After completing a clean sweep of McPherson College on Wednesday (WBB: 59-47, MBB: 76-69), the Kansas Wesleyan will return to Salina to square off with the Bethany Swedes.

After completing a clean sweep of McPherson College on Wednesday (WBB: 59-47, MBB: 76-69), the Kansas Wesleyan will return to Salina to square off with the Bethany Swedes.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post.&nbsp;The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.&nbsp;Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 4:30 on Saturday.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan WBB 4-5, 2-1 KCAC</li><li>Bethany WBB 4-5, 2-1 KCAC</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan MBB 5-4, 2-1 KCAC</li><li>Bethany MBB 2-4, 1-2 KCAC </li>
 </ul>THE SERIES&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Bethany's women won both games last season 74-64 November 16 in Mabee Arena and 62-56 January 18 in Lindsborg.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Coyotes and Swedes are 3-3 in the last six games but KWU has a won eight of the last 11. Wesleyan won 62-54 last November in Mabee Arena; Bethany prevailed 87-55 last January in Lindsborg. The Coyotes have a 20-18 advantage since December, 2005.</li>
 </ul>

Coyotes Return to Mabee this Saturday to Host Bethany on KINA

Fort Hays State (5-1, 1-0 MIAA) at Rogers State (2-2, 1-0 MIAA) Saturday, December 2 • 1:30 p.m. Claremore, Okla. • Claremore Expo Center

Radio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The&nbsp; Fort Hays State men's basketball team continues its road swing in Oklahoma to start MIAA play on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. contest at Rogers State in Claremore. The Tigers enter the game at 5-1 overall, 1-0 in the MIAA, while the Hillcats are 2-2 overall and also 1-0 in the MIAA.

The Tigers enter the game on a three-game win streak, fresh off a 65-43 win at Northeastern State on Thursday night (Nov. 30) in the MIAA opener. The Tigers held the RiverHawks to just 43 points, the fewest allowed in the all-time series history between the teams. FHSU held its opponents to less than 50 points in each of the last three games and now has a 54.3 scoring defense average for the season that ranks second in NCAA Division II only behind Wayne State (Neb.) at 54.1.

Rogers State is coming off a 79-68 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night in its MIAA opener. Down by two at halftime, the Hillcats outscored the Lopers 44-31 in the second half for the win. Rodney Battle scored a team-high 21 points for RSU and he leads the Hillcats in scoring overall at 14.8 points per game. The Hillcats enter the game on a two-game win streak after an 0-2 start to the season. They are 2-0 at home so far.

The Tigers seek their first-ever win in Claremore, currently 0-3. The series history is young with Rogers State, which joined the MIAA in 2019-20. FHSU and RSU sit in a 4-4 tie in the all-time series history which began that year. FHSU has won the last three meetings between the teams, including two last season with a regular season win in Hays and then an MIAA Tournament quarterfinals win in Kansas City.

Kaleb Hammeke scored a team-high 22 points in the win at Northeastern State on Thursday night and upped his team-best scoring average to 16.0 per game. R.J. Crawford&nbsp;(10.5) and Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;(10.3) each average double figures in scoring as well. Traejon Davis&nbsp;leads the rebounding effort so far this season at 6.2 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701468968790.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (5-1, 1-0 MIAA) at Rogers State (2-2, 1-0 MIAA) Saturday, December 2 • 1:30 p.m. Claremore, Okla. • Claremore Expo CenterRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The&nbsp; Fort Hays State men's basketball team continues its road swing in Oklahoma to start MIAA play on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. contest at Rogers State in Claremore. The Tigers enter the game at 5-1 overall, 1-0 in the MIAA, while the Hillcats are 2-2 overall and also 1-0 in the MIAA.The Tigers enter the game on a three-game win streak, fresh off a 65-43 win at Northeastern State on Thursday night (Nov. 30) in the MIAA opener. The Tigers held the RiverHawks to just 43 points, the fewest allowed in the all-time series history between the teams. FHSU held its opponents to less than 50 points in each of the last three games and now has a 54.3 scoring defense average for the season that ranks second in NCAA Division II only behind Wayne State (Neb.) at 54.1.Rogers State is coming off a 79-68 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night in its MIAA opener. Down by two at halftime, the Hillcats outscored the Lopers 44-31 in the second half for the win. Rodney Battle scored a team-high 21 points for RSU and he leads the Hillcats in scoring overall at 14.8 points per game. The Hillcats enter the game on a two-game win streak after an 0-2 start to the season. They are 2-0 at home so far.The Tigers seek their first-ever win in Claremore, currently 0-3. The series history is young with Rogers State, which joined the MIAA in 2019-20. FHSU and RSU sit in a 4-4 tie in the all-time series history which began that year. FHSU has won the last three meetings between the teams, including two last season with a regular season win in Hays and then an MIAA Tournament quarterfinals win in Kansas City.Kaleb Hammeke scored a team-high 22 points in the win at Northeastern State on Thursday night and upped his team-best scoring average to 16.0 per game. R.J. Crawford&nbsp;(10.5) and Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;(10.3) each average double figures in scoring as well. Traejon Davis&nbsp;leads the rebounding effort so far this season at 6.2 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - Tiger men ride 3-game win-streak into Claremore Saturday

Courtesy of&nbsp;Hutchinson CC sports Information

In its storied history, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team owns more victories over the Pratt Beavers (151) than any single opponent.

Last year Pratt earned a rare win at the Sports Arena - only its 12th in 81 games in Hutchinson - a 130-126 overtime victory over the Blue Dragons.

No. 21 Hutchinson (8-1, 3-0 KJCCC) looks to avenge that home loss on Wednesday when the Blue Dragons play host to the Beavers at 7:30 p.m. in the Sports Arena.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) with Glen Grunwald (PBP) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live and free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network. The broadcasts begin at 7:15 p.m.

The Blue Dragons won their fourth game in a row on Wednesday with a season-high offensive output in a 108-89 victory at Independence.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/holman_zoe_o8t4">Zoe Holman</a>&nbsp;scored a career-high 23 points to lead five Blue Dragons scoring in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kobe_csmn">Kobe Smith</a>&nbsp;added a career-best 16 points as Hutchinson broke the game open with a 23-8 run over the final 6 1/2 minutes of the first half to pull away for an 18th-straight victory over the Pirates.

The victory was Blue Dragon head coach Tommy DeSalme's 450th career coaching victory.

Blue Dragon sophomore forward continues to lead the Jayhawk Conference and is ninth in the NJCAA in field-goal percentage at 72.3 percent. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;is second in the Jayhawk in 3-point efficiency at 48.3 percent.

Pratt (3-5, 1-3 KJCCC) lost its first three Jayhawk Conference games this season, but earned league win No. 1 on Wednesday with a 79-67 home victory over Dodge City. Deon McLaughlin was 7 of 7 shooting with a 3-pointer to lead four Pratt players in double figures with 17 points. Caleb Smith added 15 points.

Pratt's Kayvontay Williams is the KJCCC's fifth-leading scorer at 18.0 points per game and is fifth in field-goal percentage at 58.1 percent.

Saturday's game is the 180th all-time meeting between Hutchinson and Pratt. The Blue Dragons lead the all-time series 151-28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701532712101.jpeg" alt="Kernan Bundy and the No. 21 Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays host to the Pratt Beavers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sports Arena (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Kernan Bundy and the No. 21 Blue Dragon men's basketball team plays host to the Pratt Beavers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sports Arena (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of&nbsp;Hutchinson CC sports InformationIn its storied history, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team owns more victories over the Pratt Beavers (151) than any single opponent.Last year Pratt earned a rare win at the Sports Arena - only its 12th in 81 games in Hutchinson - a 130-126 overtime victory over the Blue Dragons.No. 21 Hutchinson (8-1, 3-0 KJCCC) looks to avenge that home loss on Wednesday when the Blue Dragons play host to the Beavers at 7:30 p.m. in the Sports Arena.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) with Glen Grunwald (PBP) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live and free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network. The broadcasts begin at 7:15 p.m.The Blue Dragons won their fourth game in a row on Wednesday with a season-high offensive output in a 108-89 victory at Independence.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/holman_zoe_o8t4">Zoe Holman</a>&nbsp;scored a career-high 23 points to lead five Blue Dragons scoring in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kobe_csmn">Kobe Smith</a>&nbsp;added a career-best 16 points as Hutchinson broke the game open with a 23-8 run over the final 6 1/2 minutes of the first half to pull away for an 18th-straight victory over the Pirates.The victory was Blue Dragon head coach Tommy DeSalme's 450th career coaching victory.Blue Dragon sophomore forward continues to lead the Jayhawk Conference and is ninth in the NJCAA in field-goal percentage at 72.3 percent. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;is second in the Jayhawk in 3-point efficiency at 48.3 percent.Pratt (3-5, 1-3 KJCCC) lost its first three Jayhawk Conference games this season, but earned league win No. 1 on Wednesday with a 79-67 home victory over Dodge City. Deon McLaughlin was 7 of 7 shooting with a 3-pointer to lead four Pratt players in double figures with 17 points. Caleb Smith added 15 points.Pratt's Kayvontay Williams is the KJCCC's fifth-leading scorer at 18.0 points per game and is fifth in field-goal percentage at 58.1 percent.Saturday's game is the 180th all-time meeting between Hutchinson and Pratt. The Blue Dragons lead the all-time series 151-28.

🏀 MBB: Blue Dragons look to avenge rare home loss to Pratt 

Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The 14th-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for its 14th 10-0 start to a season on Saturday when the Blue Dragons play host to the high-scoring Pratt Beavers.

Tipoff for the Jayhawk Conference contest is 5:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston calling the action. Sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) will join the broadcast after the completion of Blue Dragon Football at Gowans Stadium. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will stream the game live beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Since John Ontjes became head coach before the 2007-08 season, the Blue Dragons have started a season 10-0 five times and have had win streaks or at least 10 games 14 different times.

The Blue Dragons moved to 9-0 on Wednesday after a 73-48 victory at Independence.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/duffy_monae_og8s">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;combined for 51 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/armstead_journey_w1mg">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;dished out seven assists in the victory.

Saturday's matchup features the Nos. 1 and 4 scoring offenses in the Jayhawk Conference.

Hutchinson averaged 86.2 points per game and Pratt averages 80.2 points per game. The Beavers are averaging 80.3 points in conference play, including a season-high 99 points in a 99-89 victory over Barton on November 21.

The game also features the Nos. 1 and 5 top individual scorers in Hutchinson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;and Pratt's Princess Anderson. Smith is fifth in the Jayhawk at 18.1 points per game. Anderson, the reigning KJCCC and NJCAA Player of the Week, averages 25.8 points per game coming off games of 29, 24 and 31 points in her last three games.

Pratt (6-3, 1-3) enters play on Saturday after dropping a 90-88 decision at No. 15 Dodge City on Wednesday. The Beavers trailed by nine points with just more than a minute to play and made it a one-possession game and had the last possession of the game.

The Blue Dragons bid for their 18th consecutive victory over Pratt. Last season Hutchinson defeated the Beavers 74-57 and 88-57. Pratt hasn't won a game in the series on the floor since 2008 - the Beavers received two forfeit wins in 2015 - and hasn't won at the Sports Arena since 2004.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701532462403.jpeg" alt="Journey Armstead and the No. 14 Blue Dragon women's basketball team play host to Pratt at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Arena (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Journey Armstead and the No. 14 Blue Dragon women's basketball team play host to Pratt at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Sports Arena (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe 14th-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for its 14th 10-0 start to a season on Saturday when the Blue Dragons play host to the high-scoring Pratt Beavers.Tipoff for the Jayhawk Conference contest is 5:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston calling the action. Sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) will join the broadcast after the completion of Blue Dragon Football at Gowans Stadium. The Blue Dragon Sports Network will stream the game live beginning at 5:15 p.m.Since John Ontjes became head coach before the 2007-08 season, the Blue Dragons have started a season 10-0 five times and have had win streaks or at least 10 games 14 different times.The Blue Dragons moved to 9-0 on Wednesday after a 73-48 victory at Independence.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/duffy_monae_og8s">Monae Duffy</a>&nbsp;combined for 51 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/armstead_journey_w1mg">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;dished out seven assists in the victory.Saturday's matchup features the Nos. 1 and 4 scoring offenses in the Jayhawk Conference.Hutchinson averaged 86.2 points per game and Pratt averages 80.2 points per game. The Beavers are averaging 80.3 points in conference play, including a season-high 99 points in a 99-89 victory over Barton on November 21.The game also features the Nos. 1 and 5 top individual scorers in Hutchinson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;and Pratt's Princess Anderson. Smith is fifth in the Jayhawk at 18.1 points per game. Anderson, the reigning KJCCC and NJCAA Player of the Week, averages 25.8 points per game coming off games of 29, 24 and 31 points in her last three games.Pratt (6-3, 1-3) enters play on Saturday after dropping a 90-88 decision at No. 15 Dodge City on Wednesday. The Beavers trailed by nine points with just more than a minute to play and made it a one-possession game and had the last possession of the game.The Blue Dragons bid for their 18th consecutive victory over Pratt. Last season Hutchinson defeated the Beavers 74-57 and 88-57. Pratt hasn't won a game in the series on the floor since 2008 - the Beavers received two forfeit wins in 2015 - and hasn't won at the Sports Arena since 2004.

🏀 WBB: Blue Dragons look to slow down Beavers on Saturday

AP Sports Summary for December 2nd, 2023.

No. 3 Washington rallies to beat No. 5 Oregon 34-31 and secure playoff spot

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Michael Penix Jr. passed for 319 yards and a touchdown, Dillon Johnson ran for 152 yards and two TDs and No. 3 Washington wrapped up a spot in the College Football Playoff, beating No. 5 Oregon 34-31 on Friday night in the Pac-12 Championship. The game was likely the final Pac-12 Championship given 10 of the 12 teams will be playing in different conferences next season. Only Oregon State and Washington State will remain as they try to find a way to keep the tradition-rich conference together in some form. The Huskies (13-0) scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take a 34-24 lead. Oregon (11-2) scored a late touchdown for the final score, but failed to recover the onside kick.

Buie stars as Northwestern tops Edey and No. 1 Purdue for 2nd straight season

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Boo Buie scored seven of his 31 points in overtime to help Northwestern beat Zach Edey and No. 1 Purdue for the second straight season, winning 92-88 in the Big Ten opener for each school. Buie also had nine assists and four rebounds, rallying Northwestern from an eight-point halftime deficit. Ty Berry also scored seven points in OT and finished with 21, and Ryan Langborg added 20 points. The Wildcats became the seventh program since 2010-11 to beat a team ranked No. 1 in the AP poll in consecutive seasons. Edey had 35 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots for Purdue.

McCullar scores 21 as No. 5 Kansas beats No. 4 UConn 69-65 in showdown of past 2 NCAA champions

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 21 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers that gave Kansas the lead down the stretch, and the fifth-ranked Jayhawks held on to beat No. 4 UConn 69-65. The game was a showdown of the past two national champions, and it lived up to the hype. The Jayhawks had a chance to wrap it up in the final minute, but KJ Adams Jr. and Dajuan Harris Jr. could only make one of their four free throws. Cam Spencer had a look at a potential go-ahead 3 in the final seconds, but it came up short and Adams put the game away with two free throws. Tristen Newton hit a career-high six 3s and scored 31 points for the defending champion Huskies.

The surfing venue for the Paris Olympics is on the other side of the world but could steal the show

PARIS (AP) — The surfing venue for next year's Paris Olympics is nearly 16,000 kilometers, or 10,000 miles, away on the other side of the world. Tahiti will host the competition because it has some of the largest waves on the planet. The venue also allows France to highlight its long historical ties to the South Pacific. Tahiti was chosen over other surf spots in France that could easily have been reached by train and bus from the French capital. Big-wave enthusiasts like Tahitian-born surfer Kauli Vaast say Tahiti makes sense for the Olympics because its surf is so spectacular.

Kaidon Salter leads unbeaten No. 20 Liberty past New Mexico State 49-35 for C-USA title

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Kaidon Salter threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, and undefeated No. 20 Liberty maintained its hopes of a New Year's Six bowl bid, beating New Mexico State 49-35 in the Conference USA championship game. Salter was 20 of 25 passing for 319 yards and rushed 12 times for 165 yards in a dominant performance for the Flames, who improved to 13-0. Liberty could end up playing on New Year's Day as the highest-ranked Group of Five team if No. 17 Tulane falls to SMU in Saturday's American Athletic Conference title game. The Flames finished with 712 yards of offense, including 393 on the ground. New Mexico State's eight-game winning streak ended.

Nikola Jokic has 21 points, 16 assists, Nuggets hold off Suns 119-111

PHOENIX (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 16 assists, Reggie Jackson added 20 points and the Denver Nuggets held off the Phoenix Suns 119-111 for a hard-fought victory Friday night. Down 17 in the first half, the Suns — on a night Kevin Durant moved into 10th place on the NBA's career scoring list — cut Denver's lead to 94-91 entering the fourth. Phoenix tied it three times early in the fourth before Denver pulled away at the end. Jusuf Nurkic led the Suns — playing without Devin Booker — with a season-high 31 points. Durant added 30 points but shot just 8 of 25 from the field, including 0 for 5 in the fourth quarter.

Oregon State, Washington State, Mountain West agree to 6-game football scheduling arrangement in '24

Oregon State, Washington State and the Mountain West have announced a football scheduling agreement for the 2024 season. It gives the two schools six opponents each and keeps open the possibility that they will operate as a two-team conference for at least a year. All 12 Mountain West schools will be involved and Oregon State and Washington State will each play three homes games and three road games against members of the conference. The Mountain West will play a seven-game conference schedule and the games against Oregon State and Washington State will not count against the conference standings.

Tiger Woods putts into a bunker and loses ground. Spieth and Scheffler share lead in Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tiger Woods looked better in the Hero World Challenge. It's just the finishing stretch that keeps holding him back. Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth share the lead. Woods is 10 shots behind in his first competition since the Masters. Woods had four birdies in seven holes at the start. But he dropped careless shots on the back nine of Albany. None was more surprising than sending a birdie putt off the green and into a bunker on the par-5 15th. Woods says he's rusty. But he hopes each day he gets a little better. Brian Harman is one shot behind.

Rodgers' potential return just an 'external motivator' as Jets try to get back to winning

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets' playoff hopes could get a big boost with a victory Sunday. Same for the chances of an improbable comeback attempt by Aaron Rodgers. The Jets are mired in a four-game skid but believe they can turn things around to make a late-season run. Rodgers is working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon and still intends to return this season as long as doctors OK it and the Jets remain in the playoff hunt. Coach Robert Saleh said that possibility is an external motivator for the Jets but they should be looking to win regardless of the quarterback's chances of coming back.

Female athletes sue the University of Oregon alleging Title IX violations by the school

A group of female athletes has filed a federal lawsuit against the University of Oregon alleging Title IX violations by the school. Thirty-two women, all varsity beach volleyball and club rowing athletes, are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which accuses the school of depriving women of equal treatment and benefits, equal athletic aid, and equal opportunities to participate in varsity intercollegiate athletics. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene seeks correction of the violations and unspecified damages.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		(15)Louisville	at	(4)Florida St.	8 p.m.	

		Florida St.	at	(17)North Carolina	2 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, December 2nd, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, December 2nd, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for December 2nd, 2023.No. 3 Washington rallies to beat No. 5 Oregon 34-31 and secure playoff spotLAS VEGAS (AP) — Michael Penix Jr. passed for 319 yards and a touchdown, Dillon Johnson ran for 152 yards and two TDs and No. 3 Washington wrapped up a spot in the College Football Playoff, beating No. 5 Oregon 34-31 on Friday night in the Pac-12 Championship. The game was likely the final Pac-12 Championship given 10 of the 12 teams will be playing in different conferences next season. Only Oregon State and Washington State will remain as they try to find a way to keep the tradition-rich conference together in some form. The Huskies (13-0) scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take a 34-24 lead. Oregon (11-2) scored a late touchdown for the final score, but failed to recover the onside kick.Buie stars as Northwestern tops Edey and No. 1 Purdue for 2nd straight seasonEVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Boo Buie scored seven of his 31 points in overtime to help Northwestern beat Zach Edey and No. 1 Purdue for the second straight season, winning 92-88 in the Big Ten opener for each school. Buie also had nine assists and four rebounds, rallying Northwestern from an eight-point halftime deficit. Ty Berry also scored seven points in OT and finished with 21, and Ryan Langborg added 20 points. The Wildcats became the seventh program since 2010-11 to beat a team ranked No. 1 in the AP poll in consecutive seasons. Edey had 35 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots for Purdue.McCullar scores 21 as No. 5 Kansas beats No. 4 UConn 69-65 in showdown of past 2 NCAA championsLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 21 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers that gave Kansas the lead down the stretch, and the fifth-ranked Jayhawks held on to beat No. 4 UConn 69-65. The game was a showdown of the past two national champions, and it lived up to the hype. The Jayhawks had a chance to wrap it up in the final minute, but KJ Adams Jr. and Dajuan Harris Jr. could only make one of their four free throws. Cam Spencer had a look at a potential go-ahead 3 in the final seconds, but it came up short and Adams put the game away with two free throws. Tristen Newton hit a career-high six 3s and scored 31 points for the defending champion Huskies.The surfing venue for the Paris Olympics is on the other side of the world but could steal the showPARIS (AP) — The surfing venue for next year's Paris Olympics is nearly 16,000 kilometers, or 10,000 miles, away on the other side of the world. Tahiti will host the competition because it has some of the largest waves on the planet. The venue also allows France to highlight its long historical ties to the South Pacific. Tahiti was chosen over other surf spots in France that could easily have been reached by train and bus from the French capital. Big-wave enthusiasts like Tahitian-born surfer Kauli Vaast say Tahiti makes sense for the Olympics because its surf is so spectacular.Kaidon Salter leads unbeaten No. 20 Liberty past New Mexico State 49-35 for C-USA titleLYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Kaidon Salter threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, and undefeated No. 20 Liberty maintained its hopes of a New Year's Six bowl bid, beating New Mexico State 49-35 in the Conference USA championship game. Salter was 20 of 25 passing for 319 yards and rushed 12 times for 165 yards in a dominant performance for the Flames, who improved to 13-0. Liberty could end up playing on New Year's Day as the highest-ranked Group of Five team if No. 17 Tulane falls to SMU in Saturday's American Athletic Conference title game. The Flames finished with 712 yards of offense, including 393 on the ground. New Mexico State's eight-game winning streak ended.Nikola Jokic has 21 points, 16 assists, Nuggets hold off Suns 119-111PHOENIX (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 16 assists, Reggie Jackson added 20 points and the Denver Nuggets held off the Phoenix Suns 119-111 for a hard-fought victory Friday night. Down 17 in the first half, the Suns — on a night Kevin Durant moved into 10th place on the NBA's career scoring list — cut Denver's lead to 94-91 entering the fourth. Phoenix tied it three times early in the fourth before Denver pulled away at the end. Jusuf Nurkic led the Suns — playing without Devin Booker — with a season-high 31 points. Durant added 30 points but shot just 8 of 25 from the field, including 0 for 5 in the fourth quarter.Oregon State, Washington State, Mountain West agree to 6-game football scheduling arrangement in '24Oregon State, Washington State and the Mountain West have announced a football scheduling agreement for the 2024 season. It gives the two schools six opponents each and keeps open the possibility that they will operate as a two-team conference for at least a year. All 12 Mountain West schools will be involved and Oregon State and Washington State will each play three homes games and three road games against members of the conference. The Mountain West will play a seven-game conference schedule and the games against Oregon State and Washington State will not count against the conference standings.Tiger Woods putts into a bunker and loses ground. Spieth and Scheffler share lead in BahamasNASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tiger Woods looked better in the Hero World Challenge. It's just the finishing stretch that keeps holding him back. Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth share the lead. Woods is 10 shots behind in his first competition since the Masters. Woods had four birdies in seven holes at the start. But he dropped careless shots on the back nine of Albany. None was more surprising than sending a birdie putt off the green and into a bunker on the par-5 15th. Woods says he's rusty. But he hopes each day he gets a little better. Brian Harman is one shot behind.Rodgers' potential return just an 'external motivator' as Jets try to get back to winningFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets' playoff hopes could get a big boost with a victory Sunday. Same for the chances of an improbable comeback attempt by Aaron Rodgers. The Jets are mired in a four-game skid but believe they can turn things around to make a late-season run. Rodgers is working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon and still intends to return this season as long as doctors OK it and the Jets remain in the playoff hunt. Coach Robert Saleh said that possibility is an external motivator for the Jets but they should be looking to win regardless of the quarterback's chances of coming back.Female athletes sue the University of Oregon alleging Title IX violations by the schoolA group of female athletes has filed a federal lawsuit against the University of Oregon alleging Title IX violations by the school. Thirty-two women, all varsity beach volleyball and club rowing athletes, are plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which accuses the school of depriving women of equal treatment and benefits, equal athletic aid, and equal opportunities to participate in varsity intercollegiate athletics. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene seeks correction of the violations and unspecified damages.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Orlando	130	Washington	125	Final	Memphis	108	Dallas	94	Final	New York	119	Toronto	106	Final	Boston	125	Philadelphia	119	Final	New Orleans	121	San Antonio	106	Final	Denver	119	Phoenix	111	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Columbus	4	Ottawa	2	Final	San Jose	6	New Jersey	3	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(3)Washington	34	(5)Oregon	31	Final	(20)Liberty	49	New Mexico St.	35	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	Northwestern	92	(1)Purdue	88 OTFinal	(5)Kansas	69	(4)UConn	65	Final	(6)Houston	66	Xavier	60	Final	(19)BYU	85	Fresno St.	56	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Golden State	at	L.A. Clippers	4 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Charlotte	5 p.m.			Cleveland	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Orlando	at	Brooklyn	7 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Milwaukee	8 p.m.			Indiana	at	Miami	8 p.m.			New Orleans	at	Chicago	8 p.m.			Memphis	at	Phoenix	9 p.m.			Oklahoma City	at	Dallas	9 p.m.			Portland	at	Utah	9:30 p.m.			Denver	at	Sacramento	10 p.m.			Houston	at	L.A. Lakers	10:30 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Tampa Bay	at	Dallas	2 p.m.			Chicago	at	Winnipeg	3 p.m.			N-Y Rangers	at	Nashville	4:30 p.m.			N-Y Islanders	at	Florida	6 p.m.			Boston	at	Toronto	7 p.m.			Buffalo	at	Carolina	7 p.m.			Detroit	at	Montreal	7 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Pittsburgh	7 p.m.			Seattle	at	Ottawa	7 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Arizona	9 p.m.			Colorado	at	Anaheim	10 p.m.			Vancouver	at	Calgary	10 p.m.			Washington	at	Vegas	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		(1)Georgia	at	(8)Alabama	4 p.m.			(15)Louisville	at	(4)Florida St.	8 p.m.			(2)Michigan	at	(18)Iowa	8 p.m.			(19)Oklahoma St.	at	(7)Texas	12 p.m.			(25)SMU	at	(17)Tulane	4 p.m.			Miami (Ohio)	at	(23)Toledo	12 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		Colgate	at	(2)Arizona	3 p.m.			(3)Marquette	at	Wisconsin	12:30 p.m.			(7)Duke	at	Georgia Tech	2:15 p.m.			Notre Dame	at	(8)Miami	12 p.m.			Northwestern St.	at	(9)Baylor	6 p.m.			(11)Gonzaga	at	Southern Cal	10 p.m.			UNC-Wilmington	at	(12)Kentucky	4 p.m.			Coll. of Charleston	at	(13)FAU	6 p.m.			Florida St.	at	(17)North Carolina	2 p.m.			Drexel	at	(18)Villanova	2 p.m.			(20)Colorado St.	at	Washington	7 p.m.			(24)Illinois	at	Rutgers	4 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER		Columbus	at	Cincinnati	6 p.m.			Houston	at	Los Angeles FC	9:30 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Saturday

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 21 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers that gave Kansas the lead down the stretch, and the fifth-ranked Jayhawks held on to beat No. 4 UConn 69-65 on Friday night in a showdown of the past two national champions.

The Jayhawks (7-1) had a chance to wrap up the game in the final minute, when the Huskies (7-1) were forced to foul, but KJ Adams Jr. and&nbsp;Dajuan Harris Jr. were only able to make one of their four free throws.

The defending champion Huskies raced down the floor, and&nbsp;Cam Spencer&nbsp;got a good look at a potential go-ahead 3-pointer, but the shot came up short and Adams grabbed the rebound. He was fouled, and this time he made both free throws with 2.4 seconds left to clinch the win.

Hunter Dickinson&nbsp;had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Adams finished with 18 points, helping the Jayhawks snap the Huskies’ remarkable streak of 24 consecutive nonconference wins by double digits.

Tristen Newton hit a career-high six three-pointers and scored 31 points for the Huskies, but he got little help from the rest of the offense. Donovan Clingan, who banged with fellow 7-footer Dickinson all night, was held to eight points and seven boards.

Kansas raced to a 16-5 lead by the time the game was five minutes old, ratcheting up what already was a deafening roar inside old Allen Fieldhouse. And every time the Huskies — or more accurately, Newton — made a three-pointer to cut into the lead, the Jayhawks were able to get into transition against one of the nation’s top scoring teams for another easy basket.

Kansas had chances to deliver a knockout blow, leading by as many as 12 with the ball, but couldn’t quite land it. Newton took advantage, scoring the final five points of the first half to trim the Jayhawks’ lead to 38-31 at the break.

UConn kept coming, scoring the first five points of the second half, setting up the heavyweight matchup everyone expected.

The Huskies took their first lead when Newton beat the shot clock with a three-pointer with 10 and a half minutes to go, then he drilled another one on their next trip down the floor. Kansas answered when Adams got a floater to go in the lane, then McCullar hit back-to-back three-pointers and Dickinson one of his own to give the Jayhawks a 61-54 lead with less than four minutes to go.

Alex Karaban gave the Huskies hope with a three-pointer shortly before fouling out, and then he watched from the bench as two of college basketball’s titans went shot-for-shot over the final couple of minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701493845256.png" alt="KU wins over UConn.png" />
 <figcaption>KU wins over UConn.png</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. scored 21 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers that gave Kansas the lead down the stretch, and the fifth-ranked Jayhawks held on to beat No. 4 UConn 69-65 on Friday night in a showdown of the past two national champions.The Jayhawks (7-1) had a chance to wrap up the game in the final minute, when the Huskies (7-1) were forced to foul, but KJ Adams Jr. and&nbsp;Dajuan Harris Jr. were only able to make one of their four free throws.The defending champion Huskies raced down the floor, and&nbsp;Cam Spencer&nbsp;got a good look at a potential go-ahead 3-pointer, but the shot came up short and Adams grabbed the rebound. He was fouled, and this time he made both free throws with 2.4 seconds left to clinch the win.Hunter Dickinson&nbsp;had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Adams finished with 18 points, helping the Jayhawks snap the Huskies’ remarkable streak of 24 consecutive nonconference wins by double digits.Tristen Newton hit a career-high six three-pointers and scored 31 points for the Huskies, but he got little help from the rest of the offense. Donovan Clingan, who banged with fellow 7-footer Dickinson all night, was held to eight points and seven boards.Kansas raced to a 16-5 lead by the time the game was five minutes old, ratcheting up what already was a deafening roar inside old Allen Fieldhouse. And every time the Huskies — or more accurately, Newton — made a three-pointer to cut into the lead, the Jayhawks were able to get into transition against one of the nation’s top scoring teams for another easy basket.Kansas had chances to deliver a knockout blow, leading by as many as 12 with the ball, but couldn’t quite land it. Newton took advantage, scoring the final five points of the first half to trim the Jayhawks’ lead to 38-31 at the break.UConn kept coming, scoring the first five points of the second half, setting up the heavyweight matchup everyone expected.The Huskies took their first lead when Newton beat the shot clock with a three-pointer with 10 and a half minutes to go, then he drilled another one on their next trip down the floor. Kansas answered when Adams got a floater to go in the lane, then McCullar hit back-to-back three-pointers and Dickinson one of his own to give the Jayhawks a 61-54 lead with less than four minutes to go.Alex Karaban gave the Huskies hope with a three-pointer shortly before fouling out, and then he watched from the bench as two of college basketball’s titans went shot-for-shot over the final couple of minutes.UP NEXT

🏀 MBB: No. 5 Kansas defeats No. 4 reigning National Champion UConn

Hesston 53, Southeast of Saline 39

Hutchinson Central Christian 40, Wichita Classical 32

St. Michael The Archangel Catholic 39, South Lafourche, La. 33

Wichita Bishop Carroll 57, Wichita Southeast 49

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670364869157.jpg" alt="basketball, net, score" />
 <figcaption>basketball, net, score</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday's ScoresThe Associated PressGIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Andover 70, Wichita Campus 11Arkansas City 53, Rose Hill 21BV West 41, Mill Valley 38Basehor-Linwood 60, Topeka West 31Beloit 44, Concordia 41Buhler 56, Nickerson 42Cheney 60, Clearwater 49Cheylin 50, Northern Valley 46Circle 51, Kingman 39Clifton-Clyde 51, Salina Sacred Heart 43Coffeyville 51, Caney Valley 41Doniphan West 53, Axtell 23Douglass 50, Udall 30Ellsworth 50, Lyons 18Eureka 44, Independence 37Fairfield 28, Oxford 21Frankfort 61, Pawnee City, Neb. 14Goddard 46, Augusta 30Goessel 51, Marion 30Golden Plains 62, Weskan 22Goodland 63, Syracuse 21Halstead 49, Sedgwick 21Hanover 60, Thayer Central, Neb. 38Haven 49, Hutchinson Trinity 42Hesston 53, Southeast of Saline 39Hillsboro 57, Sterling 10Hodgeman County 60, Deerfield 14Hoisington 76, Scott City 65Holyoke, Colo. 48, St Francis 31Howard West Elk 65, Oswego 18Hoxie 58, Norton 29Humboldt 49, St Paul 22Hutchinson Central Christian 40, Wichita Classical 32Kapaun Mount Carmel 68, Wichita North 28La Crosse 58, Ellinwood 26Lakeside 47, Tescott 19Lebo 55, Flinthills 27Little River 86, Lincoln 3Lyndon 39, Marais des Cygnes Valley 38Macksville 40, Ness City 32Manhattan 58, Hugoton 27McPherson 52, Dodge City 24Minneapolis 51, Inman 44Minneola 61, Cunningham 38Moundridge 58, Elyria Christian 15Nemaha Central 40, Centralia 33Oakley 40, Phillipsburg 30Osage City 64, Northern Heights 16Osborne 71, Russell 43Parsons 64, Girard 51Pike Valley 38, Rock Hills 32Quinter 60, Victoria 27Remington 66, Bluestem 40Riverside 33, Troy 30Rossville 71, Atchison 20Royal Valley 49, Jackson Heights 31Salina Central 54, Maize 26Salina South 39, Goddard-Eisenhower 34Silver Lake 68, Jefferson West 22Smith Center 55, Plainville 13South Barber 38, Caldwell 32South Central 40, Pawnee Heights 32Southeast 47, Erie 36St John's Beloit 61, Natoma 20St. Michael The Archangel Catholic 39, South Lafourche, La. 33Stockton 52, Southern Cloud 8Sylvan-Lucas 40, Bennington 32Topeka Hayden 74, KC Washington 12Trego 58, Dighton 37Valley Heights 47, Riley County 45Washburn Rural 34, Hays 27Wellington 47, Mulvane 25Wheatland-Grinnell 56, Logan 29Wichita Bishop Carroll 57, Wichita Southeast 49Wichita County 57, Elkhart 40Wichita Heights 64, Wichita Northwest 9Wichita Independent 66, Kiowa County 16Wichita South 94, Wichita West 16Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Atchison 72, Rossville 48Axtell 53, Doniphan West 25BV Southwest 68, Lawrence 58Beloit 82, Concordia 53Buhler 60, Nickerson 39Burlington 73, Holton 48Circle 77, Kingman 59Dighton 55, Trego 41Emporia 50, Ottawa 39Erie 51, Southeast 39Eudora 50, Spring Hill 42Goddard 67, Augusta 49Halstead 77, Sedgwick 57Hanover 74, Thayer Central, Neb. 63Harrisonville, Mo. 51, Metro Academy 44Hesston 49, Southeast of Saline 32Hill City 61, Ellis 47Howard West Elk 53, Oswego 29Hugoton 72, Millwood, Okla. 55Humboldt 66, St Paul 20Independence 67, Eureka 17KC Harmon 37, Southeast, Mo. 27La Crosse 46, Ellinwood 40Lakeside 53, Tescott 48Lakewood, Colo. 48, Garden City 47Lebo 55, Flinthills 39Liberal 54, Ulysses 16Little River 54, Lincoln 51Logan 68, Wheatland-Grinnell 17Maize 67, Salina Central 48McPherson 64, Dodge City 37Moundridge 65, Elyria Christian 41Mulvane 45, Wellington 30Nemaha Central 40, Centralia 33Northern Valley 61, Cheylin 56Norton 55, Hoxie 40Oxford 73, Fairfield 40Pawnee City, Neb. 60, Frankfort 50Pike Valley 53, Rock Hills 46Plainville 43, Smith Center 42Remington 89, Bluestem 39Rose Hill 51, Arkansas City 42Royal Valley 68, Jackson Heights 57Salina Sacred Heart 60, Clifton-Clyde 57Scott City 50, Hoisington 38St John 41, Stafford 35St John's Beloit 66, Natoma 13Sterling 48, Hillsboro 43Topeka Heritage Christian 52, St Xavier 47Troy 51, Riverside 47Udall 61, Douglass 52Weskan 76, Golden Plains 52Wichita Bishop Carroll 57, Wichita Southeast 49Wichita Campus 71, Andover 61Wichita Heights 77, Wichita Northwest 36Wichita Independent 58, Kiowa County 51Wichita Life Prep 44, Hays 36

🏀 Friday HS scores

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas Volleyball suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-13, 13-15) to Penn State on Friday night in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;

With the defeat, Kansas has its season end with a record of 24-6 while Penn State improves to 23-8 and advances to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;

“That was two hours and 40 minutes of really good volleyball, and it was really an honor to be part of that with this team,” said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. “Congratulations to Penn State for moving on. I think we just need to reflect on a moment and all the joy and enthusiasm and good times that this team has given us. It felt more like an Elite Eight or Final Four match tonight than it did a second-round match. So, I couldn’t be prouder of our group.”&nbsp;

The first set started out as an even battle, up through a 10-10 tie. Penn State then proceeded to go on a 6-0 run, triggering a pair of Kansas timeouts. Mykayla Myers was the one to end the Jayhawks’ scoring drought, knocking down her first kill of the match. Back-to-back kills from Ayah Elnady followed as Kansas began its climb back. The Nittany Lions kept the Jayhawks at bay up 20-15, but with Camryn Turner at the service line, Kansas went on a 3-0 run and forced Penn State to call a timeout at 20-18.&nbsp;

Out of the timeout came two more Penn State points, but Myers won a huge battle at the net to give Kansas its 19th point. Penn State went up 23-19, but Elnady struck right after with her fourth kill of the match. The Nittany Lions were able to knock down back-to-back points, however, ending the set in a narrow 25-20 victory.

Penn State got up early in the second, but Kansas didn’t trail too far behind. Things got as close as 10-9, and Molly Schultz checked in to serve, which would spark a 3-0 run from Kansas and a Penn State timeout. Turner came up huge during this run with a solo block to tie it at 10-all, which sent the crowd in Horejsi into a frenzy. Penn State tried to make a comeback, but Kansas continued to lead by two until a Caroline Bien ace made it 16-13, and a Nittany Lion attacking error added another Kansas point.&nbsp;

With Kansas up 18-13, Penn State used their second timeout in hopes of regaining the momentum. PSU knocked down their 14th point, but a Kansas sideout to follow made it 19-14. London Davis got the Jayhawks up to 20 with a huge kill, but Penn State started to heat up on the block and would close up the score 20-18, triggering Kansas’ first timeout of the set.&nbsp;

Back-to-back Jayhawk points would get KU up 22-18, highlighted by a massive solo block by Toyosi Onabanjo. Point 23 would come from another Onabanjo block, this time assisted by Turner. Penn State was able to sideout, but followed it up with a service error that gave Kansas set point at 24-20. The Nittany Lions held on for one more, hitting off the Kansas block to keep the play alive, and they’d hang on for 24-22. Myers would be the one to end the set, knocking down a kill for the Jayhawks to take the set, 25-22.

Set three saw more back-and-forth flow, with seven ties coming up through 12-12. PSU was able to pull away a bit up 15-12, and the Jayhawks would be saved by the media timeout. Thanks to some big plays by Turner, Cooper and Elnady, Kansas began to close back in once again, and got within two, 18-16, when Turner stepped back to serve. Myers knocked it down at the net for point No. 17, but Penn State was able to hit back-to-back points in response, making Kansas call a timeout trailing by three, 20-17.

The Jayhawks scored three of the next four to get within one at 21-20, but Penn State fought to keep their lead, which would extend to 23-20 and trigger a second Kansas timeout. At Penn State’s set point, Onabanjo would come up big with a solo block, but the Nittany Lions knocked one far into the corner immediately after to win set three, 25-20 and take the 2-1 lead.

Cooper started off set four hot with three of the Jayhawks first four kills, with her counterpart Myers adding her seventh kill of the match to put herself on the board as well. Raegan Burns came up with two huge digs during this flow of play, recording her 10th and 11th of the match to keep the Kansas defense solid as well. Penn State led by one on multiple occasions, until the Jayhawks tied it up at 9-9 and Katie Dalton put Kansas in the lead with an ace.

Consecutive kills from Onabanjo and Cooper would push the Jayhawks into a two-point lead. Schultz checked in to serve at 13-11, and Cooper’s 20th kill Kansas extended the lead. The Nittany Lions were relieved by the media timeout after Myers and Cooper recorded a block to make it 15-11. From there, the Jayhawks would run away with the set, outscoring the Nittany Lions 10-2 to close out the set at 25-13 following back-to-back kills from Davis.

Set five started with seven different ties up through 7-7 and featured 11 ties overall, the last of which at 13-all. Kansas had a two-point lead at 11-9, but the next three points went to Penn State as the Nittany Lions regained the lead.

Cooper’s 29th kill of the game tied the set at 13-13, but a kill by the Nittany Lions gave them match point and forced a Kansas timeout. After the timeout, Penn State served up an ace to claim the set, 15-13, and the match, 3-2.

Cooper led the Jayhawks with a career-high 29 kills, which matches the Kansas school record set by Marina Garlington against Iowa State in 2008. She committed just three attack errors on the night and hit .464 in the match with 29 kills on 56 swings.

Davis also reached double figures with 13 kills, while Myers and Elnady added eight apiece. Turner had 54 assists, six digs and four kills, while Burns posted a team-high 14 digs and Elnady added 10.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701493648342.png" alt="KU Volleyball drop match to Penn State Friday night" />
 <figcaption>KU Volleyball drop match to Penn State Friday night</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas Volleyball suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-13, 13-15) to Penn State on Friday night in the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;With the defeat, Kansas has its season end with a record of 24-6 while Penn State improves to 23-8 and advances to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;“That was two hours and 40 minutes of really good volleyball, and it was really an honor to be part of that with this team,” said Kansas Head Coach Ray Bechard. “Congratulations to Penn State for moving on. I think we just need to reflect on a moment and all the joy and enthusiasm and good times that this team has given us. It felt more like an Elite Eight or Final Four match tonight than it did a second-round match. So, I couldn’t be prouder of our group.”&nbsp;The first set started out as an even battle, up through a 10-10 tie. Penn State then proceeded to go on a 6-0 run, triggering a pair of Kansas timeouts. Mykayla Myers was the one to end the Jayhawks’ scoring drought, knocking down her first kill of the match. Back-to-back kills from Ayah Elnady followed as Kansas began its climb back. The Nittany Lions kept the Jayhawks at bay up 20-15, but with Camryn Turner at the service line, Kansas went on a 3-0 run and forced Penn State to call a timeout at 20-18.&nbsp;Out of the timeout came two more Penn State points, but Myers won a huge battle at the net to give Kansas its 19th point. Penn State went up 23-19, but Elnady struck right after with her fourth kill of the match. The Nittany Lions were able to knock down back-to-back points, however, ending the set in a narrow 25-20 victory.Penn State got up early in the second, but Kansas didn’t trail too far behind. Things got as close as 10-9, and Molly Schultz checked in to serve, which would spark a 3-0 run from Kansas and a Penn State timeout. Turner came up huge during this run with a solo block to tie it at 10-all, which sent the crowd in Horejsi into a frenzy. Penn State tried to make a comeback, but Kansas continued to lead by two until a Caroline Bien ace made it 16-13, and a Nittany Lion attacking error added another Kansas point.&nbsp;With Kansas up 18-13, Penn State used their second timeout in hopes of regaining the momentum. PSU knocked down their 14th point, but a Kansas sideout to follow made it 19-14. London Davis got the Jayhawks up to 20 with a huge kill, but Penn State started to heat up on the block and would close up the score 20-18, triggering Kansas’ first timeout of the set.&nbsp;Back-to-back Jayhawk points would get KU up 22-18, highlighted by a massive solo block by Toyosi Onabanjo. Point 23 would come from another Onabanjo block, this time assisted by Turner. Penn State was able to sideout, but followed it up with a service error that gave Kansas set point at 24-20. The Nittany Lions held on for one more, hitting off the Kansas block to keep the play alive, and they’d hang on for 24-22. Myers would be the one to end the set, knocking down a kill for the Jayhawks to take the set, 25-22.Set three saw more back-and-forth flow, with seven ties coming up through 12-12. PSU was able to pull away a bit up 15-12, and the Jayhawks would be saved by the media timeout. Thanks to some big plays by Turner, Cooper and Elnady, Kansas began to close back in once again, and got within two, 18-16, when Turner stepped back to serve. Myers knocked it down at the net for point No. 17, but Penn State was able to hit back-to-back points in response, making Kansas call a timeout trailing by three, 20-17.The Jayhawks scored three of the next four to get within one at 21-20, but Penn State fought to keep their lead, which would extend to 23-20 and trigger a second Kansas timeout. At Penn State’s set point, Onabanjo would come up big with a solo block, but the Nittany Lions knocked one far into the corner immediately after to win set three, 25-20 and take the 2-1 lead.Cooper started off set four hot with three of the Jayhawks first four kills, with her counterpart Myers adding her seventh kill of the match to put herself on the board as well. Raegan Burns came up with two huge digs during this flow of play, recording her 10th and 11th of the match to keep the Kansas defense solid as well. Penn State led by one on multiple occasions, until the Jayhawks tied it up at 9-9 and Katie Dalton put Kansas in the lead with an ace.Consecutive kills from Onabanjo and Cooper would push the Jayhawks into a two-point lead. Schultz checked in to serve at 13-11, and Cooper’s 20th kill Kansas extended the lead. The Nittany Lions were relieved by the media timeout after Myers and Cooper recorded a block to make it 15-11. From there, the Jayhawks would run away with the set, outscoring the Nittany Lions 10-2 to close out the set at 25-13 following back-to-back kills from Davis.Set five started with seven different ties up through 7-7 and featured 11 ties overall, the last of which at 13-all. Kansas had a two-point lead at 11-9, but the next three points went to Penn State as the Nittany Lions regained the lead.Cooper’s 29th kill of the game tied the set at 13-13, but a kill by the Nittany Lions gave them match point and forced a Kansas timeout. After the timeout, Penn State served up an ace to claim the set, 15-13, and the match, 3-2.Cooper led the Jayhawks with a career-high 29 kills, which matches the Kansas school record set by Marina Garlington against Iowa State in 2008. She committed just three attack errors on the night and hit .464 in the match with 29 kills on 56 swings.Davis also reached double figures with 13 kills, while Myers and Elnady added eight apiece. Turner had 54 assists, six digs and four kills, while Burns posted a team-high 14 digs and Elnady added 10.&nbsp;

🏐 Jayhawks fall late to Penn State in NCAA second round matchup

Courtesy of HutchCC Sports Information Director Steve Carpenter

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/reed_jr._tyrell_3b4y">Tyrell Reed Jr.</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/epton_jr._brandon_rwxf">Brandon Epton Jr.</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/williams_iii_ed_7jyo">Ed Williams III</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/shaw_amaris_6jge">Amaris Shaw</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_79fo">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>

Those are the names of the players in the Hutchinson Community College football team's running backs room this season.

The term "running back by committee" sometimes leads to negative connotations and ill feelings in a running backs room.

That's hardly the case with the 2023 Blue Dragon running backs.

Collectively, these Blue Dragons have put together the fifth-best rushing offense and been part of the No. 2 scoring offense in the NJCAA this season.

Now the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons play on a national stage at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gowans Stadium in the NJCAA National Playoff Semifinal against No. 4 East Mississippi.

"Nobody is worried about stats," said Epton, a 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore back from Dallas who transferred to Hutchinson from SMU. "We are just worried about getting the dub. If we are 1-0 at the end of the day, that's all that matters."

"There has never been animosity in our room," said Reed, a 5-10, 195-pound freshman from Topeka. "There is a lot of friendly competition between us, but we just want to win."

Reed is Hutchinson's top rusher this season with 692 yards on 111 carries. Reed is second in the NJCAA this season with 12 rushing touchdowns. Reed is averaging 6.2 yards per rush.

Epton has rushed for 501 yards on 102 carries with five touchdowns and 4.9 yards per rush.

Williams has rushed for 195 yards and two scores. Shaw rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns, and Jordan has 166 yards and two scores.

"The first four of five weeks of the season, it always seemed to be somebody different leading the team," Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas said. "We realized finally that we some really good depth at running back.

"Running back is a very physical position that can wear you down. We are keeping our guys fresh.

"The guys are happy for their teammates' success. When one has a good play, the others are the first ones who congratulate him."

Through the first nine games of the season, each Blue Dragon back has had his game to shine.

Williams was the Blue Dragons leading rusher against Navarro with 58 yards.

One week later against Ellsworth, Reed earned KJCCC Player of the Week honors, touching the ball only nine times but going for 171 yards and three touchdowns. A month later, Reed scored four touchdowns and rushed for 171 yards in a Top 10 victory over No. 9 Dodge City.

Against Coffeyville, it was Epton's turn to lead Hutchinson in rushing with 55 yards.

Reed (123 yards) and Epton (100 yards) both reached the century mark against Butler.

"The coaches try to put us in the best position to go out and make plays," Epton said. "We just do whatever it takes to win the game."

Then came Game 10 against No. 2 Iowa Western. After the first quarter, the Blue Dragon backs took over.

As a team, Hutchinson rushed for 297 yards – 275 yards were amassed over the final three quarters.

Epton rushed for a career-high 122 yards on 13 carries and had a 55-yard touchdown run to give the Dragons a 28-21 lead.

Reed went for 80 yards on 17 carries and had a 3-yard touchdown run for Hutchinson's first score of the game in the second quarter.

But the feel-good story in the Running Backs Room on that day was&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_79fo">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;With injuries limiting his playing time this season, Jordan busted out for 99 rushing yards on just four carries with touchdowns of 16 and 47 yards in the fourth quarter.

"Everybody went off," Reed said of the Iowa Western game. "Waymond bounced back and had phenomenal game."

"That was a lot of fun," Dallas said. "Waymond has battled a lot of injuries this year. He redshirted last year, and he was just kind of waiting for his time this fall. He made the most of that opportunity."

As running backs will do, both Epton and Reed know the road to their group's success is being paved by the Blue Dragon offensive line.

"The offensive line has been great this year," Epton said. "They go through a lot and don't get the praise that they should. They make it happen."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701472424441.jpeg" alt="Tyrell Reed Jr. (left) and Brandon Epton Jr. lead a talented and deep group of Blue Dragon running backs this season. (Photos by Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Tyrell Reed Jr. (left) and Brandon Epton Jr. lead a talented and deep group of Blue Dragon running backs this season. (Photos by Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC Sports Information Director Steve Carpenter<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/reed_jr._tyrell_3b4y">Tyrell Reed Jr.</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/epton_jr._brandon_rwxf">Brandon Epton Jr.</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/williams_iii_ed_7jyo">Ed Williams III</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/shaw_amaris_6jge">Amaris Shaw</a>&nbsp;…&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_79fo">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>Those are the names of the players in the Hutchinson Community College football team's running backs room this season.The term "running back by committee" sometimes leads to negative connotations and ill feelings in a running backs room.That's hardly the case with the 2023 Blue Dragon running backs.Collectively, these Blue Dragons have put together the fifth-best rushing offense and been part of the No. 2 scoring offense in the NJCAA this season.Now the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons play on a national stage at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gowans Stadium in the NJCAA National Playoff Semifinal against No. 4 East Mississippi."Nobody is worried about stats," said Epton, a 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore back from Dallas who transferred to Hutchinson from SMU. "We are just worried about getting the dub. If we are 1-0 at the end of the day, that's all that matters.""There has never been animosity in our room," said Reed, a 5-10, 195-pound freshman from Topeka. "There is a lot of friendly competition between us, but we just want to win."Reed is Hutchinson's top rusher this season with 692 yards on 111 carries. Reed is second in the NJCAA this season with 12 rushing touchdowns. Reed is averaging 6.2 yards per rush.Epton has rushed for 501 yards on 102 carries with five touchdowns and 4.9 yards per rush.Williams has rushed for 195 yards and two scores. Shaw rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns, and Jordan has 166 yards and two scores."The first four of five weeks of the season, it always seemed to be somebody different leading the team," Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas said. "We realized finally that we some really good depth at running back."Running back is a very physical position that can wear you down. We are keeping our guys fresh."The guys are happy for their teammates' success. When one has a good play, the others are the first ones who congratulate him."Through the first nine games of the season, each Blue Dragon back has had his game to shine.Williams was the Blue Dragons leading rusher against Navarro with 58 yards.One week later against Ellsworth, Reed earned KJCCC Player of the Week honors, touching the ball only nine times but going for 171 yards and three touchdowns. A month later, Reed scored four touchdowns and rushed for 171 yards in a Top 10 victory over No. 9 Dodge City.Against Coffeyville, it was Epton's turn to lead Hutchinson in rushing with 55 yards.Reed (123 yards) and Epton (100 yards) both reached the century mark against Butler."The coaches try to put us in the best position to go out and make plays," Epton said. "We just do whatever it takes to win the game."Then came Game 10 against No. 2 Iowa Western. After the first quarter, the Blue Dragon backs took over.As a team, Hutchinson rushed for 297 yards – 275 yards were amassed over the final three quarters.Epton rushed for a career-high 122 yards on 13 carries and had a 55-yard touchdown run to give the Dragons a 28-21 lead.Reed went for 80 yards on 17 carries and had a 3-yard touchdown run for Hutchinson's first score of the game in the second quarter.But the feel-good story in the Running Backs Room on that day was&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_79fo">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;With injuries limiting his playing time this season, Jordan busted out for 99 rushing yards on just four carries with touchdowns of 16 and 47 yards in the fourth quarter."Everybody went off," Reed said of the Iowa Western game. "Waymond bounced back and had phenomenal game.""That was a lot of fun," Dallas said. "Waymond has battled a lot of injuries this year. He redshirted last year, and he was just kind of waiting for his time this fall. He made the most of that opportunity."As running backs will do, both Epton and Reed know the road to their group's success is being paved by the Blue Dragon offensive line."The offensive line has been great this year," Epton said. "They go through a lot and don't get the praise that they should. They make it happen."

🏈 Blue Dragon running backs are a brotherhood

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;remembers the moment all too well.

Brown recalled the memories of walking off the field Little Rock, Arkansas, after the Blue Dragons missed an opportunity to win a national championship last December.

At that moment 12 months ago, the 31-0 loss to Iowa Western was disappointing and painful. Once returning to Hutchinson for second semester filled with winter condition and spring football, that disappointment began to turn into motivation.

And has the 6-foot-1, 240-pound sophomore defensive end from Kansas City, Kansas, been motivated this season.

Individually, Brown is currently leading the nation in quarterback sacks and is second in the NJCAA in tackles for loss. For the Blue Dragon defense, Brown has helped Hutchinson become the No. 1 scoring defense in the NJCAA as No. 1 Hutchinson preps for No. 4 East Mississippi in Saturday's NJCAA National Playoff semifinals at Gowans Stadium.

"It was a gut-punch," said Brown, recalling leaving the War Memorial Stadium field after the 2022 championship game. "Maybe we needed that (loss). We had a lot of people last year who were getting comfortable. Coming into this season, we aren't playing around. We are taking everything serious."

Brown's sophomore season with the Blue Dragons has been exceptional. Jayhawk Conference coaches named him the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

The Blue Dragon defensive end has 49 total tackles, including 31 solo stops. He has 22.5 tackles for loss, which leads the Jayhawk Conference and is No. 2 in the NJCAA.

Where Blue Dragons fans have noticed Brown the most is when he is rushing the quarterback.

With 17.5 sacks in 10 games this season, Brown leads the NJCAA in that category. He is second in single-season Blue Dragon history, just 1.5 sacks behind record-holder Troy West, who had 19 in 1996. Brown didn't record a sack as a freshman but has climbed to seventh on the Hutchinson career list.

Brown has recorded at least one sack in nine-straight games. He had back-to-back three-sack games against Dodge City and Garden City. He had two sacks in games against Ellsworth, Iowa Central, Butler and Iowa Western.

"I didn't expect to have these numbers," Brown said. "But the Butler game I went off. I've progressed and my confidence level has just kept going up and up."

While Brown may not have expected this level of performance, Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas saw it in him.

"He's a special athlete," Dallas said. "The cool thing about D.B. is that he absolutely earns everything. He's a tireless worker, and he does a lot of extra work. He made himself the player he is and it's really fun to root him on and watch him every day."

Brown said he has been very focused since returning from Little Rock 12 months ago. He said the team jumped right into winter conditioning very focused that that carried over into spring ball.

Brown had an average freshman season, but he wanted to be a difference maker in 2023. Between his hard work on the practice field, weight room, film session and in the classroom, the sophomore defensive end said the game has slowed down quite a bit for him.

"When I got here, everything was pretty fast," said the Kansas City Bishop Ward High School product. "This year, I started to get a much better feel for the game. I'm a lot more comfortable and confident."

"His skill set allows him to be him," Dallas said. "He's so fast and twitchy off the ball. When you combine his strength and athleticism and his speed, we just want to put him in positions to be free and make plays."

Brown has helped the Blue Dragon defense become one of the best in the nation.

Hutchinson's defense ranks No. 1 in scoring defense (10.2 points per game), is fourth in total defense (238.8 yards per game) and lead the nation in rushing defense (54.9 yards per game). The Dragons are No. 2 in quarterback sacks with 53.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701472281844.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon defensive end Daniel Brown has been very motivated after last year's title game loss. Brown, this season, leads the NJCAA in quarterback sacks to lead the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon defensive end Daniel Brown has been very motivated after last year's title game loss. Brown, this season, leads the NJCAA in quarterback sacks to lead the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC Sports Information Director Steve Carpenter<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;remembers the moment all too well.Brown recalled the memories of walking off the field Little Rock, Arkansas, after the Blue Dragons missed an opportunity to win a national championship last December.At that moment 12 months ago, the 31-0 loss to Iowa Western was disappointing and painful. Once returning to Hutchinson for second semester filled with winter condition and spring football, that disappointment began to turn into motivation.And has the 6-foot-1, 240-pound sophomore defensive end from Kansas City, Kansas, been motivated this season.Individually, Brown is currently leading the nation in quarterback sacks and is second in the NJCAA in tackles for loss. For the Blue Dragon defense, Brown has helped Hutchinson become the No. 1 scoring defense in the NJCAA as No. 1 Hutchinson preps for No. 4 East Mississippi in Saturday's NJCAA National Playoff semifinals at Gowans Stadium."It was a gut-punch," said Brown, recalling leaving the War Memorial Stadium field after the 2022 championship game. "Maybe we needed that (loss). We had a lot of people last year who were getting comfortable. Coming into this season, we aren't playing around. We are taking everything serious."Brown's sophomore season with the Blue Dragons has been exceptional. Jayhawk Conference coaches named him the league's Defensive Player of the Year.The Blue Dragon defensive end has 49 total tackles, including 31 solo stops. He has 22.5 tackles for loss, which leads the Jayhawk Conference and is No. 2 in the NJCAA.Where Blue Dragons fans have noticed Brown the most is when he is rushing the quarterback.With 17.5 sacks in 10 games this season, Brown leads the NJCAA in that category. He is second in single-season Blue Dragon history, just 1.5 sacks behind record-holder Troy West, who had 19 in 1996. Brown didn't record a sack as a freshman but has climbed to seventh on the Hutchinson career list.Brown has recorded at least one sack in nine-straight games. He had back-to-back three-sack games against Dodge City and Garden City. He had two sacks in games against Ellsworth, Iowa Central, Butler and Iowa Western."I didn't expect to have these numbers," Brown said. "But the Butler game I went off. I've progressed and my confidence level has just kept going up and up."While Brown may not have expected this level of performance, Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas saw it in him."He's a special athlete," Dallas said. "The cool thing about D.B. is that he absolutely earns everything. He's a tireless worker, and he does a lot of extra work. He made himself the player he is and it's really fun to root him on and watch him every day."Brown said he has been very focused since returning from Little Rock 12 months ago. He said the team jumped right into winter conditioning very focused that that carried over into spring ball.Brown had an average freshman season, but he wanted to be a difference maker in 2023. Between his hard work on the practice field, weight room, film session and in the classroom, the sophomore defensive end said the game has slowed down quite a bit for him."When I got here, everything was pretty fast," said the Kansas City Bishop Ward High School product. "This year, I started to get a much better feel for the game. I'm a lot more comfortable and confident.""His skill set allows him to be him," Dallas said. "He's so fast and twitchy off the ball. When you combine his strength and athleticism and his speed, we just want to put him in positions to be free and make plays."Brown has helped the Blue Dragon defense become one of the best in the nation.Hutchinson's defense ranks No. 1 in scoring defense (10.2 points per game), is fourth in total defense (238.8 yards per game) and lead the nation in rushing defense (54.9 yards per game). The Dragons are No. 2 in quarterback sacks with 53.

🏈 Brown breaks out in 2023 after 2022 title game disapointment

When: Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson, KS Kickoff: 2:02 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), 1:30 with Countdown to Kickoff</a>&nbsp;- Glen Grunwald (PBP), Rob Dreher (color), Sean Boston (sidelines)&nbsp;&nbsp; Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/f8c8d7b7-9ca8-3342-affc-ec4a7506b3af/njcaa-football#bucketId=29779&amp;sourceCollection=Browse_By_League" target="_blank">ESPN+ (Pay per view), 2:00 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Pat Strathman (PBP); Gary Thomas (color)&nbsp;&nbsp; Stadium entry: Gates open at 12:30 p.m. X: @bluedragonsport

<a href="https://eagleradioks-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/sean_boston_eagleradio_net/Ead4TZV8XflJg2mIJG0fqNkBaRivw8wyF6KmjPrkuF0kyg?e=Z4SBhl">GAME NOTES (pdf)</a>

For the second-straight season, the Hutchinson Community College Football Team is playing host to an NJCAA Playoff National Semifinal game at Gowans Stadium.

The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (10-0) will meet No. 4 East Mississippi (9-2) in the first national semifinal at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. The other national semifinal will be played at 2 p.m. on Sunday between No. 3 Kilgore and No. 2 Iowa Western at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The Hutchinson-East Mississippi game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) beginning at 1:30 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. The game will be exclusively streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The Blue Dragons rolled through the regular season undefeated for a second-straight season and secured the No. 1 seed for the playoffs with a 42-28 victory over No. 2 Iowa Western on November 11 at Gowans Stadium. The Blue Dragons rallied from a 13-point deficit, scoring 28 unanswered points to grab the lead.

The Blue Dragons outgained Iowa Western 419-314 and controlled the ball for 36 minutes, 56 seconds. Iowa Western had a 135-36 advantage after one quarter with 119 rushing yards in the first 15 minutes. Hutchinson turned those numbers around, out-gaining the Reivers 353-139 over the final three quarters. Iowa Western had just 16 rushing yards in the final three quarters while the Dragons had 293 yards on the ground, including 189 yards in the fourth quarter alone.

Five-time national champion East Mississippi avenged both of its regular-season losses in the MCCAC playoffs. First the Lions defeated Mississippi Gulf Coast 33-21 in the semifinals. Gulf Coach defeated EMCC 42-17 on September 28. Then in the championship game, the Lions defeated Copiah-Lincoln in the Mississippi championship game on November 18. East Mississippi lost to Co-Lin 23-20 in the 2023 season opener.

Two of the top offense in the NJCAA will square off on Saturday. Hutchinson is No. 2 in scoring offense (39.2 ppg) and fifth in rushing offense (229.2 ypg). East Mississippi ranks fourth in scoring offense (38.3 ppg) and is fourth in passing offense (284.5 ypg).

Hutchinson bids for its third 11-win season in program history (2014 and 2022).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701471719206.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC AthleticsWhen: Saturday, Dec. 2 Where: Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson, KS Kickoff: 2:02 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), 1:30 with Countdown to Kickoff</a>&nbsp;- Glen Grunwald (PBP), Rob Dreher (color), Sean Boston (sidelines)&nbsp;&nbsp; Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/f8c8d7b7-9ca8-3342-affc-ec4a7506b3af/njcaa-football#bucketId=29779&amp;sourceCollection=Browse_By_League" target="_blank">ESPN+ (Pay per view), 2:00 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Pat Strathman (PBP); Gary Thomas (color)&nbsp;&nbsp; Stadium entry: Gates open at 12:30 p.m. X: @bluedragonsport<a href="https://eagleradioks-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/sean_boston_eagleradio_net/Ead4TZV8XflJg2mIJG0fqNkBaRivw8wyF6KmjPrkuF0kyg?e=Z4SBhl">GAME NOTES (pdf)</a>For the second-straight season, the Hutchinson Community College Football Team is playing host to an NJCAA Playoff National Semifinal game at Gowans Stadium.The No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons (10-0) will meet No. 4 East Mississippi (9-2) in the first national semifinal at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. The other national semifinal will be played at 2 p.m. on Sunday between No. 3 Kilgore and No. 2 Iowa Western at Council Bluffs, Iowa.The Hutchinson-East Mississippi game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) beginning at 1:30 p.m. with Countdown to Kickoff. The game will be exclusively streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 2:00 p.m.The Blue Dragons rolled through the regular season undefeated for a second-straight season and secured the No. 1 seed for the playoffs with a 42-28 victory over No. 2 Iowa Western on November 11 at Gowans Stadium. The Blue Dragons rallied from a 13-point deficit, scoring 28 unanswered points to grab the lead.The Blue Dragons outgained Iowa Western 419-314 and controlled the ball for 36 minutes, 56 seconds. Iowa Western had a 135-36 advantage after one quarter with 119 rushing yards in the first 15 minutes. Hutchinson turned those numbers around, out-gaining the Reivers 353-139 over the final three quarters. Iowa Western had just 16 rushing yards in the final three quarters while the Dragons had 293 yards on the ground, including 189 yards in the fourth quarter alone.Five-time national champion East Mississippi avenged both of its regular-season losses in the MCCAC playoffs. First the Lions defeated Mississippi Gulf Coast 33-21 in the semifinals. Gulf Coach defeated EMCC 42-17 on September 28. Then in the championship game, the Lions defeated Copiah-Lincoln in the Mississippi championship game on November 18. East Mississippi lost to Co-Lin 23-20 in the 2023 season opener.Two of the top offense in the NJCAA will square off on Saturday. Hutchinson is No. 2 in scoring offense (39.2 ppg) and fifth in rushing offense (229.2 ypg). East Mississippi ranks fourth in scoring offense (38.3 ppg) and is fourth in passing offense (284.5 ypg).Hutchinson bids for its third 11-win season in program history (2014 and 2022).

🏈 No. 1 Hutchinson to host No. 4 East Mississippi in NJCAA semifinal Saturday

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, December 1st, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, December 1st, 2023.</figcaption>
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🎧 LISTEN: 🏈 TNF Cowboys win; 🏈 Preview of Hutch vs East Mississippi; 🏐KU Volleyball advances

AP Sports Summary for December 1st, 2023.

Dak Prescott throws for 3 TDs, Cowboys extend home win streak to 14 with 41-35 win over Seahawks

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, and the Dallas Cowboys extended their home winning streak to 14 games by rallying for a 41-35 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Prescott's 12-yard pass to Jake Ferguson put Dallas in front with 4 1/2 minutes remaining. The Cowboys set up a rematch with NFC East rival Philadelphia by escaping what would have been their first loss since falling to the Eagles 28-23 to start November. Geno Smith threw three touchdown passes to D.K. Metcalf, including a 73-yarder, as the Seahawks got their offense going again. But Seattle couldn't avoid a third consecutive loss to drop to .500.

Bills linebacker Von Miller turns himself in on felony domestic violence charge

DALLAS (AP) — Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller has turned himself in to police in a Dallas suburb after he was charged in a warrant with domestic violence against the mother of his children, who is pregnant. Dallas police confirmed that the 34-year-old Miller surrendered to police in the suburb of Glenn Heights to face a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. The offense is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Police wrote in an affidavit that Miller twice put his hands on the neck of the woman, pulled out a chunk of her hair and threw her onto a couch. Miller did not return a text message seeking comment. He is free after posting bond.

Jets' Aaron Rodgers still focused on playing again this season and perhaps before Dec. 24

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers fully intends to play again this season for the New York Jets and he hasn't ruled out being back on the field in a few weeks. The quarterback has been making a remarkably quick recovery since tearing his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets on Sept. 11. Rodgers spoke to local reporters Thursday and said he's not yet close to being able to play. But he also left open the door for him to be back under center before his initial goal of Dec. 24, saying he plans to ramp up his practice activities next week.

Tiger Woods has a sloppy finish for a 75 in his return in the Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tiger Woods made a solid return to golf until he limped home in the Bahamas. That was more about his golf than his fused right ankle. Woods dropped four shots in a three-hole stretch toward the end and shot 75 in the Hero World Challenge. That left him eight shots behind leaders Brian Harman and Tony Finau. Woods' score was better than only two players in the 20-man field at Albany. He attributed his results to being rusty and lacking commitment. The big trouble came on the par-5 15th. He tried to punch out of a bush and made a double bogey.

USC's Bronny James cleared by doctors for return to basketball 4 months after cardiac arrest

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James has been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball four months after suffering a cardiac arrest. The Southern California freshman is expected to make his collegiate debut soon, with father LeBron James saying he wouldn't miss it even if he has to skip a Lakers game. A James family spokesperson says the 19-year-old will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week and resume practice next week. He will be able to play in games "soon after." The Trojans play No. 11 Gonzaga in Las Vegas on Saturday. Their next home game is Dec. 10 against Long Beach State. He suffered a cardiac arrest in July during a workout.

LSU's Angel Reese returns, says she wants people to realize she is not just an athlete

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU forward Angel Reese helped the Tigers beat Virginia Tech in her return from a four-game absence. Reese rejoined her teammates at practice this week as the seventh-ranked Tigers prepared to host the ninth-ranked Hokies. Her departure from the team stemmed from unspecified "locker room issues" that coach Kim Mulkey has said should remain a private internal matter. But Reese made some general references to her mental health and not wanting her behavior to be detrimental to the team.

Memphis recruit Mikey Williams reaches plea deal in gun case; no jail time expected

EL CAJON, Calif. (AP) — Star Memphis basketball recruit Mikey Williams has pleaded guilty to one felony charge in a gun case, and one of his attorneys said he does not expect the 19-year-old to face jail time. Williams had faced nine felony counts and up to 30 years in prison stemming from a shooting at his home on March 17 in which no one was injured. Attorney Randy M. Grossman says Williams pleaded guilty to one felony count of making a criminal threat and to a special allegation of using a firearm during the threat. In exchange, the other eight counts were dismissed.

Corey Perry says he's seeking help for alcohol abuse after the Blackhawks terminated his contract

Corey Perry says he has begun working with mental health and substance abuse experts to discuss his struggles with alcohol after the Chicago Blackhawks terminated his contract for engaging "in conduct that is unacceptable" and against team policies. Perry emailed a statement to The Associated Press and other outlets on Thursday apologizing for behavior he called inappropriate and wrong. Perry's agent confirmed his client sent the statement. The 38-year-old NHL veteran says he is embarrassed and hopes to regain the trust of those who believed in him throughout his career. Perry says he'll discuss his struggles with alcohol.

Brunson scores 42, Knicks send Pistons to franchise-record 16th straight loss

NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 42 points, Julius Randle had 29 points and 10 rebounds, and the New York Knicks sent the Detroit Pistons to their franchise-record 16th consecutive loss with a 118-112 victory Thursday night. The Pistons (2-17) completed a winless November, having not won a game since a victory over Chicago on Oct. 28 left them 2-1. RJ Barrett had 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 12, including two crucial 3-pointers down the stretch for the Knicks, who have won their last two games. Cade Cunningham scored 31 points and Killian Hayes chipped 23 in for the Pistons. They have also lost 13 in a row against the Knicks.

Cristiano Ronaldo faces $1B class-action lawsuit after promoting for Binance NFTs

NEW YORK (AP) — Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a billion dollar class-action lawsuit over his role in promoting cryptocurrency-related "non-fungible tokens," or NFTs, issued by the beleaguered cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Southern District of Florida Monday, accuses Ronaldo's promotions of Binance of being "deceptive and unlawful." Binance's partnership with high-profile figures like Ronaldo, the plaintiffs claim, caused them to make costly and unsafe investments. Ronaldo launched his inaugural NFT "CR7" collection with Binance back in November 2022. Representatives for Ronaldo and Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, did not immediately return The Associated Press' requests for comment.

Final	Golden State	120	L.A. Clippers	114	

Final	(25)Oklahoma	107	Ark.-Pine Bluff	86	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday, December 1st, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday, December 1st, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>🏐</div>AP Sports Summary for December 1st, 2023.Dak Prescott throws for 3 TDs, Cowboys extend home win streak to 14 with 41-35 win over SeahawksARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes, and the Dallas Cowboys extended their home winning streak to 14 games by rallying for a 41-35 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Prescott's 12-yard pass to Jake Ferguson put Dallas in front with 4 1/2 minutes remaining. The Cowboys set up a rematch with NFC East rival Philadelphia by escaping what would have been their first loss since falling to the Eagles 28-23 to start November. Geno Smith threw three touchdown passes to D.K. Metcalf, including a 73-yarder, as the Seahawks got their offense going again. But Seattle couldn't avoid a third consecutive loss to drop to .500.Bills linebacker Von Miller turns himself in on felony domestic violence chargeDALLAS (AP) — Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller has turned himself in to police in a Dallas suburb after he was charged in a warrant with domestic violence against the mother of his children, who is pregnant. Dallas police confirmed that the 34-year-old Miller surrendered to police in the suburb of Glenn Heights to face a charge of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. The offense is punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Police wrote in an affidavit that Miller twice put his hands on the neck of the woman, pulled out a chunk of her hair and threw her onto a couch. Miller did not return a text message seeking comment. He is free after posting bond.Jets' Aaron Rodgers still focused on playing again this season and perhaps before Dec. 24FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers fully intends to play again this season for the New York Jets and he hasn't ruled out being back on the field in a few weeks. The quarterback has been making a remarkably quick recovery since tearing his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets on Sept. 11. Rodgers spoke to local reporters Thursday and said he's not yet close to being able to play. But he also left open the door for him to be back under center before his initial goal of Dec. 24, saying he plans to ramp up his practice activities next week.Tiger Woods has a sloppy finish for a 75 in his return in the BahamasNASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tiger Woods made a solid return to golf until he limped home in the Bahamas. That was more about his golf than his fused right ankle. Woods dropped four shots in a three-hole stretch toward the end and shot 75 in the Hero World Challenge. That left him eight shots behind leaders Brian Harman and Tony Finau. Woods' score was better than only two players in the 20-man field at Albany. He attributed his results to being rusty and lacking commitment. The big trouble came on the par-5 15th. He tried to punch out of a bush and made a double bogey.USC's Bronny James cleared by doctors for return to basketball 4 months after cardiac arrestLOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James has been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball four months after suffering a cardiac arrest. The Southern California freshman is expected to make his collegiate debut soon, with father LeBron James saying he wouldn't miss it even if he has to skip a Lakers game. A James family spokesperson says the 19-year-old will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week and resume practice next week. He will be able to play in games "soon after." The Trojans play No. 11 Gonzaga in Las Vegas on Saturday. Their next home game is Dec. 10 against Long Beach State. He suffered a cardiac arrest in July during a workout.LSU's Angel Reese returns, says she wants people to realize she is not just an athleteBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU forward Angel Reese helped the Tigers beat Virginia Tech in her return from a four-game absence. Reese rejoined her teammates at practice this week as the seventh-ranked Tigers prepared to host the ninth-ranked Hokies. Her departure from the team stemmed from unspecified "locker room issues" that coach Kim Mulkey has said should remain a private internal matter. But Reese made some general references to her mental health and not wanting her behavior to be detrimental to the team.Memphis recruit Mikey Williams reaches plea deal in gun case; no jail time expectedEL CAJON, Calif. (AP) — Star Memphis basketball recruit Mikey Williams has pleaded guilty to one felony charge in a gun case, and one of his attorneys said he does not expect the 19-year-old to face jail time. Williams had faced nine felony counts and up to 30 years in prison stemming from a shooting at his home on March 17 in which no one was injured. Attorney Randy M. Grossman says Williams pleaded guilty to one felony count of making a criminal threat and to a special allegation of using a firearm during the threat. In exchange, the other eight counts were dismissed.Corey Perry says he's seeking help for alcohol abuse after the Blackhawks terminated his contractCorey Perry says he has begun working with mental health and substance abuse experts to discuss his struggles with alcohol after the Chicago Blackhawks terminated his contract for engaging "in conduct that is unacceptable" and against team policies. Perry emailed a statement to The Associated Press and other outlets on Thursday apologizing for behavior he called inappropriate and wrong. Perry's agent confirmed his client sent the statement. The 38-year-old NHL veteran says he is embarrassed and hopes to regain the trust of those who believed in him throughout his career. Perry says he'll discuss his struggles with alcohol.Brunson scores 42, Knicks send Pistons to franchise-record 16th straight lossNEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 42 points, Julius Randle had 29 points and 10 rebounds, and the New York Knicks sent the Detroit Pistons to their franchise-record 16th consecutive loss with a 118-112 victory Thursday night. The Pistons (2-17) completed a winless November, having not won a game since a victory over Chicago on Oct. 28 left them 2-1. RJ Barrett had 15 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 12, including two crucial 3-pointers down the stretch for the Knicks, who have won their last two games. Cade Cunningham scored 31 points and Killian Hayes chipped 23 in for the Pistons. They have also lost 13 in a row against the Knicks.Cristiano Ronaldo faces $1B class-action lawsuit after promoting for Binance NFTsNEW YORK (AP) — Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a billion dollar class-action lawsuit over his role in promoting cryptocurrency-related "non-fungible tokens," or NFTs, issued by the beleaguered cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Southern District of Florida Monday, accuses Ronaldo's promotions of Binance of being "deceptive and unlawful." Binance's partnership with high-profile figures like Ronaldo, the plaintiffs claim, caused them to make costly and unsafe investments. Ronaldo launched his inaugural NFT "CR7" collection with Binance back in November 2022. Representatives for Ronaldo and Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, did not immediately return The Associated Press' requests for comment.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Portland	103	Cleveland	95	Final	Charlotte	129	Brooklyn	128	Final	New York	118	Detroit	112	Final	Miami	142	Indiana	132	Final	Minnesota	101	Utah	90	Final	Oklahoma City	133	L.A. Lakers	110	Final	Atlanta	137	San Antonio	135	Final OT	Chicago	120	Milwaukee	113	Final	Golden State	120	L.A. Clippers	114	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	4	Tampa Bay	2	Final	Detroit	5	Chicago	1	Final	Florida	5	Montreal	1	Final	Boston	3	San Jose	0	Final SO	Toronto	4	Seattle	3	Final OT	New Jersey	4	Philadelphia	3	Final OT	N-Y Islanders	5	Carolina	4	Final	Edmonton	3	Winnipeg	1	Final	St. Louis	6	Buffalo	4	Final	Minnesota	6	Nashville	1	Final OT	Calgary	4	Dallas	3	Final OT	Arizona	4	Colorado	3	Final	Vegas	4	Vancouver	1	Final	Washington	5	Anaheim	4	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEFinal	Dallas	41	Seattle	35	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALLFinal	(13)FAU	83	Liberty	58	Final	(15)Creighton	79	Oklahoma St.	65	Final	(16)Texas	77	Texas St.	58	Final	(25)Oklahoma	107	Ark.-Pine Bluff	86	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The fourth-seeded&nbsp;Kansas Volleyball team won its opening match of the NCAA Tournament for the third-straight season as the Jayhawks swept Omaha 3-0 Thursday night in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;

Set scores for the match were 25-16, 25-19, 28-26 in favor of the Jayhawks who improved to 24-5 on the year. Kansas advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will face No. 5-seed Penn State on Friday, December 1 in Lawrence.&nbsp;

With the win, the Jayhawks improved to 9-3 all-time in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard and the Jayhawks are now 13-11 all-time in the postseason, with a chance to improve that Friday night.&nbsp;

"We want to credit Omaha and how they played tonight. We served well and scored points when we needed to. We’re excited for the opportunity to advance to the next round." Ray Bechard

The opening set kicked off evenly for both teams with back-and-forth action,&nbsp;until the Jayhawks were able to pull away early with a 7-4 lead. With a pair of kills from Reagan Cooper and Mykayla Myers, the Jayhawks rolled to a 13-6 lead forcing Omaha to call their first timeout to stop momentum. Kansas was unfazed, however, extending the lead 18-11. From there, the Jayhawks held the Mavericks to just five more points and took the first set in dominant fashion, 25-16.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha kicked off the second set with a solid scoring run, jumping out to a 5-2 lead. Kansas was able to close back in at 5-6, but the Mavericks extended their lead by going on a 4-0 unanswered scoring run. Camryn Turner knocked down back-to-back aces, putting a bit of life back into the Jayhawks from the service line. The tie finally came at 12-12 and Toyosi Onabanjo hit it off the Omaha block right after to finally put Kansas in the lead. An Onabanjo kill would be the next Jayhawk point, as Omaha errors would play a large part in Kansas’ continued lead from there. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701422913650.png" alt="KU Volleyball opens NCAA Tourney with win over Omaha.png" />
 <figcaption>KU Volleyball opens NCAA Tourney with win over Omaha.png</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The fourth-seeded&nbsp;Kansas Volleyball team won its opening match of the NCAA Tournament for the third-straight season as the Jayhawks swept Omaha 3-0 Thursday night in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.&nbsp;Set scores for the match were 25-16, 25-19, 28-26 in favor of the Jayhawks who improved to 24-5 on the year. Kansas advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and will face No. 5-seed Penn State on Friday, December 1 in Lawrence.&nbsp;With the win, the Jayhawks improved to 9-3 all-time in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard and the Jayhawks are now 13-11 all-time in the postseason, with a chance to improve that Friday night.&nbsp;"We want to credit Omaha and how they played tonight. We served well and scored points when we needed to. We’re excited for the opportunity to advance to the next round." Ray BechardThe opening set kicked off evenly for both teams with back-and-forth action,&nbsp;until the Jayhawks were able to pull away early with a 7-4 lead. With a pair of kills from Reagan Cooper and Mykayla Myers, the Jayhawks rolled to a 13-6 lead forcing Omaha to call their first timeout to stop momentum. Kansas was unfazed, however, extending the lead 18-11. From there, the Jayhawks held the Mavericks to just five more points and took the first set in dominant fashion, 25-16.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha kicked off the second set with a solid scoring run, jumping out to a 5-2 lead. Kansas was able to close back in at 5-6, but the Mavericks extended their lead by going on a 4-0 unanswered scoring run. Camryn Turner knocked down back-to-back aces, putting a bit of life back into the Jayhawks from the service line. The tie finally came at 12-12 and Toyosi Onabanjo hit it off the Omaha block right after to finally put Kansas in the lead. An Onabanjo kill would be the next Jayhawk point, as Omaha errors would play a large part in Kansas’ continued lead from there. &nbsp;&nbsp;After back-to-back attacking errors from the Mavericks, the score read 20-16 and an Omaha timeout was called. A second Omaha timeout could come rather quickly with Kansas in front 22-18. A huge solo block by Onabanjo followed, and an Omaha kill came right after, but London Davis knocked down a kill of her own after. Onabanjo ended the set with a kill, her fourth of the match, and Kansas went up 2-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;Set three started with a bit of Omaha momentum once again as they got the score up 4-1. The Jayhawks kept their foot on the gas, however, a victorious challenge by Bechard put the Jayhawks back in it. Omaha held the Jayhawks down for a bit longer, getting up 8-4 and pushing Kansas to take their first timeout of the entire match. It was a tough climb for the Jayhawks midway through, with Omaha getting up to double figures and triggering another Jayhawk timeout up 12-6.Kansas really started to clean up their play after this, going on a 4-1 run and getting Omaha to use their first timeout. The Mavericks got up 16-11, but Kansas went on another run and started forcing errors from the visiting Mavericks. Evenly tied up at 19, the Mavericks gained a leg up on the Jayhawks to make it 20-19, until London Davis recorded a kill with authority. From there, Kansas was able to fight through until the end regardless of the set going into extra points. Omaha was close to pushing the match to a fourth set, but the Jayhawks looked calm on their home court.&nbsp;Cooper ended the night with a team-leading 11 kills, while Turner anchored the defense with 10 digs. Turner also contributed team-high 27 assists and three aces, while Myers led the way on the block with three total.UP NEXT&nbsp;No. 4 seed Kansas will face No. 5 seed Penn State on Friday, Dec. 1 in Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena. The contest will kick off at 5:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/5c023e0e-ddea-4938-8df4-154435f0d776" target="_blank">WATCH</a><a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/171309.pdf">BOXSCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/volleyball-vs-omaha-in-first-round-of-ncaa-tournament/">GALLERY</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/kansas-postgame-press-conference-vs-omaha-ncaa-tournament-first-round/">PRESS CONFERENCE</a><a href="https://kuathletics.com/kansas-postgame-press-conference-vs-omaha-ncaa-tournament-first-round/"></a><a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-DI-WVB-Bracket.pdf">NCAA TOURNAMENT BRACKET</a>