Hays High softball held their home opener Thursday at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex by hosting Dodge City. The Red Demons beat the Indians 6-1 in a single game in Dodge City on Tuesday.

Ramie Lopp threw a no-hitter on just 80 pitches in game one for a 7-0 victory for the Red Demons. Hays never moved any of their three base runners past first. The Indians walked once and were hit by two pitches.

Four of the Red Demons runs were unearned due to three Hays High errors. Dodge City scored one in the first, four in the third and two more in the fifth. The first five runs of the game came with two outs.

Hays led by four runs twice in game two but could not hold on for the victory. The Indians scored four in the first inning and two more in the second for a 6-2 advantage. Dodge City switched pitchers for the third inning trailing 6-3 and Ramie Lopp threw five more innings of scoreless ball.&nbsp;

The Red Demons tallied two runs on no hits in the fourth inning to draw within one run at 6-5. The sixth inning is where Dodge City seized control. Brittany Lomas tied the game on her only hit of the game. The next batter, Taryn Coon, hit a three run home run for the final difference of 9-6. It was Coon's only hit of the double header.

Hays drops to 2-3 on the year. All three losses have come to Dodge City. Freshman pitcher Aubree Thomas worked all fourteen innings and took the loss in both games. Dodge City improves to 5-0 with Lopp taking the victory in both contests.

Hays High softball held their home opener Thursday at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex by hosting Dodge City. The Red Demons beat the Indians 6-1 in a single game in Dodge City on Tuesday.Ramie Lopp threw a no-hitter on just 80 pitches in game one for a 7-0 victory for the Red Demons. Hays never moved any of their three base runners past first. The Indians walked once and were hit by two pitches.Coach Erin Wagner<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1025625646&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/04-08-coach-wagner-interview" title="04 - 08 Coach Wagner Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">04 - 08 Coach Wagner Interview</a></div></div>Four of the Red Demons runs were unearned due to three Hays High errors. Dodge City scored one in the first, four in the third and two more in the fifth. The first five runs of the game came with two outs.Hays led by four runs twice in game two but could not hold on for the victory. The Indians scored four in the first inning and two more in the second for a 6-2 advantage. Dodge City switched pitchers for the third inning trailing 6-3 and Ramie Lopp threw five more innings of scoreless ball.&nbsp;Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1025625661&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/04-08-21-hhs-sb-vs-dodge-city-highlights" title="04 - 08 - 21 HHS SB Vs Dodge City Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">04 - 08 - 21 HHS SB Vs Dodge City Highlights</a></div></div>The Red Demons tallied two runs on no hits in the fourth inning to draw within one run at 6-5. The sixth inning is where Dodge City seized control. Brittany Lomas tied the game on her only hit of the game. The next batter, Taryn Coon, hit a three run home run for the final difference of 9-6. It was Coon's only hit of the double header.Hays drops to 2-3 on the year. All three losses have come to Dodge City. Freshman pitcher Aubree Thomas worked all fourteen innings and took the loss in both games. Dodge City improves to 5-0 with Lopp taking the victory in both contests.

🥎 Hays softball swept by Dodge City

HAYS – The TMP-Marian
softball team split their home doubleheader with Holcomb Thursday at the TMP
Field. The Monarchs lost 12-2 in game one but bounced back with a 12-6 win in
game two.

Game 1: Holcomb 12, TMP-Marian 2 (6 innings) 
Holcomb scored four runs in the top of the first then put the game away with
six runs in the fifth and two in the sixth.

The Longhorns
took advantage of three errors and a walk and added a double and a triple in
the first inning.

TMP scored
their two runs in the fourth. Kyleigh Allen started the rally with a two-out
single. Hannah Garcia followed with a double to right field scoring Allen.
Emilee Augustine then tripled to left field scoring Garcia.

The Monarchs
never had a baserunner past first base the rest of the game.

Allen took
the loss in the circle allowing 12 runs (eight earned) on eight hits with seven
strikeouts and three walks over six innings. She had three of the Monarchs nine
hits.

Game 2: TMP-Marian 12, Holcomb 6 
The Monarchs overcame a 2-0 first inning deficit by scoring two in the third
then four in the fourth and five in the fifth.

Emilee
Augustine drove in Kyleigh Allen with a one-out single to center field to get
the Monarchs on the board in the third inning. She later scored on a passed
ball to tie the game 2-2.

The Monarchs
took advantage of leadoff error to start their four-run fourth inning. Alexa Ryersee followed with a double which scored Hannah Garcia. With one out, Halle
Dreiling reached on an infield single scoring Ryersee to put the Monarchs up
4-2. Kyliegh Allen’s bunt single advancing Dreiling to third who scored on Jessica Herrman’s ground out to second. Emilee Augustine singled in her second at-bat
of the inning scoring Allen from first.

Allen and Augustine both finished 4-for-4 at the plate. Augustine drove in four
runs and Allen scored three times. Jaci VonLintel had three hits and Dreiling
drove in runs.

Madison Augustine
allowed six runs (three earned) on eight hits with 10 strikeouts and five walks
over 6 2/3 innings

HAYS – The TMP-Marian
softball team split their home doubleheader with Holcomb Thursday at the TMP
Field. The Monarchs lost 12-2 in game one but bounced back with a 12-6 win in
game two.The Monarchs
are now 3-1 on the season.Game 1: Holcomb 12, TMP-Marian 2 (6 innings) 
Holcomb scored four runs in the top of the first then put the game away with
six runs in the fifth and two in the sixth.The Longhorns
took advantage of three errors and a walk and added a double and a triple in
the first inning.TMP scored
their two runs in the fourth. Kyleigh Allen started the rally with a two-out
single. Hannah Garcia followed with a double to right field scoring Allen.
Emilee Augustine then tripled to left field scoring Garcia.The Monarchs
never had a baserunner past first base the rest of the game.Allen took
the loss in the circle allowing 12 runs (eight earned) on eight hits with seven
strikeouts and three walks over six innings. She had three of the Monarchs nine
hits.Game 2: TMP-Marian 12, Holcomb 6 
The Monarchs overcame a 2-0 first inning deficit by scoring two in the third
then four in the fourth and five in the fifth.Emilee
Augustine drove in Kyleigh Allen with a one-out single to center field to get
the Monarchs on the board in the third inning. She later scored on a passed
ball to tie the game 2-2.The Monarchs
took advantage of leadoff error to start their four-run fourth inning. Alexa Ryersee followed with a double which scored Hannah Garcia. With one out, Halle
Dreiling reached on an infield single scoring Ryersee to put the Monarchs up
4-2. Kyliegh Allen’s bunt single advancing Dreiling to third who scored on Jessica Herrman’s ground out to second. Emilee Augustine singled in her second at-bat
of the inning scoring Allen from first.Allen and Augustine both finished 4-for-4 at the plate. Augustine drove in four
runs and Allen scored three times. Jaci VonLintel had three hits and Dreiling
drove in runs.Madison Augustine
allowed six runs (three earned) on eight hits with 10 strikeouts and five walks
over 6 2/3 innings

🥎 Monarchs split with Holcomb

McPHERSON - The
Hays High boys golf team finished in fourth place at the McPherson Invitational
at the Turkey Creek Golf Course Thursday. The Indians shot a 351, ten strokes
behind fourth place Hutchinson. Salina Sacred Heart won the team title by 18
strokes over Great Bend with a 319.

Senior Jason
Krannawitter and sophomore Braden Hoskins both shot an 8-over-par 78 and tied
for fifth place to lead the Indians.

Sacred Heart senior
Kameron Shaw was the individual champion with a 1-over-par 73.

TEAM RESULTS 
1. Salina Sacred Heart – 319 
2. Great Bend – 337 
3. Hutchinson – 341 
4. Hays – 351 
5. McPherson – 357 
6. Derby – 357 
7. Sterling – 375 
8. Winfield – 378 
9. Buhler – 381 
10. Arkansas City – 382 
11. Newton – 446 
12. Campus – 558

HHS RESULTS 
T5. Jason Krannawitter – 78 
T5. Braden Hoskins – 78 
28. Weston Hoskings – 91 
T44. Skylar Zimmerman - 104 
51. Ashton Hernandez – 113 
53. Blake Buckles - 116

McPHERSON - The
Hays High boys golf team finished in fourth place at the McPherson Invitational
at the Turkey Creek Golf Course Thursday. The Indians shot a 351, ten strokes
behind fourth place Hutchinson. Salina Sacred Heart won the team title by 18
strokes over Great Bend with a 319.Senior Jason
Krannawitter and sophomore Braden Hoskins both shot an 8-over-par 78 and tied
for fifth place to lead the Indians.Sacred Heart senior
Kameron Shaw was the individual champion with a 1-over-par 73.TEAM RESULTS 
1. Salina Sacred Heart – 319 
2. Great Bend – 337 
3. Hutchinson – 341 
4. Hays – 351 
5. McPherson – 357 
6. Derby – 357 
7. Sterling – 375 
8. Winfield – 378 
9. Buhler – 381 
10. Arkansas City – 382 
11. Newton – 446 
12. Campus – 558HHS RESULTS 
T5. Jason Krannawitter – 78 
T5. Braden Hoskins – 78 
28. Weston Hoskings – 91 
T44. Skylar Zimmerman - 104 
51. Ashton Hernandez – 113 
53. Blake Buckles - 116

⛳ HHS boys finish fourth in McPherson

LIBERAL - The Hays High girls erased a 2-0
first half deficit and beat Liberal 3-2 Thursday in Liberal.

The Indians are now 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the
Western Athletic Conference.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs improved to 4-1 with a 2-1 win in Dodge City Thursday.

LIBERAL - The Hays High girls erased a 2-0
first half deficit and beat Liberal 3-2 Thursday in Liberal.The Indians are now 3-2 overall and 2-0 in the
Western Athletic Conference.The TMP-Marian Monarchs improved to 4-1 with a 2-1 win in Dodge City Thursday.

⚽ Indians, Monarchs both pick up road wins

CLEVELAND (AP) — When José Ramírez’s shot to deep right field narrowly missed being a home run, Shane Bieber knew what was coming next.

“Foul ball, homer, foul ball, homer,” the Cy Young Award winner said. “You know he’s on it and he’s going straighten it out. Sure enough, he did.”

Ramírez’s second two-run homer of the game snapped a tie in the eighth inning and sent the Cleveland Indians to a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday after Bieber struck out 12 for the second straight game.

Ramírez’s one-out shot in the eighth off Greg Holland (0-1) gave the Indians their first home win in 2021 after they were shut out 3-0 on Monday.

In the sixth, Ramirez, who was fooled by a pitch and struck out in his first at-bat, hit a long foul to right before connecting for a two-run homer to bring in Cleveland’s first runs at Progressive Field this season.

“This just in,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Josey’s pretty good.

It was the kind of performance the Indians have come to expect from their All-Star third baseman, who finished second in the MVP voting last season and third in 2017 and 2018.

“He’s a gamer, man,” Bieber said. “It never turns off. Whether it’s going good or it’s not, he’s the same guy and he brings that same energy and that’s why we rely on him so much. Not just physically, but as a leader in the clubhouse, the way he goes about everything.

“Really can’t say enough about the guy. He comes up in big moments like he did today and that’s why he’s our guy.”

Emmanuel Clase (1-0) pitched the eighth — all nine of his fastballs were over 100 mph — and Nick Wittgren worked the ninth for his first save since Sept. 4, 2019.

Bieber had his second strong start of the season, fanning 12 and allowing just two runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings. But the right-hander remains winless as the Indians continue to struggle at the plate through the season’s first week.

The right-hander extended his streak of striking out at least eight to 14 games, tying Corey Kluber’s club record.

Hall of Famer Randy Johnson holds the major league mark with 17 in a row.

The Indians only got three hits Monday, and they didn’t get a runner to second through the first five innings against Kansas City starter Jakob Junis, who was only slated to pitch a few innings in what was supposed to be a bullpen game.

“I thought I was going two innings,” said Junis, who gave up one hit in five innings. “I didn’t think in a million years I’d go five innings.”

It was 73 degrees and sunny when Bieber threw his first pitch, a 41-degree jump from opening day last week in Detroit, where he pitched in swirling snow over the first few innings.

Pérez ripped Bieber’s first pitch of the fourth into the trees beyond the center-field wall to put the Royals ahead 1-0.

With an early-season off day, half of Cleveland’s roster received COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday. Francona said the Cleveland Clinic administered the shots at Progressive Field.

Francona understands there may be players who don’t want to get vaccinated — for a variety of reasons.

“That’s everybody’s personal choice,” he said. “You can’t make somebody do that. That wouldn’t be right. I hope we get to a certain amount though, where we are able as a team to relax some of the restrictions. That would be helpful.”

Kansas City’s Carlos Santana received a warm ovation before his first at-bat in Monday’s opener as Cleveland fans thanked the popular first baseman for 10 seasons with the club.

“Respect,” Santana said when asked about the cheers. “Respect the fans, respect the team. Respect the city. Respect the organization that gave me the opportunity for 10 years.”

The Royals are opening the season with eight straight day games, the club’s longest run of afternoon baseball since 1979. Kansas City is scheduled to play 62 days games in 2021, which would match the 1971 Royals for the most in team history.

Royals: Begin a three-game series in Chicago on Thursday with RHP Brad Keller going against RHP Lance Lynn. Keller lasted just 1 1/3 innings in his opening-day start.

Indians: After another off day, Cleveland opens a three-game series against Detroit. Zach Plesac (0-1) will face RHP Julio Teheran (1-0), who beat the Indians last weekend.

CLEVELAND (AP) — When José Ramírez’s shot to deep right field narrowly missed being a home run, Shane Bieber knew what was coming next.A legit one.“Foul ball, homer, foul ball, homer,” the Cy Young Award winner said. “You know he’s on it and he’s going straighten it out. Sure enough, he did.”Ramírez’s second two-run homer of the game snapped a tie in the eighth inning and sent the Cleveland Indians to a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday after Bieber struck out 12 for the second straight game.Ramírez’s one-out shot in the eighth off Greg Holland (0-1) gave the Indians their first home win in 2021 after they were shut out 3-0 on Monday.In the sixth, Ramirez, who was fooled by a pitch and struck out in his first at-bat, hit a long foul to right before connecting for a two-run homer to bring in Cleveland’s first runs at Progressive Field this season.“This just in,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Josey’s pretty good.It was the kind of performance the Indians have come to expect from their All-Star third baseman, who finished second in the MVP voting last season and third in 2017 and 2018.“He’s a gamer, man,” Bieber said. “It never turns off. Whether it’s going good or it’s not, he’s the same guy and he brings that same energy and that’s why we rely on him so much. Not just physically, but as a leader in the clubhouse, the way he goes about everything.“Really can’t say enough about the guy. He comes up in big moments like he did today and that’s why he’s our guy.”Emmanuel Clase (1-0) pitched the eighth — all nine of his fastballs were over 100 mph — and Nick Wittgren worked the ninth for his first save since Sept. 4, 2019.Salvador Pérez homered for the Royals.Bieber had his second strong start of the season, fanning 12 and allowing just two runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings. But the right-hander remains winless as the Indians continue to struggle at the plate through the season’s first week.The right-hander extended his streak of striking out at least eight to 14 games, tying Corey Kluber’s club record.Hall of Famer Randy Johnson holds the major league mark with 17 in a row.The Indians only got three hits Monday, and they didn’t get a runner to second through the first five innings against Kansas City starter Jakob Junis, who was only slated to pitch a few innings in what was supposed to be a bullpen game.“I thought I was going two innings,” said Junis, who gave up one hit in five innings. “I didn’t think in a million years I’d go five innings.”It was 73 degrees and sunny when Bieber threw his first pitch, a 41-degree jump from opening day last week in Detroit, where he pitched in swirling snow over the first few innings.Pérez ripped Bieber’s first pitch of the fourth into the trees beyond the center-field wall to put the Royals ahead 1-0.SHOT IN THE PARKWith an early-season off day, half of Cleveland’s roster received COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday. Francona said the Cleveland Clinic administered the shots at Progressive Field.Francona understands there may be players who don’t want to get vaccinated — for a variety of reasons.“That’s everybody’s personal choice,” he said. “You can’t make somebody do that. That wouldn’t be right. I hope we get to a certain amount though, where we are able as a team to relax some of the restrictions. That would be helpful.”ROYAL SALUTEKansas City’s Carlos Santana received a warm ovation before his first at-bat in Monday’s opener as Cleveland fans thanked the popular first baseman for 10 seasons with the club.He appreciated the gesture.“Respect,” Santana said when asked about the cheers. “Respect the fans, respect the team. Respect the city. Respect the organization that gave me the opportunity for 10 years.”DAY AFTER DAYThe Royals are opening the season with eight straight day games, the club’s longest run of afternoon baseball since 1979. Kansas City is scheduled to play 62 days games in 2021, which would match the 1971 Royals for the most in team history.UP NEXTRoyals: Begin a three-game series in Chicago on Thursday with RHP Brad Keller going against RHP Lance Lynn. Keller lasted just 1 1/3 innings in his opening-day start.Indians: After another off day, Cleveland opens a three-game series against Detroit. Zach Plesac (0-1) will face RHP Julio Teheran (1-0), who beat the Indians last weekend.

⚾ Ramírez homers twice, Bieber fans 12, Indians beat Royals

NEWTON, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team continued its spring season at the Newman Spring Invitational this week (April 6-7) at Sand Creek Station Golf Course, a par-72, 5,993-yard course. All three Tigers improved their scores between rounds one and two.

Morgan Brasser led the Tigers with a two-round total of 13-over 157, including an opening round 82 and a 3-over 75 in round two to finish in a tie for 14th. The freshman tied for 10th in the 70-player field with 20 pars on the week and 10th with four birdies. She had the fifth-best scoring average on the par 5s at 1-over, averaging 5.13 for the week. Brasser played her last nine holes in 2-under, helping her to a second-round 75, which was tied for the 10th best round of the week, helping her climb nine spots from the end of round one to the end of round two.

Kira Mestl improved by two strokes from round one to round two, following up an opening-day 85 with an 83 on Wednesday. She finished in a tie for 41st. The redshirt-sophomore played the par-3s in 3-over for the week, posting a team-low stroke average of 3.38 while tying for 15th in the field with 19 pars.

Kerrigan Rudolph finished in a tie for 57th after scores of 88 and 87 on the week. She ranked second on the team with two birdies on the week, including one in round one and one in round two.

Rogers State won the team title by two strokes after moving up four spots on day two, while Southwestern Oklahoma State's Megan Brown finished first individually with a two-round total of 3-over 147.

The Tigers are scheduled to wrap up the regular season at the Central Region Spring Preview next week (April 12-13) in Springfield, Mo. before heading to the MIAA Championships later this month (April 22-23).

Full FHSU Results T14th - Morgan Brasser - +13 - 82 - 75 -- 157 T41st - Kira Mestl - +24 - 85 - 83 -- 168 T57th - Kerrigan Rudolph - +31 - 88 - 87 - 175

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617833023499.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's golf team continued its spring season at the Newman Spring Invitational this week (April 6-7) at Sand Creek Station Golf Course, a par-72, 5,993-yard course. All three Tigers improved their scores between rounds one and two.Morgan Brasser led the Tigers with a two-round total of 13-over 157, including an opening round 82 and a 3-over 75 in round two to finish in a tie for 14th. The freshman tied for 10th in the 70-player field with 20 pars on the week and 10th with four birdies. She had the fifth-best scoring average on the par 5s at 1-over, averaging 5.13 for the week. Brasser played her last nine holes in 2-under, helping her to a second-round 75, which was tied for the 10th best round of the week, helping her climb nine spots from the end of round one to the end of round two.Kira Mestl improved by two strokes from round one to round two, following up an opening-day 85 with an 83 on Wednesday. She finished in a tie for 41st. The redshirt-sophomore played the par-3s in 3-over for the week, posting a team-low stroke average of 3.38 while tying for 15th in the field with 19 pars.Kerrigan Rudolph finished in a tie for 57th after scores of 88 and 87 on the week. She ranked second on the team with two birdies on the week, including one in round one and one in round two.Rogers State won the team title by two strokes after moving up four spots on day two, while Southwestern Oklahoma State's Megan Brown finished first individually with a two-round total of 3-over 147.The Tigers are scheduled to wrap up the regular season at the Central Region Spring Preview next week (April 12-13) in Springfield, Mo. before heading to the MIAA Championships later this month (April 22-23).Full FHSU Results T14th - Morgan Brasser - +13 - 82 - 75 -- 157 T41st - Kira Mestl - +24 - 85 - 83 -- 168 T57th - Kerrigan Rudolph - +31 - 88 - 87 - 175FHSU Athletics

🏌️‍♀️Tigers Improve in Round Two at Newman Spring Invite

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;(women's basketball) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;(men's basketball) are finalists for the MIAA Winter Student-Athletes of the Year Award, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group. The awards are the MIAA's highest honor for student-athletes during the winter sports season, given to one female and one male. This award temporarily replaces the annual Ken B. Jones Award, which normally recognizes the top female and top male student-athlete in the MIAA for all seasons. However, since fall sports did not have an opportunity to post accolades for this academic year, the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force implemented student-athlete of the year honors for both the winter and spring seasons with the nomination and selection process structured identically to the Ken B. Jones Award. The award combines the athletic, academic, and campus/community service accomplishments of the individuals. The voting committee, which includes administrators from all MIAA member schools, reviews an individual's career academic accomplishments, along with their athletic accomplishments and campus/community service from the 2020-21 year. Individuals must be a junior or senior in athletic eligibility and have a GPA of at least 3.25. Both finalists from FHSU have 4.0 GPAs. Female finalists for the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Award are Hunter Bentley of Washburn, Ashlan Burton of Central Missouri, Kelsey Johnson of Central Oklahoma, Trace Mosby of Pittsburg State, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State. Male Finalists for the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Award are Kizan David of Lincoln, Tyler Geiman of Washburn, Chris Goodwin of Central Missouri, Trey Mooney of Pittsburg State, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;was an All-MIAA First Team selection in 2021, helping FHSU Women's Basketball to the MIAA Regular Season Championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament. She helped the Tigers to their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the last seven years, while leading the team in scoring (15.0 points per game). She scored in double figures in 21 of 26 games and reached at least 20 points in a game five times. During the 2020-21 season, she became the 22nd&nbsp;player in FHSU Women's Basketball program history to reach 1,000 career points at FHSU, now with 1,033. Randall has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA over four years of college as a Health &amp; Human Performance major at FHSU, with an emphasis in Teaching and Coaching. The Alva, Oklahoma native is a four-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award this season for gaining All-MIAA honors on the court. Off the court, Randall has volunteered her time with Tiger Pals and Night to Shine in Hays, while also serving as a Christian camp counselor. She has also been on three international mission trips in her time at FHSU to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Canada. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;was an All-MIAA First Team selection in 2021, the second All-MIAA selection of his career after earning Third Team honors in 2020. Vitztum was just one of six players from the MIAA named to the NABC All-District Team for the Central Region. He led NCAA Division II in double-doubles for points and rebounds in the regular season with 12, averaging 18.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Vitztum led the MIAA in rebounds per game and NCAA Division II in total rebounds per game (218) during the regular season. He became the 22nd&nbsp;player in FHSU Men's Basketball history to score 1,000 points, now with 1,118 in his career. He also became the eighth player in FHSU Men's Basketball history to score at least 1,000 points and pull down 600 rebounds in a career. Vitztum has a perfect 4.0 GPA as a graduate student in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. He had a near perfect GPA during his time as an undergraduate student with a 3.92 GPA as a Finance major. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with his bachelor's degree in 2020. Vitztum is a three-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award, a two-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for the seasons he earned All-MIAA honors, and a five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Off the court, Vitztum is a member of the FHSU Student Athlete Advisory Committee and has volunteered time working with elementary students in Hays. The MIAA plans to announce winners of the Winter Student Athlete of the Year Award on Thursday, April 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617831028842.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics " />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State student-athletes&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;(women's basketball) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;(men's basketball) are finalists for the MIAA Winter Student-Athletes of the Year Award, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group. The awards are the MIAA's highest honor for student-athletes during the winter sports season, given to one female and one male. This award temporarily replaces the annual Ken B. Jones Award, which normally recognizes the top female and top male student-athlete in the MIAA for all seasons. However, since fall sports did not have an opportunity to post accolades for this academic year, the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force implemented student-athlete of the year honors for both the winter and spring seasons with the nomination and selection process structured identically to the Ken B. Jones Award. The award combines the athletic, academic, and campus/community service accomplishments of the individuals. The voting committee, which includes administrators from all MIAA member schools, reviews an individual's career academic accomplishments, along with their athletic accomplishments and campus/community service from the 2020-21 year. Individuals must be a junior or senior in athletic eligibility and have a GPA of at least 3.25. Both finalists from FHSU have 4.0 GPAs. Female finalists for the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Award are Hunter Bentley of Washburn, Ashlan Burton of Central Missouri, Kelsey Johnson of Central Oklahoma, Trace Mosby of Pittsburg State, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State. Male Finalists for the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Award are Kizan David of Lincoln, Tyler Geiman of Washburn, Chris Goodwin of Central Missouri, Trey Mooney of Pittsburg State, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;was an All-MIAA First Team selection in 2021, helping FHSU Women's Basketball to the MIAA Regular Season Championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Central Regional of the NCAA Tournament. She helped the Tigers to their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the last seven years, while leading the team in scoring (15.0 points per game). She scored in double figures in 21 of 26 games and reached at least 20 points in a game five times. During the 2020-21 season, she became the 22nd&nbsp;player in FHSU Women's Basketball program history to reach 1,000 career points at FHSU, now with 1,033. Randall has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA over four years of college as a Health &amp; Human Performance major at FHSU, with an emphasis in Teaching and Coaching. The Alva, Oklahoma native is a four-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award this season for gaining All-MIAA honors on the court. Off the court, Randall has volunteered her time with Tiger Pals and Night to Shine in Hays, while also serving as a Christian camp counselor. She has also been on three international mission trips in her time at FHSU to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Canada. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;was an All-MIAA First Team selection in 2021, the second All-MIAA selection of his career after earning Third Team honors in 2020. Vitztum was just one of six players from the MIAA named to the NABC All-District Team for the Central Region. He led NCAA Division II in double-doubles for points and rebounds in the regular season with 12, averaging 18.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Vitztum led the MIAA in rebounds per game and NCAA Division II in total rebounds per game (218) during the regular season. He became the 22nd&nbsp;player in FHSU Men's Basketball history to score 1,000 points, now with 1,118 in his career. He also became the eighth player in FHSU Men's Basketball history to score at least 1,000 points and pull down 600 rebounds in a career. Vitztum has a perfect 4.0 GPA as a graduate student in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. He had a near perfect GPA during his time as an undergraduate student with a 3.92 GPA as a Finance major. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with his bachelor's degree in 2020. Vitztum is a three-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award, a two-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for the seasons he earned All-MIAA honors, and a five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Off the court, Vitztum is a member of the FHSU Student Athlete Advisory Committee and has volunteered time working with elementary students in Hays. The MIAA plans to announce winners of the Winter Student Athlete of the Year Award on Thursday, April 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🏀Randall and Vitztum Named Finalists for MIAA Winter Student-Athlete of the Year

Hays High opened the 2021 baseball season with a home double header against Washburn Rural on a windy Tuesday afternoon. The day marked the first games under second year head coach Dustin Dreher. His first season as head coach was canceled due to COVID-19.

Hays overcame slow starts in both ends of the double header for a sweep 5-3 and 7-3.

The Indians erased a three run deficit with four singles in the fourth inning of game one. Dom Bainter drove in two with two outs to tie the game at three. Hays took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fifth when Dylan Dreiling scored on a Garrett Wellbrock single. The Indians pushed their advantage to the final margin of 5-3 when Wellbrock scored on a single by Remington Cox.

Dylan Dreiling took the victory in game one working six innings, allowing three runs on three hits, walking three and striking out thirteen.

Dalton Dale earned the save with a perfect seventh inning.

Hays got the bats going in the third inning of game two, when the 35 mph wind came to a halt. The Indians hit for the cycle in the frame scoring four runs. Bainter singled, Ben Krannawitter hit a RBI triple, Dreiling followed with a RBI double and Wellbrock crushed his first homerun scoring two.

Hays led 4-1 after three innings and never trailed again. Dawson Vonfeldt, Krannawitter and Dreiling all scored in the fifth as Hays took a 7-3 victory.

Dale started the game and worked two innings of one run ball after closing down game one. Wellbrock worked the next four innings, allowing two runs, to pick up the win. Dalyn Schwarz pitched the seventh to close the game.

Hays opens 2021 at 2-0. Washburn Rural drops to 2-3. The Indians are on the road to Garden City Friday.

Hays High opened the 2021 baseball season with a home double header against Washburn Rural on a windy Tuesday afternoon. The day marked the first games under second year head coach Dustin Dreher. His first season as head coach was canceled due to COVID-19.Hays overcame slow starts in both ends of the double header for a sweep 5-3 and 7-3.The Indians erased a three run deficit with four singles in the fourth inning of game one. Dom Bainter drove in two with two outs to tie the game at three. Hays took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fifth when Dylan Dreiling scored on a Garrett Wellbrock single. The Indians pushed their advantage to the final margin of 5-3 when Wellbrock scored on a single by Remington Cox.Coach Dustin Dreher<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1024009582&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-interview" title="HHS BSB vs Washburn Rural Coach Dreher Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB vs Washburn Rural Coach Dreher Interview</a></div></div>Dylan Dreiling took the victory in game one working six innings, allowing three runs on three hits, walking three and striking out thirteen.Dalton Dale earned the save with a perfect seventh inning.Hays got the bats going in the third inning of game two, when the 35 mph wind came to a halt. The Indians hit for the cycle in the frame scoring four runs. Bainter singled, Ben Krannawitter hit a RBI triple, Dreiling followed with a RBI double and Wellbrock crushed his first homerun scoring two.Hays led 4-1 after three innings and never trailed again. Dawson Vonfeldt, Krannawitter and Dreiling all scored in the fifth as Hays took a 7-3 victory.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1024009624%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-fFA0EGSV8EV&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-bsb-vs-washburn-rural-highlights-game-1/s-fFA0EGSV8EV" title="HHS BSB Vs Washburn Rural Highlights Game 1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Vs Washburn Rural Highlights Game 1</a></div></div><div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1024009657&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-bsb-vs-washburn-rural-highlights-game-2" title="HHS BSB Vs Washburn Rural Highlights Game 2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS BSB Vs Washburn Rural Highlights Game 2</a></div></div>Dale started the game and worked two innings of one run ball after closing down game one. Wellbrock worked the next four innings, allowing two runs, to pick up the win. Dalyn Schwarz pitched the seventh to close the game.Hays opens 2021 at 2-0. Washburn Rural drops to 2-3. The Indians are on the road to Garden City Friday.

⚾ Hays opens Dreher era with sweep of Washburn Rural

HAYS - Thomas More Prep-Marian cruised to a
couple of run-rule wins over Colby to open their season Tuesday at the TMP
Field. The Monarchs took game one 13-2 in five innings then won the second
contest 15-0 in four.

Game 1: TMP-Marian 13, Colby 2 (5 innings) 
TMP took advantage of an error and three walks to score six in the second inning
then added six more runs in the third.

Mark Rack had three hits and drove
in a run. Nick Helget, Chet Irvin, Caden Morgan and Nicholas Herrman.

Starting pitcher Caden Morgan gave
up one earned run and didn’t allow a hit over 2 2/3 innings with five
striketout and picked up the win.

Mark Rack pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings
with five strikeouts and no walks.

Game 2: TMP-Marian 15, Colby 0 (4 innings) 
The Monarchs scored
two in the first, six in the second, four in the third and three in the fourth.

Mark Rack had three hits and drove
in four runs, Nick Helget had two hits and drove in three to lead the nine hit
attack.

Jace Wentling pitched 2 1/3
scoreless innings, allowing two hits with six strikeouts and two walks for the
win. Nicholas Herrman allowed one hit over the final 1 2/3 innings with a walk
and a strikeout.

HAYS - Thomas More Prep-Marian cruised to a
couple of run-rule wins over Colby to open their season Tuesday at the TMP
Field. The Monarchs took game one 13-2 in five innings then won the second
contest 15-0 in four.Game 1: TMP-Marian 13, Colby 2 (5 innings) 
TMP took advantage of an error and three walks to score six in the second inning
then added six more runs in the third. Mark Rack had three hits and drove
in a run. Nick Helget, Chet Irvin, Caden Morgan and Nicholas Herrman.Starting pitcher Caden Morgan gave
up one earned run and didn’t allow a hit over 2 2/3 innings with five
striketout and picked up the win.Mark Rack pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings
with five strikeouts and no walks.Game 2: TMP-Marian 15, Colby 0 (4 innings) 
The Monarchs scored
two in the first, six in the second, four in the third and three in the fourth.Mark Rack had three hits and drove
in four runs, Nick Helget had two hits and drove in three to lead the nine hit
attack.Jace Wentling pitched 2 1/3
scoreless innings, allowing two hits with six strikeouts and two walks for the
win. Nicholas Herrman allowed one hit over the final 1 2/3 innings with a walk
and a strikeout.

⚾ Monarchs roll past Colby to open season

DENVER – Fort Hays State maintained its level overall record by splitting a doubleheader at MSU Denver on Tuesday (Apr. 6). The Tigers won game one 4-0 behind a strong pitching effort by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5891">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>, but came up one run short in game two by a score of 4-3. FHSU is now 14-14 overall, while MSU Denver moved to 14-6 on the season. Game 1: Fort Hays State 4, MSU Denver 0 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5891">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a big effort in the pitching circle, holding MSU Denver scoreless through four innings. She scattered four hits and struck out one in that span as the Tigers held on to a 1-0 lead through five innings. After Jamison escaped some trouble in the fourth inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>&nbsp;took over in the circle for the final three innings. She was able to preserve the win for Jamison, who was making her second start of the season, by holding the Roadrunners scoreless for three more innings. It was the first combined shutout by the Tigers this season and Nelson earned her first save of the season. Nelson allowed just two hits and a walk, while striking out two. The Tigers scored their first run in the first inning when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5957">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;drew a bases loaded walk. The Tigers had several chances to break the game open early on as they loaded the bases in each of the first three innings, but could not score more than just the one run. After leaving 12 runners on base through the first five innings, the Tigers finally broke through in the sixth when Espinoza ripped a ball up the middle hard enough to roll all the way to the fence between the center fielder and right fielder. It resulted in a 2-RBI triple for Espinoza, moving her RBI total for the game to three. In the seventh,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5896">Lily Sale</a>&nbsp;tacked on another run with a deep solo home run to center field. Destinee Lopez took the loss for the Roadrunners in the pitching circle, though she threw a complete game. She allowed 10 hits, walked five, and struck out three. Game 2: MSU Denver 4, Fort Hays State 3 The Tigers fell down 4-0 in game two before putting together a fourth-inning rally to pull within a run of the Roadrunners. However, they could not find any more runs over the final three innings as they fell 4-3. MSU Denver did its offensive damage early, scoring two runs in the first and third innings. An RBI single and a wild pitch produced the first two runs of the game for the Roadrunners. A solo home run and then a pair of doubles produced the two runs in the third, chasing FHSU starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5887">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;from the game through 2.1 innings. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5891">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;continued her great day in the pitching circle by holding the Roadrunners scoreless in 3.2 innings of relief. She allowed just two hits and recorded her only strikeout of game two in a crucial moment right after taking over in the circle. She finished the day with 7.2 innings of scoreless work between the two contests. The Tigers promptly got back in the game in the fourth inning after Jamison ended the Roadrunner rally in the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5896">Lily Sale</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5886">Elise Capra</a>&nbsp;opened up the inning with back-to-back doubles to produce the first Tiger run. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5890">Hannah Gates</a>&nbsp;infield single and a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5882">Katie Adler</a>&nbsp;sacrifice bunt, Capra came in to score on a wild pitch. With two outs,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5894">Grace Philop</a>&nbsp;drove home Gates on a single. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5883">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a fighting shot in the seventh with a one-out double, but a strikeout and flyout secured a win in relief for Darby McGhee. She pitched the final 3.1 innings for MSU Denver, allowing just two hits to the Tigers after stopping the FHSU rally in the fourth. She struck out three batters. Chapman took the loss for FHSU, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk with one strikeout. The Tigers will prep for another key MIAA doubleheader on Saturday (Apr. 10) at home when they host Nebraska-Kearney. The doubleheader begins at 1 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DENVER – Fort Hays State maintained its level overall record by splitting a doubleheader at MSU Denver on Tuesday (Apr. 6). The Tigers won game one 4-0 behind a strong pitching effort by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5891">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>, but came up one run short in game two by a score of 4-3. FHSU is now 14-14 overall, while MSU Denver moved to 14-6 on the season. Game 1: Fort Hays State 4, MSU Denver 0 <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5891">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a big effort in the pitching circle, holding MSU Denver scoreless through four innings. She scattered four hits and struck out one in that span as the Tigers held on to a 1-0 lead through five innings. After Jamison escaped some trouble in the fourth inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5893">Michaelanne Nelson</a>&nbsp;took over in the circle for the final three innings. She was able to preserve the win for Jamison, who was making her second start of the season, by holding the Roadrunners scoreless for three more innings. It was the first combined shutout by the Tigers this season and Nelson earned her first save of the season. Nelson allowed just two hits and a walk, while striking out two. The Tigers scored their first run in the first inning when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5957">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;drew a bases loaded walk. The Tigers had several chances to break the game open early on as they loaded the bases in each of the first three innings, but could not score more than just the one run. After leaving 12 runners on base through the first five innings, the Tigers finally broke through in the sixth when Espinoza ripped a ball up the middle hard enough to roll all the way to the fence between the center fielder and right fielder. It resulted in a 2-RBI triple for Espinoza, moving her RBI total for the game to three. In the seventh,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5896">Lily Sale</a>&nbsp;tacked on another run with a deep solo home run to center field. Destinee Lopez took the loss for the Roadrunners in the pitching circle, though she threw a complete game. She allowed 10 hits, walked five, and struck out three. Game 2: MSU Denver 4, Fort Hays State 3 The Tigers fell down 4-0 in game two before putting together a fourth-inning rally to pull within a run of the Roadrunners. However, they could not find any more runs over the final three innings as they fell 4-3. MSU Denver did its offensive damage early, scoring two runs in the first and third innings. An RBI single and a wild pitch produced the first two runs of the game for the Roadrunners. A solo home run and then a pair of doubles produced the two runs in the third, chasing FHSU starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5887">Hailey Chapman</a>&nbsp;from the game through 2.1 innings. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5891">Megan Jamison</a>&nbsp;continued her great day in the pitching circle by holding the Roadrunners scoreless in 3.2 innings of relief. She allowed just two hits and recorded her only strikeout of game two in a crucial moment right after taking over in the circle. She finished the day with 7.2 innings of scoreless work between the two contests. The Tigers promptly got back in the game in the fourth inning after Jamison ended the Roadrunner rally in the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5896">Lily Sale</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5886">Elise Capra</a>&nbsp;opened up the inning with back-to-back doubles to produce the first Tiger run. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5890">Hannah Gates</a>&nbsp;infield single and a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5882">Katie Adler</a>&nbsp;sacrifice bunt, Capra came in to score on a wild pitch. With two outs,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5894">Grace Philop</a>&nbsp;drove home Gates on a single. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5883">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a fighting shot in the seventh with a one-out double, but a strikeout and flyout secured a win in relief for Darby McGhee. She pitched the final 3.1 innings for MSU Denver, allowing just two hits to the Tigers after stopping the FHSU rally in the fourth. She struck out three batters. Chapman took the loss for FHSU, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk with one strikeout. The Tigers will prep for another key MIAA doubleheader on Saturday (Apr. 10) at home when they host Nebraska-Kearney. The doubleheader begins at 1 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

🥎 Tigers split with Roadrunners

DODGE CITY - The Hays High softball broke a
scoreless tie with a run in the top of the fourth inning Tuesday in Dodge City
but the Red Demons answered with two in the bottom of the frame then added
three in the fifth and beat the Indians 6-1.

Branna Schwien scored the Indians
lone run on Lakyn Zimmerman two-out single to center.

The Red Demons took advantage of two
errors to score two unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth. Two of their
three runs in the next inning came off an Indian error.

Aubree Thomas allowed only on earned
run on eight hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks but took the loss for HHS
who drops to 2-1 on the season.

The Indians will host Dodge City
Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

DODGE CITY - The Hays High softball broke a
scoreless tie with a run in the top of the fourth inning Tuesday in Dodge City
but the Red Demons answered with two in the bottom of the frame then added
three in the fifth and beat the Indians 6-1.Branna Schwien scored the Indians
lone run on Lakyn Zimmerman two-out single to center.The Red Demons took advantage of two
errors to score two unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth. Two of their
three runs in the next inning came off an Indian error.Aubree Thomas allowed only on earned
run on eight hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks but took the loss for HHS
who drops to 2-1 on the season.The Indians will host Dodge City
Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

🥎 Errors cost HHS at Dodge City 

HAYS - The TMP-Marian softball team opened
the 2021 season with a doubleheader sweep of Colby at the TMP Field. The
Monarchs won the opener 4-3 in nine innings then outslugged the Eagles 18-15 in
the second game.

Game 1: TMP-Marian 4, Colby 3 (9 innings) 
Alexa Ryersee reached
on a leadoff walk than scored the winning run on a throwing error following a
Jessica Herrman single in the bottom of the ninth.

The Monarchs led 2-1 entering the
seventh but the Eagles forced extra innings with a run in the top of the seventh.

Emilee Augustine scored the tying
run in the eighth off of Halle Dreiling’s two-out double to left field.

Kyliegh Allen went the distance in the
circle, allowing three runs on eight hits with nine strikeouts and two walks.

Game 2: TMP-Marian 18, Colby 14 
The Monarchs erased a 7-0 deficit with six runs in the second and six in the
fourth. They added four in the bottom of the sixth to build a five-run lead.
Colby answered with two runs in the top of the seventh and had the bases loaded
with one out before Kyliegh Allen got a pup up and strikeout to end the game.

Allen pitched the final six innings in
relief to get the win. She allowed 10 runs on 15 hits with two strikeouts and
three walks. Starter Madison Augustine allowed five runs on four hits in one
inning of work.

Allen and Hannah Garcia both had
four of the Indians 21 hits. Emilee Augustine and Sophia Coulter both tripled and
had three hits each. Augustine drove in four runs and Coulter two. 

HAYS - The TMP-Marian softball team opened
the 2021 season with a doubleheader sweep of Colby at the TMP Field. The
Monarchs won the opener 4-3 in nine innings then outslugged the Eagles 18-15 in
the second game.Game 1: TMP-Marian 4, Colby 3 (9 innings) 
Alexa Ryersee reached
on a leadoff walk than scored the winning run on a throwing error following a
Jessica Herrman single in the bottom of the ninth. The Monarchs led 2-1 entering the
seventh but the Eagles forced extra innings with a run in the top of the seventh.Emilee Augustine scored the tying
run in the eighth off of Halle Dreiling’s two-out double to left field.Kyliegh Allen went the distance in the
circle, allowing three runs on eight hits with nine strikeouts and two walks.Game 2: TMP-Marian 18, Colby 14 
The Monarchs erased a 7-0 deficit with six runs in the second and six in the
fourth. They added four in the bottom of the sixth to build a five-run lead.
Colby answered with two runs in the top of the seventh and had the bases loaded
with one out before Kyliegh Allen got a pup up and strikeout to end the game.Allen pitched the final six innings in
relief to get the win. She allowed 10 runs on 15 hits with two strikeouts and
three walks. Starter Madison Augustine allowed five runs on four hits in one
inning of work.Allen and Hannah Garcia both had
four of the Indians 21 hits. Emilee Augustine and Sophia Coulter both tripled and
had three hits each. Augustine drove in four runs and Coulter two.

🥎 TMP-Marian sweeps Colby to open season

HAYS - The TMP-Marian girls' soccer team improved to 3-1 on the season after defeating Life Prep Academy 10-0 Tuesday.

The Monarchs play at Dodge City Thursday.

HAYS - The TMP-Marian girls' soccer team improved to 3-1 on the season after defeating Life Prep Academy 10-0 Tuesday.The Monarchs play at Dodge City Thursday.

⚽ TMP-Marian shutouts Life Prep

The Kansas State High School Athletics Association announced
the 2021 postseason regional baseball assignments this week.

The Hays High Indians will be a part of the west regional
hosted by Maize South. The region will be divided into four regions. The
highest four seeds will host.

In class 3A TMP will host their own regional. 

Beloit, Ellsworth, Hoisington/Central Plains, Larned,
Lincoln/Sylvan-Lucas, Minneapolis and Russell/Victoria and TMP-Marian will all
take part in the regional.

The 3A sub-state is set for May 17 &amp; 19.

Republic County, Bennington, Ell-Saline, Ellinwood, Ellis,
Inman, Little River and Sacred Heart will take part in the regional.

The Kansas State High School Athletics Association announced
the 2021 postseason regional baseball assignments this week.The Hays High Indians will be a part of the west regional
hosted by Maize South. The region will be divided into four regions. The
highest four seeds will host.The 5A regional is set for May 17-21.In class 3A TMP will host their own regional. Beloit, Ellsworth, Hoisington/Central Plains, Larned,
Lincoln/Sylvan-Lucas, Minneapolis and Russell/Victoria and TMP-Marian will all
take part in the regional.The 3A sub-state is set for May 17 &amp; 19.Ellis will host a 2-1A regional.Republic County, Bennington, Ell-Saline, Ellinwood, Ellis,
Inman, Little River and Sacred Heart will take part in the regional.The 2-1A sub-state is May 17 &amp; 20.

⚾KSHSAA announces regional assignments

The Kansas State High School Activities Association announced
the softball regional assignments this week.

Hays High will be a part of the west regional hosts by Maize
South. The regional will be divided into four regionals with the highest four
seeds playing host. The 5A regional is set for May 17-21.

TMP will be a part of the 3A Larned regional.

Beloit, Ellsworth, Hoisington/Central Plains, Larned,
Plainville/Stockton, Russell/Victoria and Sylvan-Lucas/Lincoln will also take
part in the sub-state.

In 2A Ellis will be a part of the Ell-Saline regional.

Republic County, Bennington, Ell-Saline, Ellinwood, Little
River, Sacred Heart and Sterling will also take part in the regional.

The softball regional is set for May 18 &amp; 20.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association announced
the softball regional assignments this week.Hays High will be a part of the west regional hosts by Maize
South. The regional will be divided into four regionals with the highest four
seeds playing host. The 5A regional is set for May 17-21.TMP will be a part of the 3A Larned regional.Beloit, Ellsworth, Hoisington/Central Plains, Larned,
Plainville/Stockton, Russell/Victoria and Sylvan-Lucas/Lincoln will also take
part in the sub-state.The regional is set for May 17 &amp; 19.In 2A Ellis will be a part of the Ell-Saline regional.Republic County, Bennington, Ell-Saline, Ellinwood, Little
River, Sacred Heart and Sterling will also take part in the regional.The softball regional is set for May 18 &amp; 20.

🥎KSHSAA announces regional assignments

DODGE CITY - The Hays High girls' soccer team evened their record at 2-2 with a 2-0 win over Dodge City Tuesday.

Katie Dinkel and Allison Shubert both scored goals the the Indians. Dinkel's came on an assist from Maia Lummus and Shubert's on a free kick.

The Indians are 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in the Western Athletic Conference.

DODGE CITY - The Hays High girls' soccer team evened their record at 2-2 with a 2-0 win over Dodge City Tuesday.Katie Dinkel and Allison Shubert both scored goals the the Indians. Dinkel's came on an assist from Maia Lummus and Shubert's on a free kick.The Indians are 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in the Western Athletic Conference.

⚽ HHS wins in Dodge City

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf competed at The Mule, hosted by Central Missouri on Monday and Tuesday (Apr. 5-6).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5901">Bryce Cowan</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with a three-round total of 231, helping the team to a 20th&nbsp;place finish. Cowan finished at 21-over par over three rounds, carding rounds of 75, 80, and 76.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5900">Tanner Copeland</a>, who led the Tigers through two rounds of play after rounds of 75 and 76, shot 83 in the final round to finish three strokes back of Cowan.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5899">Colton Bobek</a>&nbsp;was the only Tiger to shoot in the 70s all three rounds, carding 77-79-79.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5904">Marcus Willey</a>&nbsp;matched Cowan and Copeland in the first round with a 75 and was second among the Tigers after a second-round 77, but finished with an 86 in the final round. After shooting 83 and 84,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5905">Dustin Nichols</a>&nbsp;figured into the team score in the final round with a 79. The Tigers shot 931 as a team, posting team scores of 302, 312, and 317. Washburn won the tournament as a team at just 10-over par with a total of 850. Central Missouri was second three strokes back, and Rogers State was third six strokes back of the lead. There was a four-way tie for first place between Nick Westrich of Central Missouri, Chris Ferris of Missouri-St. Louis, Andrew Beckler of Washburn, and Carlos Gomez of Northeastern State, all at even par. Ferris won the individual playoff after two holes. The Tigers are scheduled to travel to Pueblo, Colorado next week for the Southern Colorado Masters, April 12-13.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617803042183.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Seth Kincaid)" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics (Seth Kincaid)</figcaption>
 </figure>WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Golf competed at The Mule, hosted by Central Missouri on Monday and Tuesday (Apr. 5-6).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5901">Bryce Cowan</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with a three-round total of 231, helping the team to a 20th&nbsp;place finish. Cowan finished at 21-over par over three rounds, carding rounds of 75, 80, and 76.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5900">Tanner Copeland</a>, who led the Tigers through two rounds of play after rounds of 75 and 76, shot 83 in the final round to finish three strokes back of Cowan.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5899">Colton Bobek</a>&nbsp;was the only Tiger to shoot in the 70s all three rounds, carding 77-79-79.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5904">Marcus Willey</a>&nbsp;matched Cowan and Copeland in the first round with a 75 and was second among the Tigers after a second-round 77, but finished with an 86 in the final round. After shooting 83 and 84,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5905">Dustin Nichols</a>&nbsp;figured into the team score in the final round with a 79. The Tigers shot 931 as a team, posting team scores of 302, 312, and 317. Washburn won the tournament as a team at just 10-over par with a total of 850. Central Missouri was second three strokes back, and Rogers State was third six strokes back of the lead. There was a four-way tie for first place between Nick Westrich of Central Missouri, Chris Ferris of Missouri-St. Louis, Andrew Beckler of Washburn, and Carlos Gomez of Northeastern State, all at even par. Ferris won the individual playoff after two holes. The Tigers are scheduled to travel to Pueblo, Colorado next week for the Southern Colorado Masters, April 12-13.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

⛳ Cowan leads Tiger men at The Mule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer moved back into the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday (Apr. 6), holding a ranking of No. 19. After receiving votes in the previous poll, the Tigers moved back inside the Top 20 for the second time this season after a win over Northeastern State and a draw with No. 8 ranked Rogers State. This is the second time this spring season the Tigers have held a Top 25 ranking. The Tigers were No. 13 in the first poll released by United Soccer Coaches this spring on March 9. The GAC will feature two nationally ranked teams as the conference tournament begins this Saturday. Rogers State, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, remains No. 8 in the national rankings with a 4-0-2 record. The Tigers are the No. 2 seed an enter at 4-1-1. Fort Hays State will play No. 3 seed Northeastern State in the conference tournament semifinals on Saturday. The RiverHawks received votes in the previous national poll, but are not referenced in the latest edition. Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	University Of Charleston	1	6-0-0 2	Franklin Pierce University	2	4-0-0 3	Lander University	4	8-0-0 4	University Of Indianapolis	6	10-0-1 5	Point Loma Nazarene University	5	5-0-0 6	West Texas A&amp;M University	NR	6-1-0 7	Lenoir-Rhyne University	10	4-0-1 8	Rogers State University	8	4-0-2 9	Davis &amp; Elkins College	15	5-1-0 10	Union University	21	6-1-0 11	Colorado School Of Mines	14	4-0-1 12	Maryville University of St. Louis	3	9-2-0 13	Ohio Valley University	9	4-0-1 14	Carson-Newman University	NR	7-1-1 15	Colorado Mesa University	NR	2-0-1 16	Saginaw Valley State University	23	5-0-0 17	Mississippi College	7	5-1-0 18	St. Mary's University (Texas)	16	6-2-0 19	Fort Hays State University	RV	4-1-1 20	Fresno Pacific University	13	5-1-1 21	University Of Tampa	RV	2-0-1 22	Concordia College (NY)	20	4-1-0 23	Palm Beach Atlantic University	12	1-1-1 24	Erskine College	NR	5-0-0 25	Wingate University	11	4-1-1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Soccer moved back into the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll on Tuesday (Apr. 6), holding a ranking of No. 19. After receiving votes in the previous poll, the Tigers moved back inside the Top 20 for the second time this season after a win over Northeastern State and a draw with No. 8 ranked Rogers State. This is the second time this spring season the Tigers have held a Top 25 ranking. The Tigers were No. 13 in the first poll released by United Soccer Coaches this spring on March 9. The GAC will feature two nationally ranked teams as the conference tournament begins this Saturday. Rogers State, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, remains No. 8 in the national rankings with a 4-0-2 record. The Tigers are the No. 2 seed an enter at 4-1-1. Fort Hays State will play No. 3 seed Northeastern State in the conference tournament semifinals on Saturday. The RiverHawks received votes in the previous national poll, but are not referenced in the latest edition. Rank	School	Prev	W-L-T 1	University Of Charleston	1	6-0-0 2	Franklin Pierce University	2	4-0-0 3	Lander University	4	8-0-0 4	University Of Indianapolis	6	10-0-1 5	Point Loma Nazarene University	5	5-0-0 6	West Texas A&amp;M University	NR	6-1-0 7	Lenoir-Rhyne University	10	4-0-1 8	Rogers State University	8	4-0-2 9	Davis &amp; Elkins College	15	5-1-0 10	Union University	21	6-1-0 11	Colorado School Of Mines	14	4-0-1 12	Maryville University of St. Louis	3	9-2-0 13	Ohio Valley University	9	4-0-1 14	Carson-Newman University	NR	7-1-1 15	Colorado Mesa University	NR	2-0-1 16	Saginaw Valley State University	23	5-0-0 17	Mississippi College	7	5-1-0 18	St. Mary's University (Texas)	16	6-2-0 19	Fort Hays State University	RV	4-1-1 20	Fresno Pacific University	13	5-1-1 21	University Of Tampa	RV	2-0-1 22	Concordia College (NY)	20	4-1-0 23	Palm Beach Atlantic University	12	1-1-1 24	Erskine College	NR	5-0-0 25	Wingate University	11	4-1-1

⚽Men’s Soccer Moves Back into National Rankings at No. 19

&nbsp;The Fort Hays State Tennis match at Nebraska-Kearney, originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, has been moved to Saturday, April 10 due to forecasted weather. 

The match will start at 1:30 pm at Harmon Park in Kearney. Both teams will be looking for their first MIAA win of the season.

&nbsp;The Fort Hays State Tennis match at Nebraska-Kearney, originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, has been moved to Saturday, April 10 due to forecasted weather. The match will start at 1:30 pm at Harmon Park in Kearney. Both teams will be looking for their first MIAA win of the season.

🎾Tennis Match at UNK Rescheduled for Saturday, April 10

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – With its second-place finish in the Great American Conference Men's Soccer spring season standings, Fort Hays State will be the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament starting this Saturday. The top four teams from the 2020-21 spring standings will play in the tournament. FHSU hosts No. 3 seed Northeastern State, while No. 1 seed Rogers State hosts No. 4 seed Southern Nazarene in the semifinal round on Saturday (Apr. 10). The winners of those two matches will advance on to the tournament championship match the following Saturday (Apr. 17) at the site of the highest seed remaining in the tournament. Semifinal Matches – Saturday, April 10 #2 Fort Hays State vs. #3 Northeastern State – at Hays, Kan., 1 pm –&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">WATCH LIVE</a>&nbsp;I&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary">LIVE STATS</a> #1 Rogers State vs. #4 Southern Nazarene – at Claremore, Okla., 7 pm –&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/rogersstate/">WATCH LIVE</a>&nbsp;I&nbsp;<a href="https://rsuhillcats.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary">LIVE STATS</a> Championship Match – Saturday, April 17 Winner of FHSU/NSU vs. Winner of RSU/NSU – at highest seed remaining – Time TBD Rogers State finished first in the conference standings by navigating six matches without a loss, going 4-0-2. FHSU was right on the heels of Rogers State, finishing 4-1-1 in the brief six-game slate. Northeastern State was 4-2 overall, while Southern Nazarene finished 3-3. Fort Hays State won its meeting with Northeastern State two weeks ago in Hays by a score of 2-1. The Tigers went up 2-0 in the match before a goal by NSU within the last eight minutes made the match interesting late.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617720971265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – With its second-place finish in the Great American Conference Men's Soccer spring season standings, Fort Hays State will be the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament starting this Saturday. The top four teams from the 2020-21 spring standings will play in the tournament. FHSU hosts No. 3 seed Northeastern State, while No. 1 seed Rogers State hosts No. 4 seed Southern Nazarene in the semifinal round on Saturday (Apr. 10). The winners of those two matches will advance on to the tournament championship match the following Saturday (Apr. 17) at the site of the highest seed remaining in the tournament. Semifinal Matches – Saturday, April 10 #2 Fort Hays State vs. #3 Northeastern State – at Hays, Kan., 1 pm –&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">WATCH LIVE</a>&nbsp;I&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary">LIVE STATS</a> #1 Rogers State vs. #4 Southern Nazarene – at Claremore, Okla., 7 pm –&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/rogersstate/">WATCH LIVE</a>&nbsp;I&nbsp;<a href="https://rsuhillcats.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary">LIVE STATS</a> Championship Match – Saturday, April 17 Winner of FHSU/NSU vs. Winner of RSU/NSU – at highest seed remaining – Time TBD Rogers State finished first in the conference standings by navigating six matches without a loss, going 4-0-2. FHSU was right on the heels of Rogers State, finishing 4-1-1 in the brief six-game slate. Northeastern State was 4-2 overall, while Southern Nazarene finished 3-3. Fort Hays State won its meeting with Northeastern State two weeks ago in Hays by a score of 2-1. The Tigers went up 2-0 in the match before a goal by NSU within the last eight minutes made the match interesting late.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ Tiger men No. 2 seed in GAC Tourney, face RiverHawks in semis

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy’s days of being bullied by the Indians are over. He’s hitting back.

Duffy, who went more than two years without a win over Cleveland, pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Indians 3-0 on Monday.

Duffy (1-0) came in with 12 career losses against the Indians — his most against any team. But the left-hander was in control from the outset and gave the Royals their best start of the young season.

“There’s a whole new Danny Duffy out there,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s just looks like he’s on a mission.”

The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance of 8,914 —- 30% of ballpark capacity was permitted — was a nice change from last season, when fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety protocols.

“Having people in the seats gives you that extra boost of adrenaline,” said Merrifield, who connected for a two-run homer in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. “Even the boos were missed last year.”

Merrifield is the first Royals player to homer three times in the first four games, and his nine RBIs in the first four are a club record.

Scott Barlow pitched two perfect innings and Jesse Hahn put two on in the ninth before Royals first baseman Carlos Santana, who signed with the club as a free agent this winter after 10 seasons in Cleveland, made a diving stop on Eddie Rosario’s smash to start a double play.

“I’m trying to go through in my head how many first basemen in the league make that play, or maybe even attempt to make that play,” Matheny said. “That was amazing, how one play can take the air out of the opposition. We’re in a bad spot right there if that ball gets by. That’s a game-changing defensive play.”

Hahn then retired Franmil Reyes on a hard comebacker that caromed off the right-hander to complete Kansas City’s three-hit shutout and get the save.

Duffy has won three of his last four starts against the Indians since losing eight straight, and he’s pitched 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in his past two outings versus Cleveland.

“Every year is a new year,” Duffy said. “I had a stretch there where they had my number, especially in this place. I had to figure out a lot of things, it just took me a while.”

Merrifield connected for his third homer in the second inning off Indians starter Logan Allen (0-1), who grooved a 3-0 pitch that Kansas City’s second baseman pounced upon.

A three-run deficit was too much for the Indians, who have scored two runs or less in three of their first four games.

“We’re not stringing them together,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “We did hit some balls hard. And I don’t ever want to talk down our offense, because that’s not what we’re here for. But we’re going to have to string some together.”

The last time Cleveland played in front of fans at Progressive Field was on Sept. 22, 2019, a 10-1 win over Philadelphia.

“It’s nice to have people in the stands, there’s no getting around it,” Francona said. “I’ll enjoy it more when we’re ahead on the scoreboard. The closer we get to normalcy, the happier everybody is. Not just in baseball, but everywhere.”

More than a dozen protesters gathered outside the ballpark to voice their displeasure at the Indians’ delay in changing their name. Cleveland owner Paul Dolan announced in December the ballclub will be dropping Indians, its name since 1915, in the future.

That’s not soon enough for Native American groups of have decried the name as being racist.

“It’s absolutely disappointing, disheartening, but not surprising,” said Jeff Pierce, president of People Not Mascots. “They’ve been saying they’re going to do this for the last 30 plus years, never been done. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

With longtime drummer and ballpark fixture John Adams recovering from health issues, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney filled in and pounded a steady beat when the Indians batted.

Carney, who first attended Cleveland games as a little boy, said it was his first “live” gig since Black Keys’ last show in January 2020.

It didn’t take long for Santana to make a strong impression on the Royals, who signed him to a three-year, $17.5 million deal.

“Just because a kid changes uniforms, that doesn’t mean it’s going to change the way he behaves himself or acts,” Francona said. “I certainly can’t root for him to beat us, but we’re not any less fond of him because he’s in a Royals uniform.”

Following an off day, Cy Young winner Shane Bieber will make his second start of 2021 against the Royals, who have not yet announced a starter. Bieber struck out 12 in his season debut last week at Detroit.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy’s days of being bullied by the Indians are over. He’s hitting back.Duffy, who went more than two years without a win over Cleveland, pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Indians 3-0 on Monday.Duffy (1-0) came in with 12 career losses against the Indians — his most against any team. But the left-hander was in control from the outset and gave the Royals their best start of the young season.“There’s a whole new Danny Duffy out there,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s just looks like he’s on a mission.”The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance of 8,914 —- 30% of ballpark capacity was permitted — was a nice change from last season, when fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety protocols.“Having people in the seats gives you that extra boost of adrenaline,” said Merrifield, who connected for a two-run homer in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. “Even the boos were missed last year.”Merrifield is the first Royals player to homer three times in the first four games, and his nine RBIs in the first four are a club record.Scott Barlow pitched two perfect innings and Jesse Hahn put two on in the ninth before Royals first baseman Carlos Santana, who signed with the club as a free agent this winter after 10 seasons in Cleveland, made a diving stop on Eddie Rosario’s smash to start a double play.“I’m trying to go through in my head how many first basemen in the league make that play, or maybe even attempt to make that play,” Matheny said. “That was amazing, how one play can take the air out of the opposition. We’re in a bad spot right there if that ball gets by. That’s a game-changing defensive play.”Hahn then retired Franmil Reyes on a hard comebacker that caromed off the right-hander to complete Kansas City’s three-hit shutout and get the save.Duffy has won three of his last four starts against the Indians since losing eight straight, and he’s pitched 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in his past two outings versus Cleveland.“Every year is a new year,” Duffy said. “I had a stretch there where they had my number, especially in this place. I had to figure out a lot of things, it just took me a while.”Merrifield connected for his third homer in the second inning off Indians starter Logan Allen (0-1), who grooved a 3-0 pitch that Kansas City’s second baseman pounced upon.A three-run deficit was too much for the Indians, who have scored two runs or less in three of their first four games.“We’re not stringing them together,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “We did hit some balls hard. And I don’t ever want to talk down our offense, because that’s not what we’re here for. But we’re going to have to string some together.”The last time Cleveland played in front of fans at Progressive Field was on Sept. 22, 2019, a 10-1 win over Philadelphia.“It’s nice to have people in the stands, there’s no getting around it,” Francona said. “I’ll enjoy it more when we’re ahead on the scoreboard. The closer we get to normalcy, the happier everybody is. Not just in baseball, but everywhere.”NAME PROTESTMore than a dozen protesters gathered outside the ballpark to voice their displeasure at the Indians’ delay in changing their name. Cleveland owner Paul Dolan announced in December the ballclub will be dropping Indians, its name since 1915, in the future.That’s not soon enough for Native American groups of have decried the name as being racist.“It’s absolutely disappointing, disheartening, but not surprising,” said Jeff Pierce, president of People Not Mascots. “They’ve been saying they’re going to do this for the last 30 plus years, never been done. I’ll believe it when I see it.”THE BEAT GOES ONWith longtime drummer and ballpark fixture John Adams recovering from health issues, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney filled in and pounded a steady beat when the Indians batted.Carney, who first attended Cleveland games as a little boy, said it was his first “live” gig since Black Keys’ last show in January 2020.ON THE OTHER SIDEIt didn’t take long for Santana to make a strong impression on the Royals, who signed him to a three-year, $17.5 million deal.“Just because a kid changes uniforms, that doesn’t mean it’s going to change the way he behaves himself or acts,” Francona said. “I certainly can’t root for him to beat us, but we’re not any less fond of him because he’s in a Royals uniform.”UP NEXTFollowing an off day, Cy Young winner Shane Bieber will make his second start of 2021 against the Royals, who have not yet announced a starter. Bieber struck out 12 in his season debut last week at Detroit.

⚾ Duffy dazzles, Merrifield’s 3 RBIs lift Royals past Indians

By RALPH D. RUSSO Associated Press

Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff, a Sunflower State native who graduated from the school, to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program.

The school announced the hiring Monday night, shortly after reaching a deal with Goff to return to Lawrence. He will be introduced Wednesday during an on-campus event at the Lied Center.

“With a long history of success, unwavering partnership with campus leaders and the unparalleled passion of the Jayhawk fanbase, this is one of the most humbling responsibilities and opportunities in college athletics,” said Goff, who grew up in the southwestern Kansas town of Dodge City. “I’m thrilled to return to Lawrence with my family and to continue to make this department a point of pride for our entire university.”

Goff has has been at Northwestern since 2012, most recently as deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a key role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern and oversaw the baseball, volleyball and football programs — experience that will come in handy at Kansas.

“We are fortunate to have Travis return to Lawrence to lead our department and after speaking with him, it is clear he is exactly what we need,” basketball coach Bill Self said. “He will be a tremendous partner to all of our head coaches and sports programs and will ensure that our student-athletes have a world-class experience.”

Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago.

Long was responsible for hiring Les Miles, with whom the school parted ways amid sexual misconduct allegations dating to the football coach’s time at LSU. Long initially said he would lead the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism about the due diligence he did in hiring his longtime friend forced him to reconsider and ultimately resign.

Goff’s first big task will be to set the course for a moribund football program already going through spring practice under wide receivers coach Emmett Jones, picked to serve as the interim coach last month.

The downtrodden Jayhawks lost all nine of their games last season. They have not had a winning season since Mark Mangino was on the sideline in 2008, cycling through Turner Gill, Charlie Weis, interim coach Clint Bowen, David Beaty and Miles without finding a way to return to prominence.

Goff is expected to lead the search for the next football coach, though the timeline for that hiring remains unclear.

Along with deep-seated fan apathy, the Jayhawks have some of the worst facilities in the Big 12 — despite a new indoor practice facility — and have struggled for years to generate money and support to upgrade Memorial Stadium.

Goff also must deal with potential NCAA sanctions facing the Jayhawks’ storied basketball program.

The program was hit with five Level I charges tied to recruiting, one directed at Self, as part of the fallout of an FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Kansas has staunchly defended itself against the allegations, and the case is going through the NCAA’s new independent appeals process, with a decision expected later this year.

“Travis understands the challenges we face and the changing landscape of collegiate athletics,” Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod said. “At the same time, he is well-positioned to help us build on our recent successes in student-athlete health care, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic achievement. The fact that he is a Jayhawk is an added bonus.”

Goff returns to Lawrence having worked under former Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who left the school in the Chicago suburb of Evanston earlier this year to become Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner.

Goff graduated from KU in 2002 with degrees in journalism and sociology, then earned an MBA from Tulane, where he worked as associate athletic director for external affairs.

He is the sixth athletic director for the Jayhawks since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.

“When you grow up in Dodge City like Travis and I did, you get to know everyone,” Texas A&amp;M athletic director Ross Bjork said. “I have been fortunate to know Travis and his first-class family for more than 30 years, and it is so exciting to see him become the athletics director at Kansas. As both of us have evolved in college athletics, we have become great friends. I’ve always known this day would come for Travis at the right time and the right place.”

AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta contributed to this report.

By RALPH D. RUSSO Associated PressKansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff, a Sunflower State native who graduated from the school, to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program.The school announced the hiring Monday night, shortly after reaching a deal with Goff to return to Lawrence. He will be introduced Wednesday during an on-campus event at the Lied Center.“With a long history of success, unwavering partnership with campus leaders and the unparalleled passion of the Jayhawk fanbase, this is one of the most humbling responsibilities and opportunities in college athletics,” said Goff, who grew up in the southwestern Kansas town of Dodge City. “I’m thrilled to return to Lawrence with my family and to continue to make this department a point of pride for our entire university.”Goff has has been at Northwestern since 2012, most recently as deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a key role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern and oversaw the baseball, volleyball and football programs — experience that will come in handy at Kansas.“We are fortunate to have Travis return to Lawrence to lead our department and after speaking with him, it is clear he is exactly what we need,” basketball coach Bill Self said. “He will be a tremendous partner to all of our head coaches and sports programs and will ensure that our student-athletes have a world-class experience.”Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago.Long was responsible for hiring Les Miles, with whom the school parted ways amid sexual misconduct allegations dating to the football coach’s time at LSU. Long initially said he would lead the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism about the due diligence he did in hiring his longtime friend forced him to reconsider and ultimately resign.Goff’s first big task will be to set the course for a moribund football program already going through spring practice under wide receivers coach Emmett Jones, picked to serve as the interim coach last month.The downtrodden Jayhawks lost all nine of their games last season. They have not had a winning season since Mark Mangino was on the sideline in 2008, cycling through Turner Gill, Charlie Weis, interim coach Clint Bowen, David Beaty and Miles without finding a way to return to prominence.Goff is expected to lead the search for the next football coach, though the timeline for that hiring remains unclear.Along with deep-seated fan apathy, the Jayhawks have some of the worst facilities in the Big 12 — despite a new indoor practice facility — and have struggled for years to generate money and support to upgrade Memorial Stadium.Goff also must deal with potential NCAA sanctions facing the Jayhawks’ storied basketball program.The program was hit with five Level I charges tied to recruiting, one directed at Self, as part of the fallout of an FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Kansas has staunchly defended itself against the allegations, and the case is going through the NCAA’s new independent appeals process, with a decision expected later this year.“Travis understands the challenges we face and the changing landscape of collegiate athletics,” Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod said. “At the same time, he is well-positioned to help us build on our recent successes in student-athlete health care, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic achievement. The fact that he is a Jayhawk is an added bonus.”Goff returns to Lawrence having worked under former Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who left the school in the Chicago suburb of Evanston earlier this year to become Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner.Goff graduated from KU in 2002 with degrees in journalism and sociology, then earned an MBA from Tulane, where he worked as associate athletic director for external affairs.He is the sixth athletic director for the Jayhawks since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.“When you grow up in Dodge City like Travis and I did, you get to know everyone,” Texas A&amp;M athletic director Ross Bjork said. “I have been fortunate to know Travis and his first-class family for more than 30 years, and it is so exciting to see him become the athletics director at Kansas. As both of us have evolved in college athletics, we have become great friends. I’ve always known this day would come for Travis at the right time and the right place.”___AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta contributed to this report.