HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (1-0) will host the Newton Rebels (0-1) again at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Hutch won the season opener last night 4-3 against the Rebels.

The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748728729903.png" alt="Game Day- game 2 vs Newton tonight at 7pm at Hobart-Detter" />
 <figcaption>Game Day- game 2 vs Newton tonight at 7pm at Hobart-Detter</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (1-0) will host the Newton Rebels (0-1) again at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Hutch won the season opener last night 4-3 against the Rebels.The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2449542?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs close out the weekend at home against Newton Rebels 

&nbsp;A crowd of 2,700 racing fans packed the stands Friday night at SaltCity Racing for an action-packed evening of dirt track competition, highlighted by a thrilling win from Zach Blurton of Quinter, Kansas in the 360 Winged Sprint division.&nbsp;

Blurton outpaced a competitive field to take first place in the feature event, edging out Blake Hawn of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, who claimed second. Rounding out the top three was Sam Hafertepe Jr. of Sunnyvale, Texas.&nbsp;

In IMCA Stock Car action, it was Mike Petersillie of Hoisington, Kansas who took the checkered flag, with Hutchinson locals Scott Miller and Tanner Thiel finishing second and third respectively.&nbsp;

In Super Stock action&nbsp; Wichita's J.D. Eveland takes top honors, followed closely by Chris Eveland of Hutchinson. Jerrod Reimer, also of Hutchinson, secured a strong third-place finish.&nbsp;

Friday’s races delivered high-octane entertainment from start to finish, and fans can already look forward to the next round of racing scheduled for Friday, June 20. That night’s lineup will feature IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Hobby Stock, IMCA Northern SportMod, and the return of the United Rebel Late Model Series.&nbsp;

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for prime seating.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722745821246.jpeg" alt="A look at the grandstand for SaltCity Racing on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>A look at the grandstand for SaltCity Racing on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;&nbsp;A crowd of 2,700 racing fans packed the stands Friday night at SaltCity Racing for an action-packed evening of dirt track competition, highlighted by a thrilling win from Zach Blurton of Quinter, Kansas in the 360 Winged Sprint division.&nbsp;Blurton outpaced a competitive field to take first place in the feature event, edging out Blake Hawn of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, who claimed second. Rounding out the top three was Sam Hafertepe Jr. of Sunnyvale, Texas.&nbsp;In IMCA Stock Car action, it was Mike Petersillie of Hoisington, Kansas who took the checkered flag, with Hutchinson locals Scott Miller and Tanner Thiel finishing second and third respectively.&nbsp;In Super Stock action&nbsp; Wichita's J.D. Eveland takes top honors, followed closely by Chris Eveland of Hutchinson. Jerrod Reimer, also of Hutchinson, secured a strong third-place finish.&nbsp;Friday’s races delivered high-octane entertainment from start to finish, and fans can already look forward to the next round of racing scheduled for Friday, June 20. That night’s lineup will feature IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Hobby Stock, IMCA Northern SportMod, and the return of the United Rebel Late Model Series.&nbsp;Schedule for June 20:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Pits Open: 3:00 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Gates Open: 5:00 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Hot Laps: 6:30 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Racing Starts: 7:00 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Fans are encouraged to arrive early for prime seating.&nbsp;

🏁 Blurton, Petersillie, Eveland winners at Friday night races 

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — James Taussig hit a three-run homer and Norris McClure added a solo shot to back a strong start by Zach Royse and No. 2 seed UTSA beat third-seeded Kansas State 10-2 in the nightcap of the Austin Regional on Friday.

UTSA (45-13) will play No. 1 seed Texas on Saturday. Kansas State (31-25) will play an elimination game against No. 4 seed Houston Christian to start the day.

Andrew Stucky had an RBI single in the first inning and McClure homered in the third for a 2-0 lead off Wildcats starter Jacob Frost (1-5).

Taussig homered off Ty Ruhl with two outs in the sixth for a 6-1 lead. Ruhl retired the first batter he faced after replacing Frost before Taussig hit the first pitch he saw out to center field. He finished 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Ty Hodge and Lorenzo Morresi had RBI base hits in a four-run seventh.

Royse (9-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. Christian Okerholm pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings to close it out.

Nick English had a pinch-hit solo homer in the seventh for the Wildcats off reliever Robert Orloski.

Frost gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings on five hits and four walks. Ruhl was tagged for four runs in an inning.

Kansas State has played in six NCAA Tournaments — including last season — but never advanced to the College World Series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748663940893.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — James Taussig hit a three-run homer and Norris McClure added a solo shot to back a strong start by Zach Royse and No. 2 seed UTSA beat third-seeded Kansas State 10-2 in the nightcap of the Austin Regional on Friday.UTSA (45-13) will play No. 1 seed Texas on Saturday. Kansas State (31-25) will play an elimination game against No. 4 seed Houston Christian to start the day.Andrew Stucky had an RBI single in the first inning and McClure homered in the third for a 2-0 lead off Wildcats starter Jacob Frost (1-5).Taussig homered off Ty Ruhl with two outs in the sixth for a 6-1 lead. Ruhl retired the first batter he faced after replacing Frost before Taussig hit the first pitch he saw out to center field. He finished 2 for 4 and scored twice.Ty Hodge and Lorenzo Morresi had RBI base hits in a four-run seventh.Royse (9-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. Christian Okerholm pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings to close it out.Nick English had a pinch-hit solo homer in the seventh for the Wildcats off reliever Robert Orloski.Frost gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings on five hits and four walks. Ruhl was tagged for four runs in an inning.Kansas State has played in six NCAA Tournaments — including last season — but never advanced to the College World Series.

⚾ UTSA dominates K-State in Austin Regional opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Nolan Sailors drove in four runs and fell a single shy of hitting for the cycle as No. 3 seed Creighton rolled to an 11-4 victory over second-seeded Kansas in the nightcap of the Fayetteville Regional on Friday.

Creighton (42-14) will play No. 1 seed Arkansas on Saturday. Kansas (43-16) plays an elimination game against No. 4 seed North Dakota State to begin the day.

Sailors had a two-run double in the middle of a seven-run sixth inning to help the Bluejays pull away from a 3-3 tie. He drew a bases-loaded walk when Creighton scored twice in the third to grab a 3-2 lead. He hit a two-out solo homer in the seventh for Creighton’s final run. Sailors tripled leading off the fifth but was stranded.

Creighton’s top three batters in the order — Tate Gillen, Matt Scherrman and Sailors — had three hits apiece and combined to go 9 for 15 with six RBIs and five runs scored.

Ian Koosman (9-4) allowed one run on two hits in four innings of relief to get the win. Dominic Cancellieri started and allowed three runs on four hits in four innings.

Dominic Voegele (7-5) surrendered seven runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings in the loss.

Kansas is playing in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time and first since 2014. The Jayhawks first appearance came in 1993 when they advanced to their only College World Series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747365743765.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Nolan Sailors drove in four runs and fell a single shy of hitting for the cycle as No. 3 seed Creighton rolled to an 11-4 victory over second-seeded Kansas in the nightcap of the Fayetteville Regional on Friday.Creighton (42-14) will play No. 1 seed Arkansas on Saturday. Kansas (43-16) plays an elimination game against No. 4 seed North Dakota State to begin the day.Sailors had a two-run double in the middle of a seven-run sixth inning to help the Bluejays pull away from a 3-3 tie. He drew a bases-loaded walk when Creighton scored twice in the third to grab a 3-2 lead. He hit a two-out solo homer in the seventh for Creighton’s final run. Sailors tripled leading off the fifth but was stranded.Creighton’s top three batters in the order — Tate Gillen, Matt Scherrman and Sailors — had three hits apiece and combined to go 9 for 15 with six RBIs and five runs scored.Ian Koosman (9-4) allowed one run on two hits in four innings of relief to get the win. Dominic Cancellieri started and allowed three runs on four hits in four innings.Dominic Voegele (7-5) surrendered seven runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings in the loss.Kansas is playing in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time and first since 2014. The Jayhawks first appearance came in 1993 when they advanced to their only College World Series.

⚾ KU drops Fayetteville Regional opener to Creighton

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs opened the 2025 season with a 4-3 victory over the Newton Rebels on Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field in front of 485 spectators.

Drew Bugner gave the Monarchs an early spark with a solo home run to right field in the first inning. Jackson Legg added an RBI single in the third to make it 2-0.

Newton pulled even in the top of the fourth, scoring on a double by Raisean Dorsey and a groundout by Kasey Lowe. But Hutchinson quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom half on a solo shot into the bullpen in left by Keegan Demmer.

Ethan Giesbrecht picked up the win for Hutchinson, allowing just one hit and two runs (one earned) over five innings while striking out eight and walking one. Mitchell Johnson earned the save, and Russell Copous added a scoreless inning of relief. The Monarchs pitching staff struck out 16 Rebels in the game.

Matt Newman started for Newton and went four innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out five. Brody Farthing took the loss in relief, issuing three walks and giving up one run in one-third of an inning.

Legg led the Monarchs at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Dylan Bell drew two of the team’s eight walks. JJ Spafford stole a pair of bases for Hutchinson.

Dorsey and Tyler Akers each had a hit for the Rebels, while Akers and Lakin Franz combined for four of the team’s seven stolen bases.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748662557778.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs opened the 2025 season with a 4-3 victory over the Newton Rebels on Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field in front of 485 spectators.Drew Bugner gave the Monarchs an early spark with a solo home run to right field in the first inning. Jackson Legg added an RBI single in the third to make it 2-0.Newton pulled even in the top of the fourth, scoring on a double by Raisean Dorsey and a groundout by Kasey Lowe. But Hutchinson quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom half on a solo shot into the bullpen in left by Keegan Demmer.Ethan Giesbrecht picked up the win for Hutchinson, allowing just one hit and two runs (one earned) over five innings while striking out eight and walking one. Mitchell Johnson earned the save, and Russell Copous added a scoreless inning of relief. The Monarchs pitching staff struck out 16 Rebels in the game.Matt Newman started for Newton and went four innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out five. Brody Farthing took the loss in relief, issuing three walks and giving up one run in one-third of an inning.Legg led the Monarchs at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Dylan Bell drew two of the team’s eight walks. JJ Spafford stole a pair of bases for Hutchinson.Dorsey and Tyler Akers each had a hit for the Rebels, while Akers and Lakin Franz combined for four of the team’s seven stolen bases.&nbsp;

⚾ Monarchs open season with one-run win over Rebels

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

SALINA, Kan. — The No. 1 McPherson High School softball team capped a perfect season, defeating No. 2 Eudora, 4-1, in the Class 4A state championship game on Friday evening at Salina South High School.

The Bullpups finish the season 31-0, while the Cardinals end their year with a 27-2 mark.&nbsp;

Addison Chapman pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.

The Bullpups took an early lead with a bases-loaded walk by Pera Bauer in the first inning. They added single runs in the second and third, the latter coming on a Rylie Whitfield RBI single to right, to build a 3-0 advantage.

Chapman also led McPherson at the plate, going 2-for-2 from the leadoff spot. Bauer and Whitfield each drove in a run, and McPherson played error-free defense, with Haely Hagemann recording a team-high seven chances.

Eudora starter Sam Claire struck out 10 while giving up seven hits and four runs across six innings. Claire also drove in the Cardinals’ lone run and had one of their two hits, joined by Reese Pattison. Eudora also played clean defensively, with Pattison leading the team with 11 chances.

PRATT, Kan. — No. 2 Inman couldn’t overcome an early deficit and fell 8-1 to No. 5 Oskaloosa in the Class 2-1A state softball championship Friday at Green Sports Complex.

The Teutons end their historic season with a 24-2 record, while the Bears end their title season with a 25-5 record.

The Bears struck quickly, scoring twice in the top of the first on an RBI double by Keirstyn Mitchell and an RBI single from Harper Heston.

Inman starter Lyla Levin pitched all seven innings, allowing 11 hits and eight runs, six earned, while striking out six and walking four.

Oskaloosa’s Lily Pullen was dominant in the circle, giving up just three hits and one run over seven innings. She struck out 13 and walked one.

Leadoff hitter Maddi Parsons paced Inman with two of the team’s three hits.

Mitchell led Oskaloosa at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Mayzie Peak and Parris Marsh also had multiple hits.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748662859638.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @MHSBullpups on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @MHSBullpups on X</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post<h2>Class 4A — McPherson 4, Eudora 1</h2>SALINA, Kan. — The No. 1 McPherson High School softball team capped a perfect season, defeating No. 2 Eudora, 4-1, in the Class 4A state championship game on Friday evening at Salina South High School.The Bullpups finish the season 31-0, while the Cardinals end their year with a 27-2 mark.&nbsp;Addison Chapman pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.The Bullpups took an early lead with a bases-loaded walk by Pera Bauer in the first inning. They added single runs in the second and third, the latter coming on a Rylie Whitfield RBI single to right, to build a 3-0 advantage.Chapman also led McPherson at the plate, going 2-for-2 from the leadoff spot. Bauer and Whitfield each drove in a run, and McPherson played error-free defense, with Haely Hagemann recording a team-high seven chances.Eudora starter Sam Claire struck out 10 while giving up seven hits and four runs across six innings. Claire also drove in the Cardinals’ lone run and had one of their two hits, joined by Reese Pattison. Eudora also played clean defensively, with Pattison leading the team with 11 chances.<h2>Class 2-1A — Oskaloosa 8, Inman 1</h2>PRATT, Kan. — No. 2 Inman couldn’t overcome an early deficit and fell 8-1 to No. 5 Oskaloosa in the Class 2-1A state softball championship Friday at Green Sports Complex.The Teutons end their historic season with a 24-2 record, while the Bears end their title season with a 25-5 record.The Bears struck quickly, scoring twice in the top of the first on an RBI double by Keirstyn Mitchell and an RBI single from Harper Heston.Inman starter Lyla Levin pitched all seven innings, allowing 11 hits and eight runs, six earned, while striking out six and walking four.Oskaloosa’s Lily Pullen was dominant in the circle, giving up just three hits and one run over seven innings. She struck out 13 and walked one.Leadoff hitter Maddi Parsons paced Inman with two of the team’s three hits.Mitchell led Oskaloosa at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Mayzie Peak and Parris Marsh also had multiple hits.&nbsp;

🥎 McPherson captures 4A crown with perfect season; Inman falls short in 2-1A title game

SALINA, Kan. — Strong pitching was on display Friday, but Rock Creek came through with timely hits late to defeat McPherson 3-1 in eight innings in the Class 4A state baseball semifinals.

The Bullpups fall to 26-4 and will face Paola in the third place game.

McPherson broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth when Brock Richardson delivered an RBI single to plate the game's first run.

Rock Creek answered in the top of the seventh, tying the game on a fielder’s choice by Noah Valburg. The Mustangs then took the lead for good in the top of the eighth, scoring twice on a Donavan Debita RBI single and a sacrifice bunt by Valburg.

Ryker Zoeller earned the win for Rock Creek, tossing a complete game. He allowed just three hits and one unearned run over eight innings, striking out six and walking three.

Logan Beede took the loss for McPherson in relief. Starter Carter Allen was strong on the mound, giving up one run on three hits over 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts.

Richardson went 2-for-3 to lead the Bullpups at the plate. Debita also had two hits for the Mustangs, while Valburg drove in two runs from the seven spot in the lineup.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747750982744.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostSALINA, Kan. — Strong pitching was on display Friday, but Rock Creek came through with timely hits late to defeat McPherson 3-1 in eight innings in the Class 4A state baseball semifinals.The Bullpups fall to 26-4 and will face Paola in the third place game.McPherson broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth when Brock Richardson delivered an RBI single to plate the game's first run.Rock Creek answered in the top of the seventh, tying the game on a fielder’s choice by Noah Valburg. The Mustangs then took the lead for good in the top of the eighth, scoring twice on a Donavan Debita RBI single and a sacrifice bunt by Valburg.Ryker Zoeller earned the win for Rock Creek, tossing a complete game. He allowed just three hits and one unearned run over eight innings, striking out six and walking three.Logan Beede took the loss for McPherson in relief. Starter Carter Allen was strong on the mound, giving up one run on three hits over 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts.Richardson went 2-for-3 to lead the Bullpups at the plate. Debita also had two hits for the Mustangs, while Valburg drove in two runs from the seven spot in the lineup.

⚾ McPherson falls in 4A semifinal

The McPherson and Inman softball teams will each play for their first-ever state championships after winning semifinal matchups earlier Friday afternoon.

McPherson advanced to the Class 4A title game in Salina, while Inman secured a spot in the Class 2-1A final in Pratt. Both championship games are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

SALINA, Kan. — No. 1 McPherson punched it's ticket into the Class 4A state title game with a dominant 7-0 shutout of No. 4 Clearwater on Friday at Salina South High School.

The Bullpups are now 30-0 after the victory, while the Indians fall to 25-5.

Addison Chapman tossed a complete-game three-hitter, striking out eight and walking just one.&nbsp;

Addie Herrera put the Bullpups on the board in the first inning with an RBI double. McPherson added another run in the second when Chapman helped her own cause with a run-scoring single down the left-field line.

Herrera finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs to lead McPherson at the plate. Chapman, Kynedi Huggard and Haely Hagemann also collected two hits each.

Clearwater’s Trista Welty took the loss, allowing seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits over six innings. Makena Hampton went 2-for-3 to lead the Indians offensively.

The Bullpups will go for their first-ever state title in program history at 5 p.m. this evening when they play the winner of Eudora/Fort Scott.

Clearwater - 000 000 0 - 0 3 1 McPherson - 210 031 x - 7 11 0 W: Chapman. L: Welty.&nbsp;

PRATT, Kan. — Inman punched its ticket to the Class 2-1A state softball championship in dramatic fashion Friday, walking off Bluestem 2-1 in the bottom of the 10th inning at the Green Sports Complex.

This is the second extra inning walk-off victory for the Teutons in the last 24 hours.

The game was tied at 1 when a Bluestem error allowed the winning run to score, sending the Teutons to their first-ever state title game.

Both teams showcased dominant pitching. Inman’s Lyla Levin went the distance, striking out nine and walking none while allowing one run on eight hits across 10 innings. Bluestem’s Pilar Cox was equally impressive, fanning 16 over nine innings and surrendering just two runs, one earned, on seven hits and three walks.

Bluestem took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jewel Carlton delivered an RBI single. Inman answered in the fourth, as Levin singled up the middle to drive in the tying run.

Levin, Maddi Parsons and Taylor Froese each tallied two hits for Inman, with Levin also recording an RBI and a 2-for-4 day at the plate. Inman swiped four bases in the win.

Lilly Husman led Bluestem with a 3-for-5 performance from the leadoff spot, while Carlton went 2-for-4 with the team’s lone RBI.

The Teutons will play in the title game at 5 p.m. against No. 5 Oskaloosa.&nbsp;

Leon-Bluestem - 100 000 000 0 - 1 8 2 Inman - 000 100 000 1 - 2 7 2 W: Levin. L: Cox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747925693001.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostThe McPherson and Inman softball teams will each play for their first-ever state championships after winning semifinal matchups earlier Friday afternoon.McPherson advanced to the Class 4A title game in Salina, while Inman secured a spot in the Class 2-1A final in Pratt. Both championship games are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.<h2>Class 4A — McPherson 7, Clearwater 0</h2>SALINA, Kan. — No. 1 McPherson punched it's ticket into the Class 4A state title game with a dominant 7-0 shutout of No. 4 Clearwater on Friday at Salina South High School.The Bullpups are now 30-0 after the victory, while the Indians fall to 25-5.Addison Chapman tossed a complete-game three-hitter, striking out eight and walking just one.&nbsp;Addie Herrera put the Bullpups on the board in the first inning with an RBI double. McPherson added another run in the second when Chapman helped her own cause with a run-scoring single down the left-field line.Herrera finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs to lead McPherson at the plate. Chapman, Kynedi Huggard and Haely Hagemann also collected two hits each.Clearwater’s Trista Welty took the loss, allowing seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits over six innings. Makena Hampton went 2-for-3 to lead the Indians offensively.The Bullpups will go for their first-ever state title in program history at 5 p.m. this evening when they play the winner of Eudora/Fort Scott.Clearwater - 000 000 0 - 0 3 1 McPherson - 210 031 x - 7 11 0 W: Chapman. L: Welty.&nbsp;<h2>Class 2-1A — Inman 2, Leon-Bluestem 1</h2>PRATT, Kan. — Inman punched its ticket to the Class 2-1A state softball championship in dramatic fashion Friday, walking off Bluestem 2-1 in the bottom of the 10th inning at the Green Sports Complex.This is the second extra inning walk-off victory for the Teutons in the last 24 hours.The game was tied at 1 when a Bluestem error allowed the winning run to score, sending the Teutons to their first-ever state title game.Both teams showcased dominant pitching. Inman’s Lyla Levin went the distance, striking out nine and walking none while allowing one run on eight hits across 10 innings. Bluestem’s Pilar Cox was equally impressive, fanning 16 over nine innings and surrendering just two runs, one earned, on seven hits and three walks.Bluestem took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jewel Carlton delivered an RBI single. Inman answered in the fourth, as Levin singled up the middle to drive in the tying run.Levin, Maddi Parsons and Taylor Froese each tallied two hits for Inman, with Levin also recording an RBI and a 2-for-4 day at the plate. Inman swiped four bases in the win.Lilly Husman led Bluestem with a 3-for-5 performance from the leadoff spot, while Carlton went 2-for-4 with the team’s lone RBI.The Teutons will play in the title game at 5 p.m. against No. 5 Oskaloosa.&nbsp;Leon-Bluestem - 100 000 000 0 - 1 8 2 Inman - 000 100 000 1 - 2 7 2 W: Levin. L: Cox.

🥎 McPherson cruises in 4A semifinal; Inman walks off into 2-1A title game

MANHATTAN, Kan. — No. 5 Hesston pulled off a dramatic comeback on Friday at Tointon Family Stadium, erasing a six-run deficit and walking off No. 8 Sabetha 7-6 in the Class 3A state baseball semifinals.

The win comes a day after the Swathers picked up their first-ever state tournament victory. They improve to 18-6 on the season, while the Bluejays fall to 17-13 and will play for 3rd Place this afternoon.

Andrew Huxman delivered the game-winning hit with a single down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring the decisive run after Hesston rallied from a 6-0 hole.

Sabetha jumped in front early, scoring one run on an error in the first and five more in the second on a string of hits, including a double by Jayton Meyer and a single by Reid Mitchell.

Hesston chipped away at the lead before completing the comeback in the seventh. Tanner McAllister tied the game and Huxman followed with the walk-off hit to send the Swathers to the championship.

Tim Rhodes earned the win in relief, tossing three hitless innings with four strikeouts and three walks. Huxman started the game on the mound, allowing three hits and six runs, four earned, over two innings.

McAllister led the way for the Hesston offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Keagan Shelite added two hits, and Jacob Burkholder stole a pair of bases.

Sabetha starter Isaac Hartter allowed seven runs (five earned) over six and one-third innings, striking out four. Mitchell went 2-for-4 to lead the Bluejays, while Meyer drove in two runs.

The Swathers will play at 5 p.m. in the title game against No. 3 Wichita-Trinity Academy.

Sabetha - 240 000 0 - 6 3 2 Hesston - 001 400 2 - 7 9 2 W: Rhodes. L: Hartter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748008726740.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post<h2>Class 3A — Hesston 7, Sabetha 6</h2>MANHATTAN, Kan. — No. 5 Hesston pulled off a dramatic comeback on Friday at Tointon Family Stadium, erasing a six-run deficit and walking off No. 8 Sabetha 7-6 in the Class 3A state baseball semifinals.The win comes a day after the Swathers picked up their first-ever state tournament victory. They improve to 18-6 on the season, while the Bluejays fall to 17-13 and will play for 3rd Place this afternoon.Andrew Huxman delivered the game-winning hit with a single down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring the decisive run after Hesston rallied from a 6-0 hole.Sabetha jumped in front early, scoring one run on an error in the first and five more in the second on a string of hits, including a double by Jayton Meyer and a single by Reid Mitchell.Hesston chipped away at the lead before completing the comeback in the seventh. Tanner McAllister tied the game and Huxman followed with the walk-off hit to send the Swathers to the championship.Tim Rhodes earned the win in relief, tossing three hitless innings with four strikeouts and three walks. Huxman started the game on the mound, allowing three hits and six runs, four earned, over two innings.McAllister led the way for the Hesston offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Keagan Shelite added two hits, and Jacob Burkholder stole a pair of bases.Sabetha starter Isaac Hartter allowed seven runs (five earned) over six and one-third innings, striking out four. Mitchell went 2-for-4 to lead the Bluejays, while Meyer drove in two runs.The Swathers will play at 5 p.m. in the title game against No. 3 Wichita-Trinity Academy.Sabetha - 240 000 0 - 6 3 2 Hesston - 001 400 2 - 7 9 2 W: Rhodes. L: Hartter.&nbsp;

⚾ Swathers erase 6-run deficit to advance to 3A state title game

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Friday, May 30, 2025" 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=wc6m7-18c286d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾🥎 Area teams advance to state semifinals; 👟 state track & field is underway; ⚾ Monarchs open tonight

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (0-0) will host the the Newton Rebels (0-0) at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748519852243.png" alt="Game Day vs Newton Rebels tonight at Hobart-Detter" />
 <figcaption>Game Day vs Newton Rebels tonight at Hobart-Detter</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (0-0) will host the the Newton Rebels (0-0) at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2446343?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs open season at home against Newton Rebels 

<a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/659165-kshsaa-state-championship-2025/results">CLICK HERE FOR LIVE RESULTS&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ae8862f4-ae5a-4e30-b96c-8d1f11a9b281">AREA BOYS QUALIFIERS</a>&nbsp; | <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a0a1f377-bd47-4585-939e-82df73390494">AREA GIRLS QUALIFIERS</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Track/PDF/StateSchedule.pdf?992">MEET SCHEDULE</a>

A total of 120 Hutch Post-area student-athletes are set to compete in the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships on Friday and Saturday at Cessna Stadium on the Wichita State University campus.

The group includes 64 boys and 56 girls qualifiers from across the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924766102.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://ks.milesplit.com/meets/659165-kshsaa-state-championship-2025/results">CLICK HERE FOR LIVE RESULTS&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/ae8862f4-ae5a-4e30-b96c-8d1f11a9b281">AREA BOYS QUALIFIERS</a>&nbsp; | <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a0a1f377-bd47-4585-939e-82df73390494">AREA GIRLS QUALIFIERS</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Track/PDF/StateSchedule.pdf?992">MEET SCHEDULE</a>A total of 120 Hutch Post-area student-athletes are set to compete in the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships on Friday and Saturday at Cessna Stadium on the Wichita State University campus.The group includes 64 boys and 56 girls qualifiers from across the area.

👟 120 Hutch Post-area student-athletes take on state meet Friday and Saturday

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6c993b08-2745-46fb-b077-32d86883dfdf">WATCH</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1/2025/regionals/116">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/5/28/Kansas_Notes_at_Fayetteville_Regional.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747619652480.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6c993b08-2745-46fb-b077-32d86883dfdf">WATCH</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1/2025/regionals/116">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/5/28/Kansas_Notes_at_Fayetteville_Regional.pdf">GAME NOTES</a><div>Kansas Athletics
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<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
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<td colspan="2">Creighton (41-14, 17-4 BIG EAST) vs.&nbsp;#23&nbsp;Kansas (43-15, 20-10 Big 12)</td>
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<td>When</td>
<td>Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m. CT</td>
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<td>Where</td>
<td>Fayetteville, Ark. // Baum-Walker Stadium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Watch</td>
<td><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6c993b08-2745-46fb-b077-32d86883dfdf">ESPN+</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Radio</td>
<td><a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">Jayhawk Sports Network</a>&nbsp;+&nbsp;KLWN (101.7 FM/1320 AM)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Live Stats</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1/2025/regionals/116">Stats</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Game Notes</td>
<td><a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/5/28/Kansas_Notes_at_Fayetteville_Regional.pdf">Kansas</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/5/29/Creighton_Notes.pdf">Creighton</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/5/29/2025_Big_12_Baseball_Release__2_.pdf">Big 12</a></td>
</tr>
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<td>Postseason Hub</td>
<td><a href="https://kuathletics.com/feature/Kansas-baseball-postseason">Kansas Baseball Postseason Hub</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tickets</td>
<td><a href="https://seatgeek.com/ncaa-baseball-fayetteville-regional-tickets">Buy Tickets</a></td>
</tr>
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<td>Social Media</td>
<td><a href="http://kubaseball/">@KUBaseball</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kubaseball/">@kubaseball</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasBaseball">Facebook</a></td>
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<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
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<td colspan="3">Probable Starting Pitchers</td>
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<td>Day</td>
<td>Kansas</td>
<td>Creighton</td>
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<td>Fri. 7 p.m. CT</td>
<td>RHP&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp;(7-4, 5.34 ERA)</td>
<td>RHP&nbsp;Dominic Cancellieri (2-1, 1.94 ERA)</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
 FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. &ndash;&nbsp;No. 23 Kansas baseball will play in the Fayetteville Regional this weekend, its first NCAA Regional since 2014 and only the sixth in school history. The Jayhawks will play their first game on Friday at 7 p.m. CT against Creighton on ESPN+ at Baum-Walker Stadium. The regional is a double-elimination format. &nbsp; "We have had an awesome season in so many ways," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "It's really the culmination of three years of a lot of blood, sweat and tears getting to this point. We have an administration that has given us incredible support. My coaching staff has worked tirelessly, and then obviously 99.9 percent of it goes to the players and how they have worked. Really special team in terms of their togetherness, how much they love playing and couldn't be more excited to be at this regional and get after it tomorrow." &nbsp; Kansas (43-15, 20-10 Big 12) had its most regular season wins in school history and the 20 conference wins also established a new program record. Kansas is the only team in the country with at least 43 overall wins, 20 conference wins and 20 true road wins. &nbsp; The Jayhawks are tied for the second most wins of any power conference team in the nation. The 43 wins this season are also tied for the second most in school history and the most under Fitzgerald. Kansas ranks 16th in the nation with a .741 winning percentage. &nbsp; KU is one of two power conference teams in the country ranked in the top 11 nationally in both walks and home runs. The 363 walks drawn by the Jayhawks are third most nationally and the 100 home runs are tied for 11th in the country. On the mound, the Kansas pitching staff has tossed seven shutouts, which is tied for fourth in the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas has won 23 games away from Lawrence this season, tying a school record set in 2014. The Jayhawks are one of seven Division I programs with at least 20 road wins this year, including one of only two power conference teams with at least 20 road wins. Heading into the regional on the road this week, KU is ranked No. 23 by USA Today and No. 25 by D1Baseball. &nbsp; Creighton (41-14) won the BIG EAST regular season and tournament championships, which included a 17-4 mark in BIG EAST play. The Bluejays enter the regional this weekend having won seven consecutive games. Creighton has a .285 batting average as a team and has posted a 4.00 ERA as a pitching staff. Dominic Cancellieri, who is 2-1 with a 1.94 ERA this season, will start for Creighton on Friday night. &nbsp; HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG Friday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+, with Kevin Fitzgerald (play-by-play) and Bobby Moranda (analyst) on the call. Fans can also listen to the games on KLWN (101.7 FM/1320 AM) and the Jayhawk Sports Network on KUAthletics.com and the Kansas Jayhawks app, with&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/staff-directory/brian-hanni/266" rel="smarttag" rev="266">Brian Hanni</a></dfn>&nbsp;and Sean Kellerman calling the action. &nbsp; Live statistics can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/baseball/d1/2025/regionals/116">here</a>, while live updates will also be provided on the team's official X page&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KUBaseball">@KUBaseball</a>. &nbsp; BIG 12 COACH OF THE YEAR <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named Big 12 Coach of the Year on May 20. The honor for Fitzgerald marked the first Big 12 Coach of the Year in program history. &nbsp; Fitzgerald, in only his third season at Kansas, directed the program to its greatest regular season in school history. After inheriting a program that finished in last place in the Big 12, Fitzgerald and his staff have brought Kansas into the national spotlight. &nbsp; Fitzgerald is only the second Kansas coach ever to win a coach of the year award, with Dave Bingham winning Big Eight and ABCA District Coach of the Year in 1993. Bingham led the Jayhawks to the College World Series that season. &nbsp; ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM Kansas first baseman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;was selected to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team. Ballinger was a key part of the Jayhawks advancing to the Big 12 Championship semifinals for a second consecutive year, with a 2-for-4 performance that included a double, game-tying three-run homer, four RBIs, one walk and one run scored. He finished the tournament with a 1.301 OPS. &nbsp; He is the 11th Jayhawk in program history to be named to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team, and the first since 2021. &nbsp; Ballinger, a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and All-Big 12 First Team selection, is first in the Big 12 in walks (tied for ninth nationally), runs (tied for 26th nationally) and doubles (tied for 30th nationally), second in on-base percentage (22nd nationally), total bases, slugging percentage, fourth in hits, tied for fourth in home runs, sixth in batting average and tied for seventh in RBI. &nbsp; His 70 runs are second most in school history, his 56 walks are tied for second most in school history and 16 homers are tied for fourth most in program history SERIES HISTORY Kansas and Creighton have played on 43 occasions all-time, with the Bluejays holding a 25-18 edge in the series. Despite the advantage in the series, Kansas has won each of the last six meetings between the two teams. All six of those matchups have happened in Lawrence and the most recent time the teams played was March 29, 2023, when Kansas won 3-1. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will play on Saturday at either 2 p.m. CT or 8 p.m. CT at Baum-Walker Stadium against the winner or loser of the Arkansas-North Dakota State game. The Jayhawks would play the winner of that game with a victory and the loser with a defeat.</div>

⚾ No. 23 KU opens NCAA Tournament play in Fayetteville Friday

<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=64edbf13-3f11-461b-98f2-33826fdb1c59">WATCH</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/kansas-state-university:oas-1358/content/kstate:allaccess-Live-6009">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.statbroadcast.com/ncaa/site.php?sid=43837#tourny">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2025/5/29/052825_KStateBSB_Notes_Regionals.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>

⚾ K-State opens play at Austin Regional Friday

Both the McPherson Bullpups and Hesston Swathers advanced to their respective state semifinals with quarterfinal victories Thursday.

SALINA, Kan. — Ian Razak tossed a complete game and helped his own cause at the plate as No. 1 McPherson edged No. 8 Tonganoxie 3-1 in Thursday’s Class 4A state quarterfinal at Dean Evans Stadium.

The win moved the Bullpups into Friday's semifinal with a 26-3 record, while the Chieftains end their season with a 16-12 mark.

Razak allowed just five hits and an unearned run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two. He also drove in the Bullpups’ first run with an RBI single in the bottom of the first.

Tonganoxie tied the game in the third, capitalizing on a McPherson error to score its lone run.

The Bullpups reclaimed the lead in the fifth. Brody Seidl delivered an RBI single, and Carter Allen followed with a sacrifice bunt to bring home another run, giving McPherson a 3-1 advantage it would not relinquish.

Seidl, Razak, Cade Strathman and Cowen Huggard each recorded a hit. Seidl, Razak and Allen each had an RBI, and Seidl added two stolen bases.

Tonganoxie’s Everett Holland led all hitters, going 2-for-3.

Merek Davenport was charged with the loss for Tonganoxie. He went six innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out four and walking three.

The Bullpups will face No. 5 St. George-Rock Creek on Friday at 1:15 p.m. in the semifinals.

Tonganoxie - 001 000 0 - 1 5 2 McPherson - 100 020 x - 3 4 3 W: Razak. L: Davenport.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Blayne Wilson went 4-for-5 at the plate, helping lead No. 5 Hesston to its first-ever win at the state tournament with an 11-6 victory over No. 4 Silver Lake in the Class 3A quarterfinals Thursday at Tointon Family Stadium.

Hesston improves their record to 17-6 on the season, while Silver Lake ends their season 21-8.

Wilson singled in the third, fourth, fifth and seventh innings to pace the Swathers’ 14-hit attack.

Hesston broke through in the top of the third with three consecutive singles, including a two-run base hit from Keagan Shelite to open the scoring.

Silver Lake responded with a six-run fifth inning on just three hits. Trent Harris and Dysen Schooler each drove in two runs on groundouts, while Landon Miller and Drew Womack added RBI singles.

Brody Curran earned the win for the Swathers, allowing three hits and six runs over five innings with five strikeouts and five walks. Tanner McAllister and Andrew Huxman each pitched a scoreless inning in relief to close it out.

Shelite finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while Landen Meyer and McAllister added multiple hits.&nbsp;

Silver Lake was limited to four hits, one each by Miller, Cathcart, Johnson and Womack. The Eagles showed discipline at the plate with six walks, including two from Cathcart.

The Swathers will face No. 8 Sabetha on Friday at 11 a.m. The Bluejays defeated top-seed Jefferson West, 2-0 on Thursday.&nbsp;

Hesston - 005 230 1 - 11 14 0 Silver Lake - 000 060 0 - 6 4 2 W: Curran. L: Cathcart.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748008726740.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostBoth the McPherson Bullpups and Hesston Swathers advanced to their respective state semifinals with quarterfinal victories Thursday.<h2>Class 4A — McPherson 3, Tonganoxie 1</h2>SALINA, Kan. — Ian Razak tossed a complete game and helped his own cause at the plate as No. 1 McPherson edged No. 8 Tonganoxie 3-1 in Thursday’s Class 4A state quarterfinal at Dean Evans Stadium.The win moved the Bullpups into Friday's semifinal with a 26-3 record, while the Chieftains end their season with a 16-12 mark.Razak allowed just five hits and an unearned run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two. He also drove in the Bullpups’ first run with an RBI single in the bottom of the first.Tonganoxie tied the game in the third, capitalizing on a McPherson error to score its lone run.The Bullpups reclaimed the lead in the fifth. Brody Seidl delivered an RBI single, and Carter Allen followed with a sacrifice bunt to bring home another run, giving McPherson a 3-1 advantage it would not relinquish.Seidl, Razak, Cade Strathman and Cowen Huggard each recorded a hit. Seidl, Razak and Allen each had an RBI, and Seidl added two stolen bases.Tonganoxie’s Everett Holland led all hitters, going 2-for-3.Merek Davenport was charged with the loss for Tonganoxie. He went six innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out four and walking three.The Bullpups will face No. 5 St. George-Rock Creek on Friday at 1:15 p.m. in the semifinals.Tonganoxie - 001 000 0 - 1 5 2 McPherson - 100 020 x - 3 4 3 W: Razak. L: Davenport.<h2>Class 3A — Hesston 11, Silver Lake 6</h2>MANHATTAN, Kan. — Blayne Wilson went 4-for-5 at the plate, helping lead No. 5 Hesston to its first-ever win at the state tournament with an 11-6 victory over No. 4 Silver Lake in the Class 3A quarterfinals Thursday at Tointon Family Stadium.Hesston improves their record to 17-6 on the season, while Silver Lake ends their season 21-8.Wilson singled in the third, fourth, fifth and seventh innings to pace the Swathers’ 14-hit attack.Hesston broke through in the top of the third with three consecutive singles, including a two-run base hit from Keagan Shelite to open the scoring.Silver Lake responded with a six-run fifth inning on just three hits. Trent Harris and Dysen Schooler each drove in two runs on groundouts, while Landon Miller and Drew Womack added RBI singles.Brody Curran earned the win for the Swathers, allowing three hits and six runs over five innings with five strikeouts and five walks. Tanner McAllister and Andrew Huxman each pitched a scoreless inning in relief to close it out.Shelite finished 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while Landen Meyer and McAllister added multiple hits.&nbsp;Silver Lake was limited to four hits, one each by Miller, Cathcart, Johnson and Womack. The Eagles showed discipline at the plate with six walks, including two from Cathcart.The Swathers will face No. 8 Sabetha on Friday at 11 a.m. The Bluejays defeated top-seed Jefferson West, 2-0 on Thursday.&nbsp;Hesston - 005 230 1 - 11 14 0 Silver Lake - 000 060 0 - 6 4 2 W: Curran. L: Cathcart.

⚾ McPherson, Hesston each advance to state semifinals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748556745057.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State and Boise State have agreed on a home-and-home basketball series, beginning in Boise, Idaho in 2025. The Shockers and Broncos will meet in ExtraMile Arena on&nbsp;Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025&nbsp;and then Boise State will make the return trip to Charles Koch Arena in 2026. A date will be announced at a later time. Wichita State and Boise State have never met on the hardwood in men's hoops. The Broncos are coming off a 26-11 campaign in 2024-25, which included a berth in the inaugural College Basketball Crown postseason tournament. They fell in the semifinals to the eventual Crown Champions, Nebraska. Boise State is led by head coach Leon Rice, who just finished his 15th season in Boise. Rice is the all-time wins leader at Boise State and has led the Broncos to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including three straight from 2021-24, three Mountain West titles and 12 20-win seasons. Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well.&nbsp;To purchase, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.evenue.net/events/MBT">GoShockers.com/Tickets</a>, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.</div>

🏀 Shockers add home-and-home with Broncos

Both the McPherson Bullpups and Inman Teutons advanced to their respective state semifinals with quarterfinal victories Thursday.

SALINA, Kan. — A six-run sixth inning powered the No. 1 McPherson Bullpups to a 10-1 victory over No. 8 Circle in Thursday’s Class 4A softball state semifinal at Salina South High School.

The win improved the Bullpups to 29-0 on the season, while Circle ends their season at 20-9.

After leading 4-1 in the sixth inning, Carmin Pavlovich’s two-run single sparked the outburst, followed by a three-run home run from Addison Chapman and an RBI double by Haely Hagemann that helped put the game out of reach with a six-run frame.

McPherson took an early lead in the first inning when Addie Herrera grounded into a double play that still allowed a run to score. Circle tied the game at 1-1 in the third on a Logan James RBI double to center.

The Bullpups regained control with a two-run fourth, scoring on a wild pitch and an RBI single down the left field line by Ava Romero to make it 3-1.

Chapman went the distance in the circle, earning the win, allowing just four hits and one run. She improved her record to 14-0 on the season. She struck out four and walked one. Circle starter Whitney Wilbur took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, on three hits in 4 1/3 innings.

McPherson tallied 10 hits in the win. Chapman drove in three runs, while Pera Bauer went 2-for-3 to lead the team in hits. Pavlovich and Bauer each swiped multiple bases, as the Bullpups racked up eight stolen bags.

Harlee Fowler, Ava Tunnell, James, and Harley McLaughlin each had one hit for Circle. James drove in the Thunderbirds’ lone run.

The Bullpups will play on Friday at 11 a.m. against No. 4 Clearwater.

Circle - 001 000 0 - 1 4 1 McPherson - 100 216 x - 10 10 1 W: Chapman. L: Wilbur.

Class 2-1A — Inman 7, St. Mary's Colgan 6

PRATT, Kan. — No. 2 Inman is headed back to the Class 2-1A state softball semifinals after a dramatic 7-6, walk-off win in eight innings over No. 7 St. Mary’s-Colgan on Thursday at the Green Sports Complex.

The win improved the Teutons to 23-1 on the season, while the Panthers end their season with a 16-12 mark.

Making their second straight state appearance and fifth overall, the&nbsp; Teutons built an early 5-0 lead through two innings before St. Mary’s-Colgan rallied. 

The Panthers, down to their final two strikes in the top of the seventh, surged ahead 6-5 on a go-ahead two-run home run to straightaway center by Bella Ascanio, the same player Inman’s Lyla Levin was dueling in the circle.

But Levin, who gave up the homer, immediately answered. She led off the bottom of the seventh with a double off Ascanio, then came around to score the tying run on a clutch RBI single through the left side by Taylor Froese.

After a scoreless top of the eighth, Levin stepped to the plate once more with the winning run at third and delivered, her fifth hit of the game, a single to right that sent Inman into the semifinals.

Levin was outstanding on both sides of the ball, going 5-for-5 at the plate and earning her 16th win of the season in the circle. She scattered 11 hits and allowed three earned runs across eight innings, striking out seven and walking two.

Froese went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, including the game-tying hit in the seventh. Maddi Parsons added two hits, and the Lady Teutons also turned a key double play defensively.

Colgan's Ascanio gave up 13 hits and seven runs, six earned, with six strikeouts and three walks over 7 2/3 innings.

St. Mary’s-Colgan got multiple-hit efforts from Katie Duncan, Kara Osborn and Brooklyn Barrows, while Ascanio and Kylee Kretchmar each drove in two runs.

Inman will play in the semifinal on Friday at 11 a.m. against No. 3 Leon-Bluestem.

St. Mary's Colgan - 004 000 2 0 - 6 11 1 Inman - 320 000 1 1 - 7 13 1 W: Levin. L: Ascanio. HR: Ascanio (7th inning off Levin, 1 on, 2 outs)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747925693001.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostBoth the McPherson Bullpups and Inman Teutons advanced to their respective state semifinals with quarterfinal victories Thursday.<h2>Class 4A — McPherson 10, Circle 1</h2>SALINA, Kan. — A six-run sixth inning powered the No. 1 McPherson Bullpups to a 10-1 victory over No. 8 Circle in Thursday’s Class 4A softball state semifinal at Salina South High School.The win improved the Bullpups to 29-0 on the season, while Circle ends their season at 20-9.After leading 4-1 in the sixth inning, Carmin Pavlovich’s two-run single sparked the outburst, followed by a three-run home run from Addison Chapman and an RBI double by Haely Hagemann that helped put the game out of reach with a six-run frame.McPherson took an early lead in the first inning when Addie Herrera grounded into a double play that still allowed a run to score. Circle tied the game at 1-1 in the third on a Logan James RBI double to center.The Bullpups regained control with a two-run fourth, scoring on a wild pitch and an RBI single down the left field line by Ava Romero to make it 3-1.Chapman went the distance in the circle, earning the win, allowing just four hits and one run. She improved her record to 14-0 on the season. She struck out four and walked one. Circle starter Whitney Wilbur took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, on three hits in 4 1/3 innings.McPherson tallied 10 hits in the win. Chapman drove in three runs, while Pera Bauer went 2-for-3 to lead the team in hits. Pavlovich and Bauer each swiped multiple bases, as the Bullpups racked up eight stolen bags.Harlee Fowler, Ava Tunnell, James, and Harley McLaughlin each had one hit for Circle. James drove in the Thunderbirds’ lone run.The Bullpups will play on Friday at 11 a.m. against No. 4 Clearwater.Circle - 001 000 0 - 1 4 1 McPherson - 100 216 x - 10 10 1 W: Chapman. L: Wilbur.<h2>Class 2-1A — Inman 7, St. Mary's Colgan 6</h2>PRATT, Kan. — No. 2 Inman is headed back to the Class 2-1A state softball semifinals after a dramatic 7-6, walk-off win in eight innings over No. 7 St. Mary’s-Colgan on Thursday at the Green Sports Complex.The win improved the Teutons to 23-1 on the season, while the Panthers end their season with a 16-12 mark.Making their second straight state appearance and fifth overall, the&nbsp; Teutons built an early 5-0 lead through two innings before St. Mary’s-Colgan rallied. The Panthers, down to their final two strikes in the top of the seventh, surged ahead 6-5 on a go-ahead two-run home run to straightaway center by Bella Ascanio, the same player Inman’s Lyla Levin was dueling in the circle.But Levin, who gave up the homer, immediately answered. She led off the bottom of the seventh with a double off Ascanio, then came around to score the tying run on a clutch RBI single through the left side by Taylor Froese.After a scoreless top of the eighth, Levin stepped to the plate once more with the winning run at third and delivered, her fifth hit of the game, a single to right that sent Inman into the semifinals.Levin was outstanding on both sides of the ball, going 5-for-5 at the plate and earning her 16th win of the season in the circle. She scattered 11 hits and allowed three earned runs across eight innings, striking out seven and walking two.Froese went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, including the game-tying hit in the seventh. Maddi Parsons added two hits, and the Lady Teutons also turned a key double play defensively.Colgan's Ascanio gave up 13 hits and seven runs, six earned, with six strikeouts and three walks over 7 2/3 innings.St. Mary’s-Colgan got multiple-hit efforts from Katie Duncan, Kara Osborn and Brooklyn Barrows, while Ascanio and Kylee Kretchmar each drove in two runs.Inman will play in the semifinal on Friday at 11 a.m. against No. 3 Leon-Bluestem.St. Mary's Colgan - 004 000 2 0 - 6 11 1 Inman - 320 000 1 1 - 7 13 1 W: Levin. L: Ascanio. HR: Ascanio (7th inning off Levin, 1 on, 2 outs)

🥎 McPherson's perfect season continues in 4A; Inman walks off to 2-1A state semifinals

👟 Area boys state track and field qualifiers

👟 Area girls state track and field qualifiers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748548026016.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State head baseball coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brian-green/1256" rel="smarttag" rev="1256">Brian Green</a></dfn>&nbsp;announced Thursday the hiring of veteran coach Marty Lees as the program's recruiting coordinator and infield coach. Lees brings more than two decades of experience at the Division I level to Wichita, including time on staff at Oregon State, Oklahoma State and Washington State. "Marty adds a wealth of experience, energy, and success to our program," Green said. "He's one of the best recruiters in the country and has proven that over and over at every stop. His ability to connect with players and families, his knowledge of the game, and his commitment to building a championship culture make him a perfect fit for Wichita State." Lees comes to Wichita State after two seasons as head coach at Stillwater High School, plus stints as manager of the Cape Cod League's Chatham Anglers and the USA Baseball Athlete Development Program. "I'm incredibly excited to join the Wichita State family," Lees said. "This is a proud program with a rich tradition, and I'm honored to be part of Coach Green's vision for the future. I'm ready to hit the ground running and bring in student-athletes who will represent Shocker Nation with pride." At the collegiate level, Lees most recently served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Oklahoma State, returning to Stillwater for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. It marked his second time on staff with the Cowboys, where Lees previously worked as assistant coach from 2013-2015. Lees helped Oklahoma State land consecutive recruiting classes ranked in the top five nationally (2013 and 2014) that ultimately produced three regional appearances and the program's first Big 12 regular season championship. In his second stretch with Oklahoma State, Lees added two more top-20 recruiting classes, including the #8-ranked class in 2021. Before returning to Stillwater, Lees spent four seasons as head coach at Washington State, where he led the Cougars from 2016-2019 prior to&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brian-green/1256" rel="smarttag" rev="1256">Brian Green</a></dfn>'s arrival. Over the course of his tenure in Pullman, 13 Cougars were drafted by MLB organizations. Lees is perhaps best known for his time at Oregon State, where he served as an assistant coach from 2002-09 and associate head coach from 2009-12. During that 11-year run under legendary head coach Pat Casey, the Beavers made three straight College World Series appearances and captured back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. In six years as the Beavers recruiting coordinator, Oregon State brought in a top-25 recruiting class each season. A native of Lakeview, Oregon, Lees played collegiately at Lane Community College and Western Oregon before beginning his coaching career. He coached at Oakridge and Harrisburg High Schools in addition to time with the Eugene Challengers American Legion team before joining the coaching staff at Oregon State. Lees and his wife Kristy have three children, Brandon, Brady, and Jake.</div>

⚾ Lees joins WSU coaching staff as recruiting coordinator

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748535943928.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; A trio of night games awaits Kansas State after its season-opening game in Dublin, Ireland, as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the 2025 season. As&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kstatesports.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F5%2F13%2Faer-lingus-college-football-classic-to-be-televised-by-espn&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crlackey%40kstatesports.com%7C38bc76fad7064475743e08dd9df55579%7C5a31d35ec35349f980a97f967cb9e5be%7C0%7C0%7C638840399240128514%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=lSBA420UYOIUbJc7TZxaXpEOxV37AUrdCna%2B9MxHnUY%3D&amp;reserved=0">announced two weeks ago</a>, the Wildcats will kick off the 2025 college football season in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic as they face Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 23, in an 11 a.m. (CT) game on ESPN. K-State returns to Manhattan for its first non-conference game and home opener on Saturday, August 30, against North Dakota in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN+. It is the first all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Fighting Hawks as the two teams were scheduled to play in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic altered the schedule. Another 6 p.m., contest &ndash; this time on ESPN &ndash; is slated for Saturday, September 6, when the Wildcats welcome Army to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the second time ever and first since 1987. The Wildcats close out the non-conference portion of their schedule by traveling to face Arizona on Friday, September 12, in an 8 p.m. (CT) game that will be shown on FOX. This will be the second of a two-game non-conference series that was scheduled prior to Arizona joining the Big 12. K-State won last year's meeting at home, 31-7, and is playing in Tucson for the first time since 1978. A limited number of football season tickets are still available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kstatesports.com%2Ftickets&amp;data=05%7C02%7Crlackey%40kstatesports.com%7C38bc76fad7064475743e08dd9df55579%7C5a31d35ec35349f980a97f967cb9e5be%7C0%7C0%7C638840399240148471%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=VpQxJlOckkas0CAmp6uparCRdvx7JInT6y5bLoJ9OHM%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS. Ahearn Fund members will have an exclusive week-long online-only pre-sale for single-game tickets beginning on Tuesday, June 10, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17. Phone and in-person orders for football single-game tickets for both Ahearn Fund members and the general public will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, June 23.&nbsp; Time/TV for Select 2025 K-State Football Games (All Times Central)
<table border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Date</td>
<td>Opponent</td>
<td>Time</td>
<td>TV</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aug. 23&nbsp;(Previously Announced)</td>
<td>vs. Iowa State&nbsp;(Dublin, Ireland)</td>
<td>11 a.m.</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aug. 30</td>
<td>North Dakota</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>ESPN+</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sept. 6</td>
<td>Army</td>
<td>6 p.m.</td>
<td>ESPN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>(Fri.) Sept. 12</td>
<td>at Arizona</td>
<td>8 p.m.</td>
<td>FOX</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

🏈 Times, TV designations set for K-State’s non-conference slate

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748535841250.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas football is nearing the 2025 season with kickoff just 86 days away, and the Big 12 Conference announced four of Kansas' game times and tv designations on Thursday. &nbsp; Kansas will host the grand opening of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on national television on Saturday, August 23 in week 0 as the Jayhawks host the Fresno State Bulldogs at 5:30 p.m. CT on FOX. The season opener will be Kansas' first game played in the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and will kick off the 134th&nbsp;season of Kansas football. &nbsp; Following the season opener, Kansas will host the Wagner Seahawks on Friday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+. &nbsp; The Jayhawks will then reignite one of college football's oldest rivalries when Kansas travels to Columbia, Missouri to take on Missouri on September 6 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN2. The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri has been played 120 times dating back to 1891, which is tied for the 10th-most played rivalry in all of college football. The meeting will be the first since 2011 and the first to be played on either campus since 2006. &nbsp; Kansas will finish off its regular season on Friday, November 28 at 11 a.m. CT when the Jayhawks welcome Big 12 opponent Utah to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The game will air on ABC or ESPN. It will be the first meeting between the two teams as members of the Big 12 Conference, while Kansas and Utah last met in 1996. The series history between the Jayhawks and the Utes dates back to 1950, in a series that is tied 2-2 all-time. &nbsp; Game times and television designations for the remainder of the schedule will be announced in-season. &nbsp; Fans looking to purchase season tickets can do so by calling the Kansas Athletics ticket office at 785-864-3141. Single game tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale at a later date. &nbsp; Week 0 Saturday, Aug. 23 Kansas vs. Fresno State, 5:30 p.m., FOX &nbsp; Week 1 Friday, Aug. 29 Kansas vs. Wagner, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+ &nbsp; Week 2 Saturday, Sept. 6 Kansas at Missouri, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2 &nbsp; Week 14 Friday, Nov. 28 Kansas vs. Utah, 11 a.m., ABC or ESPN</div>

🏈 Game times set for KU's non-conference opponents, regular season finale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748530449433.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &mdash;&nbsp;After 12&nbsp;seasons with the Kansas men's basketball program,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/fred-quartlebaum/731" rel="smarttag" rev="731">Fred Quartlebaum</a></dfn>&nbsp;will be leaving his post as director of basketball operations in June, KU head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/bill-self/727" rel="smarttag" rev="727">Bill Self</a></dfn>&nbsp;announced today. &nbsp; "Q has been with us for the last 12 seasons and has been very involved in many aspects of our program, but primarily as the liaison between our staff and community relations," Self said of Quartlebaum. "He's been the primary person in charge of working with the players and developing a culture within our program. He has done a fantastic job and will be missed. I'm excited for him and (his wife) Christy as they move into another phase in their lives." &nbsp; Quartlebaum joined the KU staff in 2013 as the director of student-athlete development. He moved into his role as director of basketball operations in 2020. In his time at KU, Quartlebaum was part of six Big 12 regular-season championships, two Big 12 Tournament titles, three NCAA Tournament Elite Eights and the 2022 NCAA National Championship.&nbsp; &nbsp; Self will be promoting&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/staff-directory/lexi-price/188" rel="smarttag" rev="188">Lexi Price</a></dfn>&nbsp;to Kansas men's basketball director of operations. Price has been the office manager for KU basketball since December, 2021. &nbsp; "Lexi is one of the most organized and detail-oriented individuals I have been around," Self said. "Her skill set allows this to be seamless and smooth transition. The new position will be a continuation of her current role in addition to coordinating student-athlete enrollment, housing, and team travel." &nbsp; Price has been a part of Kansas men's basketball since the 2017-18 season where she was a student team manager for four seasons. The Topeka, Kansas, native earned her bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in psychology from KU in 2020. She earned her master's degree in digital content strategy from KU in 2022.</div>

🏀 Quartlebaum to leave KU men's coaching staff after 12 seasons

Major League Baseball is investing in Athletes Unlimited to support its softball league that will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/athletes-unlimited-softball-schedule-ed102210df4814c6baa39deb4da40d93">debut next month</a>, marking the first time MLB will have a comprehensive partnership with a professional women’s sports league.

MLB said Thursday it was making a strategic investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League of an undisclosed amount for operational costs and a commitment to help it gain visibility in various ways, including assistance with content, marketing and sales, events, distribution, editorial, and digital and social platforms. That includes marketing the AUSL and its athletes during MLB’s All-Star Game and throughout the postseason.

“This is something we’re really excited about,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told The Associated Press. “We studied the space hard. We think it’s a real opportunity and we’re excited to be involved.” 

Athletes Unlimited has featured softball since 2020, when it unveiled a unique format that crowned an individual champion. The company will launch a league with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/softball-world-series-athletes-unlimited-ada264ef1a7b682f9f4e355ef3a5ca50">a traditional, team-based format</a>&nbsp;starting June 7 and will keep its individual format for the AUSL All-Star Cup that follows.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manfred noted that interest in women’s sports had “escalated significantly” in recent years and his league had been looking for ways to get more involved, including the possible launch of its own softball league. He said Athletes Unlimited’s overall success and its strong infrastructure helped make the decision to collaborate easier.

“We thought rather than starting on our own and competing, that finding a place where we could invest and grow a business was a better opportunity for us,” Manfred said.

Kim Ng, a former Major League Baseball executive, signed on as an adviser with the AUSL and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/softball-ausl-kim-ng-a49f48589ce7d20afb6e372a93dfce4a">promoted to commissioner</a>&nbsp;in April. Ng is the former general manager of the Miami Marlins, the first female GM in any of the major U.S. pro sports leagues, and has three World Series rings from a combined 21 years in the front offices of the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“As the process moved forward and it looked like we were going to make an investment, they hired Kim, and we had a long relationship with Kim, and it just added additional comfort to the idea of making the investment,” Manfred said.

Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof said MLB’s commitment to increasing the AUSL’s visibility is as important as the financial investment.

“They’re committed to really elevating the AUSL,” he said. “It’s probably about one of the most difficult things for any sports league to do which is to get visibility and break through to new audiences, and I think MLB is already doing that for the AUSL, and there’s going to be a lot more to come.”

Women’s pro softball leagues and independent teams have come and gone over the years, but none have offered a consistent option for women to have a stable future in the sport.

It appears that might change, with the help of softball greats Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza and Natasha Watley as AUSL advisors. On June 7, the Bandits and Talons will open with a three-game series in Rosemont, Illinois, and the Blaze and Volts will start off with a three-game series in Wichita, Kansas. The four teams will play 24 games this season as touring properties that will play games in 12 cities. The top two teams will compete in the AUSL Championship, a best-of-three series July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Patricof said the league plans to expand to six teams next season and be city based.

MLB already supports several women’s softball and baseball initiatives, including a partnership with USA Softball and operation of the MLB Develops girls baseball pipeline. It is not involved with the upstart&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-pro-baseball-league-2026-e572ee8481c4e0ba3f2b611eaf47f9cd">Women’s Professional Baseball League</a>, which plans to launch in 2026 as the first pro baseball league for women since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — of “A League of Their Own” fame — folded in 1954.

Manfred said he sees a bright future ahead for AUSL.

“I fully expect that they will expand, and we hope that we will end up with a league that is sustainable on its own, a good investment for us, and a partner in growing diamond sports internationally,” he said.

Patricof said the partnership with MLB and the already existing relationship between the Athletes Unlimited and USA Softball combine to help give the AUSL stability.

“As we announce MLB coming into the fold formally into what we’re doing with the AUSL, you really see a full alignment of this sport behind this league, and that I think is exciting for everyone,” Patricof said. “People who have sat on the sidelines or maybe have watched pro softball from a little bit of distance — everybody’s now jumped in, and I think that is an exciting moment for people who’ve been around this sport.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748526489858.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Athletes Unlimited Softball League" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Athletes Unlimited Softball League</figcaption>
 </figure>CLIFF BRUNT Associated PressMajor League Baseball is investing in Athletes Unlimited to support its softball league that will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/athletes-unlimited-softball-schedule-ed102210df4814c6baa39deb4da40d93">debut next month</a>, marking the first time MLB will have a comprehensive partnership with a professional women’s sports league.MLB said Thursday it was making a strategic investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League of an undisclosed amount for operational costs and a commitment to help it gain visibility in various ways, including assistance with content, marketing and sales, events, distribution, editorial, and digital and social platforms. That includes marketing the AUSL and its athletes during MLB’s All-Star Game and throughout the postseason.“This is something we’re really excited about,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told The Associated Press. “We studied the space hard. We think it’s a real opportunity and we’re excited to be involved.” Athletes Unlimited has featured softball since 2020, when it unveiled a unique format that crowned an individual champion. The company will launch a league with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/softball-world-series-athletes-unlimited-ada264ef1a7b682f9f4e355ef3a5ca50">a traditional, team-based format</a>&nbsp;starting June 7 and will keep its individual format for the AUSL All-Star Cup that follows.&nbsp;&nbsp;Manfred noted that interest in women’s sports had “escalated significantly” in recent years and his league had been looking for ways to get more involved, including the possible launch of its own softball league. He said Athletes Unlimited’s overall success and its strong infrastructure helped make the decision to collaborate easier.“We thought rather than starting on our own and competing, that finding a place where we could invest and grow a business was a better opportunity for us,” Manfred said.Kim Ng, a former Major League Baseball executive, signed on as an adviser with the AUSL and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/softball-ausl-kim-ng-a49f48589ce7d20afb6e372a93dfce4a">promoted to commissioner</a>&nbsp;in April. Ng is the former general manager of the Miami Marlins, the first female GM in any of the major U.S. pro sports leagues, and has three World Series rings from a combined 21 years in the front offices of the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.“As the process moved forward and it looked like we were going to make an investment, they hired Kim, and we had a long relationship with Kim, and it just added additional comfort to the idea of making the investment,” Manfred said.Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof said MLB’s commitment to increasing the AUSL’s visibility is as important as the financial investment.“They’re committed to really elevating the AUSL,” he said. “It’s probably about one of the most difficult things for any sports league to do which is to get visibility and break through to new audiences, and I think MLB is already doing that for the AUSL, and there’s going to be a lot more to come.”Women’s pro softball leagues and independent teams have come and gone over the years, but none have offered a consistent option for women to have a stable future in the sport.It appears that might change, with the help of softball greats Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza and Natasha Watley as AUSL advisors. On June 7, the Bandits and Talons will open with a three-game series in Rosemont, Illinois, and the Blaze and Volts will start off with a three-game series in Wichita, Kansas. The four teams will play 24 games this season as touring properties that will play games in 12 cities. The top two teams will compete in the AUSL Championship, a best-of-three series July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.Patricof said the league plans to expand to six teams next season and be city based.MLB already supports several women’s softball and baseball initiatives, including a partnership with USA Softball and operation of the MLB Develops girls baseball pipeline. It is not involved with the upstart&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-pro-baseball-league-2026-e572ee8481c4e0ba3f2b611eaf47f9cd">Women’s Professional Baseball League</a>, which plans to launch in 2026 as the first pro baseball league for women since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — of “A League of Their Own” fame — folded in 1954.Manfred said he sees a bright future ahead for AUSL.“I fully expect that they will expand, and we hope that we will end up with a league that is sustainable on its own, a good investment for us, and a partner in growing diamond sports internationally,” he said.Patricof said the partnership with MLB and the already existing relationship between the Athletes Unlimited and USA Softball combine to help give the AUSL stability.“As we announce MLB coming into the fold formally into what we’re doing with the AUSL, you really see a full alignment of this sport behind this league, and that I think is exciting for everyone,” Patricof said. “People who have sat on the sidelines or maybe have watched pro softball from a little bit of distance — everybody’s now jumped in, and I think that is an exciting moment for people who’ve been around this sport.”

🥎 MLB will invest in AUSL, which launches June 7 in Wichita

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
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