposal calls for paying more than $2.5 billion in back damages to athletes who played sports between 2016 and 2024 and were not entitled to the full benefits of NIL at the time they attended schools. Those payments are being calculated by a formula that will favor football and basketball players and will be doled out by the NCAA and the conferences.Plaintiffs’ counsel Jeffrey Kessler told the judge that 88,104 college athletes have filed claims to participate in the settlement and another 30,775 have indicated they will file claims.

Hearing begins for $2.8 billion NCAA settlement

The TMP-Marian is fifth and Ellis eighth in Class 2-1A in the latest rankings from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches released Monday afternoon.

CLASS 6A 1. Blue Valley West 2. Olathe West 3. Olathe East 4. Lawrence Free State 5. Mill Valley 6. Manhattan 7. Gardner-Edgerton 8. Olathe South 9. Shawnee Mission South 10. Lawrence

CLASS 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. Shawnee Heights 3. Maize South 4. Topeka Seaman 5. Bishop Carroll 6. Great Bend 7. Salina South 8. Blue Valley Southwest 9. Spring Hill 10. Pittsburg

CLASS 4A 1. McPherson 2. Topeka Hayden 3. Hoisington 4. Paola 5. Fort Scott 6. Pratt 7. Louisburg 8. St. George-Rock Creek 9. Mulvane 10. Clearwater

CLASS 3A 1. Wichita Trinity Academy 2. Bishop Ward 3. Haven 4. Cheney 5. Hesston 6. Silver Lake 7. Wichita Collegiate 8. Hoisington 9. Frontenac 10. Sabetha

CLASS 2-1A 1. St. Mary's Colgan 2. Valley Falls 3. Central Heights 4. Colony-Crest 5. TMP-Marian 6. Sedgwick 7. Mission Valley 8. Ellis 9. Elkhart| 10. Little River

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685535233177.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The TMP-Marian is fifth and Ellis eighth in Class 2-1A in the latest rankings from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches released Monday afternoon.CLASS 6A 1. Blue Valley West 2. Olathe West 3. Olathe East 4. Lawrence Free State 5. Mill Valley 6. Manhattan 7. Gardner-Edgerton 8. Olathe South 9. Shawnee Mission South 10. LawrenceCLASS 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. Shawnee Heights 3. Maize South 4. Topeka Seaman 5. Bishop Carroll 6. Great Bend 7. Salina South 8. Blue Valley Southwest 9. Spring Hill 10. PittsburgCLASS 4A 1. McPherson 2. Topeka Hayden 3. Hoisington 4. Paola 5. Fort Scott 6. Pratt 7. Louisburg 8. St. George-Rock Creek 9. Mulvane 10. ClearwaterCLASS 3A 1. Wichita Trinity Academy 2. Bishop Ward 3. Haven 4. Cheney 5. Hesston 6. Silver Lake 7. Wichita Collegiate 8. Hoisington 9. Frontenac 10. SabethaCLASS 2-1A 1. St. Mary's Colgan 2. Valley Falls 3. Central Heights 4. Colony-Crest 5. TMP-Marian 6. Sedgwick 7. Mission Valley 8. Ellis 9. Elkhart| 10. Little River

⚾ TMP-Marian, Ellis both ranked in latest KABC poll

Monday, April 7
 KAYS: Fort Hays State
SB (DH) vs. Rogers State, 11:40am
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pm

Monday, April 7
 KAYS: Fort Hays State
SB (DH) vs. Rogers State, 11:40am
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pmTuesday, April 8
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian BSB
(DH) vs. Colby, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pmWednesday, April 9
 KAYS: Tiger Talk,
12:15pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:00pmThursday, April 10
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals vs. Minnesota Twins, 12:30pm
 KFIX: Hays High SB (DH) vs. Dodge City, 3:45pmFriday, April 11
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian SB
(DH) vs. Holcomb, 3:45pm
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State BSB vs. Northeastern State, 4:40pmSaturday, April 12
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 4:30pmSunday, April 13
 KAYS: Kansas City
Royals at Cleveland Guardians, 12:00pm

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Flory Bidunga, one of the top players in the transfer portal, has withdrawn his name and will return to Kansas, according to numerous sources.

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds as a freshman. His decision is a key win for head coach Bill Self as the Jayhawks reload for next season.

A former McDonald’s All American and two-time Indiana Player of the Year, Bidunga drew interest from schools like Indiana and Auburn before opting to stay in Lawrence. With Hunter Dickinson moving on, Bidunga is expected to take on a larger role next season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737234388114.jpeg" alt="Kansas forward Flory Bidunga, left, and Kansas State guard C.J. Jones (3) go after a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas forward Flory Bidunga, left, and Kansas State guard C.J. Jones (3) go after a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Flory Bidunga, one of the top players in the transfer portal, has withdrawn his name and will return to Kansas, according to numerous sources.The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds as a freshman. His decision is a key win for head coach Bill Self as the Jayhawks reload for next season.A former McDonald’s All American and two-time Indiana Player of the Year, Bidunga drew interest from schools like Indiana and Auburn before opting to stay in Lawrence. With Hunter Dickinson moving on, Bidunga is expected to take on a larger role next season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sources: Coveted big-man Flory Bidunga, one of the top transfers in the portal, has agreed to a deal to stay at Kansas, he told ESPN. The move keeps <a href="https://twitter.com/FBidunga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBidunga</a> in Lawrence and represents a huge victory for Bill Self as he rebuilds the Kansas roster. <a href="https://t.co/rB0i9jdQcv">pic.twitter.com/rB0i9jdQcv</a>&mdash; Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1908951428040622300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🏀 Bidunga withdraws name from portal and will return to Kansas

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball moved to 22-10 overall and 7-5 in the MIAA on Sunday by gaining a split with Northeastern State in conference play. The Tigers saw the RiverHawks rally for three runs in the seventh inning of game one to win 4-2, but bounced back for a 5-1 win in game two to get the split. Northeastern State moved to 13-27 overall and 6-12 in the MIAA with the results.

Game 1: Northeastern State 4, Fort Hays State 2 Both teams scored in the fist inning of the first contest, but FHSU took a 2-1 lead with a run in the bottom of the fourth. However, some good fortune went the RiverHawks way in the seventh to create a three-run rally to get past the Tigers 4-2.

The RiverHawks scored their first run on a sacrifice fly in the first after a single and stolen base by leadoff hitter and pitcher Korryn Tindel set the table for Maddie Messenger to notch an RBI. Madison Pierce&nbsp;responded with a stolen base in the bottom of the first and she came into score with two outs on an RBI single by Abbey Duarte.

In the bottom of the fourth, a Lexi Mohr&nbsp;double and Paige Thexton&nbsp;single set up a run-scoring opportunity for the Tigers. A passed ball by the catcher allowed Mohr to score, putting the Tigers up 2-1.

Savannah Egger&nbsp;had worked her way out of trouble in the third inning and was cruising along until a pair of well-placed hits by the RiverHawks to start the seventh. A Charlea Cochran double that just got up high enough to tip off the glove of a stretching third-baseman Lexi Mohr dribbled down the left field line. Drew Hawkins followed with a bunt single that could have potentially just been a sacrifice and out, but an aggressive diving attempt at the ball allowed everyone to be safe. Hawkins took second base on a steal and then came in to score with Cochran on a 2-RBI single Macie Sawney. More good fortune happened later when a sharp comebacker to Egger redirected off her glove into right field for another hit and an RBI for Lauryn Heinle.

The Tigers could not get a rally going in the seventh as Tindel set the side down in order. FHSU outhit NSU 10-8 in the game, but could not cash in on enough of its traffic on the bases. Egger with three strikeouts moved to 10-6 on the season with the loss. Tindel with one strikeout moved to 2-4 on the year.

Game 2: Fort Hays State 5, Northeastern State 1 Fort Hays State never trailed in their game-two win, scoring one in the first and one in the third to take a 2-0 lead. NSU scored its only run in the fourth, but FHSU responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth and added one more in the fifth to win 5-1.

A Jules Bosco&nbsp;double and Lilly Ramirez-Johnson&nbsp;single to open the first set the table for Abbey Duerte, who picked up a sacrifice fly RBI to score Bosco. In the third Lilly Mohr&nbsp;had an RBI double following singles to open the inning by Ramirez-Johnson and Maddison Pierce.

Drew Hawkins drove in the only run for NSU on a double in the fourth. However, Kaydawn Haag&nbsp;set up a run-scoring opportunity by hitting a flare single that was juggled by the left fielder, allowing her to take an extra base. Bosco&nbsp;drove her in with an RBI single. Later, Pierce&nbsp;had an RBI double to score Bosco. Lilly Mohr&nbsp;put the exclamation point on the run scoring for FHSU in the fifth with her sixth home run of the season to dead center field.

Morgan Schmidt&nbsp;shook off a tough outing in Emporia last weekend to throw a complete game with one run allowed on eight hits. She struck out five, moving to 10-4 on the season. Gracie Turner took the loss for NSU, throwing the first 3 2/3 innings. She allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts. Madison Heinle relieved for the final 2 1/3 innings and allowed a run with a strikeout.

Fort Hays State plays host to No. 11 ranked Rogers State on Monday (Apr. 7) at noon. The Hillcats split a pair of games up at Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday and enter the doubleheader at 28-11 overall and 10-8 in the MIAA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743990218785.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Seth Kincaid</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State Softball moved to 22-10 overall and 7-5 in the MIAA on Sunday by gaining a split with Northeastern State in conference play. The Tigers saw the RiverHawks rally for three runs in the seventh inning of game one to win 4-2, but bounced back for a 5-1 win in game two to get the split. Northeastern State moved to 13-27 overall and 6-12 in the MIAA with the results.Game 1: Northeastern State 4, Fort Hays State 2 Both teams scored in the fist inning of the first contest, but FHSU took a 2-1 lead with a run in the bottom of the fourth. However, some good fortune went the RiverHawks way in the seventh to create a three-run rally to get past the Tigers 4-2.The RiverHawks scored their first run on a sacrifice fly in the first after a single and stolen base by leadoff hitter and pitcher Korryn Tindel set the table for Maddie Messenger to notch an RBI. Madison Pierce&nbsp;responded with a stolen base in the bottom of the first and she came into score with two outs on an RBI single by Abbey Duarte.In the bottom of the fourth, a Lexi Mohr&nbsp;double and Paige Thexton&nbsp;single set up a run-scoring opportunity for the Tigers. A passed ball by the catcher allowed Mohr to score, putting the Tigers up 2-1.Savannah Egger&nbsp;had worked her way out of trouble in the third inning and was cruising along until a pair of well-placed hits by the RiverHawks to start the seventh. A Charlea Cochran double that just got up high enough to tip off the glove of a stretching third-baseman Lexi Mohr dribbled down the left field line. Drew Hawkins followed with a bunt single that could have potentially just been a sacrifice and out, but an aggressive diving attempt at the ball allowed everyone to be safe. Hawkins took second base on a steal and then came in to score with Cochran on a 2-RBI single Macie Sawney. More good fortune happened later when a sharp comebacker to Egger redirected off her glove into right field for another hit and an RBI for Lauryn Heinle.The Tigers could not get a rally going in the seventh as Tindel set the side down in order. FHSU outhit NSU 10-8 in the game, but could not cash in on enough of its traffic on the bases. Egger with three strikeouts moved to 10-6 on the season with the loss. Tindel with one strikeout moved to 2-4 on the year.Game 2: Fort Hays State 5, Northeastern State 1 Fort Hays State never trailed in their game-two win, scoring one in the first and one in the third to take a 2-0 lead. NSU scored its only run in the fourth, but FHSU responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth and added one more in the fifth to win 5-1.A Jules Bosco&nbsp;double and Lilly Ramirez-Johnson&nbsp;single to open the first set the table for Abbey Duerte, who picked up a sacrifice fly RBI to score Bosco. In the third Lilly Mohr&nbsp;had an RBI double following singles to open the inning by Ramirez-Johnson and Maddison Pierce.Drew Hawkins drove in the only run for NSU on a double in the fourth. However, Kaydawn Haag&nbsp;set up a run-scoring opportunity by hitting a flare single that was juggled by the left fielder, allowing her to take an extra base. Bosco&nbsp;drove her in with an RBI single. Later, Pierce&nbsp;had an RBI double to score Bosco. Lilly Mohr&nbsp;put the exclamation point on the run scoring for FHSU in the fifth with her sixth home run of the season to dead center field.Morgan Schmidt&nbsp;shook off a tough outing in Emporia last weekend to throw a complete game with one run allowed on eight hits. She struck out five, moving to 10-4 on the season. Gracie Turner took the loss for NSU, throwing the first 3 2/3 innings. She allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts. Madison Heinle relieved for the final 2 1/3 innings and allowed a run with a strikeout.UP NEXTFort Hays State plays host to No. 11 ranked Rogers State on Monday (Apr. 7) at noon. The Hillcats split a pair of games up at Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday and enter the doubleheader at 28-11 overall and 10-8 in the MIAA.

🥎 FHSU splits doubleheader with Northeastern State

HAYS., Kan. - No. 22 Fort Hays State split Sunday's doubleheader with UC-Colorado Springs at Larks Park, taking the first game behind a masterclass from ace Ty Riley&nbsp;before dropping the finale in the second game. Riley struck out a career-high 16 in a complete-game win to open the day, while Trey DeGarmo'<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/8419">s</a>&nbsp;early two-run homer provided the spark in the second game.

Game 1:&nbsp;Fort Hays State 6, UC-Colorado Spring 3 Fort Hays State used a dominant pitching performance from ace&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-riley/8431">Ty Riley</a>&nbsp;and a clutch four-run sixth inning to defeat UC-Colorado Springs 6-3 in the opening game of Sunday's doubleheader at Larks Park.

Riley (7-1) was electric on the mound, striking out a career-high 16 batters while allowing just three runs on six hits across a complete seven-inning effort. His strikeout count of 79 is already more than last season and is tied for sixth most in a season by any Tiger.

After three scoreless frames, the Tigers broke through in the bottom of the fourth. Tony Moore&nbsp;led off with a single and later scored on a Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;fielder's choice. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;added an RBI single to make it 2-0, scoring Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;from third.

UC-Colorado Springs briefly surged ahead in the top of the fifth. Bryce Peterson drove in a run with a single before Kit Wigington launched a two-run homer to put the Mountain Lions up 3-2.

Fort Hays State wasted little time responding. In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers took advantage of defensive miscues and timely hitting. Moore&nbsp;opened the frame with a single before DeGarmo&nbsp;reached on a bunt and a throwing error by the pitcher, putting two runners in scoring position. A wild pitch from reliever Joe Plise allowed Moore to race home and tie the game at 3-3, while DeGarmo and Woolwine, who had walked, moved up a base.

Herrmann&nbsp;was intentionally walked to load the bases. Luis Ayala&nbsp;then hit a grounder that resulted in a fielding error by the shortstop, allowing DeGarmo to score and give the Tigers a 4-3 lead. Copper Howell&nbsp;followed with another grounder, and this time a throwing error by the third baseman let another run score to make it 5-3. Isaiah Ural, pllaying for the first time in over a month dud to a hand injury,&nbsp;capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing home Herrmann for the final run of the inning and extending the Tigers' lead to 6-3.

Moore&nbsp;led the Tiger offense, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Ayala finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, while Herrmann walked and singled to drive in a run.

Game 2:&nbsp;Fort Hays State 2, UC-Colorado Spring 8 Fort Hays State was unable to complete the two game sweep in the doubleheader, as visiting UC-Colorado Springs turned the tables in Game 2 with an 8-2 victory at Larks Park.

After a strong showing in the opener, the Tigers couldn't keep the momentum going, as the Mountain Lions plated eight unanswered runs after falling behind 2-0 in the first inning.

Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;continued his big day for the Tigers with a two-run homer in the first, his 11th of the season, giving FHSU an early edge. However, UCCS responded with four runs in the third inning and added three more in the fifth to break things open.

Ryder Mancuso earned the win for UCCS, tossing six innings of two-run ball with four strikeouts. Fort Hays starter Paul Panduro&nbsp;was tagged with the loss, giving up four runs in 2.2 innings.

Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and Cesar Saasvedra&nbsp;each tallied hits for the Tigers, who managed six hits. DeGarmo's home run accounted for both Tiger runs in the loss.

The Tigers return to conference action Wednesday against Emporia State. Fist pitch is set to be at 4:00 pm in Emporia, Kan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743990056638.png" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS., Kan. - No. 22 Fort Hays State split Sunday's doubleheader with UC-Colorado Springs at Larks Park, taking the first game behind a masterclass from ace Ty Riley&nbsp;before dropping the finale in the second game. Riley struck out a career-high 16 in a complete-game win to open the day, while Trey DeGarmo'<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/trey-degarmo/8419">s</a>&nbsp;early two-run homer provided the spark in the second game.Game 1:&nbsp;Fort Hays State 6, UC-Colorado Spring 3 Fort Hays State used a dominant pitching performance from ace&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-riley/8431">Ty Riley</a>&nbsp;and a clutch four-run sixth inning to defeat UC-Colorado Springs 6-3 in the opening game of Sunday's doubleheader at Larks Park.Riley (7-1) was electric on the mound, striking out a career-high 16 batters while allowing just three runs on six hits across a complete seven-inning effort. His strikeout count of 79 is already more than last season and is tied for sixth most in a season by any Tiger.After three scoreless frames, the Tigers broke through in the bottom of the fourth. Tony Moore&nbsp;led off with a single and later scored on a Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;fielder's choice. Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;added an RBI single to make it 2-0, scoring Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;from third.UC-Colorado Springs briefly surged ahead in the top of the fifth. Bryce Peterson drove in a run with a single before Kit Wigington launched a two-run homer to put the Mountain Lions up 3-2.Fort Hays State wasted little time responding. In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers took advantage of defensive miscues and timely hitting. Moore&nbsp;opened the frame with a single before DeGarmo&nbsp;reached on a bunt and a throwing error by the pitcher, putting two runners in scoring position. A wild pitch from reliever Joe Plise allowed Moore to race home and tie the game at 3-3, while DeGarmo and Woolwine, who had walked, moved up a base.Herrmann&nbsp;was intentionally walked to load the bases. Luis Ayala&nbsp;then hit a grounder that resulted in a fielding error by the shortstop, allowing DeGarmo to score and give the Tigers a 4-3 lead. Copper Howell&nbsp;followed with another grounder, and this time a throwing error by the third baseman let another run score to make it 5-3. Isaiah Ural, pllaying for the first time in over a month dud to a hand injury,&nbsp;capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing home Herrmann for the final run of the inning and extending the Tigers' lead to 6-3.Moore&nbsp;led the Tiger offense, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Ayala finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, while Herrmann walked and singled to drive in a run.Game 2:&nbsp;Fort Hays State 2, UC-Colorado Spring 8 Fort Hays State was unable to complete the two game sweep in the doubleheader, as visiting UC-Colorado Springs turned the tables in Game 2 with an 8-2 victory at Larks Park.After a strong showing in the opener, the Tigers couldn't keep the momentum going, as the Mountain Lions plated eight unanswered runs after falling behind 2-0 in the first inning.Trey DeGarmo&nbsp;continued his big day for the Tigers with a two-run homer in the first, his 11th of the season, giving FHSU an early edge. However, UCCS responded with four runs in the third inning and added three more in the fifth to break things open.Ryder Mancuso earned the win for UCCS, tossing six innings of two-run ball with four strikeouts. Fort Hays starter Paul Panduro&nbsp;was tagged with the loss, giving up four runs in 2.2 innings.Isaiah Ural&nbsp;and Cesar Saasvedra&nbsp;each tallied hits for the Tigers, who managed six hits. DeGarmo's home run accounted for both Tiger runs in the loss.UP NEXTThe Tigers return to conference action Wednesday against Emporia State. Fist pitch is set to be at 4:00 pm in Emporia, Kan.

⚾ No. 26/22 Tigers split non-conference doubleheader with UCCS

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — During the final sweet moments of UConn’s 12th national title, Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers embraced after the star guard departed her final game with the Huskies.

“They’ve all been gratifying, don’t get me wrong,” Auriemma said. “But this one here, because of the way it came about and what’s been involved, it’s been a long time since I’ve been that emotional when a player has walked off the court.”

Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led the way as UConn returned to the top of women’s college basketball by rolling to an 82-59 victory over defending champion South Carolina on Sunday.

Fudd, who was named the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-championship-2d717e7707b0eec193eb236ac2059ca9">Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four</a>, scored 24 points. Strong had 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Bueckers scored 17 points for UConn (37-3).

“Well, it’s amazing to have three players, three people like that on the same team,” said the 71-year-old Auriemma, who became the oldest coach in major college basketball to win a championship. “And Sarah, you would think Sarah was graduating the way she plays, right? All three of them complement each other so well. They all have such unique skill sets.”

Bueckers capped her stellar career with the Huskies’ first championship since 2016, ending a nine-year drought for the team. That was the longest period for Auriemma and his program without a title since Rebecca Lobo and Jen Rizzotti led the Huskies to their first championship in 1995.

Since then the Huskies have had dominant championship runs, including in the early 2000s led by Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, 2009-10 with Maya Moore and finally the four straight from 2013-16 with Breanna Stewart. All were in attendance in Florida on Sunday to see the Huskies’ latest title.

“You just never know if you’ll ever be back in this situation again,” Auriemma said. “And there were so many times when I think we all questioned, ‘Have we been here too long? Has it been time?’ And we kept hanging in there and hanging in there and that’s because these players make me want to hang in there every day.”

Bueckers, the expected No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 14, delivered for the Huskies throughout their championship season.

Winning a title was the only thing missing from an incredible UConn career that was slowed by injuries. She was the first freshman to win AP Player of the Year before missing a lot of her sophomore season with a tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear. She then tore an ACL before the next season.

“It’s been a story of resilience, gratitude of overcoming adversity and responding to life’s challenges,” Bueckers said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

UConn closed the first half up 10 points and then put the game away in the third quarter, with Fudd, Strong and Bueckers combining for 23 of the team’s 26 points in the period. UConn was up 50-39 with 3:21 left before closing with a 12-3 run.

Fudd and Strong got it started with back-to-back 3s, and the rout was on. Auriemma subbed Bueckers, Fudd and Strong out with 1:32 left in the game.

UConn’s leading trio finished the tourney with 368 points, including an NCAA freshman record 114 for Strong. It was the highest point total for three teammates in a single NCAA Tournament, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1909013553547206852" target="_blank">Stats Perform</a>. Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings and Semeka Randell scored 363 points for Tennessee in the 1998 women’s tournament, and Glen Rice led the way for a trio of Michigan men that had 366 points in 1989.

The UConn trio proved to be way too much for South Carolina.

Dawn Staley’s team was trying for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-south-carolina-uconn-6a653397d08048fdc7c1bcad36307efa">a third title in four years</a>&nbsp;and fourth overall. It would have tied her with Kim Mulkey for third most behind Auriemma and former Tennessee Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, who had eight.

“Our kids gave it all they had. When you can understand why you lost and when you’ve been on the other side of that three times, you understand it,” Staley said. “You can swallow it. We lost to a very good basketball team.”

UConn had reached the title game only once during its drought since 2016. The Huskies had been eliminated by heartbreaking last-second losses in the Final Four on buzzer-beaters. The Huskies’ last title game appearance came in 2022 when Staley’s team beat UConn to start the Gamecocks’ current run of success, a game that ended Auriemma’s perfect record in title games.

There seemed to be no nerves early for either team as the game got off to a fast start. The teams traded baskets for the first few minutes before the defenses started to clamp down. The Huskies led 19-14 after one quarter and then extended the advantage to 36-26 at the half. Fudd had 13 points and Strong added eight points and 11 rebounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743992759336.jpeg" alt="UConn head coach Geno Auriemma holds up the championship trophy after UConn defeated South Carolina in the NCAA women's national championship game, Sunday, April 6, 2025." />
 <figcaption>UConn head coach Geno Auriemma holds up the championship trophy after UConn defeated South Carolina in the NCAA women's national championship game, Sunday, April 6, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — During the final sweet moments of UConn’s 12th national title, Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers embraced after the star guard departed her final game with the Huskies.It was the moment they wanted all along.“They’ve all been gratifying, don’t get me wrong,” Auriemma said. “But this one here, because of the way it came about and what’s been involved, it’s been a long time since I’ve been that emotional when a player has walked off the court.”Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led the way as UConn returned to the top of women’s college basketball by rolling to an 82-59 victory over defending champion South Carolina on Sunday.Fudd, who was named the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-championship-2d717e7707b0eec193eb236ac2059ca9">Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four</a>, scored 24 points. Strong had 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Bueckers scored 17 points for UConn (37-3).“Well, it’s amazing to have three players, three people like that on the same team,” said the 71-year-old Auriemma, who became the oldest coach in major college basketball to win a championship. “And Sarah, you would think Sarah was graduating the way she plays, right? All three of them complement each other so well. They all have such unique skill sets.”Bueckers capped her stellar career with the Huskies’ first championship since 2016, ending a nine-year drought for the team. That was the longest period for Auriemma and his program without a title since Rebecca Lobo and Jen Rizzotti led the Huskies to their first championship in 1995.Since then the Huskies have had dominant championship runs, including in the early 2000s led by Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, 2009-10 with Maya Moore and finally the four straight from 2013-16 with Breanna Stewart. All were in attendance in Florida on Sunday to see the Huskies’ latest title.“You just never know if you’ll ever be back in this situation again,” Auriemma said. “And there were so many times when I think we all questioned, ‘Have we been here too long? Has it been time?’ And we kept hanging in there and hanging in there and that’s because these players make me want to hang in there every day.”Bueckers, the expected No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 14, delivered for the Huskies throughout their championship season.Winning a title was the only thing missing from an incredible UConn career that was slowed by injuries. She was the first freshman to win AP Player of the Year before missing a lot of her sophomore season with a tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear. She then tore an ACL before the next season.“It’s been a story of resilience, gratitude of overcoming adversity and responding to life’s challenges,” Bueckers said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”UConn closed the first half up 10 points and then put the game away in the third quarter, with Fudd, Strong and Bueckers combining for 23 of the team’s 26 points in the period. UConn was up 50-39 with 3:21 left before closing with a 12-3 run.Fudd and Strong got it started with back-to-back 3s, and the rout was on. Auriemma subbed Bueckers, Fudd and Strong out with 1:32 left in the game.UConn’s leading trio finished the tourney with 368 points, including an NCAA freshman record 114 for Strong. It was the highest point total for three teammates in a single NCAA Tournament, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1909013553547206852" target="_blank">Stats Perform</a>. Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings and Semeka Randell scored 363 points for Tennessee in the 1998 women’s tournament, and Glen Rice led the way for a trio of Michigan men that had 366 points in 1989.The UConn trio proved to be way too much for South Carolina.Dawn Staley’s team was trying for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-south-carolina-uconn-6a653397d08048fdc7c1bcad36307efa">a third title in four years</a>&nbsp;and fourth overall. It would have tied her with Kim Mulkey for third most behind Auriemma and former Tennessee Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, who had eight.“Our kids gave it all they had. When you can understand why you lost and when you’ve been on the other side of that three times, you understand it,” Staley said. “You can swallow it. We lost to a very good basketball team.”UConn had reached the title game only once during its drought since 2016. The Huskies had been eliminated by heartbreaking last-second losses in the Final Four on buzzer-beaters. The Huskies’ last title game appearance came in 2022 when Staley’s team beat UConn to start the Gamecocks’ current run of success, a game that ended Auriemma’s perfect record in title games.There seemed to be no nerves early for either team as the game got off to a fast start. The teams traded baskets for the first few minutes before the defenses started to clamp down. The Huskies led 19-14 after one quarter and then extended the advantage to 36-26 at the half. Fudd had 13 points and Strong added eight points and 11 rebounds.

🏀 UConn women claim 12th national title with romp of South Carolina

By MARC BOWMAN&nbsp; Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kris Bubic took a shutout into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals won their first series of the season with a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Bubic (2-0) allowed five hits, walked one and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings. His streak of 12 shutout innings was snapped when Ryan Mountcastle tripled to lead off the seventh and scored on Bubic's wild pitch one out later.

Bobby Witt Jr. had three of the Royals' 13 hits, falling a home run shy of the cycle. Salvador Perez, Mark Canha and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and scored a run.

Carlos Estévez earned his second save with a hitless ninth for the Royals. Kansas City, which swept Baltimore in the wild-card round last year, won its first regular-season series against the Orioles since Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2019, after having lost six of the last eight series with two ties.

Jorge Mateo – starting in center field for the first time since April 20, 2024 – misplayed Witt's slicing liner into a triple, keying Kansas City's three-run first inning.

Freddy Fermin's second-inning RBI single snapped an 0-for-12 skid as eight of the Royals' first 11 batters hit safely and Kansas City took a 4-0 lead.

Orioles starter Cade Povich (0-1) allowed four runs and a career-high 13 hits in six innings with four strikeouts.

Mountcastle had three of the Orioles' five hits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743972202037.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARC BOWMAN&nbsp; Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kris Bubic took a shutout into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals won their first series of the season with a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.Bubic (2-0) allowed five hits, walked one and struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings. His streak of 12 shutout innings was snapped when Ryan Mountcastle tripled to lead off the seventh and scored on Bubic's wild pitch one out later.Bobby Witt Jr. had three of the Royals' 13 hits, falling a home run shy of the cycle. Salvador Perez, Mark Canha and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and scored a run.Carlos Estévez earned his second save with a hitless ninth for the Royals. Kansas City, which swept Baltimore in the wild-card round last year, won its first regular-season series against the Orioles since Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2019, after having lost six of the last eight series with two ties.Jorge Mateo – starting in center field for the first time since April 20, 2024 – misplayed Witt's slicing liner into a triple, keying Kansas City's three-run first inning.Freddy Fermin's second-inning RBI single snapped an 0-for-12 skid as eight of the Royals' first 11 batters hit safely and Kansas City took a 4-0 lead.Orioles starter Cade Povich (0-1) allowed four runs and a career-high 13 hits in six innings with four strikeouts.Mountcastle had three of the Orioles' five hits.Key momentWitt's diving stop robbed Jordan Westburg of a first-inning hit – nearly starting an inning-ending double play – then tripled and scored after Mateo's misplay as the Royals took a 3-0 lead in the bottom half.Key statWitt is hitting .377 at Kauffman Stadium since the start of last season, MLB's best home batting average in that span.Up nextOrioles: Travel to Arizona to begin a three-game series Monday with RHP Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.75 ERA) opposing Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.38).Royals: Begin a four-game homestand with Minnesota as Twins RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (0-0, 4.50) faces RHP Michael Lorenzen (0-1, 5.06).—AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb