Sophomore defender&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/pokrandt_anastasia_o9md">Anastasia Pokrandt</a>&nbsp;became just the third Hutchinson Community College women's soccer player to win a major Jayhawk Conference postseason award in back-to-back seasons.

Pokrandt was named the 2025 KJCCC Division I Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year for the second time on Thursday to lead seven overall Blue Dragons on the KJCCC postseason awards list.

Pokrandt joined forward&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/smith_poppy_opqw">Poppy Smith</a>, defender&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/garrison_teagan_tc43">Teagan Garrison</a>&nbsp;and midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/tamaki_olivia_seh8">Olivia Tamaki</a>&nbsp;on the 2025 first team. Forward&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/puccinelli_isabela_fmo3">Isabela Puccinelli</a>, goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/carvell_evie_w1nf">Evie Carvell</a>&nbsp;and midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/swearingen_ella_3xcx">Ella Swearingen</a>&nbsp;were named to the all-KJCCC second team.

The 19th-ranked Blue Dragons are 13-2-4 this season and will play for a Region 6 Tournament championship at 2 p.m. Saturday against Cowley at the KCK Soccer Complex in Kansas City, KS

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/files/2025_All-Confernce_soccer.pdf">CLICK FOR COMPLETE KJCCC ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS</a>

ANASTASIA POKRANDT – Co-Defensive Player of the Year/1st Team

Pokrandt is the first Blue Dragon to win Defensive Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons. After winning it outright as a freshman, Pokrandt was the 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year recipient, sharing the award with Cowley's Sthefany Silva.

Pokrandt is the third Blue Dragon player to win a major conference award in consecutive seasons. Alicia Robinson was the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011 and Hadlie Lowe won Offensive Player of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2022.

This is the eighth time a Blue Dragon has won conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. Other Blue Dragons to win the award are Finola Corley (2010), Bekah Ramstack (2011), Siobhon Wilson (2014), Madison Pollack (2016), Chiara Soergel (2019) and Lexi Jack (2022).

When Pokrandt, a 5-foot-5 defender from Karisruhe, Germany, won the award as a freshman, the Blue Dragons allowed 0.99 goals per game. That number dropped this season to 0.68 goals per game allowed. The Dragons have had 10 shutouts this season.

With Pokrandt anchoring the defense, Hutchinson ranks 16th in goals against average (0.68), 17th in shutouts (10), and 20th as a team in goals allowed (13).

Pokrandt has one goal and three assists this season offensively. She had the game-winning assist in Hutchinson's go-ahead goal with 12.2 seconds to go in a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley.

Garrison, a 5-6 sophomore from Mulvane, is a two-year starter at outside back for the Dragons.

She, too, has played a major role in the Blue Dragons' defensive success over the past two seasons.

Opposing teams are taking an average of 6.9 shots per game and only 3.1 shots are getting through to the goalkeepers.

Garrison also plays an important role in clearing the ball out of the Blue Dragon defensive end.

Tamaki is the leading point scorer and assist person for the Blue Dragons this season with 31 overall points, nine goals and a team-high 13 assists.

Tamaki has two game-winning goals, including the overtime game winner in Hutchinson's 1-0 win over Dodge City in the Region 6 Tournament opening round last Saturday.

The freshman midfielder from Campinas, Brazil had one multi-goal game, scoring a pair in an 8-1 win over Dodge City. She had a season-high three assists in an 8-1 win over Coffeyville. Tamaki has scored at least one point in 14 of 19 games played, including the last four entering Saturday's Region 6 Tournament championship game.

The freshman forward from Royston, England, had a two-goal debut for the Blue Dragons in a 2-1 win over No. 12 Trinity Valley in August.

For the season, Smith is tied for the team lead with 10 goals. She has five assists and 25 points this season.

Smith has a pair of two-goal games against Trinity Valley and Coffeyville. She has three game-wining goals (Trinity Valley, Coffeyville and Coffeyville).

Puccinelli played in 17 of Hutchinson's 19 games this season and scored at least one point in 12 of the 17 played.

For the season, the 5-10 forward from Curitiba, Brazil, had 10 goals, 10 assists and 30 points. She also had a pair of game-winning goals against NOC-Enid and Garden City.

Puccinelli recorded the team's only hat trick in 2025 – which turned out to be the 100th in Blue Dragon women's soccer history – going for an eight-point game in a 5-0 win over Garden City. She had three goals and two assists against the Broncbusters.

Carvell has posted a 10-3-4 record this season as the Blue Dragons' primary goalkeeper. The freshman from Billericay, England, is the seventh freshman goalkeeper to record double figure wins.

Carvell has six shutouts this season, including back-to-back shutouts in two Region 6 Tournament games played thus far.

She has a 0.83 goals-against average and a .769 save percentage.

Carvell had a season-high six saves twice, doing so against Cowley and Barton.

The 5-4 freshman midfielder from Rose Hill scored two goals this season for the Blue Dragons, but her major contributions as playing on the outside have been of a defensive variety.

Swearingen started in all 19 games. Her aggressive play in the middle third of the field forced opponents to work the ball up field away from her.

Swearingen did have one game-winning goal this season, that coming in a 1-0 victory at Seward County on October 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762480525403.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomore defender&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/pokrandt_anastasia_o9md">Anastasia Pokrandt</a>&nbsp;became just the third Hutchinson Community College women's soccer player to win a major Jayhawk Conference postseason award in back-to-back seasons.Pokrandt was named the 2025 KJCCC Division I Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Year for the second time on Thursday to lead seven overall Blue Dragons on the KJCCC postseason awards list.Pokrandt joined forward&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/smith_poppy_opqw">Poppy Smith</a>, defender&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/garrison_teagan_tc43">Teagan Garrison</a>&nbsp;and midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/tamaki_olivia_seh8">Olivia Tamaki</a>&nbsp;on the 2025 first team. Forward&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/puccinelli_isabela_fmo3">Isabela Puccinelli</a>, goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/carvell_evie_w1nf">Evie Carvell</a>&nbsp;and midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/swearingen_ella_3xcx">Ella Swearingen</a>&nbsp;were named to the all-KJCCC second team.The 19th-ranked Blue Dragons are 13-2-4 this season and will play for a Region 6 Tournament championship at 2 p.m. Saturday against Cowley at the KCK Soccer Complex in Kansas City, KS<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/files/2025_All-Confernce_soccer.pdf">CLICK FOR COMPLETE KJCCC ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS</a><h2>ANASTASIA POKRANDT – Co-Defensive Player of the Year/1st Team</h2>Pokrandt is the first Blue Dragon to win Defensive Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons. After winning it outright as a freshman, Pokrandt was the 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year recipient, sharing the award with Cowley's Sthefany Silva.Pokrandt is the third Blue Dragon player to win a major conference award in consecutive seasons. Alicia Robinson was the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011 and Hadlie Lowe won Offensive Player of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2022.This is the eighth time a Blue Dragon has won conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. Other Blue Dragons to win the award are Finola Corley (2010), Bekah Ramstack (2011), Siobhon Wilson (2014), Madison Pollack (2016), Chiara Soergel (2019) and Lexi Jack (2022).When Pokrandt, a 5-foot-5 defender from Karisruhe, Germany, won the award as a freshman, the Blue Dragons allowed 0.99 goals per game. That number dropped this season to 0.68 goals per game allowed. The Dragons have had 10 shutouts this season.With Pokrandt anchoring the defense, Hutchinson ranks 16th in goals against average (0.68), 17th in shutouts (10), and 20th as a team in goals allowed (13).Pokrandt has one goal and three assists this season offensively. She had the game-winning assist in Hutchinson's go-ahead goal with 12.2 seconds to go in a season-opening 2-1 victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley.<h2>TEAGAN GARRISON – 1st Team</h2>Garrison, a 5-6 sophomore from Mulvane, is a two-year starter at outside back for the Dragons.She, too, has played a major role in the Blue Dragons' defensive success over the past two seasons.Opposing teams are taking an average of 6.9 shots per game and only 3.1 shots are getting through to the goalkeepers.Garrison also plays an important role in clearing the ball out of the Blue Dragon defensive end.<h2>OLIVIA TAMAKI –1st Team</h2>Tamaki is the leading point scorer and assist person for the Blue Dragons this season with 31 overall points, nine goals and a team-high 13 assists.Tamaki has two game-winning goals, including the overtime game winner in Hutchinson's 1-0 win over Dodge City in the Region 6 Tournament opening round last Saturday.The freshman midfielder from Campinas, Brazil had one multi-goal game, scoring a pair in an 8-1 win over Dodge City. She had a season-high three assists in an 8-1 win over Coffeyville. Tamaki has scored at least one point in 14 of 19 games played, including the last four entering Saturday's Region 6 Tournament championship game.<h2>POPPY SMITH –1st Team</h2>The freshman forward from Royston, England, had a two-goal debut for the Blue Dragons in a 2-1 win over No. 12 Trinity Valley in August.For the season, Smith is tied for the team lead with 10 goals. She has five assists and 25 points this season.Smith has a pair of two-goal games against Trinity Valley and Coffeyville. She has three game-wining goals (Trinity Valley, Coffeyville and Coffeyville).<h2>ISABELA PUCCINELLI – 2nd Team</h2>Puccinelli played in 17 of Hutchinson's 19 games this season and scored at least one point in 12 of the 17 played.For the season, the 5-10 forward from Curitiba, Brazil, had 10 goals, 10 assists and 30 points. She also had a pair of game-winning goals against NOC-Enid and Garden City.Puccinelli recorded the team's only hat trick in 2025 – which turned out to be the 100th in Blue Dragon women's soccer history – going for an eight-point game in a 5-0 win over Garden City. She had three goals and two assists against the Broncbusters.<h2>EVIE CARVELL – 2nd Team</h2>Carvell has posted a 10-3-4 record this season as the Blue Dragons' primary goalkeeper. The freshman from Billericay, England, is the seventh freshman goalkeeper to record double figure wins.Carvell has six shutouts this season, including back-to-back shutouts in two Region 6 Tournament games played thus far.She has a 0.83 goals-against average and a .769 save percentage.Carvell had a season-high six saves twice, doing so against Cowley and Barton.<h2>ELLA SWEARINGEN – 2nd Team</h2>The 5-4 freshman midfielder from Rose Hill scored two goals this season for the Blue Dragons, but her major contributions as playing on the outside have been of a defensive variety.Swearingen started in all 19 games. Her aggressive play in the middle third of the field forced opponents to work the ball up field away from her.Swearingen did have one game-winning goal this season, that coming in a 1-0 victory at Seward County on October 15.

⚽ HutchCC's Pokrandt repeats as KJCCC Defensive Player of the Year

EL DORADO – Earlier this season, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team saw the Butler Grizzlies come to the Sports Arena and pull off a reverse sweep against the Blue Dragons.

Hutchinson returned the favor Tuesday night in the opening round of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament at the Power Plant. After betting rolled in the second set and trailing the Grizzlies 2-0, the Blue Dragons won the final three sets to oust Butler 21-25, 10-25, 25-23, 25-21, 15-13.

Sixth-seeded Hutchinson (15-17) advances to the Region 6 Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2022 and will play second-seeded Colby in the second semifinal on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. The match will start at 7:30 p.m. or 30 minutes following the first semifinal between Barton and Dodge City.

This was Hutchinson's ninth all-time reserve sweep since rally scoring started in 2001 and it's just the second postseason reverse sweep in team history. The Blue Dragons reverse-swept Colby in the Region 6 Tournament semifinals on November 5, 2011.

This was the Dragons' second reverse sweep this season, accomplishing the feat against North Platte Community College in August at the McCook Tournament.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with 20 kills on 54 attacks, hitting .259. She had 13 kills and only two errors in .344 hitting in the final three sets.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 15 kills on .387 hitting. Follmer had 12 kills and hit .375 in the final three sets.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;had nine kills and 16 digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;had six kills.

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;had 43 assists and eight digs. Freshman setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;had eight assists.

With 24 digs against Butler, freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;moved into second place on the Blue Dragon freshman digs list and third on the overall single-season digs list with 625 digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/williamson_mckenzye_wur2">McKenzye Williamson</a>&nbsp;posted a career-high 20 digs.

After hitting a negative-.231 in the second set, things looked bleak for the Blue Dragons. The situation looked even worse after the Grizzlies led 16-10 in the third set. But a Follmer kill to the deep left corner started the comeback.

The Dragons went on a 5-1 run to get back into the set. Another Follmer kill tied the set at 21. Then tied at 23, Follmer's seventh kill of the set got the Dragons to set point and Proctor terminated to win the set 25-23.

The Blue Dragons hit .316 in the fourth set, getting five kills from Proctor on .455 hitting in the set. Neither team had larger than a two-point lead in the set until Proctor's kill gave the Dragons a 24-21 lead. Butler had an attack error on set point and the Dragons forced a fifth set with a 25-21 victory.

The Dragons took an early 4-2 lead in the fifth on a Butler attack error and the Grizzlies took an early timeout. A Proctor kill then gave the Dragons a 5-2 lead. Butler rallied to tie the set at 7-7, but Villanueva's kill gave the Dragons an 8-7 lead at the crossover.

The Dragons took a 10-8 lead on a Villanueva kill down the line. The lead grew to 11-8 after a Grizzly attack error. Butler again tied the set at 11-11 and 12-12, but Proctor tooled the block for a kill and a 13-12 lead. Tied at 13 after a Dragon service error, Galliher terminated into the deep corner to get the Dragons to match point, then Proctor's fourth kill of the fifth set sealed the Blue Dragon comeback, winning the final set 15-13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762441473911.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon volleyball team celebrates a reverse sweep of the Butler Grizzlies, winning 15-13 in the fifth set, in the opening round of the Region 6 Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday in El Dorado. (Phot courtesy Ed Bailey)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon volleyball team celebrates a reverse sweep of the Butler Grizzlies, winning 15-13 in the fifth set, in the opening round of the Region 6 Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday in El Dorado. (Phot courtesy Ed Bailey)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationEL DORADO – Earlier this season, the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team saw the Butler Grizzlies come to the Sports Arena and pull off a reverse sweep against the Blue Dragons.Hutchinson returned the favor Tuesday night in the opening round of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament at the Power Plant. After betting rolled in the second set and trailing the Grizzlies 2-0, the Blue Dragons won the final three sets to oust Butler 21-25, 10-25, 25-23, 25-21, 15-13.Sixth-seeded Hutchinson (15-17) advances to the Region 6 Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2022 and will play second-seeded Colby in the second semifinal on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. The match will start at 7:30 p.m. or 30 minutes following the first semifinal between Barton and Dodge City.This was Hutchinson's ninth all-time reserve sweep since rally scoring started in 2001 and it's just the second postseason reverse sweep in team history. The Blue Dragons reverse-swept Colby in the Region 6 Tournament semifinals on November 5, 2011.This was the Dragons' second reverse sweep this season, accomplishing the feat against North Platte Community College in August at the McCook Tournament.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>&nbsp;led the Blue Dragons with 20 kills on 54 attacks, hitting .259. She had 13 kills and only two errors in .344 hitting in the final three sets.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 15 kills on .387 hitting. Follmer had 12 kills and hit .375 in the final three sets.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;had nine kills and 16 digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;had six kills.Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;had 43 assists and eight digs. Freshman setter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;had eight assists.With 24 digs against Butler, freshman libero&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;moved into second place on the Blue Dragon freshman digs list and third on the overall single-season digs list with 625 digs. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/williamson_mckenzye_wur2">McKenzye Williamson</a>&nbsp;posted a career-high 20 digs.After hitting a negative-.231 in the second set, things looked bleak for the Blue Dragons. The situation looked even worse after the Grizzlies led 16-10 in the third set. But a Follmer kill to the deep left corner started the comeback.The Dragons went on a 5-1 run to get back into the set. Another Follmer kill tied the set at 21. Then tied at 23, Follmer's seventh kill of the set got the Dragons to set point and Proctor terminated to win the set 25-23.The Blue Dragons hit .316 in the fourth set, getting five kills from Proctor on .455 hitting in the set. Neither team had larger than a two-point lead in the set until Proctor's kill gave the Dragons a 24-21 lead. Butler had an attack error on set point and the Dragons forced a fifth set with a 25-21 victory.The Dragons took an early 4-2 lead in the fifth on a Butler attack error and the Grizzlies took an early timeout. A Proctor kill then gave the Dragons a 5-2 lead. Butler rallied to tie the set at 7-7, but Villanueva's kill gave the Dragons an 8-7 lead at the crossover.The Dragons took a 10-8 lead on a Villanueva kill down the line. The lead grew to 11-8 after a Grizzly attack error. Butler again tied the set at 11-11 and 12-12, but Proctor tooled the block for a kill and a 13-12 lead. Tied at 13 after a Dragon service error, Galliher terminated into the deep corner to get the Dragons to match point, then Proctor's fourth kill of the fifth set sealed the Blue Dragon comeback, winning the final set 15-13.

🏐 HutchCC stuns Butler with reverse sweep in Region VI opener

The No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team advanced to the Region 6 Tournament championship game for the second-straight season after grinding out another defensive battle with KJCCC rival Butler on Wednesday night.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/van_fleet_isabell_qmz7">Isabell Van Fleet</a>&nbsp;scored in the 28th minute in Hutchinson's Region 6 semifinal matchup with the third-seeded Grizzlies at the Salthawk Soccer Complex and the second-seeded Blue Dragons made it stand up for a 1-0 victory.

Hutchinson (13-2-4) advances to meet top-seed and seventh-ranked Cowley in the Region 6 championship game at 2 p.m. Saturday at the KCK Soccer Complex in Kansas City, Kansas. This will be the Blue Dragons' eighth appearance in the Region 6 Tournament championship game.

As expected, the game was a defensive battle, especially in the middle third of the field, and quality scoring chances were at a premium.

The Dragons broke the scoreless deadlock in the 28th minute.

After taking a short throw-in, freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/tamaki_olivia_seh8">Olivia Tamaki</a>&nbsp;placed a perfect long pass up-field and hit Van Fleet in stride. Van Fleet dribbled about 20 yards and drew out Butler goalkeeper Millie Robshaw-Charlesworth to fire a low shot to her left into a open goal for a 1-0 Hutchinson lead with 27:28 remaining in the first half.

The goal was Van Fleet's eighth of the season and first in eight games. Tamaki registered her team-high 13th assist.

Butler never threatened the Dragon goal over the remainder of the half. Blue Dragon goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/carvell_evie_w1nf">Evie Carvell</a>&nbsp;(10-2-4) made only one save on a long free kick in the first half and Hutchinson took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The Grizzlies dominated possession of the ball in the second half. The only scoring chance for the Dragons in the final half was an Isabel Puccinelli shot from 12 yards out that was saved by Robshaw-Charlesworth.

Carvell had to make two strong saves in the second half and then the Dragons survived a wild scramble right in front of the goal with 70 seconds remaining. Butler's Amiya Hamilton-Thompson drove the ball into the penalty box, got past Carvell and flicked a shot off the right post. The ball rolled right to the foot of London Ingram, but she was challenged by Blue Dragon midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/sales_beatrice_oar1">Beatrice Sales</a>&nbsp;and pushed her shot wide left with 1:05 remaining in the second half.

The Blue Dragons outshot Butler 16-9. Carvell had three saves, while Robshaw-Charlesworth made eight saves.

Hutchinson is now 4-1 in 1-0 games this season and 22-16 in 1-0 games in program history. The Blue Dragons are now 7-6 all-time in 1-0 games played in the Region 6 Tournament.

This was the 13th Region 6 Tournament matchup between Hutchinson and Butler in 21 seasons with all 13 games either a Region 6 semifinal or championship-game matchup. The Dragons are now 6-7 in those matches, including two-straight wins over the Grizzlies.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 27-17 all-time in the Region 6 Tournament. … The Dragons are 8-8 all-time in the semifinal round. … The Dragons are now 13-16-4 all-time against Butler, including 5-2 in 1-0 games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762441424708.jpeg" alt="Freshman Isabell Van Fleet celebrates her goal in the 28th minute of a 1-0 Blue Dragon victory over Butler in the semifinals of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Freshman Isabell Van Fleet celebrates her goal in the 28th minute of a 1-0 Blue Dragon victory over Butler in the semifinals of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team advanced to the Region 6 Tournament championship game for the second-straight season after grinding out another defensive battle with KJCCC rival Butler on Wednesday night.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/van_fleet_isabell_qmz7">Isabell Van Fleet</a>&nbsp;scored in the 28th minute in Hutchinson's Region 6 semifinal matchup with the third-seeded Grizzlies at the Salthawk Soccer Complex and the second-seeded Blue Dragons made it stand up for a 1-0 victory.Hutchinson (13-2-4) advances to meet top-seed and seventh-ranked Cowley in the Region 6 championship game at 2 p.m. Saturday at the KCK Soccer Complex in Kansas City, Kansas. This will be the Blue Dragons' eighth appearance in the Region 6 Tournament championship game.As expected, the game was a defensive battle, especially in the middle third of the field, and quality scoring chances were at a premium.The Dragons broke the scoreless deadlock in the 28th minute.After taking a short throw-in, freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/tamaki_olivia_seh8">Olivia Tamaki</a>&nbsp;placed a perfect long pass up-field and hit Van Fleet in stride. Van Fleet dribbled about 20 yards and drew out Butler goalkeeper Millie Robshaw-Charlesworth to fire a low shot to her left into a open goal for a 1-0 Hutchinson lead with 27:28 remaining in the first half.The goal was Van Fleet's eighth of the season and first in eight games. Tamaki registered her team-high 13th assist.Butler never threatened the Dragon goal over the remainder of the half. Blue Dragon goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/carvell_evie_w1nf">Evie Carvell</a>&nbsp;(10-2-4) made only one save on a long free kick in the first half and Hutchinson took a 1-0 lead into halftime.The Grizzlies dominated possession of the ball in the second half. The only scoring chance for the Dragons in the final half was an Isabel Puccinelli shot from 12 yards out that was saved by Robshaw-Charlesworth.Carvell had to make two strong saves in the second half and then the Dragons survived a wild scramble right in front of the goal with 70 seconds remaining. Butler's Amiya Hamilton-Thompson drove the ball into the penalty box, got past Carvell and flicked a shot off the right post. The ball rolled right to the foot of London Ingram, but she was challenged by Blue Dragon midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/sales_beatrice_oar1">Beatrice Sales</a>&nbsp;and pushed her shot wide left with 1:05 remaining in the second half.The Blue Dragons outshot Butler 16-9. Carvell had three saves, while Robshaw-Charlesworth made eight saves.Hutchinson is now 4-1 in 1-0 games this season and 22-16 in 1-0 games in program history. The Blue Dragons are now 7-6 all-time in 1-0 games played in the Region 6 Tournament.This was the 13th Region 6 Tournament matchup between Hutchinson and Butler in 21 seasons with all 13 games either a Region 6 semifinal or championship-game matchup. The Dragons are now 6-7 in those matches, including two-straight wins over the Grizzlies.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 27-17 all-time in the Region 6 Tournament. … The Dragons are 8-8 all-time in the semifinal round. … The Dragons are now 13-16-4 all-time against Butler, including 5-2 in 1-0 games.

⚽ Dragons advance to Region VI finals after heartstopping semifinal win

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced that they have exercised their 2026 option with Main Street Sports Group, the owner of FanDuel Sports Network.

During the 2026 season, Royals broadcasts will remain available across FanDuel Sports Network’s ubiquitous access model, including cable, satellite and vMVPD packages, TV Everywhere (TVE) streaming and the network’s direct-to-consumer app, available on iOS, Android, smart TVs, connected devices and Amazon Prime Video.

“There is nothing more important to us than connecting with and making our games available to our great fans,” said Royals Chairman/CEO&nbsp;John Sherman. “Our viewership is growing and continues to rank among the best in baseball both through linear cable and streaming, and we look forward to continuing that strong momentum through our ownership group’s investment and the exciting team&nbsp;J.J. Picollo&nbsp;and his staff are building.”

Royals games this season ranked No. 1 in primetime in the Kansas City area and top 10 in Major League Baseball in household rating. Total average minute audience, total unique streamers and total minutes streamed were all up double digits.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Royals,” said&nbsp;Sarah Tourville, Executive Vice President, Team Partnerships, FanDuel Sports Network. “Our multi-platform strategy drove strong viewership growth last season, and we look forward to working together to expand their audience reach and drive fan engagement.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757384001940.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals today announced that they have exercised their 2026 option with Main Street Sports Group, the owner of FanDuel Sports Network.During the 2026 season, Royals broadcasts will remain available across FanDuel Sports Network’s ubiquitous access model, including cable, satellite and vMVPD packages, TV Everywhere (TVE) streaming and the network’s direct-to-consumer app, available on iOS, Android, smart TVs, connected devices and Amazon Prime Video.“There is nothing more important to us than connecting with and making our games available to our great fans,” said Royals Chairman/CEO&nbsp;John Sherman. “Our viewership is growing and continues to rank among the best in baseball both through linear cable and streaming, and we look forward to continuing that strong momentum through our ownership group’s investment and the exciting team&nbsp;J.J. Picollo&nbsp;and his staff are building.”Royals games this season ranked No. 1 in primetime in the Kansas City area and top 10 in Major League Baseball in household rating. Total average minute audience, total unique streamers and total minutes streamed were all up double digits.“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Royals,” said&nbsp;Sarah Tourville, Executive Vice President, Team Partnerships, FanDuel Sports Network. “Our multi-platform strategy drove strong viewership growth last season, and we look forward to working together to expand their audience reach and drive fan engagement.”&nbsp;

⚾ Royals exercise 2026 option with FanDuel Sports Network

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Royals today announced their 32-game exhibition schedule for 2026. Game times will be announced at a later date.

The Royals will begin their 24th season in the Cactus League on Friday, Feb. 20 as the road team vs. the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Kansas City’s schedule features 15 home games at Surprise Stadium, plus 2 games as the visiting team vs. the Rangers on Feb. 20 and March 18.

The Royals will play 32 games in 33 days next spring, including 29 Cactus League games. The other 3 games include an exhibition vs. Team Cuba on Tuesday, March 3 at Surprise Stadium, plus 2 games vs. the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24, after the conclusion of Cactus League play.

The Royals are scheduled for two off days in Arizona, on Wednesday, March 4 and Monday, March 16. Their final Cactus League game is scheduled for Saturday, March 21 vs. Colorado, after which they’ll have an off day on Sunday, March 22, before their games in Arlington, Texas.

There are two split-squad dates, on which the Royals will field a pair of teams and play 2 games, on Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 19.

The Royals will play their neighbors in Surprise, the Texas Rangers, five times in total, including 2 games as the home team. They will play every other Cactus League team twice, including 1 home game and 1 road game.

The Royals will play their regular season opener on Thursday, March 26 at Truist Park vs. the Atlanta Braves. Their home opener will be on Monday, March 30 vs. the Minnesota Twins.

In addition to their 32 exhibition games, the Royals will play a Spring Breakout Game on Friday, March 20 at Surprise Stadium vs. the Rangers, in which both organizations will field a team of minor league prospects.

A complete Spring Training schedule is attached. Games are subject to change.

Group and season ticket packages for the 2026 Spring Training season will go on sale starting Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. MST.

Individual game tickets for Spring Training at Surprise Stadium will go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. MST online at&nbsp;[surprisestadium.com]SurpriseStadium.com. Information regarding game times and promotional events will be announced later.

For Spring Training questions or information, please go to&nbsp;[surprisestadium.com]SurpriseStadium.com&nbsp;or call 623.222.2222.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743014601169.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. hits a solo hime run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr. hits a solo hime run during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Royals today announced their 32-game exhibition schedule for 2026. Game times will be announced at a later date.The Royals will begin their 24th season in the Cactus League on Friday, Feb. 20 as the road team vs. the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Kansas City’s schedule features 15 home games at Surprise Stadium, plus 2 games as the visiting team vs. the Rangers on Feb. 20 and March 18.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our Spring Training schedule is set. 🌵 See you in Surprise! <a href="https://t.co/5aADZOtLSp">pic.twitter.com/5aADZOtLSp</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1986132203512668625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Royals will play 32 games in 33 days next spring, including 29 Cactus League games. The other 3 games include an exhibition vs. Team Cuba on Tuesday, March 3 at Surprise Stadium, plus 2 games vs. the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24, after the conclusion of Cactus League play.The Royals are scheduled for two off days in Arizona, on Wednesday, March 4 and Monday, March 16. Their final Cactus League game is scheduled for Saturday, March 21 vs. Colorado, after which they’ll have an off day on Sunday, March 22, before their games in Arlington, Texas.There are two split-squad dates, on which the Royals will field a pair of teams and play 2 games, on Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 19.The Royals will play their neighbors in Surprise, the Texas Rangers, five times in total, including 2 games as the home team. They will play every other Cactus League team twice, including 1 home game and 1 road game.The Royals will play their regular season opener on Thursday, March 26 at Truist Park vs. the Atlanta Braves. Their home opener will be on Monday, March 30 vs. the Minnesota Twins.In addition to their 32 exhibition games, the Royals will play a Spring Breakout Game on Friday, March 20 at Surprise Stadium vs. the Rangers, in which both organizations will field a team of minor league prospects.A complete Spring Training schedule is attached. Games are subject to change.Group and season ticket packages for the 2026 Spring Training season will go on sale starting Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. MST.Individual game tickets for Spring Training at Surprise Stadium will go on sale Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. MST online at&nbsp;[surprisestadium.com]SurpriseStadium.com. Information regarding game times and promotional events will be announced later.For Spring Training questions or information, please go to&nbsp;[surprisestadium.com]SurpriseStadium.com&nbsp;or call 623.222.2222.

⚾ Royals announce 2026 Spring Training schedule

WICHITA, Kan. — The National Baseball Congress (NBC) is proud to announce the inductees for the 2026 class of the NBC Hall of Fame. This year's honorees include players, coaches, and contributors who have impacted the NBC World Series and the game of baseball. Garrett Breda, Hilton Smith, and Mark Standiford will be inducted into the NBC Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Thursday, January 29th at B-29 Doc Hangar, Education &amp; Visitors Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Known as "The Captain" during his time with the Seattle Cheney Studs, Breda is one of the most accomplished position players in NBC World Series history during the modern wood bat era. Playing for the Seattle Studs from 2007 to 2018, he appeared in 11 NBC tournaments. Breda was a two-time NBC World Series Champion with the Studs, winning titles in 2013 against Wellington Heat and 2015 against Haysville Aviators, while also making championship game appearances in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014. His career statistics with the Studs included 447 games played, 317 hits, 10 home runs, 185 RBIs, and a .250 batting average. Breda also holds the NBC record for most sacrifice bunts with 11 and is tied for most runners caught stealing in a tournament with seven. His contributions to the Studs were honored when the team retired his number #2 in 2018, recognizing his leadership and dedication to one of the NBC's most successful franchises.

One of the greatest pitchers in Negro League history, Smith competed in the NBC World Series with the Bismarck Churchills in 1935 and 1936. In 1935, Smith appeared in two games in right field as Bismarck won the NBC championship. The following year, he dominated the tournament, appearing in all seven of Bismarck's games—four as a pitcher, two in right field, and one as a pinch hitter. His 1936 NBCWS pitching performance was remarkable: 4-0 record, three complete games, 30.1 innings pitched, just 3 runs allowed, and 25 strikeouts. He was equally impressive at the plate, hitting a combined .313 between the two tournaments. Smith went on to become a legendary Negro League star with the Kansas City Monarchs, where he pitched a no-hitter, was named to six consecutive Negro League all-star teams, and posted a remarkable 93-11 record from 1939 to 1942. Known for his six quality pitches and multiple arm angles, Smith played in the shadow of Satchel Paige but was equally talented. He famously recommended Jackie Robinson to the Monarchs' owner after seeing him play during a barnstorming tour. When the Dodgers signed Robinson in 1947, they tried to land Hilton, too. At 40 years old, he no longer had his best stuff. After retiring from baseball, he became a scout for the Chicago Cubs. In his mid-70s, Smith wrote to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown politely stating his qualifications for admission, but never received a response. He passed away in 1983, and in 2001, he was rightfully elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

A multifaceted contributor to the National Baseball Congress, Standiford has been involved with the NBC for over five decades. His connection to NBC baseball began in 1974 and 1975 as a batboy for the Kountry Tyme team during the NBC Kansas State Tournament at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, while his brother was the catcher. As a player, he competed for the Wichita Broncos in 1985, won the 1986 NBC Championship with the Anchorage Glacier-Pilots while a junior at Wichita State, scoring two runs in the 11-8 championship victory, and played for various teams through 1996 when he both played for and sponsored the Wichita Sluggers alumni team. Standiford then transitioned to management, leading the Wichita Braves and Wichita Sluggers to multiple tournament appearances. In 2003, he became the only manager to manage two teams in the same NBC World Series—the Wichita Sluggers and Wichita Braves. As a player at Wichita State University, Standiford was called "the most prolific power hitter in Shocker baseball history," still holding the career home run record (69) and single-season home run record (28). He has since been inducted into the Wichita State Shocker Sports Hall of Fame, the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame. For the past 17 seasons, Standiford has served as head coach at Tabor College, where he has led the Bluejays to the NAIA World Series in 2014 and 2015, five KCAC regular-season titles, and a remarkable 642-290-1 (.688) record. Under his leadership, 144 players have received All-KCAC awards, 14 have been named NAIA All-Americans, and 18 have played professionally, including 2021 World Series champion Jacob Webb of the Atlanta Braves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753332195549.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>National Baseball CongressWICHITA, Kan. — The National Baseball Congress (NBC) is proud to announce the inductees for the 2026 class of the NBC Hall of Fame. This year's honorees include players, coaches, and contributors who have impacted the NBC World Series and the game of baseball. Garrett Breda, Hilton Smith, and Mark Standiford will be inducted into the NBC Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Thursday, January 29th at B-29 Doc Hangar, Education &amp; Visitors Center in Wichita, Kansas.2026 NBC Hall of Fame inductees:<h2>Garrett Breda</h2>Known as "The Captain" during his time with the Seattle Cheney Studs, Breda is one of the most accomplished position players in NBC World Series history during the modern wood bat era. Playing for the Seattle Studs from 2007 to 2018, he appeared in 11 NBC tournaments. Breda was a two-time NBC World Series Champion with the Studs, winning titles in 2013 against Wellington Heat and 2015 against Haysville Aviators, while also making championship game appearances in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014. His career statistics with the Studs included 447 games played, 317 hits, 10 home runs, 185 RBIs, and a .250 batting average. Breda also holds the NBC record for most sacrifice bunts with 11 and is tied for most runners caught stealing in a tournament with seven. His contributions to the Studs were honored when the team retired his number #2 in 2018, recognizing his leadership and dedication to one of the NBC's most successful franchises.<h2>Hilton Smith</h2>One of the greatest pitchers in Negro League history, Smith competed in the NBC World Series with the Bismarck Churchills in 1935 and 1936. In 1935, Smith appeared in two games in right field as Bismarck won the NBC championship. The following year, he dominated the tournament, appearing in all seven of Bismarck's games—four as a pitcher, two in right field, and one as a pinch hitter. His 1936 NBCWS pitching performance was remarkable: 4-0 record, three complete games, 30.1 innings pitched, just 3 runs allowed, and 25 strikeouts. He was equally impressive at the plate, hitting a combined .313 between the two tournaments. Smith went on to become a legendary Negro League star with the Kansas City Monarchs, where he pitched a no-hitter, was named to six consecutive Negro League all-star teams, and posted a remarkable 93-11 record from 1939 to 1942. Known for his six quality pitches and multiple arm angles, Smith played in the shadow of Satchel Paige but was equally talented. He famously recommended Jackie Robinson to the Monarchs' owner after seeing him play during a barnstorming tour. When the Dodgers signed Robinson in 1947, they tried to land Hilton, too. At 40 years old, he no longer had his best stuff. After retiring from baseball, he became a scout for the Chicago Cubs. In his mid-70s, Smith wrote to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown politely stating his qualifications for admission, but never received a response. He passed away in 1983, and in 2001, he was rightfully elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.<h2>Mark Standiford</h2>A multifaceted contributor to the National Baseball Congress, Standiford has been involved with the NBC for over five decades. His connection to NBC baseball began in 1974 and 1975 as a batboy for the Kountry Tyme team during the NBC Kansas State Tournament at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, while his brother was the catcher. As a player, he competed for the Wichita Broncos in 1985, won the 1986 NBC Championship with the Anchorage Glacier-Pilots while a junior at Wichita State, scoring two runs in the 11-8 championship victory, and played for various teams through 1996 when he both played for and sponsored the Wichita Sluggers alumni team. Standiford then transitioned to management, leading the Wichita Braves and Wichita Sluggers to multiple tournament appearances. In 2003, he became the only manager to manage two teams in the same NBC World Series—the Wichita Sluggers and Wichita Braves. As a player at Wichita State University, Standiford was called "the most prolific power hitter in Shocker baseball history," still holding the career home run record (69) and single-season home run record (28). He has since been inducted into the Wichita State Shocker Sports Hall of Fame, the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame. For the past 17 seasons, Standiford has served as head coach at Tabor College, where he has led the Bluejays to the NAIA World Series in 2014 and 2015, five KCAC regular-season titles, and a remarkable 642-290-1 (.688) record. Under his leadership, 144 players have received All-KCAC awards, 14 have been named NAIA All-Americans, and 18 have played professionally, including 2021 World Series champion Jacob Webb of the Atlanta Braves.

⚾ National Baseball Congress announces 2026 HOF class

The No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team bids for its second-straight berth in the Region 6 Tournament championship game on Wednesday with a semifinal matchup against a very familiar foe.

The No. 2-seed Blue Dragons (12-2-4) will play host to the third-seeded Butler Grizzlies (10-6-5) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. The game will be streamed exclusively on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.

The Blue Dragons and Grizzlies meet for the third time this season after batting to a pair of draws in the regular season.

The teams tied 1-1 on September 24 at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex in El Dorado. Hutchinson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/van_fleet_isabell_qmz7">Isabell Van Fleet</a>&nbsp;and Butler's Danya Karabanko were the goal scorers in that game. Then on October 18 at the Salthawk Soccer Complex, the decision was a 1-1 draw with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/puccinelli_isabela_fmo3">Isabela Puccinelli</a>&nbsp;scoring for the Dragons and Isabel Sandoval scoring for the Grizzlies.

This will be the second-straight season the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies meet in the Region 6 semifinals. Hutchinson earned a 2-1 victory at El Dorado last season to advance to the championship match for the seventh time in program history.

Wednesday's game will be the 13th all-time postseason battle between Hutchinson and Butler. The Blue Dragons won the first five all-time meetings, but the Grizzlies answered with seven-straight postseason wins. That streak was snapped by last year's semifinal victory by the Blue Dragons.

The Hutchinson-Butler winner will play the Cowley-Barton winner at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the KCK Soccer Field in Kansas City, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762353419871.jpeg" alt="Freshman Poppy Smith and the No. 19-ranked Blue Dragons play host to Butler in the semifinal round of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Freshman Poppy Smith and the No. 19-ranked Blue Dragons play host to Butler in the semifinal round of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 19-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team bids for its second-straight berth in the Region 6 Tournament championship game on Wednesday with a semifinal matchup against a very familiar foe.The No. 2-seed Blue Dragons (12-2-4) will play host to the third-seeded Butler Grizzlies (10-6-5) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. The game will be streamed exclusively on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S SOCCER No. 2 Hutchinson (12-2-4) vs. No. 3 Butler (10-6-5) Region 6 Tournament Semifinals When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Where: Salthawk Soccer Complex, Hutchinson Time: 6:00 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=3021695">Blue Dragon Sports Network</a> <a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=3021695">X</a>: @bluedragonsport</div>The Blue Dragons and Grizzlies meet for the third time this season after batting to a pair of draws in the regular season.The teams tied 1-1 on September 24 at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex in El Dorado. Hutchinson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/van_fleet_isabell_qmz7">Isabell Van Fleet</a>&nbsp;and Butler's Danya Karabanko were the goal scorers in that game. Then on October 18 at the Salthawk Soccer Complex, the decision was a 1-1 draw with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2025-26/bios/puccinelli_isabela_fmo3">Isabela Puccinelli</a>&nbsp;scoring for the Dragons and Isabel Sandoval scoring for the Grizzlies.This will be the second-straight season the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies meet in the Region 6 semifinals. Hutchinson earned a 2-1 victory at El Dorado last season to advance to the championship match for the seventh time in program history.Wednesday's game will be the 13th all-time postseason battle between Hutchinson and Butler. The Blue Dragons won the first five all-time meetings, but the Grizzlies answered with seven-straight postseason wins. That streak was snapped by last year's semifinal victory by the Blue Dragons.The Hutchinson-Butler winner will play the Cowley-Barton winner at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the KCK Soccer Field in Kansas City, KS<div>2025 REGION 6 WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT Opening Round &ndash; October 31-November 2 No. 3 Butler 3, No. 6 Seward County 0 No. 2 Hutchinson 1, No. 7 Dodge City 0 (OT) No. 1 Cowley 3, No. 8 Coffeyville 0 No. 4 Barton 1, No. 5 Garden City 0
Semifinals &ndash; Wednesday, November 5 No. 4 Barton (12-7-2) at No. 1 Cowley (12-0-4), 5 p.m. No. 3 Butler (10-6-5) at No. 2 Hutchinson (12-2-4), 6 p.m.
Championship &ndash; Saturday, November 8 KCK Soccer Field, Kansas City, KS 2 p.m &ndash; Semifinal winners</div>

⚽ HutchCC hosts Butler in Region VI semifinals Wednesday

The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team earned the No. 6 seed for the 2025 Region 6 Tournament, which opens Wednesday at the sites of the highest four seeds.

The sixth-seeded Blue Dragons (14-17) will travel to No 3-seed Butler (20-11) in the opening round at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Power Plant in El Dorado.

This will be the second time in five days the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies will play each other. Hutchinson dropped a five-set battle on Saturday, falling 18-16 in the fifth set.

Both matches played this season have gone five sets. Hutchinson as dropped four-straight matches to the Grizzlies.

Wednesday's matchup is the first postseason meeting between Hutchinson and Butler since the 2022 semifinals, won by Butler in four sets. Hutchinson's last postseason win over the Grizzlies came in 2019, a four-set win in the opening round.

The Hutchinson-Butler winner will play the No. 2 Colby/No. 7 Seward County winner at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the second Region 6 Tournament semifinals at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762353327974.jpeg" alt="Mattie Galliher and the Blue Dragon Volleyball team play at Butler at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the opening round of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament." />
 <figcaption>Mattie Galliher and the Blue Dragon Volleyball team play at Butler at 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the opening round of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College volleyball team earned the No. 6 seed for the 2025 Region 6 Tournament, which opens Wednesday at the sites of the highest four seeds.The sixth-seeded Blue Dragons (14-17) will travel to No 3-seed Butler (20-11) in the opening round at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Power Plant in El Dorado.<div>BLUE DRAGON VOLLEYBALL No. 6 Hutchinson (14-17) at No. 3 Butler (20-11) Region 6 Tournament Quarterfinals When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Where: Power Plant, El Dorado Time: 6:00 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.butlergrizzlies.com/WatchLive/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Butler Creative TV</a> <a href="https://www.butlergrizzlies.com/WatchLive/index" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X</a>: @bluedragonsport</div>This will be the second time in five days the Blue Dragons and Grizzlies will play each other. Hutchinson dropped a five-set battle on Saturday, falling 18-16 in the fifth set.Both matches played this season have gone five sets. Hutchinson as dropped four-straight matches to the Grizzlies.Wednesday's matchup is the first postseason meeting between Hutchinson and Butler since the 2022 semifinals, won by Butler in four sets. Hutchinson's last postseason win over the Grizzlies came in 2019, a four-set win in the opening round.The Hutchinson-Butler winner will play the No. 2 Colby/No. 7 Seward County winner at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the second Region 6 Tournament semifinals at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays.<div>REGION 6 VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Opening Round &ndash; Wednesday, November 5, 2025 No. 6 Hutchinson (14-17) at No. 3 Butler (20-11), 6 p.m. No. 7 Seward County (9-18) at No. 2 Colby (22-6), 6:30 p.m. No. 8 Pratt (12-24) at No. 1 Barton (28-5), 6:30 p.m. No. 5 Garden City (12-13) at No. 4 Dodge City (15-13), 6:30 p.m.
Semifinals &ndash; Saturday, November 8, 2025 Gross Memorial Coliseum, Hays 5:00 p.m. &ndash; Barton/Pratt winner vs. Dodge City/Garden City winner 7:30 p.m. &ndash; Hutchinson/Butler winner vs. Seward/Colby winner
Championship &ndash; Sunday, November 9, 2025 Gross Memorial Coliseum, Hays 2:00 p.m. &ndash; Semifinal winners</div>

🏐 Dragons to meet Grizzlies in postseason opener

🎧🏀 HutchCC, WSU and K-State men all win; 🏈🏀 Blue Dragons earn KJCCC weekly honors

Posting back-to-back double-doubles on opening weekend, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;was named the Jayhawk Conference Division I men's basketball Player of the Week on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-9 forward from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, exploded in two games at the State Fair Classic last weekend in Sedalia, Missouri, leading the Blue Dragons to two impressive victories.

On Friday against Classic host State Fair, Cannon had 22 points and a career-high 14 rebounds in a 78-71 victory over the Roadrunners.

He then hit a career-high five 3-pointers in a 29-point, 14-rebound game in a 94-64 win over NEO on Saturday. Cannon added five assists, also a career best in the victory over the Golden Norse.

For the week, Cannon averaged 25.5 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. Cannon shot 57.1 percent from the floor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762353276903.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Bobby Cannon was named the KJCCC Division I Men's Basketball Player of the Week. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Bobby Cannon was named the KJCCC Division I Men's Basketball Player of the Week. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationPosting back-to-back double-doubles on opening weekend, Hutchinson Community College sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;was named the Jayhawk Conference Division I men's basketball Player of the Week on Tuesday.The 6-foot-9 forward from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, exploded in two games at the State Fair Classic last weekend in Sedalia, Missouri, leading the Blue Dragons to two impressive victories.On Friday against Classic host State Fair, Cannon had 22 points and a career-high 14 rebounds in a 78-71 victory over the Roadrunners.He then hit a career-high five 3-pointers in a 29-point, 14-rebound game in a 94-64 win over NEO on Saturday. Cannon added five assists, also a career best in the victory over the Golden Norse.For the week, Cannon averaged 25.5 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. Cannon shot 57.1 percent from the floor.

🏀 Cannon named KJCCC DI Player of the Week

Defensive back M.J. Graham and defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/manns_jeffrey_uxl0">Jeffrey Manns</a>&nbsp;both made game-changing plays in the No. 1 Hutchinson Community College football team's 27-12 win over No. 9 Butler on Saturday in El Dorado.

Those performances netted Graham Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors and Manns Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Graham and Manns are the 10th and 11th Blue Dragon players to earn conference weekly honors this season.

Graham had a huge game, including two interceptions in a 27-12 victory for the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons over No. 9 Butler.

Graham had six total tackles, including an 8-yard tackle for loss.

But his two interceptions were key plays in the game. One came in the third quarter and the second happened with 12:37 left in the fourth quarter.

Graham now has a team-high six interceptions for the season.

Graham joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;and D.J. Jester as Blue Dragons who have been named KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week.

Manns perhaps made the momentum-changing play against Butler on Saturday.

Manns blocked his third kick of the season, which came on an extra-point attempt that kept the game tied.

Butler tied the game at 6-6 late in the second quarter, but the extra-point try was backed up 15 yards because of a penalty. Manns blocked that extra point to keep the game tied.

The Blue Dragons took the ensuing kickoff and scored with 2 seconds left before halftime. After Manns' block, the Dragons reeled off 21 unanswered points to put the game away and earn their fourth win over a Top-10 opponent.

Manns joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;as KJCCC Players of the Week this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762353126823.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon sophomore defensive back M.J. Harrell (5) was named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week and Jeffrey Manns (97) was named the KJCCC Special Teams Player of the Week." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon sophomore defensive back M.J. Harrell (5) was named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week and Jeffrey Manns (97) was named the KJCCC Special Teams Player of the Week.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationDefensive back M.J. Graham and defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/manns_jeffrey_uxl0">Jeffrey Manns</a>&nbsp;both made game-changing plays in the No. 1 Hutchinson Community College football team's 27-12 win over No. 9 Butler on Saturday in El Dorado.Those performances netted Graham Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors and Manns Special Teams Player of the Week honors.Graham and Manns are the 10th and 11th Blue Dragon players to earn conference weekly honors this season.<h2>M.J. GRAHAM - Defense</h2>Graham had a huge game, including two interceptions in a 27-12 victory for the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons over No. 9 Butler.Graham had six total tackles, including an 8-yard tackle for loss.But his two interceptions were key plays in the game. One came in the third quarter and the second happened with 12:37 left in the fourth quarter.Graham now has a team-high six interceptions for the season.Graham joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;and D.J. Jester as Blue Dragons who have been named KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week.<h2>JEFFREY MANNS – Special Teams</h2>Manns perhaps made the momentum-changing play against Butler on Saturday.Manns blocked his third kick of the season, which came on an extra-point attempt that kept the game tied.Butler tied the game at 6-6 late in the second quarter, but the extra-point try was backed up 15 yards because of a penalty. Manns blocked that extra point to keep the game tied.The Blue Dragons took the ensuing kickoff and scored with 2 seconds left before halftime. After Manns' block, the Dragons reeled off 21 unanswered points to put the game away and earn their fourth win over a Top-10 opponent.Manns joins&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;as KJCCC Players of the Week this season.<div>BLUE DRAGON KJCCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Week 3 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 4 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/salley_jr._derrick_8ftn">Derrick Salley Jr.</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 4 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/haines_teegan_n109">Teegan Haines</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Defense Week 5 &ndash; Derrick Salley Jr &ndash; Offense Week 5 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/wiley_darius_xg0z">Darius Wiley</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Defense Week 7 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/johnson_christian_b2h0">Christian Johnson</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Offense Week 7 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Special Teams Week 8 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2025-26/bios/gouldsby_kordell_rb8n">Kordell Gouldsby</a>&nbsp;&ndash; Special Teams Week 9 &ndash; D.J. Jester &ndash; Defense Week 10 &ndash; M.J. Graham &ndash; Defense Week 10 &ndash; Jeffrey Mays &ndash; Special Teams</div>

🏈 HutchCC's Graham, Manns II earn KJCCC weekly honors

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/boxscores/20251104_ms8a.xml">CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team remained unbeaten, cruising past Metropolitan Community College 102-73 on Tuesday night at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons improved to 3-0, while the Wolves dropped to 1-1.

Hutchinson shot a blistering 61.7% from the field and assisted on 29 of its 37 made baskets, using a balanced offensive attack to overpower Metropolitan. The Blue Dragons led 45-30 at halftime and outscored the Wolves 57-43 in the second half.

Bobby Cannon led Hutchinson with 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting, adding six rebounds. Cannon has now scored 20 or more points in all three games. Kyrell Shaw followed with 18 points and five assists, while freshman forward Jonathan Ogunfuye provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds. Lolo Rudolph directed the offense with nine assists and nine points, committing just three turnovers.

Hutchinson’s bench contributed 47 points, with Chudier Dorar adding 13 points, five rebounds and six blocks.

The Blue Dragons shot 9 of 23 from behind the arc and 19 of 28 at the free-throw line.

Metropolitan was led by forward Devonte Watson, who scored a game-high 24 points but shot just 7 of 28 from the field. He also added five assists and four rebounds. Ryheem Tyus posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Ivan Ramos came off the bench for 11 points.

The Wolves were limited to 35.3% shooting from the field and committed 15 turnovers. Hutchinson capitalized with 29 assists and nine steals, pushing the pace throughout.

The Blue Dragons will host the BSN Sports Tipoff Classic on Friday and Saturday in the Arena. HutchCC will play Southwestern Christian College on Friday and Lamar on Saturday, with both games tipping off at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762314230538.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/boxscores/20251104_ms8a.xml">CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team remained unbeaten, cruising past Metropolitan Community College 102-73 on Tuesday night at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons improved to 3-0, while the Wolves dropped to 1-1.Hutchinson shot a blistering 61.7% from the field and assisted on 29 of its 37 made baskets, using a balanced offensive attack to overpower Metropolitan. The Blue Dragons led 45-30 at halftime and outscored the Wolves 57-43 in the second half.Bobby Cannon led Hutchinson with 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting, adding six rebounds. Cannon has now scored 20 or more points in all three games. Kyrell Shaw followed with 18 points and five assists, while freshman forward Jonathan Ogunfuye provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds. Lolo Rudolph directed the offense with nine assists and nine points, committing just three turnovers.Hutchinson’s bench contributed 47 points, with Chudier Dorar adding 13 points, five rebounds and six blocks.The Blue Dragons shot 9 of 23 from behind the arc and 19 of 28 at the free-throw line.Metropolitan was led by forward Devonte Watson, who scored a game-high 24 points but shot just 7 of 28 from the field. He also added five assists and four rebounds. Ryheem Tyus posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Ivan Ramos came off the bench for 11 points.The Wolves were limited to 35.3% shooting from the field and committed 15 turnovers. Hutchinson capitalized with 29 assists and nine steals, pushing the pace throughout.The Blue Dragons will host the BSN Sports Tipoff Classic on Friday and Saturday in the Arena. HutchCC will play Southwestern Christian College on Friday and Lamar on Saturday, with both games tipping off at 7:30 p.m.

🏀 Cannon, Shaw power HutchCC men to dominant win over Metropolitan

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 27 points, Nate Johnson had 22 points and just missed a triple-double as Kansas State rolled to a 93-64 victory over UNC Greensboro on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.

Haggerty shot 10 of 20 from the field and Johnson was 8-of-11 shooting and grabbed a nine rebounds to go with nine assists. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored all 16 of his points in the second half for K-State, which finished shooting 34 of 67 (51%) from the floor and 14 of 27 (52%) from long range.

Justin Neely had 15 points, nine rebounds, fives assists and three steals to lead UNC Greensboro. Lilian Marville added 14 points.

The Spartans built a 26-18 advantage with about six minutes left in the first half and led 34-33 at the break.

It was tied 40-all early in the second half before K-State pulled away on a 25-5 run, capped by a Johnson 3-pointer, and led 70-45 with 9:39 to play. The Wildcats were 3-of-10 shooting from 3-point range in the first half but 11 of 17 in the second.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762313383073.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 27 points, Nate Johnson had 22 points and just missed a triple-double as Kansas State rolled to a 93-64 victory over UNC Greensboro on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.Haggerty shot 10 of 20 from the field and Johnson was 8-of-11 shooting and grabbed a nine rebounds to go with nine assists. Abdi Bashir Jr. scored all 16 of his points in the second half for K-State, which finished shooting 34 of 67 (51%) from the floor and 14 of 27 (52%) from long range.Justin Neely had 15 points, nine rebounds, fives assists and three steals to lead UNC Greensboro. Lilian Marville added 14 points.The Spartans built a 26-18 advantage with about six minutes left in the first half and led 34-33 at the break.It was tied 40-all early in the second half before K-State pulled away on a 25-5 run, capped by a Johnson 3-pointer, and led 70-45 with 9:39 to play. The Wildcats were 3-of-10 shooting from 3-point range in the first half but 11 of 17 in the second.

🏀 Haggerty scores 27 points, Johnson adds 22 to lead K-State over UNC Greensboro

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kenyon Giles had 20 points in Wichita State’s 75-58 win against UNC Asheville on Tuesday.

Giles also had four steals for the Shockers. Karon Boyd added 11 points while shooting 5 for 9, including 1 for 3 from beyond the arc while they also had 10 rebounds. Dre Kindell shot 4 of 6 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line to finish with 11 points.

The Bulldogs were led by Toyaz Solomon, who recorded 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Daren Patrick added 13 points for UNC Asheville.

Wichita State took the lead with 1:55 left in the first half and did not trail again. It was 34-30 at the break. Wichita State outscored UNC Asheville by 13 points in the second half, and Giles scored a team-high 15 points in the second half to help secure the victory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762314936921.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kenyon Giles had 20 points in Wichita State’s 75-58 win against UNC Asheville on Tuesday.Giles also had four steals for the Shockers. Karon Boyd added 11 points while shooting 5 for 9, including 1 for 3 from beyond the arc while they also had 10 rebounds. Dre Kindell shot 4 of 6 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line to finish with 11 points.The Bulldogs were led by Toyaz Solomon, who recorded 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Daren Patrick added 13 points for UNC Asheville.Wichita State took the lead with 1:55 left in the first half and did not trail again. It was 34-30 at the break. Wichita State outscored UNC Asheville by 13 points in the second half, and Giles scored a team-high 15 points in the second half to help secure the victory.

🏀 Giles puts up 20 as Wichita State defeats UNC Asheville in season opener

(AP) —&nbsp;The closest thing resembling drama for the first big reveal of this season’s College Football Playoff rankings hinged on which undefeated team would receive top billing.

Answer: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-national-championship-ohio-state-notre-dame-1179b47b57053e9a237f98ca56ebe50d">defending champions</a>, Ohio State.

The Buckeyes took the top spot in the first set of 2025 rankings Tuesday, followed by Indiana and Texas A&amp;M.

In choosing the two Big Ten teams ahead of Texas A&amp;M, the 12-person committee appeared to give less weight to A&amp;M’s tougher schedule and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-am-notre-dame-score-003d3e1726b90d8ef7f102476142d699">its 41-40 win</a>&nbsp;over tenth-ranked Notre Dame at the beginning of the season and more to the way the Buckeyes and Hoosiers have mowed down opponents this year, with only two games between the two of them decided by less than 10 points.

“I think statistically when we looked at A&amp;M defensively, they’re just lower than both Ohio State and Indiana,” committee chair Mack Rhoades said. “We had to make a hard decision, and you’re trying to find separators, and that was a separator for us.”

Another team with no losses, BYU of the Big 12, was ranked seventh.

Nos. 4, 5 and 6 went to Southeastern Conference teams with one loss each — Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. All of the top six came from either the Big Ten or SEC -- a dose of business as usual despite a season that has been anything but predictable.

This marked the first of six weekly rankings the committee will release this season, ending Dec. 6 when the final list will set the bracket for college football’s 12-team playoff.

That tournament begins Dec. 19-20 with four games on the campus of seeds No. 5-8. The top four seeds play winners of those games over the New Year holiday and the title game is set for Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium outside Miami.

Texas Tech was ranked eighth and Oregon came in at No. 9. Rounding out the top 12 were Notre Dame — the only team in the Top 25 not from a power conference — then Texas and Oklahoma.

But if the bracket were set based on these rankings, the Longhorns and Sooners would miss out -- bumped by No. 14 Virginia of the ACC and Memphis of the American. That’s thanks to a rule that places the five best-ranked conference champions into the bracket even if they’re not in the top 12.

Memphis wasn’t among the committee’s top 25 but was still the highest ranked leader in a Group of 5 conference.

There is, of course, plenty of time for teams to make their cases, with four more weeks of the regular season, then a slate of conference title games set for the first weekend in December.

“If we go back to last year, Arizona State wasn’t even in the rankings for our first two rankings,” Rhoades said of the Sun Devils, who won the Big 12 and made the field. “Again, to everybody out there, this is the first ranking and still a lot of ball left to be played.”

The final tally in the top 12: SEC 6 teams, Big Ten 3, Big 12 2, ACC 0, with one independent.

Among those still holding out hope are teams such as 16th-ranked Vanderbilt and 17th-ranked Georgia Tech, each of whom spent time in the AP Top 10 this season thanks to upsets that turned college football upside down through September and October.

The biggest change in the setup of this year’s bracket was eliminating the first-round bye for the four best conference champions. It would mean that Virginia, instead of jumping from a No. 14 ranking to a No. 3 seed, would be seeded 11th with a road game against Mississippi.

Rhoades also spent time discussing Oregon, which was ranked sixth in the AP poll but ninth in the playoff rankings. The Ducks’ best win this year was a 20-point victory over Northwestern, while its double-overtime win at Penn State early in the season has become less impressive as last year’s semifinalists have imploded.

“When we looked at and evaluated Oregon, we really looked at the quality of the team and how they looked on film,” Rhoades said.

A look at the first-round matchups based on this set of rankings

No. 12 Memphis at No. 5 Georgia: You can almost hear SEC commissioner Greg Sankey breaking his TV wondering how an unranked team is in here over one of his.

No. 11 Virginia at No. 6 Ole Miss: Virginia’s only Top 25 meeting this season was against Florida State, which does not resemble a Top 25 team now.

No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 BYU: Two schools that mix football and religion did not meet for the first time until 1992.

No. 9 Oregon at No. 8 Texas Tech: Booster Bowl pitting teams backed by billionaires Phil Knight (Ducks) and Cody Campbell (Red Raiders).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737436647075.jpeg" alt="Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)" />
 <figcaption>Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) —&nbsp;The closest thing resembling drama for the first big reveal of this season’s College Football Playoff rankings hinged on which undefeated team would receive top billing.Answer: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cfp-national-championship-ohio-state-notre-dame-1179b47b57053e9a237f98ca56ebe50d">defending champions</a>, Ohio State.The Buckeyes took the top spot in the first set of 2025 rankings Tuesday, followed by Indiana and Texas A&amp;M.In choosing the two Big Ten teams ahead of Texas A&amp;M, the 12-person committee appeared to give less weight to A&amp;M’s tougher schedule and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-am-notre-dame-score-003d3e1726b90d8ef7f102476142d699">its 41-40 win</a>&nbsp;over tenth-ranked Notre Dame at the beginning of the season and more to the way the Buckeyes and Hoosiers have mowed down opponents this year, with only two games between the two of them decided by less than 10 points.“I think statistically when we looked at A&amp;M defensively, they’re just lower than both Ohio State and Indiana,” committee chair Mack Rhoades said. “We had to make a hard decision, and you’re trying to find separators, and that was a separator for us.”Another team with no losses, BYU of the Big 12, was ranked seventh.Nos. 4, 5 and 6 went to Southeastern Conference teams with one loss each — Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. All of the top six came from either the Big Ten or SEC -- a dose of business as usual despite a season that has been anything but predictable.This marked the first of six weekly rankings the committee will release this season, ending Dec. 6 when the final list will set the bracket for college football’s 12-team playoff.That tournament begins Dec. 19-20 with four games on the campus of seeds No. 5-8. The top four seeds play winners of those games over the New Year holiday and the title game is set for Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium outside Miami.Texas Tech was ranked eighth and Oregon came in at No. 9. Rounding out the top 12 were Notre Dame — the only team in the Top 25 not from a power conference — then Texas and Oklahoma.But if the bracket were set based on these rankings, the Longhorns and Sooners would miss out -- bumped by No. 14 Virginia of the ACC and Memphis of the American. That’s thanks to a rule that places the five best-ranked conference champions into the bracket even if they’re not in the top 12.Memphis wasn’t among the committee’s top 25 but was still the highest ranked leader in a Group of 5 conference.There is, of course, plenty of time for teams to make their cases, with four more weeks of the regular season, then a slate of conference title games set for the first weekend in December.“If we go back to last year, Arizona State wasn’t even in the rankings for our first two rankings,” Rhoades said of the Sun Devils, who won the Big 12 and made the field. “Again, to everybody out there, this is the first ranking and still a lot of ball left to be played.”The final tally in the top 12: SEC 6 teams, Big Ten 3, Big 12 2, ACC 0, with one independent.Among those still holding out hope are teams such as 16th-ranked Vanderbilt and 17th-ranked Georgia Tech, each of whom spent time in the AP Top 10 this season thanks to upsets that turned college football upside down through September and October.<h2>Tweaks in this year’s bracket</h2>The biggest change in the setup of this year’s bracket was eliminating the first-round bye for the four best conference champions. It would mean that Virginia, instead of jumping from a No. 14 ranking to a No. 3 seed, would be seeded 11th with a road game against Mississippi.Rhoades also spent time discussing Oregon, which was ranked sixth in the AP poll but ninth in the playoff rankings. The Ducks’ best win this year was a 20-point victory over Northwestern, while its double-overtime win at Penn State early in the season has become less impressive as last year’s semifinalists have imploded.“When we looked at and evaluated Oregon, we really looked at the quality of the team and how they looked on film,” Rhoades said.<h2>A look at the first-round matchups based on this set of rankings</h2>No. 12 Memphis at No. 5 Georgia: You can almost hear SEC commissioner Greg Sankey breaking his TV wondering how an unranked team is in here over one of his.No. 11 Virginia at No. 6 Ole Miss: Virginia’s only Top 25 meeting this season was against Florida State, which does not resemble a Top 25 team now.No. 10 Notre Dame at No. 7 BYU: Two schools that mix football and religion did not meet for the first time until 1992.No. 9 Oregon at No. 8 Texas Tech: Booster Bowl pitting teams backed by billionaires Phil Knight (Ducks) and Cody Campbell (Red Raiders).

🏈 Ohio State gets top billing in opening College Football Playoff rankings; Indiana, Texas A&M next

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Catcher Salvador Perez will remain with the Kansas City Royals rather than become a free agent, agreeing Tuesday to a two-year contact.

A nine-time All-Star, the 36-year-old had an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mlb">$82 million, four-year contract</a>&nbsp;that included a $13.5 million club option for 2026 with a $2 million buyout.

“Salvy is a Royals legend and one of the most important players this franchise has ever had,” general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “We had the option for next year, but everyone knew we wanted to make sure his legacy with us continued longer than that. We appreciate Salvy’s commitment to the Royals, and we’re just as excited as our fans.”

Perez, Kansas City’s captain, was MVP of the 2015 World Series, when the Royals won their second title and first since 1985.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757075011455.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates as he crosses the plate after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates as he crosses the plate after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Catcher Salvador Perez will remain with the Kansas City Royals rather than become a free agent, agreeing Tuesday to a two-year contact.A nine-time All-Star, the 36-year-old had an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mlb">$82 million, four-year contract</a>&nbsp;that included a $13.5 million club option for 2026 with a $2 million buyout.“Salvy is a Royals legend and one of the most important players this franchise has ever had,” general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “We had the option for next year, but everyone knew we wanted to make sure his legacy with us continued longer than that. We appreciate Salvy’s commitment to the Royals, and we’re just as excited as our fans.”Perez, Kansas City’s captain, was MVP of the 2015 World Series, when the Royals won their second title and first since 1985.

⚾ Salvador Perez agrees to a two-year contact to remain with the Royals

Opening the season away from home for only the fourth time since 1988, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team makes its home debut Tuesday night at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons play host to the Metropolitan Community College Wolves at 7 p.m. The Blue Dragon women do not play on Tuesday night.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 6:45 p.m, with Sean Boston (PBP) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be exclusively streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network beginning at 6:45 p.m.

The Blue Dragons (2-0) and Wolves (1-0) will meet for the first time on Tuesday.

Hutchinson won its 18th-straight season opener on Friday, defeating State Fair 78-71 at the State Fair Classic in Sedalia, Missouri. Opening with a true road game for the first time since the 1988-89 season, the Blue Dragons got a double-double from sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;and used a 7-0 run late in the second half to erase a one-point deficit.

Not even 24 hours later, the Blue Dragons got a second-straight double-double from Cannon and the Dragons hit 10 3-pointers in a 94-64 victory over NEO.

Cannon averaged 25.5 points and 14.0 rebounds to lead the Blue Dragons in Missouri. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;averaged 18.0 points in the two Blue Dragon victories.

Defensively, the Blue Dragons allowed 67.5 points per game against State Fair and NEO last weekend. The Roadrunners and Golden Norse combined to shoot 36.5 percent against Hutchinson.

Hutchinson has been pretty good in home openers in its 95-year history of men's basketball. The Blue Dragons are 82-12 in home openers. The last time Hutchinson dropped a home opener came in 2007, a streak of 17-straight wins. Kaplan University defeated the Dragons 90-87 on November 1, 2007.

Metropolitan opened the season on Saturday with an 84-64 home win over Southwestern Iowa. Six different Wolves scored in double figures let by Malik McGinnis' 17 points. Ryheem Tyus was next with 14 points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762265100800.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Bobby Cannon and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team play their 2025-26 home opener on Tuesday against the Metropolitan Wolves at 7 p.m. in the Sports Arena." />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Bobby Cannon and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team play their 2025-26 home opener on Tuesday against the Metropolitan Wolves at 7 p.m. in the Sports Arena.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationOpening the season away from home for only the fourth time since 1988, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team makes its home debut Tuesday night at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons play host to the Metropolitan Community College Wolves at 7 p.m. The Blue Dragon women do not play on Tuesday night.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 6:45 p.m, with Sean Boston (PBP) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be exclusively streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network beginning at 6:45 p.m.<div>BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (2-0) vs. Metropolitan CC (1-0) When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 6:45 pm.; Sean Boston (PBP), Dan Naccarato (Color)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2980112">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 6:45 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/files/Game_3_Men_-_Metropolitan_CC.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The Blue Dragons (2-0) and Wolves (1-0) will meet for the first time on Tuesday.Hutchinson won its 18th-straight season opener on Friday, defeating State Fair 78-71 at the State Fair Classic in Sedalia, Missouri. Opening with a true road game for the first time since the 1988-89 season, the Blue Dragons got a double-double from sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;and used a 7-0 run late in the second half to erase a one-point deficit.Not even 24 hours later, the Blue Dragons got a second-straight double-double from Cannon and the Dragons hit 10 3-pointers in a 94-64 victory over NEO.Cannon averaged 25.5 points and 14.0 rebounds to lead the Blue Dragons in Missouri. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;averaged 18.0 points in the two Blue Dragon victories.Defensively, the Blue Dragons allowed 67.5 points per game against State Fair and NEO last weekend. The Roadrunners and Golden Norse combined to shoot 36.5 percent against Hutchinson.Hutchinson has been pretty good in home openers in its 95-year history of men's basketball. The Blue Dragons are 82-12 in home openers. The last time Hutchinson dropped a home opener came in 2007, a streak of 17-straight wins. Kaplan University defeated the Dragons 90-87 on November 1, 2007.Metropolitan opened the season on Saturday with an 84-64 home win over Southwestern Iowa. Six different Wolves scored in double figures let by Malik McGinnis' 17 points. Ryheem Tyus was next with 14 points.The Wolves were 16-14 last season. Last season's leading scorer, Devonte Watson, returns after averaging 16.2 points per game as a freshman.&nbsp;&nbsp;