AP Sports Summary for September 1st, 2023.

Acuña hits grand slam on wedding night to become 30-HR, 60-SB player as Braves beat Dodgers 8-7

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a grand slam on his wedding night to become the first player with 30 homers and 60 stolen bases in a season, and the Atlanta Braves overcame a pair of Mookie Betts home runs to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7. In a meeting of the top NL MVP contenders, the Braves took a 7-1 lead and hung on when Raisel Iglesias struck out Kiké Hernández with two on for the final out. Acuña got married earlier in the day, then got three hits and helped the major league-best Braves improve to 88-45. He sent a 429-foot shot into the left-field pavilion off Lance Lynn in a six-run second inning for his third career grand slam. Acuña has 36 career homers in August, his most in any month. He stole his 62nd base in the ninth.

John Isner heads to retirement after US Open last-set tiebreaker losses in singles and doubles

NEW YORK (AP) — John Isner has headed off into retirement after losing in singles and doubles at the U.S. Open. The 38-year-old American was beaten in final-set tiebreakers in both matches. That included a five-set exit against Michael Mmoh in singles before a packed house at the Grandstand at Flushing Meadows. Isner leaves with the record for career aces and finished with 48 against Mmoh. Isner and Jack Sock then lost in doubles. Isner is best known for winning the longest match in tennis history — one that lasted 11 hours, 5 minutes and ended 70-68 in the fifth set against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010.

With ACC leaders set to take up Stanford, Cal, SMU expansion, 2 UNC trustees announce opposition

With Atlantic Coast Conference university leaders seemingly on the verge of deciding whether to expand with Stanford, California and SMU, two members of North Carolina's board of trustees announced their opposition to the move. ACC presidents and chancellors are scheduled to meet Friday morning to again consider a Western expansion, a person with direct knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press. It was unclear if the presidents will take a decisive vote on adding new members, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the conference and schools were not making internal discussions public.

Bryson Barnes helps No. 14 Utah beat Florida 24-11 in season opener

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Bryson Barnes threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Money Parks on Utah's first play of the game, rushed for another score and No. 14 Utes beat Florida 24-11 on Thursday night in the opener for both teams. Nate Johnson split time at quarterback with Barnes for the Utes with usual starter Cam Rising still recovering from a knee injury in the Rose Bowl. Utah clamped down on defense in Rising's absence, forcing a turnover and getting five sacks. Graham Mertz threw for 333 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his first start for the Gators. Ricky Pearsall had 92 yards on eight catches. Florida drove inside the red zone four times but totaled only 10 points on those drives.

Aaron Rodgers' quest to turn Jets into contenders is NFL's top storyline entering the season

The biggest storyline in the first NFL season this century without Tom Brady centers on Aaron Rodgers' quest to turn the New York Jets into a championship contender. The 39-year-old, four-time NFL MVP left Green Bay for a team that hasn't reached the playoffs since the 2010 season and hasn't won a Super Bowl since Broadway Joe Namath guaranteed one more than 50 years ago. Rodgers has plenty of talent surrounding him but the Jets play in one of the toughest divisions in the league and a conference loaded with contenders, including the defending Super Bowl champions. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to become the first team to win consecutive titles since Brady led the New England Patriots to back-to-back rings in 2003-04.

Happy Harvick: NASCAR driver ready for final playoff run

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kevin Harvick is happy to get one more chance at the NASCAR playoffs. The 2014 Cup Series champion won't spend much time on nostalgia, knowing he's left a legacy of success and leadership at the track. Harvick will end his stellar career after this season and become a TV analyst for Fox. Harvick is winless this season and will start 15th among the 16 playoff drivers. He's had 10 top-10 finishes this year, including a second place at Darlington Raceway in May. The playoffs begin at the track "Too Tough To Tame" on Sunday night.

Titans' Derrick Henry ready to remind everyone what running backs mean to NFL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Derrick Henry has run for more yards than anyone else since the start of the 2016 NFL season and seems like a man on a mission going into the final year of his deal with the Tennessee Titans. He can make his case for a third contract and help the Titans win. He also can help remind everyone the run game still matters in a league where only kickers and punters earn less on average than NFL running backs. Henry notes that running backs touch the ball sometimes almost as much as quarterbacks and are very marketable. He says they want their due share.

Cleveland claims former LA pitchers Giolito, López and Moore for late playoff push

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians are hoping some Los Angeles Angels throwaways can help their playoff push. Cleveland claimed starter Lucas Giolito and relievers Matt Moore and Reynaldo López off waivers from Los Angeles on Thursday. The acquisitions didn't cost the Guardians any prospects. After going 4-2 on a recent road trip, the Guardians are currently five games behind the first-place Twins with 28 games left. By getting Giolito, Moore and López, the Guardians hope to catch the Twins, defend their division title and make the postseason. It could be a memorable final surge as manager Terry Francona has hinted he'll retire in October.

After years of fighting, a praying football coach got his job back. Now he's unsure he wants it

BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) — Years after assistant coach Joe Kennedy left a Washington state high school football team over objections to his post-game praying on the field, he has returned to the gridiron thanks to a Supreme Court decision. His first game back is Friday. Kennedy's effort to be rehired became a cultural touchstone, pitting public school employees' religious liberties against longstanding principles separating church and state and protecting students from religious coercion. Kennedy says he has some anxiety that people are going to be watching for him to pray after Friday's game and he doesn't know how long he'll stick with the coaching job.

ESPN networks go dark on Charter Spectrum cable systems on busy night for sports

ESPN is among a number of Disney Entertainment channels that have gone dark on Charter Spectrum cable systems. The channels went off the air Thursday night due to a carriage dispute between the nation's second-largest cable TV provider and Disney. Charter Spectrum is the major carrier in New York and Los Angeles, among numerous other cities. ESPN was carrying a college football game between Florida and No. 14 Utah while ESPN2 was showing the U.S. Open tennis tournament when the channels went dark for Charter Spectrum's 14.7 million subscribers.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday, September 1st, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday, September 1st, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="September 1st, 2023 Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4ah8v-1495796-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for September 1st, 2023.Acuña hits grand slam on wedding night to become 30-HR, 60-SB player as Braves beat Dodgers 8-7LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a grand slam on his wedding night to become the first player with 30 homers and 60 stolen bases in a season, and the Atlanta Braves overcame a pair of Mookie Betts home runs to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7. In a meeting of the top NL MVP contenders, the Braves took a 7-1 lead and hung on when Raisel Iglesias struck out Kiké Hernández with two on for the final out. Acuña got married earlier in the day, then got three hits and helped the major league-best Braves improve to 88-45. He sent a 429-foot shot into the left-field pavilion off Lance Lynn in a six-run second inning for his third career grand slam. Acuña has 36 career homers in August, his most in any month. He stole his 62nd base in the ninth.John Isner heads to retirement after US Open last-set tiebreaker losses in singles and doublesNEW YORK (AP) — John Isner has headed off into retirement after losing in singles and doubles at the U.S. Open. The 38-year-old American was beaten in final-set tiebreakers in both matches. That included a five-set exit against Michael Mmoh in singles before a packed house at the Grandstand at Flushing Meadows. Isner leaves with the record for career aces and finished with 48 against Mmoh. Isner and Jack Sock then lost in doubles. Isner is best known for winning the longest match in tennis history — one that lasted 11 hours, 5 minutes and ended 70-68 in the fifth set against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010.With ACC leaders set to take up Stanford, Cal, SMU expansion, 2 UNC trustees announce oppositionWith Atlantic Coast Conference university leaders seemingly on the verge of deciding whether to expand with Stanford, California and SMU, two members of North Carolina's board of trustees announced their opposition to the move. ACC presidents and chancellors are scheduled to meet Friday morning to again consider a Western expansion, a person with direct knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press. It was unclear if the presidents will take a decisive vote on adding new members, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the conference and schools were not making internal discussions public.Bryson Barnes helps No. 14 Utah beat Florida 24-11 in season openerSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Bryson Barnes threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Money Parks on Utah's first play of the game, rushed for another score and No. 14 Utes beat Florida 24-11 on Thursday night in the opener for both teams. Nate Johnson split time at quarterback with Barnes for the Utes with usual starter Cam Rising still recovering from a knee injury in the Rose Bowl. Utah clamped down on defense in Rising's absence, forcing a turnover and getting five sacks. Graham Mertz threw for 333 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his first start for the Gators. Ricky Pearsall had 92 yards on eight catches. Florida drove inside the red zone four times but totaled only 10 points on those drives.Aaron Rodgers' quest to turn Jets into contenders is NFL's top storyline entering the seasonThe biggest storyline in the first NFL season this century without Tom Brady centers on Aaron Rodgers' quest to turn the New York Jets into a championship contender. The 39-year-old, four-time NFL MVP left Green Bay for a team that hasn't reached the playoffs since the 2010 season and hasn't won a Super Bowl since Broadway Joe Namath guaranteed one more than 50 years ago. Rodgers has plenty of talent surrounding him but the Jets play in one of the toughest divisions in the league and a conference loaded with contenders, including the defending Super Bowl champions. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to become the first team to win consecutive titles since Brady led the New England Patriots to back-to-back rings in 2003-04.Happy Harvick: NASCAR driver ready for final playoff runCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kevin Harvick is happy to get one more chance at the NASCAR playoffs. The 2014 Cup Series champion won't spend much time on nostalgia, knowing he's left a legacy of success and leadership at the track. Harvick will end his stellar career after this season and become a TV analyst for Fox. Harvick is winless this season and will start 15th among the 16 playoff drivers. He's had 10 top-10 finishes this year, including a second place at Darlington Raceway in May. The playoffs begin at the track "Too Tough To Tame" on Sunday night.Titans' Derrick Henry ready to remind everyone what running backs mean to NFLNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Derrick Henry has run for more yards than anyone else since the start of the 2016 NFL season and seems like a man on a mission going into the final year of his deal with the Tennessee Titans. He can make his case for a third contract and help the Titans win. He also can help remind everyone the run game still matters in a league where only kickers and punters earn less on average than NFL running backs. Henry notes that running backs touch the ball sometimes almost as much as quarterbacks and are very marketable. He says they want their due share.Cleveland claims former LA pitchers Giolito, López and Moore for late playoff pushCLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians are hoping some Los Angeles Angels throwaways can help their playoff push. Cleveland claimed starter Lucas Giolito and relievers Matt Moore and Reynaldo López off waivers from Los Angeles on Thursday. The acquisitions didn't cost the Guardians any prospects. After going 4-2 on a recent road trip, the Guardians are currently five games behind the first-place Twins with 28 games left. By getting Giolito, Moore and López, the Guardians hope to catch the Twins, defend their division title and make the postseason. It could be a memorable final surge as manager Terry Francona has hinted he'll retire in October.After years of fighting, a praying football coach got his job back. Now he's unsure he wants itBREMERTON, Wash. (AP) — Years after assistant coach Joe Kennedy left a Washington state high school football team over objections to his post-game praying on the field, he has returned to the gridiron thanks to a Supreme Court decision. His first game back is Friday. Kennedy's effort to be rehired became a cultural touchstone, pitting public school employees' religious liberties against longstanding principles separating church and state and protecting students from religious coercion. Kennedy says he has some anxiety that people are going to be watching for him to pray after Friday's game and he doesn't know how long he'll stick with the coaching job.ESPN networks go dark on Charter Spectrum cable systems on busy night for sportsESPN is among a number of Disney Entertainment channels that have gone dark on Charter Spectrum cable systems. The channels went off the air Thursday night due to a carriage dispute between the nation's second-largest cable TV provider and Disney. Charter Spectrum is the major carrier in New York and Los Angeles, among numerous other cities. ESPN was carrying a college football game between Florida and No. 14 Utah while ESPN2 was showing the U.S. Open tennis tournament when the channels went dark for Charter Spectrum's 14.7 million subscribers.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	4	N.Y. Yankees	3	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Miami	6	Washington	1	Final	San Francisco	7	San Diego	2	Final	Atlanta	8	L.A. Dodgers	7	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALLFinal	(14)Utah	24	Florida	11	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Connecticut	84	Phoenix	74	Final	Seattle	72	Los Angeles	61	Final	Las Vegas	84	Washington	75	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		Seattle	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			Toronto	at	Colorado	8:40 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Arizona	9:40 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Tampa Bay	at	Cleveland	7:10 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Texas	8:05 p.m.			Boston	at	Kansas City	8:10 p.m.			Detroit	at	Chi White Sox	8:10 p.m.			N-Y Yankees	at	Houston	8:10 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Oakland	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Chi Cubs	at	Cincinnati	1:10 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	Cincinnati	6:40 p.m.			Miami	at	Washington	7:05 p.m.			Philadelphia	at	Milwaukee	8:10 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	St. Louis	8:15 p.m.			San Francisco	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.			Atlanta	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Dallas	at	Indiana	7 p.m.			Atlanta	at	Minnesota	8 p.m.			Connecticut	at	New York	8 p.m.	<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wind Surge and The Missions both had multi-home run games, but the Missions hit a few more. Wichita was defeated by San Antonio by a score of 8-6 and the Missions now lead the series two games to one.

The Missions hit a leadoff home run to start the ballgame. Jakob Marsee swung at the third pitch of the game and hit a line drive over the right center field wall for a solo home run.

Wichita answered with their own home run in the bottom of the second to tie the ballgame. Tanner Schobel hit a solo home run on a line drive over the left center field wall.

San Antonio hit another home run, this time in the top of the fourth. The home run was a two-run shot hit by Marcos Castanon that flew over the center field wall.

Back-to-back home runs were hit by the Missions in the top of the sixth. Jackson Merrill and Graham Pauley both hit solo home runs past the right field wall.

The Wind Surge started chipping away at the Missions lead in the sixth and seventh innings. Patrick Winkel hit an RBI single on a line drive to right field in the bottom of the sixth. Alerick Soularie then ripped a ball on a line drive to center field for a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh.

The Missions pulled away in the top of the eighth. A three-run home run by Cole Cummings extended their lead out to five runs.

Winkel hit his second RBI of the game in the bottom of the eighth. He hit a sacrifice fly to left field that drove in Willie Joe Garry Jr. from third. Aaron Sabato then blasted a ball over the left field wall for a two-run home run and the deficit was reduced to just two runs.

Carlos Luna made his 15th start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched five and one third innings where he gave up five runs off six hits. He struck out six batters and walked none. He was credited with the loss, and his record falls to (2-8).

The San Antonio Missions starting pitcher Adam Mazur pitched six innings. He gave up two runs off seven hits. He struck out five batters and walked one. He earned the win, and his record improves to (1-2).

The first place Wichita Wind Surge fall to (30-24, 58-64) and the San Antonio Missions improve to (27-27, 64-59).

NOTES: The Wind Surge won 19 of 27 games they played in the month of August, which was the best mark in the league. Yoyner Fajardo has reached base in 16 consecutive games. RHP Hunter McMahon was promoted to Class-AAA St. Paul. The 19 wins in August is the most in a month for the Surge in the three year history,

BROADCAST: Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.

UPCOMING: The Wind Surge continue to host the San Antonio Missions and will play game four Friday, September 1st. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM. RH Marco Raya will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Ryan Bergert will be the starting pitcher for the Missions.

<div><iframe src="https://streamable.com/milb/tanner-schobel-s-solo-dinger" width="560" height="315"></iframe></div>WICHITA, Kan. - The Wind Surge and The Missions both had multi-home run games, but the Missions hit a few more. Wichita was defeated by San Antonio by a score of 8-6 and the Missions now lead the series two games to one.The Missions hit a leadoff home run to start the ballgame. Jakob Marsee swung at the third pitch of the game and hit a line drive over the right center field wall for a solo home run.Wichita answered with their own home run in the bottom of the second to tie the ballgame. Tanner Schobel hit a solo home run on a line drive over the left center field wall.San Antonio hit another home run, this time in the top of the fourth. The home run was a two-run shot hit by Marcos Castanon that flew over the center field wall.Back-to-back home runs were hit by the Missions in the top of the sixth. Jackson Merrill and Graham Pauley both hit solo home runs past the right field wall.The Wind Surge started chipping away at the Missions lead in the sixth and seventh innings. Patrick Winkel hit an RBI single on a line drive to right field in the bottom of the sixth. Alerick Soularie then ripped a ball on a line drive to center field for a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh.The Missions pulled away in the top of the eighth. A three-run home run by Cole Cummings extended their lead out to five runs.Winkel hit his second RBI of the game in the bottom of the eighth. He hit a sacrifice fly to left field that drove in Willie Joe Garry Jr. from third. Aaron Sabato then blasted a ball over the left field wall for a two-run home run and the deficit was reduced to just two runs.Carlos Luna made his 15th start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched five and one third innings where he gave up five runs off six hits. He struck out six batters and walked none. He was credited with the loss, and his record falls to (2-8).The San Antonio Missions starting pitcher Adam Mazur pitched six innings. He gave up two runs off seven hits. He struck out five batters and walked one. He earned the win, and his record improves to (1-2).The first place Wichita Wind Surge fall to (30-24, 58-64) and the San Antonio Missions improve to (27-27, 64-59).NOTES: The Wind Surge won 19 of 27 games they played in the month of August, which was the best mark in the league. Yoyner Fajardo has reached base in 16 consecutive games. RHP Hunter McMahon was promoted to Class-AAA St. Paul. The 19 wins in August is the most in a month for the Surge in the three year history,BROADCAST: Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.UPCOMING: The Wind Surge continue to host the San Antonio Missions and will play game four Friday, September 1st. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM. RH Marco Raya will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Ryan Bergert will be the starting pitcher for the Missions.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge held off by Missions

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – K-State was up to the challenge against Vanderbilt on Thursday night at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex, but a miscue inside the penalty area in the second half led to a penalty kick goal for the Commodores and a 1-0 loss for the Wildcats. 

HOW IT HAPPENED -K-State (2-1-2) and Vanderbilt (3-0-2) were equal in shots on goal at five apiece, while the Wildcats held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. The Commodores held a 10-7 advantage in total shots. - Of the five shots on goal for the Wildcats, four came in the second half as junior forward&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/riley-baker/11055">Riley Baker</a>&nbsp;fired off two, including a dangerous ball to the upper right corner, while freshman forward&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/jo-sees/11212">Jo Sees</a>&nbsp;tallied one and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/kenzi-gillispie/11063">Kenzi Gillispie</a>&nbsp;notched one to the lower right corner. - In the 67th minute, the Commodores were awarded a penalty kick as an attacker was pulled down inside the box. Hannah McLaughlin finished the attempt for the 1-0 lead.&nbsp; - K-State's school record for consecutive shutout minutes ended at 416:44. - K-State sophomore goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/murphy-sheaff/11202">Murphy Sheaff</a>&nbsp;finished the night with four saves.&nbsp;

QUICK FACTS - K-State is 1-1-1 on the road this season and owns a 14-41-11 record in road matches in program history. - The Wildcats are 0-1-1 in matches against current members of the SEC. - This was the first meeting between K-State and Vanderbilt.- Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/coaches/mike-dibbini/1967">Mike Dibbini</a>&nbsp;owns a career coaching record of 299-153-48. He is 34-75-17 in eight seasons as the only head coach in K-State history. - K-State finished August with a record of 2-1-2. In its history, the Wildcats are 12-10-6 in August.&nbsp; - The Wildcats are 1-1-2 this season when tied at the half and 13-26-14 in its eight seasons. - When the Wildcats have the advantage in corner kicks, K-State is 2-1-1 this season and 22-21-5 in its history.

PLAYER NOTES - Sheaff's K-State record in frame is 2-1-2. Her collegiate career record stands at 6-3-6. - Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/maddie-weichel/11074">Maddie Weichel</a>&nbsp;played in her 56th career match on Thursday. She remains in sole possession of ninth in program history for career matches played. - With their starts on Thursday, Weichel and Gillispie are tied for 10th in school history for career starts with 42.

FROM THE HEAD COACH K-State Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/coaches/mike-dibbini/1967">Mike Dibbini</a>&nbsp;on the team's overall play tonight..."I felt our ability to get the win was there and we played well enough to win the game. I felt like we had clear chances. We hit the post and their goalkeeper made some big saves. Unfortunately, they get a PK to win the game. That's a good team but we competed hard and were a good side as well. We were just on the short end of the stick tonight." On what he saw from his team defensively over the last four matches..."They were a hard defensive unit to break down. Even tonight, we were hard to break down. Unfortunately, we got a PK called on us and that ended the streak. Now we just regroup and rebound to be better Sunday." On the offensive chances..."I thought we got some good opportunities. Some corners. I felt like we had our one opportunity at the post that had a real nice build up through the midfield and a through ball. So there were some good moments. We just have to continue to build on what we've been doing in the attack especially on the counter and see where we can make a bid as we go into Sunday."&nbsp;

UP NEXT K-State returns to Buser Family Park on Sunday night at 8 p.m., as the Wildcats begin a four-match home stand by hosting Nebraska. Sunday's match is a Wildcat Weekend, as fans can purchase a general admission ticket for $5 at the Buser Family Park ticket windows when showing their football game ticket from Saturday's game against Southeast Missouri State.

Sunday's match will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693538848199.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsNASHVILLE, Tennessee – K-State was up to the challenge against Vanderbilt on Thursday night at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex, but a miscue inside the penalty area in the second half led to a penalty kick goal for the Commodores and a 1-0 loss for the Wildcats. HOW IT HAPPENED -K-State (2-1-2) and Vanderbilt (3-0-2) were equal in shots on goal at five apiece, while the Wildcats held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. The Commodores held a 10-7 advantage in total shots. - Of the five shots on goal for the Wildcats, four came in the second half as junior forward&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/riley-baker/11055">Riley Baker</a>&nbsp;fired off two, including a dangerous ball to the upper right corner, while freshman forward&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/jo-sees/11212">Jo Sees</a>&nbsp;tallied one and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/kenzi-gillispie/11063">Kenzi Gillispie</a>&nbsp;notched one to the lower right corner. - In the 67th minute, the Commodores were awarded a penalty kick as an attacker was pulled down inside the box. Hannah McLaughlin finished the attempt for the 1-0 lead.&nbsp; - K-State's school record for consecutive shutout minutes ended at 416:44. - K-State sophomore goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/murphy-sheaff/11202">Murphy Sheaff</a>&nbsp;finished the night with four saves.&nbsp; QUICK FACTS - K-State is 1-1-1 on the road this season and owns a 14-41-11 record in road matches in program history. - The Wildcats are 0-1-1 in matches against current members of the SEC. - This was the first meeting between K-State and Vanderbilt.- Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/coaches/mike-dibbini/1967">Mike Dibbini</a>&nbsp;owns a career coaching record of 299-153-48. He is 34-75-17 in eight seasons as the only head coach in K-State history. - K-State finished August with a record of 2-1-2. In its history, the Wildcats are 12-10-6 in August.&nbsp; - The Wildcats are 1-1-2 this season when tied at the half and 13-26-14 in its eight seasons. - When the Wildcats have the advantage in corner kicks, K-State is 2-1-1 this season and 22-21-5 in its history. PLAYER NOTES - Sheaff's K-State record in frame is 2-1-2. Her collegiate career record stands at 6-3-6. - Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/maddie-weichel/11074">Maddie Weichel</a>&nbsp;played in her 56th career match on Thursday. She remains in sole possession of ninth in program history for career matches played. - With their starts on Thursday, Weichel and Gillispie are tied for 10th in school history for career starts with 42. FROM THE HEAD COACH K-State Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/coaches/mike-dibbini/1967">Mike Dibbini</a>&nbsp;on the team's overall play tonight..."I felt our ability to get the win was there and we played well enough to win the game. I felt like we had clear chances. We hit the post and their goalkeeper made some big saves. Unfortunately, they get a PK to win the game. That's a good team but we competed hard and were a good side as well. We were just on the short end of the stick tonight." On what he saw from his team defensively over the last four matches..."They were a hard defensive unit to break down. Even tonight, we were hard to break down. Unfortunately, we got a PK called on us and that ended the streak. Now we just regroup and rebound to be better Sunday." On the offensive chances..."I thought we got some good opportunities. Some corners. I felt like we had our one opportunity at the post that had a real nice build up through the midfield and a through ball. So there were some good moments. We just have to continue to build on what we've been doing in the attack especially on the counter and see where we can make a bid as we go into Sunday."&nbsp; UP NEXT K-State returns to Buser Family Park on Sunday night at 8 p.m., as the Wildcats begin a four-match home stand by hosting Nebraska. Sunday's match is a Wildcat Weekend, as fans can purchase a general admission ticket for $5 at the Buser Family Park ticket windows when showing their football game ticket from Saturday's game against Southeast Missouri State.Sunday's match will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ WSOC: K-State suffers tough loss at Vanderbilt

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;On a night when the soccer program honored new Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Liana Salazar, Kansas defeated Arkansas State 3-0 at Rock Chalk Park Thursday. Lexi Watts, Brie Severns and Montelene Dymond all scored goals and Hallie Klanke had two assists for the second straight game.

With the victory, Kansas (3-0-2) remained unbeaten on the season. The last time Kansas was unbeaten through the first five games was the 2018 season when the Jayhawks made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas controlled the game from the start with a goal less than two minutes into the match. Watts redirected a cross into the box from Klanke to put the Jayhawks ahead 1-0 in the second minute. The goal was the second of the season for Watts. The score remained 1-0 into halftime.

Early in the second half, Severns capitalized on an opportunity in the box. Watts passed the ball to Klanke who found a wide open Severns to put the ball in past a diving goalkeeper. The goal extended the Jayhawks’ lead to 2-0. The assist by Klanke was her second of the night and fourth in the last two games.

The Jayhawks added one more goal in the 76th minute. A cross into the box from Siera Herbert was deflected by an Arkansas State defender right to Montelene Dymond making a run into the box. Dymond snuck the ball inside the left post to give the Jayhawks a 3-0 lead and secure the KU victory.

Super-senior goalkeeper Melania Pasar recorded her second shutout of the season and sixth of her career in the game. Defensively, the Jayhawks held the Red Wolves to only one shot on goal.

Kansas held a 24-3 advantage on shots, including a 12-1 edge for shots on target. Watts led the team with six shots in the match followed by Dymond with four attempts.

NOTES Kansas has not suffered a loss through the first five games of the season for the first time since 2018.• Kansas has at least 20 shots in back-to-back games for the first time since Sept. 8-11, 2022.• Kansas has outscored their opponents 10-1 at Rock Chalk Park this season.• Kansas has double-digit shots on goal in consecutive games.• Klanke has multiple assists in two straight games for the first time in her career. She has four assists in the last two games.• Watts, Severns and Dymond all now have two goals this season.

UP NEXT Kansas will look to remain unbeaten on Sunday against Missouri at Rock Chalk Park for Pack the Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. All beverages will be discounted and the first 250 fans in attendance will receive a KU-branded soccer scarf.

Season tickets and individual tickets for the 2023 season are on sale now. Season tickets cost only $55 and includes all nine regular season home matches at Rock Chalk Park. Single-game and season tickets can be purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=SC&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Kansas ticket office at 785-864-3141. Single-game tickets will also be available to purchase at the ticket window at Rock Chalk Park on gamedays, beginning one hour prior to kickoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693538321185.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;On a night when the soccer program honored new Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Liana Salazar, Kansas defeated Arkansas State 3-0 at Rock Chalk Park Thursday. Lexi Watts, Brie Severns and Montelene Dymond all scored goals and Hallie Klanke had two assists for the second straight game.With the victory, Kansas (3-0-2) remained unbeaten on the season. The last time Kansas was unbeaten through the first five games was the 2018 season when the Jayhawks made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.Kansas controlled the game from the start with a goal less than two minutes into the match. Watts redirected a cross into the box from Klanke to put the Jayhawks ahead 1-0 in the second minute. The goal was the second of the season for Watts. The score remained 1-0 into halftime.Early in the second half, Severns capitalized on an opportunity in the box. Watts passed the ball to Klanke who found a wide open Severns to put the ball in past a diving goalkeeper. The goal extended the Jayhawks’ lead to 2-0. The assist by Klanke was her second of the night and fourth in the last two games.The Jayhawks added one more goal in the 76th minute. A cross into the box from Siera Herbert was deflected by an Arkansas State defender right to Montelene Dymond making a run into the box. Dymond snuck the ball inside the left post to give the Jayhawks a 3-0 lead and secure the KU victory.Super-senior goalkeeper Melania Pasar recorded her second shutout of the season and sixth of her career in the game. Defensively, the Jayhawks held the Red Wolves to only one shot on goal.Kansas held a 24-3 advantage on shots, including a 12-1 edge for shots on target. Watts led the team with six shots in the match followed by Dymond with four attempts.NOTES Kansas has not suffered a loss through the first five games of the season for the first time since 2018.• Kansas has at least 20 shots in back-to-back games for the first time since Sept. 8-11, 2022.• Kansas has outscored their opponents 10-1 at Rock Chalk Park this season.• Kansas has double-digit shots on goal in consecutive games.• Klanke has multiple assists in two straight games for the first time in her career. She has four assists in the last two games.• Watts, Severns and Dymond all now have two goals this season.UP NEXT Kansas will look to remain unbeaten on Sunday against Missouri at Rock Chalk Park for Pack the Pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. All beverages will be discounted and the first 250 fans in attendance will receive a KU-branded soccer scarf.Season tickets and individual tickets for the 2023 season are on sale now. Season tickets cost only $55 and includes all nine regular season home matches at Rock Chalk Park. Single-game and season tickets can be purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=SC&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>&nbsp;or by calling the Kansas ticket office at 785-864-3141. Single-game tickets will also be available to purchase at the ticket window at Rock Chalk Park on gamedays, beginning one hour prior to kickoff.

⚽ WSOC: KU blanks Arkansas State, stays unbeaten

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– In a battle of two ranked teams, No. 25 Purdue edged No. 23 Kansas 3-2 (25-17, 19-25, 25-16, 19-25, 15-17) in the opening round game of the Kansas Invitational at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena Thursday evening.

A crowd of 1,838 saw a thrilling match that went this distance and included 11 ties and five lead changes in the final set. Neither team led by more than two in the deciding set as Kansas fell to 2-1 on the season, while Purdue improved to 2-2.

Kansas was paced by graduate Raegan Cooper who had 18 kills, while junior Caroline Bien had 17 kills and junior London Davis had 11 kills for the match. Junior Camryn Turner led KU with 14 digs, while freshman Raegan Burns and junior Ayah Elnady had 12 digs each. Kansas edged Purdue in hitting percentage .398-331.

Kansas dominated the opening set jumping out to a 9-3 lead highlighted by three kills from Davis. KU forced a second Purdue timeout when it took a 17-9 lead. The Jayhawks would keep the Boilermakers at bay winning the first set 25-17. Davis and Cooper paced KU with four kills each for the set, while Burns led KU with five digs. As a team, KU outhit Purdue .405 to .194 for the set.

Purdue overcame an 8-4 deficit to defeat Kansas 25-19 in the second set and tie the match at one set each. Elnady recorded four kills in the set, including three during KU’s 8-4 lead forcing a Purdue timeout. With the set tied at 15-15, Purdue went on a 6-0 run to lead 21-15 and kept its cushion to win the set.

Recording no kills in the match’s first two sets, KU turned to Bien in the third set where she amassed nine kills. Up 10-9, Kansas went on an 11-1 run to make the score 21-10 in favor of the home team. In the run, Bien posted three kills and a block solo, while Burns had an ace. Seven of KU’s points in the run came on Burns’ serve. The Jayhawks would cruise to a 25-16 set win to go up 2-1.

Purdue used a late surge to win the fourth set 25-19. Early on, neither team led by more than three in the fourth set and Kansas cut the Purdue lead to 19-18 on a Davis kill. The Boilermakers would then score four-straight points and later send the match to a fifth and deciding set.

Kansas will play its second and final match of the Kansas Invitational when it plays host to No. 19 Marquette on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. The match will be broadcast on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+. Purdue and Marquette will play on Friday at 3 p.m. in the second round of the Kansas Invitational at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693538476958.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– In a battle of two ranked teams, No. 25 Purdue edged No. 23 Kansas 3-2 (25-17, 19-25, 25-16, 19-25, 15-17) in the opening round game of the Kansas Invitational at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena Thursday evening.A crowd of 1,838 saw a thrilling match that went this distance and included 11 ties and five lead changes in the final set. Neither team led by more than two in the deciding set as Kansas fell to 2-1 on the season, while Purdue improved to 2-2.Kansas was paced by graduate Raegan Cooper who had 18 kills, while junior Caroline Bien had 17 kills and junior London Davis had 11 kills for the match. Junior Camryn Turner led KU with 14 digs, while freshman Raegan Burns and junior Ayah Elnady had 12 digs each. Kansas edged Purdue in hitting percentage .398-331.Kansas dominated the opening set jumping out to a 9-3 lead highlighted by three kills from Davis. KU forced a second Purdue timeout when it took a 17-9 lead. The Jayhawks would keep the Boilermakers at bay winning the first set 25-17. Davis and Cooper paced KU with four kills each for the set, while Burns led KU with five digs. As a team, KU outhit Purdue .405 to .194 for the set.Purdue overcame an 8-4 deficit to defeat Kansas 25-19 in the second set and tie the match at one set each. Elnady recorded four kills in the set, including three during KU’s 8-4 lead forcing a Purdue timeout. With the set tied at 15-15, Purdue went on a 6-0 run to lead 21-15 and kept its cushion to win the set.Recording no kills in the match’s first two sets, KU turned to Bien in the third set where she amassed nine kills. Up 10-9, Kansas went on an 11-1 run to make the score 21-10 in favor of the home team. In the run, Bien posted three kills and a block solo, while Burns had an ace. Seven of KU’s points in the run came on Burns’ serve. The Jayhawks would cruise to a 25-16 set win to go up 2-1.Purdue used a late surge to win the fourth set 25-19. Early on, neither team led by more than three in the fourth set and Kansas cut the Purdue lead to 19-18 on a Davis kill. The Boilermakers would then score four-straight points and later send the match to a fifth and deciding set.UP NEXTKansas will play its second and final match of the Kansas Invitational when it plays host to No. 19 Marquette on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. The match will be broadcast on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+. Purdue and Marquette will play on Friday at 3 p.m. in the second round of the Kansas Invitational at the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

🏐 KU edged in 5-set thriller against No. 25 Purdue

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LISTEN: August 31, 2023 Evening Sports

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22634&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Collin Klein’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22635&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conferences-august-31-2023/4817" target="_blank">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the Wildcats’ season opener on Saturday against SEMO. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.

COLLIN KLEIN, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR On the mentality of trying to 50 points per game… “There’s more of a mentality type of thing more than anything. As long as you get one more than the other team, that's the ultimate goal. Just from a mindset and offensively understanding that that is our job and role, that was kind of where that came from.”

On his feelings of the quarterback room… “I think the exciting thing is they're all continuing to get better. I think Will (Howard) has done a great job. Watching his maturation process the last year, and even everything he went through last year, from preparing, learning from Adrian (Martinez), competing, being in a backup role, and then obviously, the team calling his number, him being more than ready and going out and playing the way he did. Kind of watch that perspective trickle down now and him being able to be on the other side of that and get back to the younger part of the room has been really fun to see. How they've all competed and how they've all gotten better, it starts with him. I'll tell you what, it's been a really, really, really good competition for that number two spot. Avery (Johnson) and Jake (Rubley) both – like I told you guys last time, and I wasn’t meaning anything by it – both have played really well, had good camps. At the end of the day, naming a set depth chart is not really even how I feel – and Coach Klieman feels – is the way to do that. We’re going to have all three of those guys ready to play. We're going to do whatever and ultimately focus on scoring as many points as we can, and obviously doing what's in the best interest of the players. Trying to predict too many things, that’s an exercise of futility. I think both Jake and Avery will be ready to go. Who goes in the game first, Coach Klieman and I will probably talk tomorrow after we finish this week of practice and see where we're at and how to manage it. But, you know, I’m excited to see all three of those guys, hopefully, see some action.”

On how he’s improved as an offensive coordinator… “I think, obviously, experience just like from a player's standpoint. Those reps are valuable. The situations. I think being able to know and understand, have better foresight of where to spend some time and what's important, and then maybe what's not going to be quite as important, even for myself as I prepare. I feel like I'm learning again this year, too and that's a healthy thing as well.”

On how plays will look without Deuce Vaughn… “Any time you have a player like that, there’s no doubt that it dictates a lot of things, it helps us make decisions and it helps things move forward. But, again, I think there's a huge opportunity to step up for a lot of guys. I think what excites me – as I've said – I think we had a lot of balanced production last year, even with as dynamic as Deuce was. I think there'll be, again, an opportunity for a lot of contributors to help pick up that slack.”

On Avery Johnson’s progression through camp… “It's a credit to him. It's an absolute credit to him. He's worked himself and earned it. He's got an outstanding football IQ and knack for the game, what's going on around him conceptually, what and why you're doing what you're doing at his age is off the charts. Then, how he's been able to apply that to a new environment and a new system, obviously at a higher level of football than he's played before, it's pretty special.”

JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On his eagerness to see new pieces of the defense… “It's going to be an interesting deal, and it’s going to be a work in progress for several weeks, I would guess. We've got an interesting mixture of guys that have played a lot of football and I feel really comfortable with, and other guys are going to have pretty big key roles, probably bigger as time goes on that we haven't seen yet or don't know very much about. Seeing all those guys respond to the lights is going to be big thing.”

On Asa Newsom’s position on the depth chart… “Well for starters, he's physically very mature and very ready. He came in as a kid that had weight, he had length, he was really well-developed body wise, and had good body control, unusual body control for a young guy. When you couple that with the fact he's got a really high IQ. He's being taught some things that he's never heard before, believe me, but he's got a great capacity for learning. When he makes mistakes, he rarely makes repeated mistakes. I think that as that continues to build and his experience and amount of snaps continues to grow, he's just going to get better and better. He'll be a big, big factor toward the end of the year.”

On trying to get ahead early against SEMO to try to play younger players… “I'm not banking on that at all. We haven’t talked about that at all. You bet, SEMO’s a good football team, in particular offensively. They are explosive on offense. They put up yards and points on people. Coaching at that level, I just know how they're going to approach this game, when they get a chance to play a Power 5 opponent. So, not something that we've really even discussed as a staff at all.”

On how Austin Moore is progressing… “As much as a machine can progress. He's uploading the new software, and he continues on. He's incredible. Talk about one of the steadiest guys I have ever been around. He doesn't have a bad day, doesn't have a bad period, he just continues to go. I think he really gives a lot of strength. You talk about Asa Newsom, some of those guys – Austin Romaine, some of the younger linebackers –just the steadying presence of Austin is phenomenal for them.”

On how defense can go from good to great… “I'm hoping that we become a much better tackling team. I thought we tackled well at the first part of last year, and I thought at the end of the season that wasn't the case. You look at the Alabama game and you look at some of the later games, we weren't a good tackling team. I think that really put us in some advantageous third downs early in the season, and at the end of the year, it was a whole bunch more 3rd&nbsp;and 2s, 3rd&nbsp;and 1s that could have easily been 3rd&nbsp;and 7s and 3rd&nbsp;and 8s. With young guys, that concerns me. That's something that we don't do a lot of live stuff with. That's not a Coach’s philosophy. We'll do it occasionally. We'll do it a couple of times, but it's not like we're doing it every day. Just the speed of the game, I think those guys just have to trust that they're good football players and they were brought here for a reason, some of those guys that haven't done it. I'm certain that will improve as the year goes on.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693515240628.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22634&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Collin Klein’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22635&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conferences-august-31-2023/4817" target="_blank">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the Wildcats’ season opener on Saturday against SEMO. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.COLLIN KLEIN, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR On the mentality of trying to 50 points per game… “There’s more of a mentality type of thing more than anything. As long as you get one more than the other team, that's the ultimate goal. Just from a mindset and offensively understanding that that is our job and role, that was kind of where that came from.”On his feelings of the quarterback room… “I think the exciting thing is they're all continuing to get better. I think Will (Howard) has done a great job. Watching his maturation process the last year, and even everything he went through last year, from preparing, learning from Adrian (Martinez), competing, being in a backup role, and then obviously, the team calling his number, him being more than ready and going out and playing the way he did. Kind of watch that perspective trickle down now and him being able to be on the other side of that and get back to the younger part of the room has been really fun to see. How they've all competed and how they've all gotten better, it starts with him. I'll tell you what, it's been a really, really, really good competition for that number two spot. Avery (Johnson) and Jake (Rubley) both – like I told you guys last time, and I wasn’t meaning anything by it – both have played really well, had good camps. At the end of the day, naming a set depth chart is not really even how I feel – and Coach Klieman feels – is the way to do that. We’re going to have all three of those guys ready to play. We're going to do whatever and ultimately focus on scoring as many points as we can, and obviously doing what's in the best interest of the players. Trying to predict too many things, that’s an exercise of futility. I think both Jake and Avery will be ready to go. Who goes in the game first, Coach Klieman and I will probably talk tomorrow after we finish this week of practice and see where we're at and how to manage it. But, you know, I’m excited to see all three of those guys, hopefully, see some action.”On how he’s improved as an offensive coordinator… “I think, obviously, experience just like from a player's standpoint. Those reps are valuable. The situations. I think being able to know and understand, have better foresight of where to spend some time and what's important, and then maybe what's not going to be quite as important, even for myself as I prepare. I feel like I'm learning again this year, too and that's a healthy thing as well.”On how plays will look without Deuce Vaughn… “Any time you have a player like that, there’s no doubt that it dictates a lot of things, it helps us make decisions and it helps things move forward. But, again, I think there's a huge opportunity to step up for a lot of guys. I think what excites me – as I've said – I think we had a lot of balanced production last year, even with as dynamic as Deuce was. I think there'll be, again, an opportunity for a lot of contributors to help pick up that slack.”On Avery Johnson’s progression through camp… “It's a credit to him. It's an absolute credit to him. He's worked himself and earned it. He's got an outstanding football IQ and knack for the game, what's going on around him conceptually, what and why you're doing what you're doing at his age is off the charts. Then, how he's been able to apply that to a new environment and a new system, obviously at a higher level of football than he's played before, it's pretty special.”JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOROn his eagerness to see new pieces of the defense… “It's going to be an interesting deal, and it’s going to be a work in progress for several weeks, I would guess. We've got an interesting mixture of guys that have played a lot of football and I feel really comfortable with, and other guys are going to have pretty big key roles, probably bigger as time goes on that we haven't seen yet or don't know very much about. Seeing all those guys respond to the lights is going to be big thing.”On Asa Newsom’s position on the depth chart… “Well for starters, he's physically very mature and very ready. He came in as a kid that had weight, he had length, he was really well-developed body wise, and had good body control, unusual body control for a young guy. When you couple that with the fact he's got a really high IQ. He's being taught some things that he's never heard before, believe me, but he's got a great capacity for learning. When he makes mistakes, he rarely makes repeated mistakes. I think that as that continues to build and his experience and amount of snaps continues to grow, he's just going to get better and better. He'll be a big, big factor toward the end of the year.”On trying to get ahead early against SEMO to try to play younger players… “I'm not banking on that at all. We haven’t talked about that at all. You bet, SEMO’s a good football team, in particular offensively. They are explosive on offense. They put up yards and points on people. Coaching at that level, I just know how they're going to approach this game, when they get a chance to play a Power 5 opponent. So, not something that we've really even discussed as a staff at all.”On how Austin Moore is progressing… “As much as a machine can progress. He's uploading the new software, and he continues on. He's incredible. Talk about one of the steadiest guys I have ever been around. He doesn't have a bad day, doesn't have a bad period, he just continues to go. I think he really gives a lot of strength. You talk about Asa Newsom, some of those guys – Austin Romaine, some of the younger linebackers –just the steadying presence of Austin is phenomenal for them.”On how defense can go from good to great… “I'm hoping that we become a much better tackling team. I thought we tackled well at the first part of last year, and I thought at the end of the season that wasn't the case. You look at the Alabama game and you look at some of the later games, we weren't a good tackling team. I think that really put us in some advantageous third downs early in the season, and at the end of the year, it was a whole bunch more 3rd&nbsp;and 2s, 3rd&nbsp;and 1s that could have easily been 3rd&nbsp;and 7s and 3rd&nbsp;and 8s. With young guys, that concerns me. That's something that we don't do a lot of live stuff with. That's not a Coach’s philosophy. We'll do it occasionally. We'll do it a couple of times, but it's not like we're doing it every day. Just the speed of the game, I think those guys just have to trust that they're good football players and they were brought here for a reason, some of those guys that haven't done it. I'm certain that will improve as the year goes on.”

🏈 K-State coordinators discuss season opener

Fort Hays State (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at
Northeastern State (0-0,
0-0 MIAA)
 Thursday, August 31 - 6 p.m. Tahlequah, Okla. – Gable Field at Doc Wadley
Stadium
&nbsp;
 Radio - KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>

Fort Hays State Football opens its 2023 campaign
on Thursday night (Aug. 31) at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah,
Okla. After an injury riddled 2022 season, the Tigers are looking to get back
on track this year in the perennially tough Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association. Kickoff from Doc Wadley Stadium will be at 6 p.m. Watch
the game live on The MIAA Network, or follow on KJLS radio (103.3) or live stats.

Fort Hays State has won the last eight meetings versus Northeastern State dating back to the 2014 season. FHSU has scored 27 or more points in all eight games during the streak, highlighted by a 91-point
outburst in Tehlequah in 2019. The Tigers have outscored the RiverHawks 380-67 during the
eight-game streak, averaging 47.5 points per game. 

FHSU leads the all-time
series 8-2 and has an 8-0 mark against NSU in MIAA play. NSU won the first two
meetings in 1989 and 1990, when both teams were a member of the NAIA.
&nbsp;


Fort Hays State won last year's meeting in Hays, 27-14. The Tigers led 20-0 through three quarters before the RiverHawks mounted a comeback early in the fourth quarter when they pulled within six points. A 38-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Dawson Brown II with just over nine minutes to play pushed the lead to the final 13-point margin.

Though the Tigers struggled to just three wins in
2022, they owned one of the top red-zone efficiencies in NCAA Division II, finishing 11th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II with an 88.9 percent
success rate, converting 32-of-36 chances with 23 touchdowns and nine field
goals.
&nbsp;


All of FHSU's returning all-conference performers
are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Myles Menges, linebacker Makel Williams and safety Mason Perez&nbsp;earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2022.
The trio combined for 178 tackles in 2022.
&nbsp;


On the offensive side of the ball, Jack Dawson&nbsp;is projected to start at quarterback after
throwing for 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He is also the top
returning rusher for the Tigers, churning out 245 yards. Ja'Quan Tillis&nbsp;had the most rushing yards last season (166) among returning
running backs. Leyton Cure leads the team in&nbsp;receiving yards among returners
with 281.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693345353620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at
Northeastern State (0-0,
0-0 MIAA)
 Thursday, August 31 - 6 p.m. Tahlequah, Okla. – Gable Field at Doc Wadley
Stadium
&nbsp;
 Radio - KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a>Fort Hays State Football opens its 2023 campaign
on Thursday night (Aug. 31) at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah,
Okla. After an injury riddled 2022 season, the Tigers are looking to get back
on track this year in the perennially tough Mid-America Intercollegiate
Athletics Association. Kickoff from Doc Wadley Stadium will be at 6 p.m. Watch
the game live on The MIAA Network, or follow on KJLS radio (103.3) or live stats.Fort Hays State has won the last eight meetings versus Northeastern State dating back to the 2014 season. FHSU has scored 27 or more points in all eight games during the streak, highlighted by a 91-point
outburst in Tehlequah in 2019. The Tigers have outscored the RiverHawks 380-67 during the
eight-game streak, averaging 47.5 points per game. FHSU leads the all-time
series 8-2 and has an 8-0 mark against NSU in MIAA play. NSU won the first two
meetings in 1989 and 1990, when both teams were a member of the NAIA.
&nbsp;
Fort Hays State won last year's meeting in Hays, 27-14. The Tigers led 20-0 through three quarters before the RiverHawks mounted a comeback early in the fourth quarter when they pulled within six points. A 38-yard touchdown pass from Jack Dawson to Dawson Brown II with just over nine minutes to play pushed the lead to the final 13-point margin.Though the Tigers struggled to just three wins in
2022, they owned one of the top red-zone efficiencies in NCAA Division II, finishing 11th&nbsp;in NCAA Division II with an 88.9 percent
success rate, converting 32-of-36 chances with 23 touchdowns and nine field
goals.
&nbsp;
All of FHSU's returning all-conference performers
are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Myles Menges, linebacker Makel Williams and safety Mason Perez&nbsp;earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2022.
The trio combined for 178 tackles in 2022.
&nbsp;
On the offensive side of the ball, Jack Dawson&nbsp;is projected to start at quarterback after
throwing for 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He is also the top
returning rusher for the Tigers, churning out 245 yards. Ja'Quan Tillis&nbsp;had the most rushing yards last season (166) among returning
running backs. Leyton Cure leads the team in&nbsp;receiving yards among returners
with 281.

🏈🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU opens 2023 season Thursday at Northeastern State

Courtesy of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Board of Presidents has approved the hiring of Ted Breidenthal as the conference's next commissioner, the conference office announced Thursday.&nbsp;

Breidenthal joins the KCAC after serving as the commissioner of the Continental Athletic Conference since March 2008. The Continental Athletic Conference is the NAIA's largest conference, with 16 independent full-member schools in 13 states. During his tenure with the Continental Athletic Conference, he earned the NAIA's Charles Morris Administrator of the Year Award for his work in the 2018-19 school year.

“I’d like to thank the KCAC Board of Presidents for giving me this opportunity to lead one of the NAIA’s most historic conferences," Breidenthal remarked. "The KCAC roots run deep and strong throughout middle America, and I am excited for the opportunity to represent the 14 schools and more than 6,000 student-athletes."

“As a life-long Kansan, leading this conference is a privilege," Breidenthal continued. "I am honored to become part of such an innovative, bold, and forward-thinking conference, and I am excited to get to work.”

Prior to serving as the commissioner of the Continental Athletic Conference, Breidenthal served in a variety of other positions in the collegiate sports landscape. From 2005-2015, he served as the director of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Independents, a group which ranged in size from 10-22 institutions. He also worked at the NCAA national office from March 1987 to October 1998.

In addition to his experience in collegiate sports, he also served as the Executive Director of the Amateur Baseball Umpires' Association from March 2000 to April 2009, and has been involved with Sports Association Management Inc. (SAMI) since 2001. He served as that company's director from 2001-2010, and has been the President/Owner of SAMI since 2010.Breidenthal graduated from the University of Kansas in January 1985 with a bachelor of science degree in journalism, with an emphasis in editorial and public relations sequences.

“The KCAC is poised well for the future of collegiate athletics because of the strength of our leadership and the quality of our membership," Dr. Scott Rich, president of Sterling College and the KCAC Board of Presidents chair, said. "Ted brings to the KCAC what we are used to…excellent leadership.&nbsp; The orchestration of his giftedness, his skill set, and his experience make him wonderfully fit to be the next leader of our great conference”.

"We are very excited to welcome Ted Breidenthal to the KCAC," Justin Morris, Athletic Director at Sterling College and chair of the KCAC's Governing Council Executive Committee, stated. "During the interview process, his passion for the KCAC and his experience and leadership in the NAIA set him apart. The KCAC has been blessed with outstanding leadership for many years, and we are excited to work together with Ted to continue building a highly respected conference in the NAIA that contributes to the overall success of our member institutions and our students.”

Breidenthal will begin his tenure as the commissioner of the KCAC on September 11, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693494648799.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy KCAC)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy KCAC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Board of Presidents has approved the hiring of Ted Breidenthal as the conference's next commissioner, the conference office announced Thursday.&nbsp;Breidenthal joins the KCAC after serving as the commissioner of the Continental Athletic Conference since March 2008. The Continental Athletic Conference is the NAIA's largest conference, with 16 independent full-member schools in 13 states. During his tenure with the Continental Athletic Conference, he earned the NAIA's Charles Morris Administrator of the Year Award for his work in the 2018-19 school year.“I’d like to thank the KCAC Board of Presidents for giving me this opportunity to lead one of the NAIA’s most historic conferences," Breidenthal remarked. "The KCAC roots run deep and strong throughout middle America, and I am excited for the opportunity to represent the 14 schools and more than 6,000 student-athletes."“As a life-long Kansan, leading this conference is a privilege," Breidenthal continued. "I am honored to become part of such an innovative, bold, and forward-thinking conference, and I am excited to get to work.”Prior to serving as the commissioner of the Continental Athletic Conference, Breidenthal served in a variety of other positions in the collegiate sports landscape. From 2005-2015, he served as the director of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Independents, a group which ranged in size from 10-22 institutions. He also worked at the NCAA national office from March 1987 to October 1998.In addition to his experience in collegiate sports, he also served as the Executive Director of the Amateur Baseball Umpires' Association from March 2000 to April 2009, and has been involved with Sports Association Management Inc. (SAMI) since 2001. He served as that company's director from 2001-2010, and has been the President/Owner of SAMI since 2010.Breidenthal graduated from the University of Kansas in January 1985 with a bachelor of science degree in journalism, with an emphasis in editorial and public relations sequences.“The KCAC is poised well for the future of collegiate athletics because of the strength of our leadership and the quality of our membership," Dr. Scott Rich, president of Sterling College and the KCAC Board of Presidents chair, said. "Ted brings to the KCAC what we are used to…excellent leadership.&nbsp; The orchestration of his giftedness, his skill set, and his experience make him wonderfully fit to be the next leader of our great conference”."We are very excited to welcome Ted Breidenthal to the KCAC," Justin Morris, Athletic Director at Sterling College and chair of the KCAC's Governing Council Executive Committee, stated. "During the interview process, his passion for the KCAC and his experience and leadership in the NAIA set him apart. The KCAC has been blessed with outstanding leadership for many years, and we are excited to work together with Ted to continue building a highly respected conference in the NAIA that contributes to the overall success of our member institutions and our students.”Breidenthal will begin his tenure as the commissioner of the KCAC on September 11, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breidenthal named KCAC commissioner

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686627047967.jpeg" alt="Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning, August 31st" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media Sports for Thursday Morning, August 31st</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="August 31st, 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=79a2v-1494108-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

LISTEN: August 31st, 2023 Morning Sports

NJCAA SCHEDULE Thursday, August 31 Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M vs. Independence Saturday, September 2 11 a.m. - (1) Hutchinson vs. Ellsworth 12 p.m. - (9) Iowa Central vs. (5) Garden City 12 p.m. - Lackawanna vs. Jireh Prep 12 p.m. - Nassau vs. Monroe College 1 p.m. - (2) Iowa Western vs. Georgia Military 5 p.m. - Rowan University vs. Sussex County&nbsp; 7 p.m. - Coffeyville vs. Dodge City&nbsp; 7 p.m. - (13) Butler vs. Highland 7 p.m. -&nbsp;Blinn vs. Gordon Prep 8 p.m. - (10) Snow vs. (14) New Mexico Military

KCAC SCHEDULE Saturday, September 2 1 p.m. - Avila vs. Southwestern 1 p.m. - Ottawa vs. Friends 6 p.m. - Saint Mary vs. Bethel 6 p.m. - Sterling vs. McPherson 6 p.m. - Tabor vs. Evangel 8 p.m. - Kansas Wesleyan vs. Bethany

MIAA SCHEDULE Thursday, August 31 6 p.m. - Northeastern St. vs. Fort Hays St. 7 p.m. - Central Oklahoma vs. Nebraska Kearney 7 p.m. - Emporia St. vs. Lincoln 7 p.m. - Missouri Southern vs. Northwest Missouri St. 7 p.m. - Pittsburg St. vs. Washburn

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686627047967.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NJCAA SCHEDULE Thursday, August 31 Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M vs. Independence Saturday, September 2 11 a.m. - (1) Hutchinson vs. Ellsworth 12 p.m. - (9) Iowa Central vs. (5) Garden City 12 p.m. - Lackawanna vs. Jireh Prep 12 p.m. - Nassau vs. Monroe College 1 p.m. - (2) Iowa Western vs. Georgia Military 5 p.m. - Rowan University vs. Sussex County&nbsp; 7 p.m. - Coffeyville vs. Dodge City&nbsp; 7 p.m. - (13) Butler vs. Highland 7 p.m. -&nbsp;Blinn vs. Gordon Prep 8 p.m. - (10) Snow vs. (14) New Mexico MilitaryKCAC SCHEDULE Saturday, September 2 1 p.m. - Avila vs. Southwestern 1 p.m. - Ottawa vs. Friends 6 p.m. - Saint Mary vs. Bethel 6 p.m. - Sterling vs. McPherson 6 p.m. - Tabor vs. Evangel 8 p.m. - Kansas Wesleyan vs. BethanyMIAA SCHEDULE Thursday, August 31 6 p.m. - Northeastern St. vs. Fort Hays St. 7 p.m. - Central Oklahoma vs. Nebraska Kearney 7 p.m. - Emporia St. vs. Lincoln 7 p.m. - Missouri Southern vs. Northwest Missouri St. 7 p.m. - Pittsburg St. vs. Washburn<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/eagle-media-broadcast-calendar">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 NJCAA, KCAC, MIAA weekly schedule (Aug. 31-Sept. 2)

Hutchinson Community College freshman receiver/return specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_tre_3jar">Tre Richardson</a>'s memorable Blue Dragon debut continued to earn recognition on Wednesday.

The freshman from Topeka was named the NJCAA Special Teams National Player of the Week for his performance against No. 11 Navarro in now-No. 1 Hutchinson's 42-6 road victory on Saturday in Corsicana, Texas.

Richardson had one of best debuts in Blue Dragon history on Saturday after accounting for 268 all-purpose yards against the Bulldogs and scored three touchdowns – a 32-yard run, 57-yard reception and a 92-yard kickoff return.

Richardson had 32 rush yards, 93 receiving yards, 113 kickoff return yards and 30 punt return yards The 268 all-purpose yards by Richardson is second in a Blue Dragon debut only to Roger Frazier's 330 all-purpose yards against Dodge City in 2005.

Richardson's third-quarter 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the key play of the game. With Hutchinson leading 14-6 after Navarro took more than 7 minutes off the clock to kick a field goal, Richardson took the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown and a 21-6 lead just 12 seconds later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693480737771.jpeg" alt="Tre Richardson NJCAA Player of the Week.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Tre Richardson NJCAA Player of the Week.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College freshman receiver/return specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/richardson_tre_3jar">Tre Richardson</a>'s memorable Blue Dragon debut continued to earn recognition on Wednesday.The freshman from Topeka was named the NJCAA Special Teams National Player of the Week for his performance against No. 11 Navarro in now-No. 1 Hutchinson's 42-6 road victory on Saturday in Corsicana, Texas.Richardson had one of best debuts in Blue Dragon history on Saturday after accounting for 268 all-purpose yards against the Bulldogs and scored three touchdowns – a 32-yard run, 57-yard reception and a 92-yard kickoff return.Richardson had 32 rush yards, 93 receiving yards, 113 kickoff return yards and 30 punt return yards The 268 all-purpose yards by Richardson is second in a Blue Dragon debut only to Roger Frazier's 330 all-purpose yards against Dodge City in 2005.Richardson's third-quarter 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the key play of the game. With Hutchinson leading 14-6 after Navarro took more than 7 minutes off the clock to kick a field goal, Richardson took the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown and a 21-6 lead just 12 seconds later.

🏈 NJCAA names Blue Dragon Tre Richardson national special teams player of the week

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The&nbsp;Denver Broncos&nbsp;signed former HutchCC cornerback Art Green to the 16-man practice squad.&nbsp;He was waived on Tuesday&nbsp;as the team worked their roster down to the 53-man limit.

Green, an undrafted free agent, impressed the Broncos during training camp, but did not make the final 53-man roster. However, the team is still high on his potential and hopes to develop him further on the practice squad. This move gives Green the opportunity to continue honing his skills and potentially earn a spot on the active roster in the future.

Green was a priority undrafted free agent signing by the Broncos after the 2023&nbsp;NFL Draft&nbsp;and was given the&nbsp;most guaranteed deal of all their UDFA signings at $170,000. While he didn’t make the final cut, the Broncos are still interested in developing the young cornerback.

Green, from Chesterfield, Missouri, signed with Hutchinson Community College in 2018, intercepting six passes in eight games as a true freshman. Green was a top junior college recruit after his second year with the Blue Dragons, signing with Houston before the 2020 season. He played in eight games off the bench that year (10 tackles, two pass breakups). He played in all 14 games as a reserve in 2021 (19 tackles, one interception, two pass breakups) and then became a starter in 2022, posting 49 tackles, three for loss, with two interceptions and eight pass breakups to garner second-team All-American Athletic Conference accolades. Green was the Independence Bowl Defensive MVP (nine tackles, one pass breakup).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693479935119.jpeg" alt="Art Green HutchCC&nbsp; cornerback 20-18-2019. Photo courtesy of HutchCC" />
 <figcaption>Art Green HutchCC&nbsp; cornerback 20-18-2019. Photo courtesy of HutchCC</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The&nbsp;Denver Broncos&nbsp;signed former HutchCC cornerback Art Green to the 16-man practice squad.&nbsp;He was waived on Tuesday&nbsp;as the team worked their roster down to the 53-man limit.Green, an undrafted free agent, impressed the Broncos during training camp, but did not make the final 53-man roster. However, the team is still high on his potential and hopes to develop him further on the practice squad. This move gives Green the opportunity to continue honing his skills and potentially earn a spot on the active roster in the future.Green was a priority undrafted free agent signing by the Broncos after the 2023&nbsp;NFL Draft&nbsp;and was given the&nbsp;most guaranteed deal of all their UDFA signings at $170,000. While he didn’t make the final cut, the Broncos are still interested in developing the young cornerback.Green, from Chesterfield, Missouri, signed with Hutchinson Community College in 2018, intercepting six passes in eight games as a true freshman. Green was a top junior college recruit after his second year with the Blue Dragons, signing with Houston before the 2020 season. He played in eight games off the bench that year (10 tackles, two pass breakups). He played in all 14 games as a reserve in 2021 (19 tackles, one interception, two pass breakups) and then became a starter in 2022, posting 49 tackles, three for loss, with two interceptions and eight pass breakups to garner second-team All-American Athletic Conference accolades. Green was the Independence Bowl Defensive MVP (nine tackles, one pass breakup).

🏈 Former Blue Dragon Art Green signs with Broncos practice squad

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wind Surge offense woke up late in the game and put some runs on the board thanks to a Willie Joe Garry Jr. RBI double and a Michael Helman sacrifice fly. Unfortunately, Missions pitching had already delivered five hitless innings and they had built a decent lead. The deficit proved too large for Wichita to overcome. The Wichita Wind Surge were defeated by the San Antonio Missions 9-2 and the series is tied at a game apiece.

San Antonio scored the first runs of the ball game in the top of the third inning. They scored four runs in the inning. Nathan Martorella and Marcos Castanon both hit ground balls for RBI singles. Cole Cummings drove in a run off a sacrifice fly to center field and Ethan Salas hit an RBI single on a soft fly ball to center field.

The Missions scored two more runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Jason Merril hit a sacrifice fly that drove in a run in the fourth. Martorella was able to reach home in the fifth off a wild pitch.

Wichita woke up offensively in the bottom of the seventh. They chipped away at the lead with two runs off a Garry Jr. RBI double and a sacrifice fly by Helman.

San Antonio added some insurance runs in the top of the eighth and ninth innings. Ripken Reyes hit an RBI double on a ground ball to right field in the eighth. Martorella hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth for his third hit of the game.

Jaylin Nowlin made his fifth start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched four and one third innings where he gave up six runs off eight hits. He struck out two batters and walked two more. He was credited with the loss, and his record falls to (3-1).

The San Antonio Missions starting pitcher Robbie Snelling pitched five innings where he gave up no runs or hits. He struck out nine batters and walked three more. He earned the win, and his record improves to (1-0).

The first place Wichita Wind Surge fall to (30-23, 58-63) and the San Antonio Missions improve to (26-27, 63-59).

NOTES: The Wind Surge have won 19 of 26 games in the month of August, which is the best mark in the league. The Wind Surge win streak came to an end at six games tonight. The streak ties the season high win streak mark of the season.

BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.

UPCOMING: The Wind Surge continue to host the San Antonio Missions and will play game three Thursday, August 31st. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM. RH Carlos Luna will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Adam Mazur will be the starting pitcher for the Missions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693478585620.jpeg" alt="Surge win streak snapped" />
 <figcaption>Surge win streak snapped</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. - The Wind Surge offense woke up late in the game and put some runs on the board thanks to a Willie Joe Garry Jr. RBI double and a Michael Helman sacrifice fly. Unfortunately, Missions pitching had already delivered five hitless innings and they had built a decent lead. The deficit proved too large for Wichita to overcome. The Wichita Wind Surge were defeated by the San Antonio Missions 9-2 and the series is tied at a game apiece.San Antonio scored the first runs of the ball game in the top of the third inning. They scored four runs in the inning. Nathan Martorella and Marcos Castanon both hit ground balls for RBI singles. Cole Cummings drove in a run off a sacrifice fly to center field and Ethan Salas hit an RBI single on a soft fly ball to center field.The Missions scored two more runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Jason Merril hit a sacrifice fly that drove in a run in the fourth. Martorella was able to reach home in the fifth off a wild pitch.Wichita woke up offensively in the bottom of the seventh. They chipped away at the lead with two runs off a Garry Jr. RBI double and a sacrifice fly by Helman.San Antonio added some insurance runs in the top of the eighth and ninth innings. Ripken Reyes hit an RBI double on a ground ball to right field in the eighth. Martorella hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth for his third hit of the game.Jaylin Nowlin made his fifth start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched four and one third innings where he gave up six runs off eight hits. He struck out two batters and walked two more. He was credited with the loss, and his record falls to (3-1).The San Antonio Missions starting pitcher Robbie Snelling pitched five innings where he gave up no runs or hits. He struck out nine batters and walked three more. He earned the win, and his record improves to (1-0).The first place Wichita Wind Surge fall to (30-23, 58-63) and the San Antonio Missions improve to (26-27, 63-59).NOTES: The Wind Surge have won 19 of 26 games in the month of August, which is the best mark in the league. The Wind Surge win streak came to an end at six games tonight. The streak ties the season high win streak mark of the season.BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.UPCOMING: The Wind Surge continue to host the San Antonio Missions and will play game three Thursday, August 31st. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM. RH Carlos Luna will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Adam Mazur will be the starting pitcher for the Missions.

⚾ Wind Surge win streak ends with loss

Frances Tiafoe loves the US Open and the US Open loves him. He is into the third round there again

NEW YORK (AP) — Frances Tiafoe loves the spotlight that comes with playing at night in Arthur Ashe Stadium and he has picked up another victory in that setting to reach the U.S. Open's third round. He quickly grabbed a lead and never let go while getting past Sebastian Ofner of Austria 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in a tad more than 1 1/2 hours on Wednesday. Tiafoe only faced one break point and saved it. He volleyed terrifically. His outmatched opponent needed some help from a trainer for a bothersome neck. Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff all won in straight sets but No. 7 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas lost.

Caroline Wozniacki beats Petra Kvitova at the US Open shortly after coming out of retirement

NEW YORK (AP) — Caroline Wozniacki has reached the third round at the U.S. Open by beating two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 7-5, 7-6 (5). Wozniacki is a 33-year-old from Denmark who won the 2018 Australian Open and reached No. 1 in the rankings during her first stint on tour. She walked away from the sport in early 2020 to start a family and now she and her husband, former NBA player David Lee, are the parents of two children. After a hiatus of 3 1/2 years, Wozniacki returned to competition this month and now is back at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2019. She was the runner-up at the U.S. Open in 2009 and 2014.

Realignment prompts fresh look at the number of automatic bids in 12-team College Football Playoff

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The conference commissioners who manage the College Football Playoff have met for the first time since a wave of realignment tore apart the Pac-12. The changing landscape raises the possibility that the number of automatic bids in the 12-team format could be tweaked. This is the final year of the four-team playoff. Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey says more clarity is needed. Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher called honoring conference champions in the new format a 'bedrock principle.'

Nebraska volleyball stadium event draws 92,003 to set women's world attendance record

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for the Cornhuskers' volleyball match against Omaha. The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million. The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. The previous attendance record was 91,648, set during a soccer match in Spain last year.

The USA is in great position entering Round 2 of the World Cup. So are many other teams

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The opponent names will become more recognizable for USA Basketball now. Nikola Vucevic awaits on Friday, Jonas Valanciunas on Sunday, and if the Americans keep progressing through this FIBA World Cup the challenges will only get tougher. That's OK with them. Second-round play at the World Cup starts Friday with a 32-team field to start the tournament now down to 16 contenders for the Naismith Trophy. The U.S. is one of eight teams with 3-0 records and those are the teams that have the easiest path to the quarterfinals.

Spain has condemned inappropriate World Cup kiss. Can it now reckon with sexism in soccer?

MADRID (AP) — Spain has spoken loudly through its government, political parties, soccer clubs, players and ordinary citizens to condemn the kiss of a player by the head of its soccer federation that sullied its Women's World Cup victory. But the apparent abuse of authority by Luis Rubiales has also brought the nation that has made strides in gender equality face-to-face with the sexism that still runs deep in its most popular sport. Now the question is whether the scandal caused by the most powerful man in Spanish soccer can bring about deeper changes in a sport where women have historically been discriminated.

Everton already destined for another tough season after lackluster start to EPL

Everton already seems destined for another season of struggle. Three games into the English Premier League and Everton has no points and no goals after losses to Fulham, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton. That hasn't happened before in the club's 145-year history. Next up is a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday to play one of three other teams on zero points so far. Everton has growing financial problems and has an outstanding Premier League charge for allegedly breaching profit and sustainability rules. The team's business in the summer transfer window has been underwhelming as a result so the mood of supporters isn't too high.

Nothing stirs up rugby's blood quite like New Zealand's haka

New Zealand rugby teams have been performing the haka before matches for 135 years. The All Blacks will do it at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France. It was adopted from New Zealand's indigenous Maori, who used the social custom for welcomes, big occasions, and funerals. The haka was done overseas initially as an expression of New Zealand's culture and to entertain crowds. But a decline in effort and purpose made it irrelevant as a challenge. A renaissance by Maori of their culture from the 1970s led to Maori in the All Blacks restoring the haka's prestige in the mid-1980s. As the All Blacks began to take it, though, so did opponents. The confrontations have caused some of rugby's greatest theater.

Colts still uncertain about timetable for Jonathan Taylor's return

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will miss the first four games this season and general manager Chris Ballard isn't sure if or when the 2021 NFL rushing champ might return. But the Colts want him back. Ballard says the Colts are hoping to patch up the differences that have emerged during Taylor's ugly contract dispute that led to a trade request. Taylor wanted an extension before starting the final year of his rookie deal. He was even allowed to find a trade partner. But when nothing materialized Taylor remained on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury.

Dolphins' Chris Grier calls talks with Colts about running back Jonathan Taylor 'exploratory'

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami's GM Chris Grier said conversations with the Indianapolis Colts about 2021 All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor were "exploratory," and no official offers were exchanged between the two teams. The Dolphins had been linked to Taylor in recent weeks as the Colts sought trade partners for their 2020 second-round pick. Talks fizzled Tuesday as the deadline for roster cuts passed, and Indianapolis placed Taylor on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Grier also said the team plans to table contract talks with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa until the end of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, August 31st, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday Morning, August 31st, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="August 31st, 2023 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=79a2v-1494108-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>AP Sports Summary for August 31st, 2023.Frances Tiafoe loves the US Open and the US Open loves him. He is into the third round there againNEW YORK (AP) — Frances Tiafoe loves the spotlight that comes with playing at night in Arthur Ashe Stadium and he has picked up another victory in that setting to reach the U.S. Open's third round. He quickly grabbed a lead and never let go while getting past Sebastian Ofner of Austria 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in a tad more than 1 1/2 hours on Wednesday. Tiafoe only faced one break point and saved it. He volleyed terrifically. His outmatched opponent needed some help from a trainer for a bothersome neck. Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff all won in straight sets but No. 7 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas lost.Caroline Wozniacki beats Petra Kvitova at the US Open shortly after coming out of retirementNEW YORK (AP) — Caroline Wozniacki has reached the third round at the U.S. Open by beating two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 7-5, 7-6 (5). Wozniacki is a 33-year-old from Denmark who won the 2018 Australian Open and reached No. 1 in the rankings during her first stint on tour. She walked away from the sport in early 2020 to start a family and now she and her husband, former NBA player David Lee, are the parents of two children. After a hiatus of 3 1/2 years, Wozniacki returned to competition this month and now is back at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2019. She was the runner-up at the U.S. Open in 2009 and 2014.Realignment prompts fresh look at the number of automatic bids in 12-team College Football PlayoffIRVING, Texas (AP) — The conference commissioners who manage the College Football Playoff have met for the first time since a wave of realignment tore apart the Pac-12. The changing landscape raises the possibility that the number of automatic bids in the 12-team format could be tweaked. This is the final year of the four-team playoff. Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey says more clarity is needed. Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher called honoring conference champions in the new format a 'bedrock principle.'Nebraska volleyball stadium event draws 92,003 to set women's world attendance recordLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for the Cornhuskers' volleyball match against Omaha. The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million. The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. The previous attendance record was 91,648, set during a soccer match in Spain last year.The USA is in great position entering Round 2 of the World Cup. So are many other teamsMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The opponent names will become more recognizable for USA Basketball now. Nikola Vucevic awaits on Friday, Jonas Valanciunas on Sunday, and if the Americans keep progressing through this FIBA World Cup the challenges will only get tougher. That's OK with them. Second-round play at the World Cup starts Friday with a 32-team field to start the tournament now down to 16 contenders for the Naismith Trophy. The U.S. is one of eight teams with 3-0 records and those are the teams that have the easiest path to the quarterfinals.Spain has condemned inappropriate World Cup kiss. Can it now reckon with sexism in soccer?MADRID (AP) — Spain has spoken loudly through its government, political parties, soccer clubs, players and ordinary citizens to condemn the kiss of a player by the head of its soccer federation that sullied its Women's World Cup victory. But the apparent abuse of authority by Luis Rubiales has also brought the nation that has made strides in gender equality face-to-face with the sexism that still runs deep in its most popular sport. Now the question is whether the scandal caused by the most powerful man in Spanish soccer can bring about deeper changes in a sport where women have historically been discriminated.Everton already destined for another tough season after lackluster start to EPLEverton already seems destined for another season of struggle. Three games into the English Premier League and Everton has no points and no goals after losses to Fulham, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton. That hasn't happened before in the club's 145-year history. Next up is a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday to play one of three other teams on zero points so far. Everton has growing financial problems and has an outstanding Premier League charge for allegedly breaching profit and sustainability rules. The team's business in the summer transfer window has been underwhelming as a result so the mood of supporters isn't too high.Nothing stirs up rugby's blood quite like New Zealand's hakaNew Zealand rugby teams have been performing the haka before matches for 135 years. The All Blacks will do it at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France. It was adopted from New Zealand's indigenous Maori, who used the social custom for welcomes, big occasions, and funerals. The haka was done overseas initially as an expression of New Zealand's culture and to entertain crowds. But a decline in effort and purpose made it irrelevant as a challenge. A renaissance by Maori of their culture from the 1970s led to Maori in the All Blacks restoring the haka's prestige in the mid-1980s. As the All Blacks began to take it, though, so did opponents. The confrontations have caused some of rugby's greatest theater.Colts still uncertain about timetable for Jonathan Taylor's returnINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will miss the first four games this season and general manager Chris Ballard isn't sure if or when the 2021 NFL rushing champ might return. But the Colts want him back. Ballard says the Colts are hoping to patch up the differences that have emerged during Taylor's ugly contract dispute that led to a trade request. Taylor wanted an extension before starting the final year of his rookie deal. He was even allowed to find a trade partner. But when nothing materialized Taylor remained on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury.Dolphins' Chris Grier calls talks with Colts about running back Jonathan Taylor 'exploratory'MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami's GM Chris Grier said conversations with the Indianapolis Colts about 2021 All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor were "exploratory," and no official offers were exchanged between the two teams. The Dolphins had been linked to Taylor in recent weeks as the Colts sought trade partners for their 2020 second-round pick. Talks fizzled Tuesday as the deadline for roster cuts passed, and Indianapolis placed Taylor on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Grier also said the team plans to table contract talks with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa until the end of the season.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	L.A. Angels	10	Philadelphia	8	Final	Toronto	7	Washington	0	Final	Tampa Bay	3	Miami	0	Final	N.Y. Mets	6	Texas	5	Final	Pittsburgh	4	Kansas City	1	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Chicago White Sox	10	Baltimore	5	Final	Cleveland	5	Minnesota	2	Final	Seattle	5	Oakland	4	Final	Houston	7	Boston	4	Final	N.Y. Yankees	6	Detroit	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Chicago Cubs	3	Milwaukee	2	Final	St. Louis	5	San Diego	4	Final	Cincinnati	4	San Francisco	1	Final	Atlanta	7	Colorado	3	Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	Arizona	0	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal	Cincinnati	2	Atlanta	1	Final tie	Orlando City	1	Charlotte FC	1	Final tie	Nashville	0	Miami	0	Final	New England	1	New York	0	Final	New York City FC	2	CF Montréal	0	Final	Toronto FC	3	Philadelphia	1	Final	Seattle	2	Austin FC	1	Final	Vancouver	1	Chicago	0	Final	Houston	2	Columbus	0	Final	Minnesota	3	Colorado	0	Final	Saint Louis City SC	2	FC Dallas	1	Final	Portland	2	Real Salt Lake	1	Final	LA Galaxy	3	San Jose	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___AMERICAN LEAGUE		N-Y Yankees	at	Detroit	1:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Miami	at	Washington	7:05 p.m.			San Francisco	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.			Atlanta	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL		Florida	at	(14)Utah	8 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Phoenix	at	Connecticut	7 p.m.			Seattle	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.			Washington	at	Las Vegas	10 p.m.

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andre Jackson pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.

Jackson (1-1) struck out a career-high seven and walked two in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed one run in his 20th major league appearance.

“We saw in the fourth and fifth his velo started to tick down,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. ”But the changeup still played. He was able to execute some pitches."

Jackson became the first Pirate to strike out the first five batters in a game since Bruce Kison in 1979. But the last part of his outing was more difficult.

“I felt like I started out strong and then kind of lost a little steam," he said. "I tried to get ahead of guys. I battled.”

Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski homered for the Pirates (61-73), and Vinny Capra hit an RBI double.

It was the first sweep for Pittsburgh since June 27-29 versus San Diego. The Pirates limited the Royals to four runs and 12 hits in the series.

“We pitched well,” Shelton said. "That’s where it starts. We did a really good job. (Jackson) did a good job starting out the game with five punchouts to get his first career win. Overall we just played solid baseball all around.”

Kansas City was swept for the 12th time this year. The Royals (41-94) have dropped six in a row and are on pace for 113 losses, which would break the club record of 106.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 27th homer for Kansas City. Witt, who has 38 steals, is trying to become the first player in franchise history to finish with at least 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season.

Royals left-hander Angel Zerpa (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.

“His stuff was good in the first couple of innings,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He just struggled to get it in the zone. He was all around the zone at the beginning. But then, as he started to get more efficient in the zone he got quick outs.”

After Jackson departed, Ryan Borucki, Thomas Hatch, Colin Holderman and David Bednar combined for 3 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. Bednar worked the ninth for his 29th save.

The Pirates jumped in front when Reynolds launched a 436-foot drive to left-center in the first inning. It was his 19th homer this season.

Pittsburgh scored two more in the second. Capra drove in Liover Peguero with a double for his first career extra-base hit and RBI. Suwinski added a run-scoring single.

Witt responded with a leadoff shot in the fourth. He also drove a pitch to the wall in right-center with a runner on in the sixth, but Suwinski chased it down.

Suwinski connected in the seventh for his first homer since July 24 and No. 22 on the year.

“It’s challenging to do everything you can and still go through tough stretches,” Suwinski said. "It was great having the team carry me.”

Royals: C Salvador Perez was scratched because of tightness in his upper back/neck. ... RHP John McMillon was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. RHP Taylor Clarke was reinstated from the family medical emergency list.

Pirates: RHP Mitch Keller (11-8, 4.01 ERA) starts Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at St. Louis. RHP Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.41 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals.

Royals: Following an off day, Jordan Lyles (3-15, 6.51 ERA) faces Boston left-hander James Paxton (7-4, 3.99 ERA) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game set against the visiting Red Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693451140588.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Angel Zerpa throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Angel Zerpa throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andre Jackson pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning in his first major league win, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.Jackson (1-1) struck out a career-high seven and walked two in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old right-hander, who made his big league debut in 2021 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowed one run in his 20th major league appearance.“We saw in the fourth and fifth his velo started to tick down,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. ”But the changeup still played. He was able to execute some pitches."Jackson became the first Pirate to strike out the first five batters in a game since Bruce Kison in 1979. But the last part of his outing was more difficult.“I felt like I started out strong and then kind of lost a little steam," he said. "I tried to get ahead of guys. I battled.”Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski homered for the Pirates (61-73), and Vinny Capra hit an RBI double.It was the first sweep for Pittsburgh since June 27-29 versus San Diego. The Pirates limited the Royals to four runs and 12 hits in the series.“We pitched well,” Shelton said. "That’s where it starts. We did a really good job. (Jackson) did a good job starting out the game with five punchouts to get his first career win. Overall we just played solid baseball all around.”Kansas City was swept for the 12th time this year. The Royals (41-94) have dropped six in a row and are on pace for 113 losses, which would break the club record of 106.Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 27th homer for Kansas City. Witt, who has 38 steals, is trying to become the first player in franchise history to finish with at least 30 homers and 30 steals in the same season.Royals left-hander Angel Zerpa (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.“His stuff was good in the first couple of innings,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “He just struggled to get it in the zone. He was all around the zone at the beginning. But then, as he started to get more efficient in the zone he got quick outs.”After Jackson departed, Ryan Borucki, Thomas Hatch, Colin Holderman and David Bednar combined for 3 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. Bednar worked the ninth for his 29th save.The Pirates jumped in front when Reynolds launched a 436-foot drive to left-center in the first inning. It was his 19th homer this season.Pittsburgh scored two more in the second. Capra drove in Liover Peguero with a double for his first career extra-base hit and RBI. Suwinski added a run-scoring single.Witt responded with a leadoff shot in the fourth. He also drove a pitch to the wall in right-center with a runner on in the sixth, but Suwinski chased it down.Suwinski connected in the seventh for his first homer since July 24 and No. 22 on the year.“It’s challenging to do everything you can and still go through tough stretches,” Suwinski said. "It was great having the team carry me.”TRAINING ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez was scratched because of tightness in his upper back/neck. ... RHP John McMillon was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain. RHP Taylor Clarke was reinstated from the family medical emergency list.UP NEXTPirates: RHP Mitch Keller (11-8, 4.01 ERA) starts Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at St. Louis. RHP Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.41 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals.Royals: Following an off day, Jordan Lyles (3-15, 6.51 ERA) faces Boston left-hander James Paxton (7-4, 3.99 ERA) on Friday night in the opener of a three-game set against the visiting Red Sox.

⚾ Jackson gets first big league win as Pirates finish off sweep of Royals

By ERIC OLSON AP Sports Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's fight song begins, “There is no place like Nebraska.” When it comes to volleyball, those words never rang more true than Wednesday night.

The Cornhuskers laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for their volleyball match against Omaha.

The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million.

“We took a chance by playing in Memorial Stadium, and to go for the record and break it. ... I don’t think anybody could have envisioned that when this whole thing started,” Nebraska coach John Cook said. “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”

The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. Country artist Scotty McCreery performed afterward.

The previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-soccer-sports-soccer-barcelona-0abf21b88c76e5183fda8cc4ac03244a">attendance record was 91,648, set during a Champions League soccer match</a>&nbsp;when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at the Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693453778144.jpeg" alt="Nebraska and Omaha play a college volleyball match Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska and Omaha play a college volleyball match Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Olson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON AP Sports WriterLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's fight song begins, “There is no place like Nebraska.” When it comes to volleyball, those words never rang more true than Wednesday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">😌😌😌 <a href="https://t.co/KyQCRk99A5">https://t.co/KyQCRk99A5</a>&mdash; Kansas Volleyball (@KUVolleyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUVolleyball/status/1697082227476107476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cornhuskers laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women's sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for their volleyball match against Omaha.The university took aim at the record last spring when it announced it would hold a daylong celebration of a sport that enjoys immense popularity in this state of fewer than 2 million.“We took a chance by playing in Memorial Stadium, and to go for the record and break it. ... I don’t think anybody could have envisioned that when this whole thing started,” Nebraska coach John Cook said. “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”The event began with an exhibition between in-state Division II powers Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State and was followed by the Huskers' three-set sweep of Omaha in a regular-season match. Country artist Scotty McCreery performed afterward.The previous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-soccer-sports-soccer-barcelona-0abf21b88c76e5183fda8cc4ac03244a">attendance record was 91,648, set during a Champions League soccer match</a>&nbsp;when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at the Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.Memorial Stadium's official capacity is just over 85,000 for football, but that number was higher for this event because there were seats and standing room on the field.Fans in red and white started their tailgate parties outside the stadium hours before first serve of an exhibition Wayne State won in three sets. The stadium was one-quarter full at the start of that match and gradually filled to capacity as players for Omaha and Nebraska were warming up.There was a flyover during the national anthem and, minutes before first serve, Cook led his Huskers into the stadium to the Tunnel Walk, the longtime tradition of the football team. Synchronized chants of “Go Big Red!” were heard all around.Conditions were 83 degrees, clear skies and a south wind listed at 4-mph at court level with gusts that sometimes moved the ball in unpredictable ways.Though 91,648 was widely acknowledged as the women’s sports attendance record, at least one match at the unofficial&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mundo-women71.html">1971 Women’s World Cup in Mexico City reportedly drew 110,000 people.</a>The American record attendance for a women’s sporting event had been 90,185 for the 1999 World Cup soccer final between the United States and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California — the game where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/sports/soccer/23seconds.html">Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt</a>&nbsp;after scoring the decisive penalty shot for the U.S. win.The NCAA does not track attendance across all sports, but associate director of media coordination and statistics Jeff Williams said a crowd of 90,000-plus was easily among the largest for a non-football game. A 2010 outdoor&nbsp;<a href="https://collegehockeyinc.com/stats/boxes11.php?mmicmsu1.d11">hockey game between Michigan and Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor drew more than 113,000 fans.</a>A message seeking comment from officials of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/">Guinness World Records</a>&nbsp;was not immediately returned.Nebraska has sold out 306 consecutive regular-season matches. (Wednesday's event won't count toward the streak because it is not being held on the team's Devaney Center court.) The Huskers have led the nation in attendance every season since 2013, and eight of the top nine crowds in NCAA volleyball history are matches that have involved Nebraska.Nebraska has won five national championships in volleyball, and its program is one of the few in Division I women's sports that turns a profit — $1 million last year, according to athletic department CFO Doug Ewald.“This is a statement on Title IX, and having two daughters of my own, what Title IX has done for women's sports is huge,” fan Troy Pfannenstiel of Omaha said before the matches.Chancellor Rodney Bennett canceled classes for the day. NCAA President Charlie Baker, Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti were on hand, as was Gov. Jim Pillen. So were Husker volleyball players who were part of iconic coach Terry Pettit's teams over four decades. High school teams from across a state stretching 430 miles border to border were excused from classes to attend.There are 75 women from the state of Nebraska who are on Division I volleyball rosters this season. At 44 players per million in population, the state trails only Hawaii (67 per million) in Division I players produced per capita, according to volleyball statistician and historian Rich Kern of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.richkern.com/vb/FreePage.asp">RichKern.com.</a>“You don’t think you’re going to be part of a world record event, and seeing how much everyone supports volleyball and wanted to be part of that record is awesome to see,” Omaha's Shayla McCormick said.Volleyball has surpassed basketball as the No. 1 girls high school team sport in the United States. It’s long been No. 1 in Nebraska.About 7,000 girls play high school volleyball in the state. Volleyball has been played in varying forms in Nebraska since the early 1900s. For many years, girls volleyball matches were warmup acts for boys basketball games. Volleyball became a sanctioned sport in 1972 and took off in the late 1970s when Pettit invited many of the state’s high school coaches to work at his camps in Lincoln.Pettit also conducted so-called “satellite” clinics in small towns across the state. In a place where boys grow up dreaming of becoming Cornhusker football players, many girls are equally passionate about some day playing volleyball for a Nebraska team that annually ranks among the nation’s elite.Ella Beck, 10, came with a group from tiny Pierce to see her first college volleyball match and root for her favorite player, setter Lexi Rodriguez.Neveah Kehr, 10, came with her mom, Nicki, from Bismarck, North Dakota, to be part of the event. Nicki graduated from Nebraska, and she brought up her daughter watching the Huskers on television.Neveah wore the No. 5 jersey of middle blocker Bekka Allick at a pep rally before the matches and, with more than 1,000 fans cheering, was invited to walk to where the players stood and was introduced to the woman she called her idol.Neveah teared up, and Bekka gave her a hug.