Tulsa, OK- The Wind Surge finished off the Tulsa Drillers 11-1 on Thursday night as the Surge swept the Drillers in the Divisional series to advance to the Texas League Championship Series where they will play the winner of Frisco/San Antonio.

The Surge struck first as Jair Camargo hit a two-run homer to give Wichita a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Camargo finished three for five with five RBIs in the game.

The Drillers responded in the bottom of the first as Andy Pages hit a sacrifice fly in foul territory and allowed Leonel Valera to score and cut the deficit in half to 2-1.

The Surge added another run in the third inning courtesy of Camargo’s second home run of the night to score Edouard Julien and extend the lead to 4-1.

The Surge scored five runs in the fifth inning as DaShawn Keirsey Jr. hit Wichita’s third homer of the night on a solo shot to right field and Camargo followed with a two-run RBI single. Alex Isola hit a two-out single that scored two more runs and gave the Surge a commanding 8-1 lead.

Camargo and Keirsey Jr. each hit home runs in both playoff matchups against Tulsa… The Surge will play for the Texas League championship for the second straight year.

The Wind Surge will resume play on Sunday, September 25th where they will face the Frisco RoughRiders in Frisco. First pitch will be Sunday at 5:05 p.m. and pitching matchups are to be announced. 

The Wind Surge will be home for game two on Tuesday and potentially game three at Riverfront Stadium, if necessary.

Tulsa, OK- The Wind Surge finished off the Tulsa Drillers 11-1 on Thursday night as the Surge swept the Drillers in the Divisional series to advance to the Texas League Championship Series where they will play the winner of Frisco/San Antonio.The Surge struck first as Jair Camargo hit a two-run homer to give Wichita a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Camargo finished three for five with five RBIs in the game.The Drillers responded in the bottom of the first as Andy Pages hit a sacrifice fly in foul territory and allowed Leonel Valera to score and cut the deficit in half to 2-1.The Surge added another run in the third inning courtesy of Camargo’s second home run of the night to score Edouard Julien and extend the lead to 4-1.The Surge scored five runs in the fifth inning as DaShawn Keirsey Jr. hit Wichita’s third homer of the night on a solo shot to right field and Camargo followed with a two-run RBI single. Alex Isola hit a two-out single that scored two more runs and gave the Surge a commanding 8-1 lead.Camargo and Keirsey Jr. each hit home runs in both playoff matchups against Tulsa… The Surge will play for the Texas League championship for the second straight year.The Wind Surge will resume play on Sunday, September 25th where they will face the Frisco RoughRiders in Frisco. First pitch will be Sunday at 5:05 p.m. and pitching matchups are to be announced. The Wind Surge will be home for game two on Tuesday and potentially game three at Riverfront Stadium, if necessary.

⚾ Wind Surge sweep Drillers, to play Frisco Sunday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley pitched six innings of two-hit ball, Edward Oliveras and Drew Waters homered, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 on Thursday to complete their three-game series sweep.

Salvador Perez also drove in a run for Kansas City, extending his streak to seven straight games with an RBI, and Brad Keller finished off three innings of no-hit ball by the bullpen for his first career save.

“Much better version of baseball,” said Royals manager Mike Matheny, who celebrated his 52nd birthday in fine fashion Thursday. “The aim is always to win, but you put a couple of wins together against a team that you haven't had success against and you see the confidence starting to swell.”

The first home sweep of at least three games by the Royals since July 2021 also probably ended the fading playoff hopes of the Twins, who two weeks ago were in the midst of an AL Central race but lost eight of nine on their road trip.

“I mean, to be very frank about it, disappointing and about as low on the scale as you can imagine,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “The baserunners just weren’t there for us. The opportunities weren’t there.”

Minnesota rookie Josh Winder (4-5) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. Caleb Hamilton drove in the only run for the Twins, who limp home to wrap up the season having lost 17 of their last 20 road games.

“You have to continue to play the same way. You have to continue to fight the same way,” Baldelli said.

Heasley (4-8) also was dominant in his previous start in Boston, allowing two hits over 6 2/3 shutout innings, and the 25-year-old picked up where he left off against Minnesota. Heasley retired his first 10 batters, striking out four of the first five, and followed a base hit by Carlos Correa by retiring the next two to end the inning.

“I thought he really built off what he did the last time,” Matheny said. “I do believe that he's found something.”

Correa thought he had given the Twins the lead in the first, when he drove a pitch into the right-field seats. But umpire Manny Gonzalez ruled that the ball skirted the pole foul and there was not enough evidence to overrule his call.

The Royals took the lead in the third when Bobby Witt Jr. singled, stole second and scored on Perez's shattered-bat single, then made it 2-0 in the fourth when Oliveras drove a 3-2 pitch into the left-field seats.

Waters added his no-doubt shot leading off the fifth, and Nate Eaton drove in an insurance run in the eighth.

MJ Melendez, who homered in each of the previous two games, nearly joined the Royals' home run party twice. He drove a pitch to the center-field warning track leading off the game and another to the wall in right in the third.

“He was so baffled both times,” Matheny said. “He was certain, as we all were, that both of those balls were gone.”

The first-inning double by Witt was his 55th extra-base hit this season, matching Alex Gordon for the most by a first-year player in team history. Witt also stole his 28th base, breaking a tie with Carlos Beltran for third among Royals rookies.

Perez played his 1,246th game on Thursday, passing Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek for eighth in Royals history.

After their disastrous trip, the Twins are headed home for three games against Angels and three against the White Sox to wrap the regular season. They have not announced a starter for the opener against Los Angeles on Friday night.

The Royals conclude their final homestand with three games against Seattle before heading to Cleveland for six to wrap up the season. They also have not announced a starter for Friday night's game against the Mariners.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley pitched six innings of two-hit ball, Edward Oliveras and Drew Waters homered, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1 on Thursday to complete their three-game series sweep.Salvador Perez also drove in a run for Kansas City, extending his streak to seven straight games with an RBI, and Brad Keller finished off three innings of no-hit ball by the bullpen for his first career save.“Much better version of baseball,” said Royals manager Mike Matheny, who celebrated his 52nd birthday in fine fashion Thursday. “The aim is always to win, but you put a couple of wins together against a team that you haven't had success against and you see the confidence starting to swell.”The first home sweep of at least three games by the Royals since July 2021 also probably ended the fading playoff hopes of the Twins, who two weeks ago were in the midst of an AL Central race but lost eight of nine on their road trip.“I mean, to be very frank about it, disappointing and about as low on the scale as you can imagine,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “The baserunners just weren’t there for us. The opportunities weren’t there.”Minnesota rookie Josh Winder (4-5) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. Caleb Hamilton drove in the only run for the Twins, who limp home to wrap up the season having lost 17 of their last 20 road games.“You have to continue to play the same way. You have to continue to fight the same way,” Baldelli said.Heasley (4-8) also was dominant in his previous start in Boston, allowing two hits over 6 2/3 shutout innings, and the 25-year-old picked up where he left off against Minnesota. Heasley retired his first 10 batters, striking out four of the first five, and followed a base hit by Carlos Correa by retiring the next two to end the inning.“I thought he really built off what he did the last time,” Matheny said. “I do believe that he's found something.”Correa thought he had given the Twins the lead in the first, when he drove a pitch into the right-field seats. But umpire Manny Gonzalez ruled that the ball skirted the pole foul and there was not enough evidence to overrule his call.The Royals took the lead in the third when Bobby Witt Jr. singled, stole second and scored on Perez's shattered-bat single, then made it 2-0 in the fourth when Oliveras drove a 3-2 pitch into the left-field seats.Waters added his no-doubt shot leading off the fifth, and Nate Eaton drove in an insurance run in the eighth.MJ Melendez, who homered in each of the previous two games, nearly joined the Royals' home run party twice. He drove a pitch to the center-field warning track leading off the game and another to the wall in right in the third.“He was so baffled both times,” Matheny said. “He was certain, as we all were, that both of those balls were gone.”GETTING WITTYThe first-inning double by Witt was his 55th extra-base hit this season, matching Alex Gordon for the most by a first-year player in team history. Witt also stole his 28th base, breaking a tie with Carlos Beltran for third among Royals rookies.MOVING UPPerez played his 1,246th game on Thursday, passing Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek for eighth in Royals history.UP NEXTAfter their disastrous trip, the Twins are headed home for three games against Angels and three against the White Sox to wrap the regular season. They have not announced a starter for the opener against Los Angeles on Friday night.The Royals conclude their final homestand with three games against Seattle before heading to Cleveland for six to wrap up the season. They also have not announced a starter for Friday night's game against the Mariners.

⚾ Heasley shuts down Twins, Royals win 4-1 to finish sweep

The Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team faces another rugged weekend schedule, but will do so inside the Hutchinson Sports Arena this weekend.

No. 16 Hutchinson and eighth other teams from Kansas, Missouri and Iowa make up the field for the 2022 Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic on Friday and Saturday. Friday matches begin at 10 a.m. and Saturday matches begin at 9 a.m.

The 2022 Blue Dragon Classic field features four nationally ranked teams – No. 16 Hutchinson, No. 2 Indian Hills, No. 8 Trinity Valley and No. 17 Mineral Area. Both Butler and MSU-West Plains are receiving votes in this week’s NJCAA Rankings. Jefferson College and Iowa Western started the season in the national rankings. Jayhawk West rival Cloud County is the ninth team in the tournament field.

The Blue Dragons play a pair of nationally ranked opponents and get two rematches in their four matches this weekend.

Hutchinson will open with Jefferson College at 2 p.m. on Friday. The Blue Dragons were swept by then then-No. 12 Vikings on opening weekend at the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The Blue Dragons play host to Iowa Western at 6 p.m. on Friday. Also at the Reiver Classic, the Blue Dragons won a five-set thriller with the defending national champions and preseason-No. 1 ranked Reivers in August.

Hutchinson plays No. 8 Trinity Valley at 11 a.m. on Saturday and No. 17 Mineral Area at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The Blue Dragons enter the weekend at 17-5 after a four-set victory over Garden City on Wednesday in the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons are 3-5 this season against nationally ranked opponents. The Blue Dragon Classic is Hutchinson’s fourth tournament this season. The Dragons are 8-4 in weekend classics this season.

Admission for the Blue Dragon Classic is $10 daily. All matches will be streamed live on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.

2022 Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic

When: Friday-Saturday, September 23-24

Where:&nbsp;Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS

Teams Participating: No. 16 Hutchinson; No. 2 Indian Hills, No. 8 Trinity Valley, No. 17 Mineral Area, Butler (RV), Missouri State-West Plains (RV), Jefferson College, Cloud County, Iowa Western.

Friday at 2 p.m. – Jefferson College

Friday at 6 p.m.&nbsp;– Iowa Western

Saturday at 11 a.m.&nbsp;– No. 8 Trinity Valley

Saturday at 1 p.m.&nbsp;– No. 17 Mineral Area

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThursday, September 22, 2022The Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team faces another rugged weekend schedule, but will do so inside the Hutchinson Sports Arena this weekend.No. 16 Hutchinson and eighth other teams from Kansas, Missouri and Iowa make up the field for the 2022 Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic on Friday and Saturday. Friday matches begin at 10 a.m. and Saturday matches begin at 9 a.m.The 2022 Blue Dragon Classic field features four nationally ranked teams – No. 16 Hutchinson, No. 2 Indian Hills, No. 8 Trinity Valley and No. 17 Mineral Area. Both Butler and MSU-West Plains are receiving votes in this week’s NJCAA Rankings. Jefferson College and Iowa Western started the season in the national rankings. Jayhawk West rival Cloud County is the ninth team in the tournament field.The Blue Dragons play a pair of nationally ranked opponents and get two rematches in their four matches this weekend.Hutchinson will open with Jefferson College at 2 p.m. on Friday. The Blue Dragons were swept by then then-No. 12 Vikings on opening weekend at the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa.The Blue Dragons play host to Iowa Western at 6 p.m. on Friday. Also at the Reiver Classic, the Blue Dragons won a five-set thriller with the defending national champions and preseason-No. 1 ranked Reivers in August.Hutchinson plays No. 8 Trinity Valley at 11 a.m. on Saturday and No. 17 Mineral Area at 1 p.m. on Saturday.The Blue Dragons enter the weekend at 17-5 after a four-set victory over Garden City on Wednesday in the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons are 3-5 this season against nationally ranked opponents. The Blue Dragon Classic is Hutchinson’s fourth tournament this season. The Dragons are 8-4 in weekend classics this season.Admission for the Blue Dragon Classic is $10 daily. All matches will be streamed live on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.BLUE DRAGON VOLLEYBALL2022 Blue Dragon Volleyball ClassicWhen: Friday-Saturday, September 23-24Where:&nbsp;Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KSAdmission: $10 dailyTeams Participating: No. 16 Hutchinson; No. 2 Indian Hills, No. 8 Trinity Valley, No. 17 Mineral Area, Butler (RV), Missouri State-West Plains (RV), Jefferson College, Cloud County, Iowa Western.Friday Matches Start at 10 a.m.Saturday Matches Start at 9 a.m.Blue Dragon ScheduleFriday at 2 p.m. – Jefferson CollegeFriday at 6 p.m.&nbsp;– Iowa WesternSaturday at 11 a.m.&nbsp;– No. 8 Trinity ValleySaturday at 1 p.m.&nbsp;– No. 17 Mineral AreaTwitter: @bluedragonsport

 🏐 HutchCC VB: Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic Friday and Saturday

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🎙 Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday Morning

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dayton Moore was fired from his role atop the baseball operations department for the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He led the team for 16 years, winning two American League pennants and a World Series. He made the unusual decision to come to the park after his firing, addressing media and saying goodbye to players, coaches, trainers, clubhouse attendants and even the staff working the parking lot. Players say it speaks to his character, which made him a favorite in Kansas City, even as the team struggled through another frustrating season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day and the Royals bullpen pitched five innings of two-hit ball, helping Kansas City beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins 5-2. The Royals clinched their first winning series in nearly a month just hours after owner John Sherman fired longtime front office executive Dayton Moore, who led the franchise to two American League pennants and a World Series title. Bailey Ober took the loss for Minnesota, which has dropped six of seven to begin an eight-game trip and fall out of postseason contention.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Blake Snell held St. Louis hitless until Albert Pujols beat the shift for a single with two outs in the seventh inning and the San Diego Padres beat the NL Central-leading Cardinals 1-0. Snell allowed two hits in seven innings on 117 pitches and struck out 13 to tie his career high. The left-hander’s brilliant effort carried the Padres to their fifth straight win and extended the rotation’s scoreless streak to 27 2/3 innings. The Padres have shut out the Cardinals in the first two games of the three-game series. Pujols remained at 698 career home runs.

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge disappointed fans by staying stuck at 60 homers but doubled twice and scored on Oswaldo Cabrera’s first-inning grand slam that started the New York Yankees to a 14-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates. A day after hitting home run No. 60 to spark a stunning five-run, ninth-inning rally capped by Giancarlo Stanton’s game-ending slam, Judge doubled on the first pitch to him in the first and fifth innings. Judge leads the AL in average, home runs and RBIs, in position to become the first Triple Crown winner in a decade. Cabrera and Gleyber Torres had five RBIs each.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lost in the drama of the Chiefs’ comeback win over the Chargers last week was the fact that Kansas City, with its star quarterback and offensive-minded head coach, had five opportunities on third-and-short and converted just once. And that’s not going to cut it as the Chiefs face one of the league’s toughest schedules. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said there were a variety of reasons for the problems, from poor calls to poor execution. But he is confident that a team so successful on first downs can replicate that success on third downs going forward.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Russell Wilson is off to one of the slowest starts of his 11-year career following his blockbuster trade from Seattle to Denver. Wilson has two touchdown throws in his first two games. His last four seasons in Seattle he had five, five, nine and six TD throws through Week 2. Part of the problem is rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett who acknowledged this week that he needs to clean up his play calling and game management to get the plays into Wilson sooner. His tardiness in getting the plays in have led to chaotic execution and a rash of penalties.

UNDATED (AP) — There are six Big 12 teams playing their conference openers this weekend. Kansas State is at sixth-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday. The Sooners are playing their first Big 12 game for coach Brent Venables. They have won their last 10 home games and 28 of 29. The lone loss was to K-State two years ago. No. 17 Baylor is at Iowa State, and No. 22 Texas plays at Texas Tech in the other Big 12 openers. Kansas is 3-0 going into a home game against 3-0 Duke. The Jayhawks last won more than three games in the same season in 2009.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Sonny Dykes is now on the other side in the SMU-TCU rivalry. The coach is in his first season with the Big 12 Horned Frogs after leading SMU to wins the last two times the Dallas-Fort Worth teams played. They meet again Saturday in Dallas, and the 101st meeting in the series is sold out. The Mustangs had lost seven in a row against TCU, and 17 of 19, before winning in 2019 and following that up with another win last year. They didn't play in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNDATED (AP) — After three weeks there are 33 unbeaten teams left in major college football and eight of them are playing against each other Saturday. There are showdowns in the Pac-12, ACC, and Big Ten this week, plus Duke vs. Kansas. The basketball powerhouses are both 3-0 heading into one of the most interesting games of the week.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Duke and Kansas are accustomed to high-stakes showdowns in basketball, the kind that often have national championship implications riding on the outcome. The two programs have combined to win nine national titles. That’s not the case in football. However, both of the traditional hoops schools have soared to 3-0 starts, building the type of anticipation for Saturday’s game in Lawrence that hasn’t existed since Mark Mangino led Kansas to its last winning season in 2008.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dayton Moore was fired from his role atop the baseball operations department for the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. He led the team for 16 years, winning two American League pennants and a World Series. He made the unusual decision to come to the park after his firing, addressing media and saying goodbye to players, coaches, trainers, clubhouse attendants and even the staff working the parking lot. Players say it speaks to his character, which made him a favorite in Kansas City, even as the team struggled through another frustrating season.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day and the Royals bullpen pitched five innings of two-hit ball, helping Kansas City beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins 5-2. The Royals clinched their first winning series in nearly a month just hours after owner John Sherman fired longtime front office executive Dayton Moore, who led the franchise to two American League pennants and a World Series title. Bailey Ober took the loss for Minnesota, which has dropped six of seven to begin an eight-game trip and fall out of postseason contention.SAN DIEGO (AP) — Blake Snell held St. Louis hitless until Albert Pujols beat the shift for a single with two outs in the seventh inning and the San Diego Padres beat the NL Central-leading Cardinals 1-0. Snell allowed two hits in seven innings on 117 pitches and struck out 13 to tie his career high. The left-hander’s brilliant effort carried the Padres to their fifth straight win and extended the rotation’s scoreless streak to 27 2/3 innings. The Padres have shut out the Cardinals in the first two games of the three-game series. Pujols remained at 698 career home runs.NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge disappointed fans by staying stuck at 60 homers but doubled twice and scored on Oswaldo Cabrera’s first-inning grand slam that started the New York Yankees to a 14-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates. A day after hitting home run No. 60 to spark a stunning five-run, ninth-inning rally capped by Giancarlo Stanton’s game-ending slam, Judge doubled on the first pitch to him in the first and fifth innings. Judge leads the AL in average, home runs and RBIs, in position to become the first Triple Crown winner in a decade. Cabrera and Gleyber Torres had five RBIs each.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lost in the drama of the Chiefs’ comeback win over the Chargers last week was the fact that Kansas City, with its star quarterback and offensive-minded head coach, had five opportunities on third-and-short and converted just once. And that’s not going to cut it as the Chiefs face one of the league’s toughest schedules. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said there were a variety of reasons for the problems, from poor calls to poor execution. But he is confident that a team so successful on first downs can replicate that success on third downs going forward.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Russell Wilson is off to one of the slowest starts of his 11-year career following his blockbuster trade from Seattle to Denver. Wilson has two touchdown throws in his first two games. His last four seasons in Seattle he had five, five, nine and six TD throws through Week 2. Part of the problem is rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett who acknowledged this week that he needs to clean up his play calling and game management to get the plays into Wilson sooner. His tardiness in getting the plays in have led to chaotic execution and a rash of penalties.UNDATED (AP) — There are six Big 12 teams playing their conference openers this weekend. Kansas State is at sixth-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday. The Sooners are playing their first Big 12 game for coach Brent Venables. They have won their last 10 home games and 28 of 29. The lone loss was to K-State two years ago. No. 17 Baylor is at Iowa State, and No. 22 Texas plays at Texas Tech in the other Big 12 openers. Kansas is 3-0 going into a home game against 3-0 Duke. The Jayhawks last won more than three games in the same season in 2009.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Sonny Dykes is now on the other side in the SMU-TCU rivalry. The coach is in his first season with the Big 12 Horned Frogs after leading SMU to wins the last two times the Dallas-Fort Worth teams played. They meet again Saturday in Dallas, and the 101st meeting in the series is sold out. The Mustangs had lost seven in a row against TCU, and 17 of 19, before winning in 2019 and following that up with another win last year. They didn't play in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.UNDATED (AP) — After three weeks there are 33 unbeaten teams left in major college football and eight of them are playing against each other Saturday. There are showdowns in the Pac-12, ACC, and Big Ten this week, plus Duke vs. Kansas. The basketball powerhouses are both 3-0 heading into one of the most interesting games of the week.LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Duke and Kansas are accustomed to high-stakes showdowns in basketball, the kind that often have national championship implications riding on the outcome. The two programs have combined to win nine national titles. That’s not the case in football. However, both of the traditional hoops schools have soared to 3-0 starts, building the type of anticipation for Saturday’s game in Lawrence that hasn’t existed since Mark Mangino led Kansas to its last winning season in 2008.WEDNESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Cincinnati 5 Boston 1Final N.Y. Yankees 14 Pittsburgh 2Final Philadelphia 4 Toronto 3AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Houston 5 Tampa Bay 2Final Baltimore 8 Detroit 1Final Texas 7 L.A. Angels 2Final Cleveland 8 Chicago White Sox 2Final Kansas City 5 Minnesota 2Final Oakland 2 Seattle 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Washington 3 Atlanta 2Final Milwaukee 6 N.Y. Mets 0Final Chicago Cubs 4 Miami 3Final San Francisco 6 Colorado 1Final San Diego 1 St. Louis 0Final Arizona 6 L.A. Dodgers 1

Sports Headlines for Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It was altogether fitting that on the day the Kansas City Royals fired Dayton Moore, they beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins using the same blueprint that their longtime front office executive once used to build them into a winner.

Some timely hits, stellar defense in spacious Kauffman Stadium and a shutdown effort by the bullpen.

MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day, but otherwise the Royals had to scratch out just enough runs to support their relief corps, which pieced together five innings of two-hit ball in their 5-2 victory on Wednesday night.

“You'll always have stuff that comes up and today was one of those days, and the conversations we had — you still have to play,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Play the game really well in a way everybody would be proud of.”

Salvador Perez, one of Moore's most successful signings, had three hits while driving in a run for the sixth straight game, and Bobby Witt Jr. and Edward Oliveras also drove in runs to give the Kansas City bullpen some breathing room.

Anthony Misiewicz (1-1) and three other relievers dazzled in support of Daniel Lynch, while Scott Barlow pitched around an error in the ninth for his second save in two nights and 23rd on the year.

It was the kind of job the Royals once saw out of relievers Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland, when the teams Moore put together were winning back-to-back American League pennants and the 2015 World Series title.

“It was just a really impressive job by the bullpen to shut things down,” Matheny said. “Good effort all the way around.”

Bailey Ober (1-3) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings for Minnesota, which was in an AL Central race two weeks ago but has lost six of seven to begin an eight-game trip that's dashed its playoff hopes.

“The runs are tough to come by right now and you just have to come up with a way,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We might have one guy that comes out and has a good night, but we need more than that.”

The Royals opened the game the same way they finished the previous night: with production at the top of the order.

Melendez, who hit a two-run homer in the series opener, homered leading off the game for the third time this season, driving a 3-1 pitch an estimated 437 feet to center field. And after Witt reached on a base hit, Perez blooped an RBI double to right that was sneakily reminiscent of his two-out, go-ahead double on Tuesday night.

Minnesota got one back in the second on Matt Wallner's base hit, and when the Royals answered on Oliveras' two-out single in the third, the Twins again closed within a run thanks in part to a two-bag error by Vinnie Pasquantino.

That was it for the Twins, though, because the Kansas City bullpen was downright dominant.

Collin Snider worked around a two-on, no-out jam in the fifth. Misiewicz retired four of the five he faced in the sixth and seventh. Dylan Coleman handled the rest of the seventh and the first two outs of the eighth. And Amir Garrett finished that one off before Barlow wrapped up the Twins' 13th loss in their last 16 games.

“We have some guys that have had to battle through some tired arms,” Matheny said. “We're trying to put them in position where they can pick each other up and they're doing a good job of it.”

Moore said farewell to the Royals during brief remarks at Kauffman Stadium earlier Wednesday and spent an emotional few minutes visiting with players in the clubhouse. Many of them acknowledged the somberness of the moment. Moore had led the organization for the past 16 years as general manager and president of baseball operations.

“He's such a great guy. A great person,” Perez said. “I just old him, ‘Thank you for everything.’ I love him."

Perez played in his 1,245th game, tying Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek for eighth most in Royals history, and his three hits Wednesday night tied a season high.

RHP Josh Winder (4-4, 4.17 ERA) will face Kansas City for the first time in the final game of the road trip for Minnesota on Thursday. Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley (3-8, 5.09) will try to build on 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his last start at Boston.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It was altogether fitting that on the day the Kansas City Royals fired Dayton Moore, they beat the fast-fading Minnesota Twins using the same blueprint that their longtime front office executive once used to build them into a winner.Some timely hits, stellar defense in spacious Kauffman Stadium and a shutdown effort by the bullpen.MJ Melendez homered for the second straight day, but otherwise the Royals had to scratch out just enough runs to support their relief corps, which pieced together five innings of two-hit ball in their 5-2 victory on Wednesday night.“You'll always have stuff that comes up and today was one of those days, and the conversations we had — you still have to play,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Play the game really well in a way everybody would be proud of.”Salvador Perez, one of Moore's most successful signings, had three hits while driving in a run for the sixth straight game, and Bobby Witt Jr. and Edward Oliveras also drove in runs to give the Kansas City bullpen some breathing room.Anthony Misiewicz (1-1) and three other relievers dazzled in support of Daniel Lynch, while Scott Barlow pitched around an error in the ninth for his second save in two nights and 23rd on the year.It was the kind of job the Royals once saw out of relievers Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland, when the teams Moore put together were winning back-to-back American League pennants and the 2015 World Series title.“It was just a really impressive job by the bullpen to shut things down,” Matheny said. “Good effort all the way around.”Bailey Ober (1-3) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings for Minnesota, which was in an AL Central race two weeks ago but has lost six of seven to begin an eight-game trip that's dashed its playoff hopes.“The runs are tough to come by right now and you just have to come up with a way,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “We might have one guy that comes out and has a good night, but we need more than that.”The Royals opened the game the same way they finished the previous night: with production at the top of the order.Melendez, who hit a two-run homer in the series opener, homered leading off the game for the third time this season, driving a 3-1 pitch an estimated 437 feet to center field. And after Witt reached on a base hit, Perez blooped an RBI double to right that was sneakily reminiscent of his two-out, go-ahead double on Tuesday night.Minnesota got one back in the second on Matt Wallner's base hit, and when the Royals answered on Oliveras' two-out single in the third, the Twins again closed within a run thanks in part to a two-bag error by Vinnie Pasquantino.That was it for the Twins, though, because the Kansas City bullpen was downright dominant.Collin Snider worked around a two-on, no-out jam in the fifth. Misiewicz retired four of the five he faced in the sixth and seventh. Dylan Coleman handled the rest of the seventh and the first two outs of the eighth. And Amir Garrett finished that one off before Barlow wrapped up the Twins' 13th loss in their last 16 games.“We have some guys that have had to battle through some tired arms,” Matheny said. “We're trying to put them in position where they can pick each other up and they're doing a good job of it.”MORE ON MOOREMoore said farewell to the Royals during brief remarks at Kauffman Stadium earlier Wednesday and spent an emotional few minutes visiting with players in the clubhouse. Many of them acknowledged the somberness of the moment. Moore had led the organization for the past 16 years as general manager and president of baseball operations.“He's such a great guy. A great person,” Perez said. “I just old him, ‘Thank you for everything.’ I love him."AND MORE ON PEREZPerez played in his 1,245th game, tying Alcides Escobar and Fred Patek for eighth most in Royals history, and his three hits Wednesday night tied a season high.UP NEXTRHP Josh Winder (4-4, 4.17 ERA) will face Kansas City for the first time in the final game of the road trip for Minnesota on Thursday. Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley (3-8, 5.09) will try to build on 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his last start at Boston.

⚾ Royals bullpen clutch in holding off fast-fading Twins 5-2

<a href="https://goshockers.com/news/2022/9/21/mens-basketball-shockers-finalize-2022-23-schedule.aspx">Courtesy GoShockers.com</a>

Wichita State released its entire 2022-23 men's basketball schedule on Wednesday afternoon, along with most tip times and television assignments. The home portion is highlighted by visits from five 2022 NCAA tournament teams, including Houston and Memphis, plus a showdown with Missouri of the SEC. The 12-game non-conference schedule also includes true road tests at Richmond and Kansas State, a Thanksgiving week visit to Kansas City for the 2022 Hall of Fame Classic, and a Dec. 17 downtown showdown with Oklahoma State at INTRUST Bank Arena. The fun begins with a Nov. 2 exhibition game versus Newman followed by the regular season opener on Monday, Nov. 7 against Central Arkansas. The 18-game American Athletic Conference schedule tips off Wednesday, Dec. 28 at UCF. Shocker fans can get an early start to their New Year's Eve celebrations on Dec. 31 when WSU opens the home portion of its league schedule against East Carolina. January home games follow against Cincinnati (Jan. 5), Tulsa (Jan. 14) and Tulane (Jan. 25). A challenging February home slate features Houston (Feb. 2), UCF (Feb. 8), SMU (Feb. 12) and Memphis (Feb. 23). The regular season wraps up Sunday, Mar. 5 with a Senior Day matchup against South Florida. Fort Worth, Texas is once again the site of the American Athletic Conference Championship, scheduled for Mar. 9-12 at Dickies Arena. The Shockers will be regulars on the big stage with as many as 14 dates earmarked for linear national television. All remaining games – home and away – air on ESPN+ -- ESPN's over-the-top subscription video streaming service. For more information, visit plus.espn.com. Start times and TV assignments for games at K-State, Richmond and the Hall of Fame Classic will be released in the near future. Season ticket packages – which include admission to all Charles Koch Arena dates – are available now by calling 316-978-FANS (3267) or in-person at the Shocker Ticket Office, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2022-23 WICHITA STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE: Wed, Nov. 2 – EXHIBITION GAME – 7 p.m. Mon, Nov. 7 -- CENTRAL ARKANSAS -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Nov. 12 -- ALCORN ST. -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Nov. 17 -- at Richmond -- TBA (TBA) Mon, Nov. 21 -- vs. Grand Canyon $ -- 2 p.m. (CBSSN) Tues, Nov. 22 -- vs. UNI or San Francisco $ -- 10:30/1 p.m. (CBSSN) Sat, Nov. 26 -- TARLETON ST. -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Tues, Nov. 29 -- MISSOURI -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Dec. 3 -- at Kansas St. -- TBA (TBA) Sat, Dec. 10 -- LONGWOOD -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Tues, Dec. 13 -- MISS. VALLEY ST. -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Dec. 17 -- OKLAHOMA ST.% -- 8 p.m. (ESPNU) Thur, Dec. 22 -- TEXAS SOUTHERN -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Wed, Dec. 28 -- at UCF* -- 6 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Dec. 31 -- EAST CAROLINA* -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Jan. 5 -- CINCINNATI* -- 8 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Jan. 8 -- at South Florida* -- Noon (ESPN+) Sat, Jan. 14 -- TULSA* -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Jan. 19 -- at Memphis* -- 6 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Jan. 22 -- at SMU* -- 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Wed, Jan. 25 -- TULANE* -- 8 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Jan. 29 -- at East Carolina* -- 11 a.m. (ESPNU) Thur, Feb. 2 -- HOUSTON* -- 8 p.m. (ESPN2) Sun, Feb. 5 -- at Tulsa* -- 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Wed, Feb. 8 -- UCF* -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sun, Feb. 12 -- SMU* -- 3 p.m. (ESPN2) Thur, Feb. 16 -- at Temple* -- 6 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Feb. 23 -- MEMPHIS* -- 6 p.m. (ESPN2) Sun, Feb. 26 -- at Tulane* -- 2 p.m. (ESPNU) Thur, Mar. 2 -- at Houston* -- 6 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Mar. 5 -- SOUTH FLORIDA* -- 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur-Sun, Mar. 9-12 -- American Athletic Conference Championship# Home games in all CAPS; played at Charles Koch Arena unless otherwise noted. % = at INTRUST Bank Arena/ Wichita, Kan. ^ = Flex game. ESPN will announce network at least a week before game. $ = Hall of Fame Classic at T-Mobile Center/ Kansas City, Mo. * = American Athletic Conference game # = at Dickies Arena/ Fort Worth, Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://goshockers.com/news/2022/9/21/mens-basketball-shockers-finalize-2022-23-schedule.aspx">Courtesy GoShockers.com</a>Wichita State released its entire 2022-23 men's basketball schedule on Wednesday afternoon, along with most tip times and television assignments. The home portion is highlighted by visits from five 2022 NCAA tournament teams, including Houston and Memphis, plus a showdown with Missouri of the SEC. The 12-game non-conference schedule also includes true road tests at Richmond and Kansas State, a Thanksgiving week visit to Kansas City for the 2022 Hall of Fame Classic, and a Dec. 17 downtown showdown with Oklahoma State at INTRUST Bank Arena. The fun begins with a Nov. 2 exhibition game versus Newman followed by the regular season opener on Monday, Nov. 7 against Central Arkansas. The 18-game American Athletic Conference schedule tips off Wednesday, Dec. 28 at UCF. Shocker fans can get an early start to their New Year's Eve celebrations on Dec. 31 when WSU opens the home portion of its league schedule against East Carolina. January home games follow against Cincinnati (Jan. 5), Tulsa (Jan. 14) and Tulane (Jan. 25). A challenging February home slate features Houston (Feb. 2), UCF (Feb. 8), SMU (Feb. 12) and Memphis (Feb. 23). The regular season wraps up Sunday, Mar. 5 with a Senior Day matchup against South Florida. Fort Worth, Texas is once again the site of the American Athletic Conference Championship, scheduled for Mar. 9-12 at Dickies Arena. The Shockers will be regulars on the big stage with as many as 14 dates earmarked for linear national television. All remaining games – home and away – air on ESPN+ -- ESPN's over-the-top subscription video streaming service. For more information, visit plus.espn.com. Start times and TV assignments for games at K-State, Richmond and the Hall of Fame Classic will be released in the near future. Season ticket packages – which include admission to all Charles Koch Arena dates – are available now by calling 316-978-FANS (3267) or in-person at the Shocker Ticket Office, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2022-23 WICHITA STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE: Wed, Nov. 2 – EXHIBITION GAME – 7 p.m. Mon, Nov. 7 -- CENTRAL ARKANSAS -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Nov. 12 -- ALCORN ST. -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Nov. 17 -- at Richmond -- TBA (TBA) Mon, Nov. 21 -- vs. Grand Canyon $ -- 2 p.m. (CBSSN) Tues, Nov. 22 -- vs. UNI or San Francisco $ -- 10:30/1 p.m. (CBSSN) Sat, Nov. 26 -- TARLETON ST. -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Tues, Nov. 29 -- MISSOURI -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Dec. 3 -- at Kansas St. -- TBA (TBA) Sat, Dec. 10 -- LONGWOOD -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Tues, Dec. 13 -- MISS. VALLEY ST. -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Dec. 17 -- OKLAHOMA ST.% -- 8 p.m. (ESPNU) Thur, Dec. 22 -- TEXAS SOUTHERN -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Wed, Dec. 28 -- at UCF* -- 6 p.m. (ESPN+) Sat, Dec. 31 -- EAST CAROLINA* -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Jan. 5 -- CINCINNATI* -- 8 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Jan. 8 -- at South Florida* -- Noon (ESPN+) Sat, Jan. 14 -- TULSA* -- 3 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Jan. 19 -- at Memphis* -- 6 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Jan. 22 -- at SMU* -- 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Wed, Jan. 25 -- TULANE* -- 8 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Jan. 29 -- at East Carolina* -- 11 a.m. (ESPNU) Thur, Feb. 2 -- HOUSTON* -- 8 p.m. (ESPN2) Sun, Feb. 5 -- at Tulsa* -- 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Wed, Feb. 8 -- UCF* -- 7 p.m. (ESPN+) Sun, Feb. 12 -- SMU* -- 3 p.m. (ESPN2) Thur, Feb. 16 -- at Temple* -- 6 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur, Feb. 23 -- MEMPHIS* -- 6 p.m. (ESPN2) Sun, Feb. 26 -- at Tulane* -- 2 p.m. (ESPNU) Thur, Mar. 2 -- at Houston* -- 6 p.m. (^ESPN2/U) Sun, Mar. 5 -- SOUTH FLORIDA* -- 2 p.m. (ESPN+) Thur-Sun, Mar. 9-12 -- American Athletic Conference Championship# Home games in all CAPS; played at Charles Koch Arena unless otherwise noted. % = at INTRUST Bank Arena/ Wichita, Kan. ^ = Flex game. ESPN will announce network at least a week before game. $ = Hall of Fame Classic at T-Mobile Center/ Kansas City, Mo. * = American Athletic Conference game # = at Dickies Arena/ Fort Worth, Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Wichita MBB: Shockers Finalize 2022-23 Men's Basketball Schedule

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

ARKANSAS CITY – Coming off its first loss of the season, the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team earned a huge Jayhawk Conference road victory on Wednesday at No. 17 Cowley College.

Sophomore Hadlie Lowe’s goal with 34:13 remaining in the second half lifted the Blue Dragons to a 2-1 victory over the Tigers at the Cowley Soccer Complex. The Dragons snapped a four-game winless streak over Cowley. Hutchinson’s last win over the Tigers came on 2016.

The Blue Dragons improve to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Jayhawk West. The Tigers drop to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the Jayhawk West.

Cowley was the first of four-straight nationally ranked opponents for the Blue Dragons. Up next is No. 15 Coffeyville at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.

Just a little more than 10 minutes into the second half, Lowe took a long pass from Adriana Delgado and then moved in 1 on 1 against Cowley keeper Kanon Dehama and scored to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead.

The Blue Dragon defense played a strong second half, holding the Tigers to just one shot.

The goal was Lowe’s eighth of the season – first in four games – and 26th of her career. Lowe also scored her 11th career game-winning goal and third of the season. Now with 61 career points, Lowe is tied for 17th on the career list with Finola Corley (2009-10).

Blue Dragon sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Felix-Cardona made 5 of her 6 saves in the first half.

The Blue Dragons took a 1-0 lead 7:30 into the game when Cowley was tagged with an own goal. Zara Lawless played a long pass intended for Lowe, but was knocked into the goal by a Cowley defender.

Cowley tied the game at 1-1 with 26:46 left in the first half when Lina Fasquelle scored from a Gabrielle Oliveria assist.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationARKANSAS CITY – Coming off its first loss of the season, the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team earned a huge Jayhawk Conference road victory on Wednesday at No. 17 Cowley College.Sophomore Hadlie Lowe’s goal with 34:13 remaining in the second half lifted the Blue Dragons to a 2-1 victory over the Tigers at the Cowley Soccer Complex. The Dragons snapped a four-game winless streak over Cowley. Hutchinson’s last win over the Tigers came on 2016.The Blue Dragons improve to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Jayhawk West. The Tigers drop to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the Jayhawk West.Cowley was the first of four-straight nationally ranked opponents for the Blue Dragons. Up next is No. 15 Coffeyville at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Salthawk Sports Complex.Just a little more than 10 minutes into the second half, Lowe took a long pass from Adriana Delgado and then moved in 1 on 1 against Cowley keeper Kanon Dehama and scored to give the Dragons a 2-1 lead.The Blue Dragon defense played a strong second half, holding the Tigers to just one shot.The goal was Lowe’s eighth of the season – first in four games – and 26th of her career. Lowe also scored her 11th career game-winning goal and third of the season. Now with 61 career points, Lowe is tied for 17th on the career list with Finola Corley (2009-10).Cowley out-shot the Blue Dragons 10-4.Blue Dragon sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Felix-Cardona made 5 of her 6 saves in the first half.The Blue Dragons took a 1-0 lead 7:30 into the game when Cowley was tagged with an own goal. Zara Lawless played a long pass intended for Lowe, but was knocked into the goal by a Cowley defender.Cowley tied the game at 1-1 with 26:46 left in the first half when Lina Fasquelle scored from a Gabrielle Oliveria assist.Dehama had two assists for Cowley.

⚽️ HutchCC WSCR: Dragons knock off No. 17 Cowley

The No. 16-ranked Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team kept pace in the Jayhawk West on Wednesday with a four-set victory over the Garden City Broncbusters at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons had to overcome a strong Garden City block in a 25-17, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19 victory.

Hutchinson improved to 17-5 overall and 5-1 in the Jayhawk West. Garden City dropped to 15-7 and 3-4. The Blue Dragons play four matches this weekend at the Blue Dragon Invitational at the Sports Arena.

Garden City had 14 team blocks and held the Blue Dragons to .160 overall hitting in the match, but Hutchinson had 55 kills to the Busters’ 48. The Blue Dragons also racked up 11 service aces.

Freshman Taniya Golden led the Blue Dragons with 13 kills on .154 hitting. Freshman Alejandra Briseno had 11 kills on .020 hitting and freshman Anna Dean hit .526 with 11 kills on 19 swings. Dean also had one solo block and two block assists. Sophomore Blondie Penaflor had six kills and sophomore Baylee Miller added five kills.

Freshman Samantha Saunders and sophomore Sophie Connor had three serves aces each. Briseno and sophomore Morgan Harvey had two aces each.

Connor had a season-high 21 digs and a block assist to lead the Blue Dragons defensively. Harvey added 18 digs, while Perrine Blanc and Andrea Serrano added eight digs each. The Dragons had 75 digs for the match.

Serrano had 29 assists and Giovanna Ravenhani had 15 assists and four kills.

Jelena Milovanovic had 15 kills to lead Garden City. Appoline Lepuissant and Fiona Arnold had 12 kills.

SET 1: The Blue Dragons trailed 8-7 and 11-10 early. A Dean kill and a Blanc service ace gave the Dragons a 12-11 lead. Tied at 12, Ravenhani scored on a setter dump that started a 9-3 Dragon run. A Connor ace capped the run and gave the Dragons a 21-14 lead. Hitting .212 for the set, the Dragons scored the final three points to take the opener 25-17.

SET 2: The Blue Dragons were out-hit .209-.093 and Garden City had five blocks in the set. The Busters had leads of 8-1, 11-5 and 12-6 before the Blue Dragons started a comeback. A Briseno ace cut the Dragon deficit to 12-9. With Garden leading 15-13, the Busters went on a 6-2 run to lead 21-15. Hutchinson then scored five-unanswered points and pulled within 21-20 with another Briseno ace. Garden City closed the set on a 4-1 run to not the match at 1-1.

SET 3: The Dragons sprinted out to a 9-2 lead after a Saunders ace and a solo block by Dean upped the Hutchinson lead to 12-3. The Dragons had their largest lead of the set at 17-9 after a Penaflor kill. Garden City had six blocks in the set and pulled within 19-14. The Dragons built a 23-15 lead after a Buster attack error. Garden City got back into the set with a 7-0 run to pull within 23-22. The Dragons took the set on a service error and attack error by the Busters.

SET 4: Briseno powered the Dragons in the final set with six kills. She had three kills in a 4-0 run that broke a 4-all tie. The Busters tied the set at 9-all and Hutch went on a 5-1 run with back-to-back Saunders aces and a Dean kill to lead 14-10. Leading 19-17, the Blue Dragons scored five in a row and got to match point on a Chloe Conway kill. The Dragons closed the match with a Golden kill.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationThe No. 16-ranked Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team kept pace in the Jayhawk West on Wednesday with a four-set victory over the Garden City Broncbusters at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons had to overcome a strong Garden City block in a 25-17, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19 victory.Hutchinson improved to 17-5 overall and 5-1 in the Jayhawk West. Garden City dropped to 15-7 and 3-4. The Blue Dragons play four matches this weekend at the Blue Dragon Invitational at the Sports Arena.Garden City had 14 team blocks and held the Blue Dragons to .160 overall hitting in the match, but Hutchinson had 55 kills to the Busters’ 48. The Blue Dragons also racked up 11 service aces.Freshman Taniya Golden led the Blue Dragons with 13 kills on .154 hitting. Freshman Alejandra Briseno had 11 kills on .020 hitting and freshman Anna Dean hit .526 with 11 kills on 19 swings. Dean also had one solo block and two block assists. Sophomore Blondie Penaflor had six kills and sophomore Baylee Miller added five kills.Freshman Samantha Saunders and sophomore Sophie Connor had three serves aces each. Briseno and sophomore Morgan Harvey had two aces each.Connor had a season-high 21 digs and a block assist to lead the Blue Dragons defensively. Harvey added 18 digs, while Perrine Blanc and Andrea Serrano added eight digs each. The Dragons had 75 digs for the match.Serrano had 29 assists and Giovanna Ravenhani had 15 assists and four kills.Jelena Milovanovic had 15 kills to lead Garden City. Appoline Lepuissant and Fiona Arnold had 12 kills.SET 1: The Blue Dragons trailed 8-7 and 11-10 early. A Dean kill and a Blanc service ace gave the Dragons a 12-11 lead. Tied at 12, Ravenhani scored on a setter dump that started a 9-3 Dragon run. A Connor ace capped the run and gave the Dragons a 21-14 lead. Hitting .212 for the set, the Dragons scored the final three points to take the opener 25-17.SET 2: The Blue Dragons were out-hit .209-.093 and Garden City had five blocks in the set. The Busters had leads of 8-1, 11-5 and 12-6 before the Blue Dragons started a comeback. A Briseno ace cut the Dragon deficit to 12-9. With Garden leading 15-13, the Busters went on a 6-2 run to lead 21-15. Hutchinson then scored five-unanswered points and pulled within 21-20 with another Briseno ace. Garden City closed the set on a 4-1 run to not the match at 1-1.SET 3: The Dragons sprinted out to a 9-2 lead after a Saunders ace and a solo block by Dean upped the Hutchinson lead to 12-3. The Dragons had their largest lead of the set at 17-9 after a Penaflor kill. Garden City had six blocks in the set and pulled within 19-14. The Dragons built a 23-15 lead after a Buster attack error. Garden City got back into the set with a 7-0 run to pull within 23-22. The Dragons took the set on a service error and attack error by the Busters.SET 4: Briseno powered the Dragons in the final set with six kills. She had three kills in a 4-0 run that broke a 4-all tie. The Busters tied the set at 9-all and Hutch went on a 5-1 run with back-to-back Saunders aces and a Dean kill to lead 14-10. Leading 19-17, the Blue Dragons scored five in a row and got to match point on a Chloe Conway kill. The Dragons closed the match with a Golden kill.

🏐 HutchCC VB: Dragons earn four-set Jayhawk West win over Garden City

The Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team is ranked No. 17 in the first United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NJCAA Division I rankings, which were released on Monday.

The Blue Dragon men placed 10th at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic and did not post a team score last week at the Woody Greeno/Jay Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Hutchinson has been ranked in 23 of the last 24 national rankings dating back to 2017. The highest ranking during that span was No. 2 in Week 2 of 2020.

The Blue Dragons have had two different No. 1 runners in their first two meets of the season. Freshman Douwe Bentsink was the top Hutchinson runner at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic. Hayden Keller paced the Blue Dragons last week in a stacked Greeno/Dirksen field.

The Blue Dragons next compete at the Chili Pepper Classic on Friday, September 30 at Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The Jayhawk Conference is well represented in the national rankings.

Colby, which beat all the Division I teams at the Greeno-Dirksen, is the No. 1 team in the first rankings of the season. Northwest Tech is No. 4, followed by Butler at No. 9, Cloud County at No. 13 and Garden City at No. 18.

USTFCCCA/NJCAA DIV. I MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY RANKINGS

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Final 2021 Poll

1. Colby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

2. Iowa Central&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

3. Trinidad State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

4. Northwest Tech&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

5. Central Arizona&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8

6. El Paso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

7. New Mexico JC&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7

8. Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9

9. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18

10. Iowa Western&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

11. Sale Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

12. Pima&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16

13. Cloud County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11

14. Eastern Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

15. Southern Nevada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

16. Vincennes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19

17. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

18. Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13

19. Ranger&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14

20. Amarillo&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team is ranked No. 17 in the first United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NJCAA Division I rankings, which were released on Monday.The Blue Dragon men placed 10th at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic and did not post a team score last week at the Woody Greeno/Jay Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska.Hutchinson has been ranked in 23 of the last 24 national rankings dating back to 2017. The highest ranking during that span was No. 2 in Week 2 of 2020.The Blue Dragons have had two different No. 1 runners in their first two meets of the season. Freshman Douwe Bentsink was the top Hutchinson runner at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic. Hayden Keller paced the Blue Dragons last week in a stacked Greeno/Dirksen field.The Blue Dragons next compete at the Chili Pepper Classic on Friday, September 30 at Fayetteville, Arkansas.The Jayhawk Conference is well represented in the national rankings.Colby, which beat all the Division I teams at the Greeno-Dirksen, is the No. 1 team in the first rankings of the season. Northwest Tech is No. 4, followed by Butler at No. 9, Cloud County at No. 13 and Garden City at No. 18.USTFCCCA/NJCAA DIV. I MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Final 2021 Poll1. Colby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32. Iowa Central&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. Trinidad State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;44. Northwest Tech&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;55. Central Arizona&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;86. El Paso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;67. New Mexico JC&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;78. Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;99. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1810. Iowa Western&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;211. Sale Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR12. Pima&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1613. Cloud County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1114. Eastern Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR15. Southern Nevada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR16. Vincennes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1917. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR18. Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1319. Ranger&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1420. Amarillo&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

👟 HutchCC MENXC: Dragon men No. 17

The Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country team was tapped with the second-highest national ranking in program history on Wednesday.

The Blue Dragons were ranked No. 2 in the first United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NJCAA Division I Women’s cross country rankings.

Hutchinson has had two strong performances this season, finishing second at the Terry Masterson Twilight Invitational and fifth in the Gold Division of the Woody Greeno/Jay Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The only national ranking higher than the Blue Dragons’ No. 2 rank came in 2001 when Hutchinson was preseason No. 1 in Division II. That team went on to win the NJCAA Division II national title. This is the highest Division I ranking in program history.

The last time the Blue Dragons were ranked in the Top 5 was Week 1 in 2020 when Hutchinson was ranked No. 5. The Dragons ended last season at No. 12.

Wednesday’s rankings followed an eventful weekend for the Blue Dragons in Lincoln where freshman Serenity Larson posted the second-fastest 5,000-meter time in the Hutchinson women’s team’s history with a time of 18 minutes, 41 second. Freshman Gracie Lambert posted in the 14th-fastest Blue Dragon time while finishing in 82nd. Freshman Taylor Hoskinson came in 97th, and super-sophomore Louise Cocking finished in 98th.

Southern Idaho was ranked the No. 1 team in the country in the Week 1 rankings. Butler was ranked 10th, Dodge City 11th, Garden City at No. 13 and Neosho County No. 18.

The Blue Dragon women compete next at the Chili Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Friday, Sept. 30.

USTFCCCA/NJCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY POLL

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Final 2022 Poll

1. College of Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

2. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12

3. El Paso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

4. New Mexico Junior College&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

5. Iowa Central&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

6. Salt Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

7. Central Arizona&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8

8. Iowa Western&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

9. Cloud County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

10. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22

11. Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9

12. Southern Nevada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

13. Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14

14. Vincennes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17

15. Crowder&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

16. North Central Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16

17. Pima&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21

18. Neosho County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

19. Seminole State College (FL)&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

20. Eastern Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country team was tapped with the second-highest national ranking in program history on Wednesday.The Blue Dragons were ranked No. 2 in the first United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NJCAA Division I Women’s cross country rankings.Hutchinson has had two strong performances this season, finishing second at the Terry Masterson Twilight Invitational and fifth in the Gold Division of the Woody Greeno/Jay Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska.The only national ranking higher than the Blue Dragons’ No. 2 rank came in 2001 when Hutchinson was preseason No. 1 in Division II. That team went on to win the NJCAA Division II national title. This is the highest Division I ranking in program history.The last time the Blue Dragons were ranked in the Top 5 was Week 1 in 2020 when Hutchinson was ranked No. 5. The Dragons ended last season at No. 12.Wednesday’s rankings followed an eventful weekend for the Blue Dragons in Lincoln where freshman Serenity Larson posted the second-fastest 5,000-meter time in the Hutchinson women’s team’s history with a time of 18 minutes, 41 second. Freshman Gracie Lambert posted in the 14th-fastest Blue Dragon time while finishing in 82nd. Freshman Taylor Hoskinson came in 97th, and super-sophomore Louise Cocking finished in 98th.Southern Idaho was ranked the No. 1 team in the country in the Week 1 rankings. Butler was ranked 10th, Dodge City 11th, Garden City at No. 13 and Neosho County No. 18.The Blue Dragon women compete next at the Chili Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Friday, Sept. 30.USTFCCCA/NJCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY POLL&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Final 2022 Poll1. College of Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;123. El Paso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34. New Mexico Junior College&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45. Iowa Central&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;56. Salt Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR7. Central Arizona&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;88. Iowa Western&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;59. Cloud County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;210. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2211. Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;912. Southern Nevada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR13. Garden City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1414. Vincennes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1715. Crowder&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR16. North Central Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1617. Pima&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2118. Neosho County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR19. Seminole State College (FL)&nbsp;&nbsp;NR20. Eastern Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NR

👟 HutchCC WOMENXC: Dragons open No. 2 in NJCAA Rankings

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas volleyball team put up a fight against No. 1 Texas, but would drop 3-2 (23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 15-9) on Wednesday evening in their first Big 12 match of the season.

KU drops to 10-3 (0-1 Big 12) while Texas continues their win streak 9-0 (1-0 Big 12).

“There’s a lot of people getting excited about playing for two hours and 40 minutes, but the margin for error against No. 1 Texas is small,” stated head coach Ray Bechard. “We were uncharacteristic in moments we needed to be solid, so it is disappointing.”

Texas came out with the first point of the match, but Kansas quickly responded with a kill by sophomore London Davis. KU maintained the lead for a bit before the Longhorns were able to take the lead back 8-5. A double block by super-senior Anezka Szabo and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley put the Jayhawks within one, 9-8. Texas extended their lead 14-9 heading into a timeout. It didn’t take long for Dooley to put the Jayhawks within one, 22-21. A double block by Dooley and Szabo tied up the match at 22. An ace by sophomore Camryn Turner allowed Kansas to regain the lead 24-23. Davis closed out the set for a Jayhawks victory 25-23, giving Texas their fourth set loss of the season.

KU took an early lead in set two 3-0. Dooley and Davis teamed up for a double block to reject the Longhorns offense. A kill by Szabo advanced the Jayhawks to an 8-4 lead.&nbsp; Kansas found their defensive rhythm as Dooley and Szabo turned down the Longhorns attempt for a kill. KU continued their momentum with a block by super-senior Rachel Langs and Dooley, moving the Jayhawks to a 14-9 lead. Back-to-back kills by redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady and Szabo forced a Texas timeout 17-11. The Longhorns attempted a comeback 18-16 before KU called for a timeout of their own. UT would eventually go on a six-point run to take the lead 19-18. Elnady ended the Texas run with a kill of her own. A block by sophomore Caroline Bien and a kill by freshman Katie Dalton took the Jayhawks to victory 25-23.

Turner started off set three with an ace, the Jayhawks fourth of the match. Bien took Kansas to a 3-1 lead with a kill. The Longhorns recorded a service ace to take KU ahead 9-6, but the lead didn’t last long as Texas advanced to 11-9. A 6-0 run by the Longhorns was halted after a service error. Turner moved KU within one, 12-11, after a service ace. An attack by Davis was rejected by the Texas defense, allowing the Longhorns to continue the lead 15-12. Langs tallied a kill to close the gap 17-14. The Longhorns were too far gone as they finished set three 25-18.

Texas came out with a kill, but Davis and Elnady were able to put Kansas on the board and tie up the set 2-2. UT was able to move ahead 7-5 to take control of set four. Bien made sure to put the Jayhawks within two with a kill, 8-6. Kansas had no choice but to call for a timeout at 11-7. Elnady moved the Jayhawks closer to the Longhorns 14-11. Soon enough, Langs put the ball past the Longhorns defense for a Jayhawk kill, 15-12. A service error by Texas helped Kansas to a side out point and allowed KU to get close to Texas 16-14. A kill by Bien and an ace by freshman Molly McCarthy tied up the set 16-16. The KU momentum was shortly lived after Texas took the lead once again 19-17. A miscommunication between the Longhorn players tied up the set at 19 and made Texas call for a timeout. Elnady was able to earn a kill to put the Jayhawks back into the set 20-20. UT ended up taking set four 25-22, tying the match up at two.

For the first time in the 2022 campaign, both Texas and Kansas went into set five. Davis and Dooley created a wall to stop Texas from gaining too much of a lead, tying the set 2-2. Langs recorded the first kill of the set for Kansas as she moved the Jayhawks to 3-3. A kill by Langs put KU within two, 7-5. Elnady was able to move Kansas on the scoreboard to 10-6, but Texas finished out the set 15-9.

“I think there is a lot to hold onto,” said Bechard. “The level of play forced them into things they obviously didn’t want to do, but we feel like we left some things on the table tonight. We served tough and I think they worked through their lineup and found their best lineup.”

The Kansas Jayhawks will travel to Manhattan, Kansas to face off against in-state rival Kansas State on September 24 in Bramlage Coliseum. The match will begin at 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

Courtesy of KUAthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas volleyball team put up a fight against No. 1 Texas, but would drop 3-2 (23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 15-9) on Wednesday evening in their first Big 12 match of the season.KU drops to 10-3 (0-1 Big 12) while Texas continues their win streak 9-0 (1-0 Big 12).“There’s a lot of people getting excited about playing for two hours and 40 minutes, but the margin for error against No. 1 Texas is small,” stated head coach Ray Bechard. “We were uncharacteristic in moments we needed to be solid, so it is disappointing.”Set OneTexas came out with the first point of the match, but Kansas quickly responded with a kill by sophomore London Davis. KU maintained the lead for a bit before the Longhorns were able to take the lead back 8-5. A double block by super-senior Anezka Szabo and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley put the Jayhawks within one, 9-8. Texas extended their lead 14-9 heading into a timeout. It didn’t take long for Dooley to put the Jayhawks within one, 22-21. A double block by Dooley and Szabo tied up the match at 22. An ace by sophomore Camryn Turner allowed Kansas to regain the lead 24-23. Davis closed out the set for a Jayhawks victory 25-23, giving Texas their fourth set loss of the season.Set TwoKU took an early lead in set two 3-0. Dooley and Davis teamed up for a double block to reject the Longhorns offense. A kill by Szabo advanced the Jayhawks to an 8-4 lead.&nbsp; Kansas found their defensive rhythm as Dooley and Szabo turned down the Longhorns attempt for a kill. KU continued their momentum with a block by super-senior Rachel Langs and Dooley, moving the Jayhawks to a 14-9 lead. Back-to-back kills by redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady and Szabo forced a Texas timeout 17-11. The Longhorns attempted a comeback 18-16 before KU called for a timeout of their own. UT would eventually go on a six-point run to take the lead 19-18. Elnady ended the Texas run with a kill of her own. A block by sophomore Caroline Bien and a kill by freshman Katie Dalton took the Jayhawks to victory 25-23.Set ThreeTurner started off set three with an ace, the Jayhawks fourth of the match. Bien took Kansas to a 3-1 lead with a kill. The Longhorns recorded a service ace to take KU ahead 9-6, but the lead didn’t last long as Texas advanced to 11-9. A 6-0 run by the Longhorns was halted after a service error. Turner moved KU within one, 12-11, after a service ace. An attack by Davis was rejected by the Texas defense, allowing the Longhorns to continue the lead 15-12. Langs tallied a kill to close the gap 17-14. The Longhorns were too far gone as they finished set three 25-18.Set FourTexas came out with a kill, but Davis and Elnady were able to put Kansas on the board and tie up the set 2-2. UT was able to move ahead 7-5 to take control of set four. Bien made sure to put the Jayhawks within two with a kill, 8-6. Kansas had no choice but to call for a timeout at 11-7. Elnady moved the Jayhawks closer to the Longhorns 14-11. Soon enough, Langs put the ball past the Longhorns defense for a Jayhawk kill, 15-12. A service error by Texas helped Kansas to a side out point and allowed KU to get close to Texas 16-14. A kill by Bien and an ace by freshman Molly McCarthy tied up the set 16-16. The KU momentum was shortly lived after Texas took the lead once again 19-17. A miscommunication between the Longhorn players tied up the set at 19 and made Texas call for a timeout. Elnady was able to earn a kill to put the Jayhawks back into the set 20-20. UT ended up taking set four 25-22, tying the match up at two.Set FiveFor the first time in the 2022 campaign, both Texas and Kansas went into set five. Davis and Dooley created a wall to stop Texas from gaining too much of a lead, tying the set 2-2. Langs recorded the first kill of the set for Kansas as she moved the Jayhawks to 3-3. A kill by Langs put KU within two, 7-5. Elnady was able to move Kansas on the scoreboard to 10-6, but Texas finished out the set 15-9.Notables<ul>
 <li>Kansas is the only team who took No. 1 Texas to five sets this season.</li><li>Redshirt freshman Ayah Elnady led the Jayhawk offense with 15 kills, hitting .209.</li><li>Super-senior Anezka Szabo and graduate transfer Lauren Dooley tallied six total blocks in five sets.</li><li>Super-senior Rachel Langs and sophomore Caroline Bien recorded 11 kills apiece.</li>
 </ul>“I think there is a lot to hold onto,” said Bechard. “The level of play forced them into things they obviously didn’t want to do, but we feel like we left some things on the table tonight. We served tough and I think they worked through their lineup and found their best lineup.”Up NextThe Kansas Jayhawks will travel to Manhattan, Kansas to face off against in-state rival Kansas State on September 24 in Bramlage Coliseum. The match will begin at 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

🏐 KU VB: Kansas Pushes No. 1 Texas to first five set match of the season

KANSAS CITY -- The Dayton Moore era in Kansas City -- one that has spanned more than 16 years and included two American League pennants and a World Series title -- has come to a close. Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman announced that the organization has dismissed the president of baseball operations on Wednesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

The decision comes as the 2022 season nears its end, with the Royals 30 games below .500 in a year they had hoped to take significant steps forward in their rebuild. While there’s plenty to like about the future with the core group of young hitters who have reached the Majors this year, questions remain about the Royals’ ability to develop pitching and if they have the right resources in place to put together competitive seasons again.

That responsibility will now fall on general manager J.J. Picollo, who was promoted last year to have more of a hand in the day-to-day managing of the big league club, while Moore was elevated to president of baseball operations. Picollo has worked with and for Moore for decades, since their time at George Mason University, scouting together for the Braves and coming to Kansas City together when Moore was hired as general manager on May 30, 2006.

Moore’s goal was to turn the organization around, and that’s eventually what he did, building it from the ground up. The Royals improved their win total in seven consecutive seasons from 2009-15, including their first winning season in 2013 (86-76) since 2003, back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014-15 and winning it all in ’15.

Moore and the Royals fully committed to another rebuild in 2018. They have not had a season above .500 since 2015.

Highly respected around the game -- from front-office peers to coaches and players -- Moore has received several accolades during his time in Kansas City. He is a member of the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and he was recognized by the Boys &amp; Girls Club with the John J. “Buck” O’Neil Diamond MVP Award and the Negro League Baseball Museum’s Rube Foster Award for AL Executive of the Year Award in 2016. He helped establish the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy, his “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation and Unite KC, all geared toward helping youth in the Kansas City community.

KANSAS CITY -- The Dayton Moore era in Kansas City -- one that has spanned more than 16 years and included two American League pennants and a World Series title -- has come to a close. Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman announced that the organization has dismissed the president of baseball operations on Wednesday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.The decision comes as the 2022 season nears its end, with the Royals 30 games below .500 in a year they had hoped to take significant steps forward in their rebuild. While there’s plenty to like about the future with the core group of young hitters who have reached the Majors this year, questions remain about the Royals’ ability to develop pitching and if they have the right resources in place to put together competitive seasons again.That responsibility will now fall on general manager J.J. Picollo, who was promoted last year to have more of a hand in the day-to-day managing of the big league club, while Moore was elevated to president of baseball operations. Picollo has worked with and for Moore for decades, since their time at George Mason University, scouting together for the Braves and coming to Kansas City together when Moore was hired as general manager on May 30, 2006.Moore’s goal was to turn the organization around, and that’s eventually what he did, building it from the ground up. The Royals improved their win total in seven consecutive seasons from 2009-15, including their first winning season in 2013 (86-76) since 2003, back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014-15 and winning it all in ’15.Moore and the Royals fully committed to another rebuild in 2018. They have not had a season above .500 since 2015.Highly respected around the game -- from front-office peers to coaches and players -- Moore has received several accolades during his time in Kansas City. He is a member of the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and he was recognized by the Boys &amp; Girls Club with the John J. “Buck” O’Neil Diamond MVP Award and the Negro League Baseball Museum’s Rube Foster Award for AL Executive of the Year Award in 2016. He helped establish the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy, his “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation and Unite KC, all geared toward helping youth in the Kansas City community.