MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Backup guard Taryn Sides scored 21 points, making 6 of 7 3-pointers, and No. 14 Kansas State routed UCF 97-67 on Saturday, the 16th consecutive home win for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats (24-3, 12-2 Big 12) scored the first seven points of the third quarter to build a 28-point lead and wrapped up the period with a 10-0 run to take an 81-44 lead to the fourth quarter. Sides made three 3-pointers, scored 10 points and had four assists in the quarter. In addition to her 21 points, she finished with six assists, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

Temira Poindexter scored 16 points and Jaelyn Glenn had 14 points. They were both 4 for 6 from 3-point distance and the Wildcats made 14 of 20 as a team. They shot 58% from the field and made 13 of 16 free throws.

Zyanna Walker scored 14 points for K-State. She, Glenn and Sides all had six assists and the Wildcats had 27 assists on 35 made baskets.

Kaitlin Peterson had 19 points for the Knights (9-15, 2-12). Nevaeh Brown and Achol Akot each scored 12.

The Wildcats made five 3-pointers and scored 11 points after UCF turnovers in the first quarter, rolling to a 32-16 lead.

Sides had a layup and a 3-pointer in a 9-0 run that gave K-State a 50-27 lead late in the second quarter. The Wildcats led 50-29 at halftime after shooting 59% overall and making 7 of 12 3-pointers (58%).

Kansas State visits No. 18 West Virginia on Monday and UCF visits Kansas on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739678852936.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Backup guard Taryn Sides scored 21 points, making 6 of 7 3-pointers, and No. 14 Kansas State routed UCF 97-67 on Saturday, the 16th consecutive home win for the Wildcats.The Wildcats (24-3, 12-2 Big 12) scored the first seven points of the third quarter to build a 28-point lead and wrapped up the period with a 10-0 run to take an 81-44 lead to the fourth quarter. Sides made three 3-pointers, scored 10 points and had four assists in the quarter. In addition to her 21 points, she finished with six assists, four rebounds, four steals and two blocks.Temira Poindexter scored 16 points and Jaelyn Glenn had 14 points. They were both 4 for 6 from 3-point distance and the Wildcats made 14 of 20 as a team. They shot 58% from the field and made 13 of 16 free throws.Zyanna Walker scored 14 points for K-State. She, Glenn and Sides all had six assists and the Wildcats had 27 assists on 35 made baskets.Kaitlin Peterson had 19 points for the Knights (9-15, 2-12). Nevaeh Brown and Achol Akot each scored 12.The Wildcats made five 3-pointers and scored 11 points after UCF turnovers in the first quarter, rolling to a 32-16 lead.Sides had a layup and a 3-pointer in a 9-0 run that gave K-State a 50-27 lead late in the second quarter. The Wildcats led 50-29 at halftime after shooting 59% overall and making 7 of 12 3-pointers (58%).Kansas State visits No. 18 West Virginia on Monday and UCF visits Kansas on Tuesday.

🏀 Taryn Sides scores 21 off the bench and No. 14 K-State women roll past UCF

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250215_3yhe.xml?view=boxscore">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bobby Cannon finished with a team-high 25 points in a 95-73 win for the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team over Cloud County on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

Cannon now has three 20-plus point games this season, as he secured his fourth straight double-figure scoring contest.

Hutchinson is now 16-9 overall, 12-7 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons remain in fifth place in the conference standings with five games to go.

Cloud County (11-14, 5-14) came out with a hot start, leading 16-6 with 11:43 to play in the first half.&nbsp;

After the Blue Dragons settled down and picked up the defensive intensity, the Thunderbirds struggled.

HutchCC held Cloud County to 12 points for the final 11:43 of the opening half, while the Blue Dragons went on a 28-12 run to lead 34-28 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons dominated the second half, scoring a season-best 64 points in the final 20 minutes. Hutchinson shot 60% from the floor in the second half, knocking down six 3-pointers and 16 of 17 from the foul line.&nbsp;

D.J. Dudley poured in 22 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for his first double-double of his collegiate career. Bo Aldridge had 19 points, including three monster dunks. Mikhail Abdul-Hamid had 13 points, all coming in the second half.&nbsp;

Cloud County was led by Elidjah Savane with 26 points, including 10 of 16 from the stripe. Syncere Burnett had 20 to join Savane in double figures.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons will travel to Ark City on Wednesday to face No. 8 Cowley College inside of W.S. Scott Auditorium. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted on KHUT-FM (102.9), the flagship station of Blue Dragon athletics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739677659908.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250215_3yhe.xml?view=boxscore">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bobby Cannon finished with a team-high 25 points in a 95-73 win for the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team over Cloud County on Saturday at the Sports Arena.Cannon now has three 20-plus point games this season, as he secured his fourth straight double-figure scoring contest.Hutchinson is now 16-9 overall, 12-7 in the Jayhawk Conference. The Blue Dragons remain in fifth place in the conference standings with five games to go.Cloud County (11-14, 5-14) came out with a hot start, leading 16-6 with 11:43 to play in the first half.&nbsp;After the Blue Dragons settled down and picked up the defensive intensity, the Thunderbirds struggled.HutchCC held Cloud County to 12 points for the final 11:43 of the opening half, while the Blue Dragons went on a 28-12 run to lead 34-28 at halftime.The Blue Dragons dominated the second half, scoring a season-best 64 points in the final 20 minutes. Hutchinson shot 60% from the floor in the second half, knocking down six 3-pointers and 16 of 17 from the foul line.&nbsp;D.J. Dudley poured in 22 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for his first double-double of his collegiate career. Bo Aldridge had 19 points, including three monster dunks. Mikhail Abdul-Hamid had 13 points, all coming in the second half.&nbsp;Cloud County was led by Elidjah Savane with 26 points, including 10 of 16 from the stripe. Syncere Burnett had 20 to join Savane in double figures.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons will travel to Ark City on Wednesday to face No. 8 Cowley College inside of W.S. Scott Auditorium. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcasted on KHUT-FM (102.9), the flagship station of Blue Dragon athletics.

🏀 Cannon scores 25 in rout of Thunderbirds

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250215_dbjx.xml">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hailey Jackson scored a game-high 22 points to lead the No. 8 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team to a 71-66 win over Cloud County on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons are now 23-2 overall, 17-2 in the Jayhawk Conference. HutchCC remains tied with Dodge City for first place with five games remaining in the regular season.

Hutchinson trailed 19-18 after the first quarter, before outscoring Cloud County by seven in the second quarter to lead 36-30 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons built its largest lead of the game (14 points) with 4:58 to play in the third quarter following a Kahlen Norris jumper.&nbsp;

Cloud County (15-9, 10-9) ended the third quarter on a 10-3 run to pull within four going to the final frame.&nbsp;

After Hutch extended the lead to 63-55, Cloud County responded with back-to-back triples to pull within 63-61 with 4:08 to play.

The Blue Dragons finished the game on an 8-5 run to win by five and win their 27th straight game in the Sports arena.

Landon Forbes finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three steals and a career-high eight assists. Jada Pleasant contributed with 11 points.

TiAna Davis and Shea Wurtz each had 16 points to lead the Thunderbirds.&nbsp;

HutchCC shot 44% from the floor and knocked down six made 3-pointers. The Blue Dragons were plus-seven on the glass and scored 22 points off of 16 T-Bird turnovers.

The Blue Dragons will travel to Ark City to face Cowley College on Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. inside of W.S. Scott Auditorium. The game will be broadcasted on KHUT-FM (102.9), the flagship station for Blue Dragon athletics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739676696482.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/boxscores/20250215_dbjx.xml">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hailey Jackson scored a game-high 22 points to lead the No. 8 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team to a 71-66 win over Cloud County on Saturday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons are now 23-2 overall, 17-2 in the Jayhawk Conference. HutchCC remains tied with Dodge City for first place with five games remaining in the regular season.Hutchinson trailed 19-18 after the first quarter, before outscoring Cloud County by seven in the second quarter to lead 36-30 at halftime.The Blue Dragons built its largest lead of the game (14 points) with 4:58 to play in the third quarter following a Kahlen Norris jumper.&nbsp;Cloud County (15-9, 10-9) ended the third quarter on a 10-3 run to pull within four going to the final frame.&nbsp;After Hutch extended the lead to 63-55, Cloud County responded with back-to-back triples to pull within 63-61 with 4:08 to play.The Blue Dragons finished the game on an 8-5 run to win by five and win their 27th straight game in the Sports arena.Landon Forbes finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three steals and a career-high eight assists. Jada Pleasant contributed with 11 points.TiAna Davis and Shea Wurtz each had 16 points to lead the Thunderbirds.&nbsp;HutchCC shot 44% from the floor and knocked down six made 3-pointers. The Blue Dragons were plus-seven on the glass and scored 22 points off of 16 T-Bird turnovers.The Blue Dragons will travel to Ark City to face Cowley College on Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. inside of W.S. Scott Auditorium. The game will be broadcasted on KHUT-FM (102.9), the flagship station for Blue Dragon athletics.

🏀 No. 8 HutchCC finishes regular season sweep of Cloud County

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739679683842.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball moved to 2-0 on the season with a commanding 12-1 win on Saturday night at Whataburger Field. The Jayhawks scored eight runs in the first two innings and never looked back from there. &nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160" data-airgap-id="80">Manning West</a></dfn>, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Walters State Community College, made his Jayhawks debut and tossed five innings of one-run ball with no walks and seven strikeouts to earn the win. Juniors&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/naun-haro/16149" rel="smarttag" rev="16149" data-airgap-id="81">Naun Haro</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/robbie-knowles/16161" rel="smarttag" rev="16161" data-airgap-id="82">Robbie Knowles</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/alex-breckheimer/16154" rel="smarttag" rev="16154" data-airgap-id="83">Alex Breckheimer</a></dfn>&nbsp;and senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158" data-airgap-id="84">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;combined for four shutout innings of relief. Sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147" data-airgap-id="85">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;crushed the first home run of the season for the Jayhawks. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Kansas (2-0) sprinted out to a 4-0 lead after the top of the first inning. The first four batters reached base for the Jayhawks, including an RBI single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="86">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146" data-airgap-id="87">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;would drive in a run on an RBI fielder's choice and then&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/chase-diggins/132" rel="smarttag" rev="132" data-airgap-id="88">Chase Diggins</a></dfn>&nbsp;dropped a 2-run double down the left field line. &bull; The top of the second inning began with back-to-back hits for KU.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="89">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;brought in a run with an RBI groundout. Next up was Barth, who delivered his second RBI single in as many innings. Ballinger followed and launched a two-run homer to right field. That doubled the lead to 8-0 after two innings. &bull; The Jayhawks added one run in both the third and fifth innings on sacrifice flies by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/130" rel="smarttag" rev="130" data-airgap-id="90">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>. &nbsp; &bull; Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (0-2) got their lone run in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single by Josh Blount. &bull; Kansas went on to add two more runs in the top of the ninth on an RBI single by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="91">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;and an RBI fielder's choice from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ian-francis/16139" rel="smarttag" rev="16139" data-airgap-id="92">Ian Francis</a></dfn>. &bull; Knowles, Lin and Breckheimer did not allow a hit over the final three innings. Breckheimer struck out the side in the ninth and Lin had two strikeouts in the eighth. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160" data-airgap-id="93">Manning West</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-0) Final line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 SO Loss: Luke Singleton (0-1) Final line: 1.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 1 BB, 0 SO &nbsp; PLAYERS OF THE GAME <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160" data-airgap-id="94">Manning West</a></dfn>: In his Division I debut, West threw five innings and allowed only one run with no walks and seven strikeouts. Before West took the mound on Saturday, he already was provided a four-run cushion by the offense. &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1890916359581700216&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F2%2F15%2Fbaseball-kansas-offense-strikes-early-in-saturdays-12-1-win.aspx&amp;sessionId=16d92b5ff24f0b900a363cf044f42844bc44893d&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1890916359581700216" data-airgap-id="145"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "The ideal way to start a baseball game is to get a quality start from your pitcher and score early, which is exactly what we did today. I thought our preparation was really good and I thought that the approach was good early in the game and continued throughout the game. I think we capitalized on a bunch of stuff early, guys hit well situationally and then Manning really settled in and did a great job. Then, we bring&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/naun-haro/16149" rel="smarttag" rev="16149" data-airgap-id="96">Naun Haro</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/robbie-knowles/16161" rel="smarttag" rev="16161" data-airgap-id="97">Robbie Knowles</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158" data-airgap-id="98">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/alex-breckheimer/16154" rel="smarttag" rev="16154" data-airgap-id="99">Alex Breckheimer</a></dfn>&nbsp;in one at a time and I think that's a tough look for any offense. It's nice to let all those guys get their feet wet on the mound and then we emptied the bench at the end to get some guys in. It was great to get those guys in the game and really proud of the effort." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/1" rel="smarttag" rev="1" data-airgap-id="100">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "I felt really good today. I had some really good help behind me with the defense. Ian (Francis) behind the plate did a great job and it really helped me out and gave me some confidence up there. That helped a lot. I kind of had everything working and just went up there and threw with confidence and it worked out. It was fun [to get out on the mound]. We've worked hard and I've worked a long time to get here, and it was fun to get out there and compete and represent Kansas." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160" data-airgap-id="101">Manning West</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Every Kansas starter had at least one hit. &bull;&nbsp;All five pitchers were making their Kansas debut. &bull; Kansas pitching combined for 14 strikeouts. &bull; Kansas improved to 8-4 all-time at Whataburger Field. &bull; Haro, Knowles, Lin and Breckheimer combined to pitch four scoreless innings of relief (4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 SO). &bull;&nbsp;Ballinger hit his first home run of the season and the first by a Jayhawk this year. &bull;&nbsp;Barth and Osoria have had multi-hit games in each of the first two contests. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas and Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi will play the third of four games on Sunday at 2 p.m. CT at Whataburger Field. The game will be broadcast on FloCollege and live audio will be available on the Jayhawk Sports Network.</div>

⚾ KU dominates A&M Corpus Christi in Game 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739679538024.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/15529" data-airgap-id="77">S'Mya Nichols</a>&nbsp;recorded her first career double-double and became the 33rd player in Kansas women's basketball history to reach 1,000 career points in the Jayhawks 93-80 defeat against Iowa State on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. Nichols finished the game with 20 points and a career-high 12 assists, while adding four rebounds in 36 minutes of action.&nbsp; In scoring 1,000 career points in her 58th career game, Nichols is now the second-fastest player in program history to reach the milestone, trailing only Kansas legend Lynette Woodard who made it in just 39 games.&nbsp; "Anytime somebody says Lynette Woodard and then your name, you know that's pretty rarefied air," Kansas coach&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brandon-schneider/737" data-airgap-id="78">Brandon Schneider</a>&nbsp;said postgame. "We all know how talented she is and what she means to our team and to our program. I just wish it was something that we were talking about and celebrating and acknowledging in a win because that's what S'Mya wants, to win above all else." &nbsp; <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brittany-harshaw/15537" data-airgap-id="79">Brittany Harshaw</a>&nbsp;also had a career night as she matched the single game school record with eight made three-pointers on her way to scoring a career-high 26 points. Kansas now falls to 14-11 and 4-10 in the Big 12, while Iowa State improves to 18-9 on the season and 9-5 in conference. Kansas opened the game trading baskets with the Cyclones for the first six minutes to narrowly lead 15-14 at the first media break from Harshaw's contribution of two threes and Nadira Etlayeb's four points. A Nichols jumper was the last Jayhawk points of the quarter as Iowa State closed out on a 12-2 run with KU trailing, 26-17, at the end of one.&nbsp; Harshaw hit another pair of threes and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/regan-williams/15538" data-airgap-id="80">Regan Williams</a>&nbsp;found her first four points of the day during a 10-3 Kansas run to dwindle ISU's margin to 36-31 with 5:09 left in the second quarter. Two baskets from Nichols and a three by&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/elle-evans/15535" data-airgap-id="81">Elle Evans</a>&nbsp;rounded out the first half with the Jayhawks behind 46-38. Despite 19 team points in the third quarter from five Nichols points, another Harshaw and back-to-back Evans threes, the Jayhawks were unable to make up any ground and entered the final frame down 73-57.&nbsp; Harshaw contributed 11 more points in the last quarter to help the Jayhawks outscore Iowa State by three, but it was not enough to overcome the previously dug deficit as Kansas fell 93-80.&nbsp; &nbsp; Up Next Kansas is back at home on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to host UCF. Tipoff from Allen Fieldhouse is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and the game will be streamed on ESPN+. Postgame Notes Team Notes&nbsp; - Kansas knocked down 13 three-pointers on Saturday, which marks the most threes made in conference play this season. The mark is also tied for second-most made in a game this season. - Nichols and Harshaw each scored 20+ points a piece to combine for 46 of Kansas' 80 total points. The last time two Kansas players scored 20+ points was&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/15529" data-airgap-id="83">S'Mya Nichols</a>&nbsp;(26) and&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/elle-evans/15535" data-airgap-id="84">Elle Evans</a>&nbsp;earlier this season against Iowa on Nov. 20, 2024. - Kansas scored 80 points, its second most of the season trailing only the 81 points against North Alabama on Nov. 17, 2024. - Kansas shot 31-of-62 from the field for 50.0%, the third time this season it has shot at least 50.0% or better. Individual&nbsp;Notes -<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/s-mya-nichols/15529" data-airgap-id="85">S'Mya Nichols</a>&nbsp;became the 33rd player in program history to score 1,000 career points as a Jayhawk and reached the milestone in her 58th career game, making her the second-fastest player in program history to score 1,000 points (Lynette Woodard, 39 games).&nbsp; - Nichols finished with 20 points and 12 assists for her first career double double, the first time since CeCe Harper's 14 points and 10 assists versus Iowa State on March 1, 2014, that a Kansas player has recorded a double-double with points and assists. It's the 15th game of the season and 24th in her career Nichols has scored at least 20 points.&nbsp; - In addition, Nichols has now made the most free throws in a single season by a Kansas player as she went 4-of-5 from the line for a total of 196 on the season. The previous best was Angela Aycock's 195 set in 1995.&nbsp; -&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brittany-harshaw/15537" data-airgap-id="86">Brittany Harshaw</a>&nbsp;recorded two career-highs as she finished with 26 points and went 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. She now ties Charisse Sampson vs. Iowa State on Jan. 14, 1996, and Mia Vuksic at Kansas State on Feb. 13, 2021, in single game made three pointers. It's the first time Harshaw has scored 20+ points and is the sixth time this season and the tenth time in her career she's had multiple three-pointers. She also led with six rebounds. -&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/elle-evans/15535" data-airgap-id="87">Elle Evans</a>&nbsp;went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, marking the 16th time this season and 49th of her career she's made multiple three-pointers. Evans has made a three In 12 out of 14 Big 12 games this season as she finished with nine points and one assist for 150 career assists. - In her first career start as a Jayhawk&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/nadira-eltayeb/15527" data-airgap-id="88">Nadira Eltayeb</a>&nbsp;tied her season high of eight points, previously set against Omaha on Nov. 14, 2024.</div>

🏀 Nichols hits 1,000-point milestone in Jayhawks' loss to Iowa State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739679401114.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
CLEARWATER, Fla. &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State split the final day of the Shriner's Childrens Clearwater Invitational, defeating Liberty, 3-2, before falling to No. 8/9 Florida State in 6 innings, 15-5, on Saturday evening at Eddie C. Moore Complex. &nbsp; With the split, the Shockers finish 1-4 at the Clearwater Invitational. Four of the five games were against teams ranked or receiving votes in the Top 25 polls. &nbsp; Game 1: Wichita State 3, #RV/No. 24 Liberty 2 &nbsp; The Shockers found themselves embattled in a pitching duel for the fourth consecutive game as Wichita State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/9309" rel="smarttag" rev="9309" data-airgap-id="60">Alex Aguilar</a></dfn>&nbsp;carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning, but the Shocker bats were unable to provide run support, keeping the game scoreless.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the bottom of the fourth, the Flames broke through against Aguilar, recording three straight singles to take a 2-0 lead heading to the fifth. &nbsp; In the Shocker fifth, a response came, as three straight singles loaded the bases with one out for the Black and Yellow.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322" data-airgap-id="61">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;stepped to the plate and cleared the bases with a three-run double to left-center to give the Shockers a 3-2 lead.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the bottom half, Liberty was primed for an answer as the first two batters reached against reliever,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/9310" rel="smarttag" rev="9310" data-airgap-id="62">Chloe Barber</a></dfn>, but a diving play by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318" data-airgap-id="63">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>, a strikeout from Barber and a lineout to&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315" data-airgap-id="64">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;ended the threat without allowing a run to score. &nbsp; After a silent sixth, Liberty loaded the bases with nobody out against Barber in the seventh, and being just one swing of the bat away from a walk-off win. Against the odds, Barber closed out the game, behind a strikeout, inducing a popup to first base and ending the game with a groundout to second baseman,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312" rel="smarttag" rev="9312" data-airgap-id="65">Sami Hood</a></dfn>, giving the Shockers the 3-2 win. &nbsp; Five Shockers recorded hits, but none bigger than Eck's bases-clearing double in the fifth. &nbsp; Aguilar earned the win, tossing 4.0 innings, allowing two runs on three hits. Barber notched her first save of the season, tossing 3.0 innings, allowing three hits, but no runs. &nbsp; Game 2: Wichita State 5, No. 8/9 Florida State 15&nbsp;(6) &nbsp; The highly-ranked Seminoles wasted no time in the game, scoring an unearned run in the bottom of the first to open the scoring. &nbsp; In the second, the Shockers put up an immediate response. Hood reached on a bunt single, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/mila-seaton/9317" rel="smarttag" rev="9317" data-airgap-id="66">Mila Seaton</a></dfn>&nbsp;tied the game with a triple to right-center field. Following that,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/caroline-tallent/9319" rel="smarttag" rev="9319" data-airgap-id="67">Caroline Tallent</a></dfn>&nbsp;gave the Shockers the lead with a double to center field, scoring Seaton and giving WSU a 2-1 lead.&nbsp; &nbsp; In the third with the bases loaded,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/catelyn-beckerley/9328" rel="smarttag" rev="9328" data-airgap-id="68">Catelyn Beckerley</a></dfn>&nbsp;came through, ripping a two-run single up the middle to double the Shocker lead to 4-1. In the bottom half, FSU threatened, but freshman starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327" rel="smarttag" rev="9327" data-airgap-id="69">Ava Sliger</a></dfn>&nbsp;dealt with the trouble quickly to keep the Shockers up by three through three innings. &nbsp; After a scoreless fourth,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314" data-airgap-id="70">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;launched a solo home run to right-center on the first pitch of the fifth inning to give the Shockers a 5-1 lead. Florida State responded in the bottom half quickly with an RBI to cut the Shocker lead to 5-2. The 'Noles added on with no-doubt, two-run homer down the left field line immediately after to make it a one-run game. &nbsp; Now, against reliever&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325" data-airgap-id="71">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>, the Seminoles loaded the bases with one out. Nihart walked home a runner, tying the game at 5-5. The walk brought Aguilar into the game and the No. 9 'Noles made the Shockers pay, ripping a bases clearing triple to right center to take an 8-5 lead, their first since it was 1-0. &nbsp; FSU added on an inning later, ripping another two-run shot down the left field line to take a 10-5 lead. The 'Noles added five in the inning, four on a grand slam to end the game in walk-off fashion in six innings with a score of 15-5. &nbsp; Hood's 2-for-2 evening led the Shockers at the plate. &nbsp;</div>

🥎 Shockers overcome Liberty, thumped by No. 8 Florida State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739679214121.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
WICHITA &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State picked up its third American Athletic Conference victory with a 60-57 win over the Owls in a back-and-forth contest Saturday afternoon in Charles Koch Arena. &nbsp; "It was a great overall team effort," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/terry-nooner/1225" rel="smarttag" rev="1225" data-airgap-id="58">Terry Nooner</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "We had a great week of practice, and it was a well-deserved win for us." &nbsp; Wichita State (9-18, 3-11 AAC) held the Owls (12-13, 5-8 AAC) to just 57 points, well below their season average off 66.5, marking the fourth time in five games that the Shockers have kept their opponents below 60 points. The Shockers shot 6-for-18 (33.3 percent) from three, their best three-point percentage since Jan. 11, and 22-for-59 (37.3 percent) from the field. &nbsp; "We did a great job of finishing, we did a better job of shooting, and our defense was excellent today, so I'm excited for the team," Nooner said. "With the amount of work and what we put them through every day, to be able to come out here and be resilient, not quit and not lose faith in what we're doing as a program is a testament to the character of the players we have." &nbsp; Senior guard&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taylor-jameson/9003" rel="smarttag" rev="9003" data-airgap-id="59">Taylor Jameson</a></dfn>&nbsp;led all scoring with 18 points, shooting 5-for-10 from the field, hitting four threes, and shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Redshirt-junior forward&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jayla-murray/8998" rel="smarttag" rev="8998" data-airgap-id="60">Jayla Murray</a></dfn>&nbsp;finished in double figures for the sixth time in the last seven games, scoring 13 points and grabbing eight rebounds, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/aicha-ndour/9047" rel="smarttag" rev="9047" data-airgap-id="61">Aicha Ndour</a></dfn>&nbsp;led the Shockers on the glass with a career-high 13 rebounds. &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ella-anciaux/8994" rel="smarttag" rev="8994" data-airgap-id="62">Ella Anciaux</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded four blocks off the bench, tying her career high, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/princess-anderson/9000" rel="smarttag" rev="9000" data-airgap-id="63">Princess Anderson</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kp-parr/9002" rel="smarttag" rev="9002" data-airgap-id="64">KP Parr</a></dfn>&nbsp;had three steals apiece. Anderson recorded her first career start for the Shockers with&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ornella-niankan/8999" rel="smarttag" rev="8999" data-airgap-id="65">Ornella Niankan</a></dfn>&nbsp;out due to illness. &nbsp; Dominique Ennis led Rice with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. &nbsp; The game saw eight lead changes and four ties with neither team leading by more than eight at any point. &nbsp; The Shockers scored the first four points of the game, but an 11-2 Rice run put the Owls in front. Another run late in the quarter gave the Owls a six-point advantage after one. &nbsp; Wichita State opened the second quarter on a 7-0 run with the help of back-to-back threes from Parr and Jameson. Jameson hit two more threes in the quarter before Rice scored the last four points of the half to make it a two-point game. &nbsp; Rice started the second half on a 7-0 run to go up five before Murray snapped the scoring drought with a three. Jameson hit another three and Murray regained the lead for the Shockers with a pullup jumper. The lead changed hands twice more in the third, making it a one-point game with the Shockers in front going into the final period. &nbsp; White made a layup to open the quarter, but Ennis hit a three for Rice to tie it up. The teams traded jumpers, and then neither team hit a shot for two and a half minutes. Ndour hit one of two free throws with 3:17 to play, putting the Shockers up three, but Rice's Alexis Aniah made a jumper to make it a one-point game under three minutes. &nbsp; Anderson hit a pair of crucial free throws to push it back to a three-point Shocker lead, but Malia Fisher drained a three for Rice to tie it back up at 50-50 with 2:07 left. &nbsp; Murray recorded back-to-back buckets as the Shockers forced two turnovers in the final minute. Wichita State hit six more big free throws down the stretch to hold off the Owls, shooting 9-for-12 from the line in the fourth quarter. &nbsp; Wichita State moves in front of Florida Atlantic, up to 12th&nbsp;in the AAC standings, as they get ready to take on Temple (15-10, 9-5 AAC) and Tulane (15-9, 8-5 AAC) on the road next Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 22.</div>

🏀 Shocker women down Rice

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739679103606.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
LAKE CHARLES, La. --&nbsp;Wichita State rallied to take a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning but allowed six unanswered runs as McNeese clinched the series win with an 11-6 victory on Saturday afternoon at Joe Miller Ballpark. The Shockers (0-2) faced a 5-3 deficit of their own heading to the top of the seventh before flipping the script with a three-run inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183" rel="smarttag" rev="9183" data-airgap-id="59">Camden Johnson</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered the big hit in the inning, a game-tying two-run triple into the right field corner; one batter later,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaleb-duncan/9419" rel="smarttag" rev="9419" data-airgap-id="60">Kaleb Duncan</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit a sharp line drive that was caught by shortstop Easton Dowell, who then tried to double off Johnson but threw the ball away, allowing Johnson to score for a 6-5 Wichita State lead. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caleb-anderson/9173" rel="smarttag" rev="9173" data-airgap-id="61">Caleb Anderson</a></dfn>&nbsp;got the first two outs of the bottom of the seventh, but the Cowboys (2-0) got a game-tying double from Davis Meche that knotted the score at 6-6.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192" data-airgap-id="62">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;preserved the tie on the ensuing at-bat, gunning down Meche at the plate on a base hit from Larry Edwards Jr. to end the inning. McNeese exploded for five runs in the bottom of the eighth to seize control. Dowell led off the inning with a solo home run off Anderson (0-1) to take a 7-6 lead, then Conner Westenburg doubled the advantage with an RBI triple. After a walk, Simon Larranaga launched a three-run homer off the batter's eye in center field to produce the final margin. Caleb&nbsp;Strmiska (1-0) slammed the door with two scoreless innings in relief for the Cowboys to earn the win, stranding two Shockers in the top of the ninth. Wichita State struck first with three runs in the top of the second inning, plating the first run on a Dowell throwing error and two more via a Johnson two-run single. The lead did not last long, however, as McNeese took advantage of three free passes from Wichita State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/9422" rel="smarttag" rev="9422" data-airgap-id="63">Grant Adler</a></dfn>&nbsp;in the home half of the frame to score three runs of their own and tie the game at 3-3. Single runs in the fourth and fifth off Adler gave the Cowboys a 5-3 edge heading to the late innings. Adler finished with a no-decision, surrendering five runs over 4.1 innings with three strikeouts. McNeese starter Cooper Golden allowed just one hit but three runs over 5.0 innings in a no-decision. The Shockers and Cowboys will conclude the series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.</div>

⚾ McNeese rallies past Wichita State in Game 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739636043484.jpeg" alt="Honey Cooney and the No. 8 Blue Dragons play host to the Cloud County Thunderbirds at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Honey Cooney and the No. 8 Blue Dragons play host to the Cloud County Thunderbirds at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sports Arena. (Andrew Carpenter/Digital Fox Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
Back into a first-place tie in the Jayhawk Conference, the No. 8-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team opens a key stretch of six games with the Cloud County Thunderbirds.
The Blue Dragons (22-2, 16-2 KJCCC) meet the Thunderbirds (15-8, 10-8) at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 8 Hutchinson (22-2, 16-2) vs. Cloud County (15-8, 10-8) When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 2 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW AM/FM (1450/98.5), 1:45 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2164357">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 1:45 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport Game Sponsor: Tech, Inc <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_25_-_Cloud_County_Women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>
The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 1:45 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 1:45 p.m.
Five of Hutchinson's final six opponents are KJCCC upper division teams.
The Blue Dragons and No. 7 Dodge City are tied atop the Jayhawk with 16-2 league records. Just 1.5 games behind is third-place Coffeyville at 14-3 and Butler is fourth at 13-5. Cloud County, which is riding a three-game winning streak, is currently in seventh place in the KJCCC at 10-8. The Thunderbirds are in a battle to secure a Region 6 Tournament opening-round home game. They have a 2 1/2 game lead over their closest pursuers in Barton, Colby and Garden City.
The Blue Dragons have a short turnaround for Saturday's game coming off a Thursday 66-53 road victory at Garden City. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;had a career-high 32 points to lead the Blue Dragons. Leading by only four points at halftime, Jackson scored 12 points in a decisive 21-10 third-quarter surge.
Despite its three-game winning streak, Cloud County is 5-5 in its last 10 games. The Thunderbirds earned a 64-50 victory over Independence last Saturday. Their Wednesday game with Coffeyville was postponed until Monday. Against the Pirates, the Thunderbirds were led by Talasia Thomas' 22 points. Defensively, Cloud County held Independence to 31.0 percent shooting.
The Blue Dragons won the first meeting with Cloud County this season, earning a 77-53 decision on December 14 in Concordia. Jackson had a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/alexander_dylan_dasd">Dylan Alexander</a>&nbsp;added 18 points. Thomas had 16 points and Bre Frazier had 14 to pace the Thunderbirds.</div>

🏀 No. 8 HutchCC women start key stretch with Cloud County

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739635936320.jpeg" alt="Khalil Arnold and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team takes on Cloud County at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Sports Arena." />
 <figcaption>Khalil Arnold and the Blue Dragon men's basketball team takes on Cloud County at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Sports Arena.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
Facing a quick turnaround from a tough Thursday loss, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team is back at the Sports Arena for the first time since February 1st.
Just 46 hours after dropping a road game at Garden City, the Blue Dragons (15-9 overall, 11-7 KJCCC) meet the Cloud County Thunderbirds (11-13, 5-13) in a Jayhawk Conference contest at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
BLUE DRAGON MEN'S BASKETBALL Hutchinson (15-9, 11-7) vs. Cloud County (11-13, 5-13) When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 4 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW AM/FM (1450/98.5), 3:45 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Analyst)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2164363">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 3:45 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport Game Sponsor: Tech, Inc. <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/files/Game_25_-_Cloud_County_men.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>
The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 3:45 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (analyst) calling the action. The game will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 3:45 p.m.
Blitzed by 13 Garden City 3-point field goals, including seven in the second half, the Blue Dragons look to rebound from an 81-73 loss to the Broncbusters on Thursday - the game was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was moved back a day because of wintry weather.
The Blue Dragons out-shot and out-rebounded Garden City, but the Busters' 13 3-pointers and a 19-4 scoring advantage in points off turnovers were too much to overtime. Bo Aldridge had a game-high 15 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/cannon_bobby_1l4l">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;had his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Hutchinson remains in fifth place in the Jayhawk Conference, just one game behind fourth-place Butler after Thursday's game.
Under first-year head coach Kyle Pugh, Cloud County finds itself in 12th place in the Jayhawk Conference, but has a three-game lead over Seward County for the 12th and final spot in the upcoming Region 6 Tournament.
The Thunderbirds have had 10 full days off since they last played, which was a 77-64 loss to Colby on February 5. Cloud County received a forfeit from Independence last Saturday and Wednesday's scheduled game with Coffeyville was postponed to Monday.
The Blue Dragons won the first meeting with Cloud County on December 14, rallying from 16 points down in the second to earn a 77-73 victory. Jacquez Thornton paced the Dragon comeback with 27 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/arnold_khalil_9vae">Khalil Arnold</a>&nbsp;had 18 for Hutchinson. Keyon Garrett-Miller had 20 points to lead the Thunderbirds.</div>

🏀 Dragons return home to face Thunderbirds

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739294107896.png" alt="EAGLE Media College Basketball Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media College Basketball Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure><div>KJCCC
Coffeyville at Cowley - 1 p.m. (W), 3 p.m. (M)
Cloud County at Hutchinson - 2 p.m. (W), 4 p.m. (M)
Independence at Butler - 2 p.m. (W), 4 p.m. (M)
Pratt at Colby - 2 p.m. (W), 4 p.m. (M)
Dodge City at Barton - 5:30 p.m. (W), 7:30 p.m. (M)
Seward County at Fort Hays Tech NW - 6 p.m. (W), 8:30 p.m. (M)
&nbsp;
KCAC
Evangel at Bethany - 1 p.m. (W), 3 p.m. (M)
Oklahoma Wesleyan at York&nbsp;- 1 p.m. (W), 3 p.m. (M)
Avila at Sterling&nbsp;-&nbsp;3 p.m. (W),&nbsp;5 p.m. (M)
Bethel at Ottawa&nbsp;-&nbsp;3&nbsp;p.m. (W),&nbsp;5&nbsp;p.m. (M)
Friends at McPherson&nbsp;-&nbsp;5 p.m. (W),&nbsp;7 p.m. (M)
Southwestern at Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;-&nbsp;5&nbsp;p.m. (W),&nbsp;7&nbsp;p.m. (M)
Saint Mary at Tabor&nbsp;-&nbsp;5&nbsp;p.m. (W),&nbsp;7&nbsp;p.m. (M)</div>

🏀 KJCCC & KCAC schedule for Saturday, Feb. 15

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739635579519.jpeg" alt="Anthony Mazza has a combined six hits and four RBIs in a Blue Dragon doubleheader sweep of Rose State on Friday in Midwest City, OK. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Mazza has a combined six hits and four RBIs in a Blue Dragon doubleheader sweep of Rose State on Friday in Midwest City, OK. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma &ndash; Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;combined for six hits and drove in for runs to lead the No. 23-ranked Hutchinson Community College baseball team to wins in the first two games of a three-game series on Friday at Rose State College.
The Blue Dragons won the series opener on Friday, defeating Rose State 4-1 as three Hutchinson pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. The Dragons then had innings of eight runs and six runs in a Game 2 win of 14-4 in seven innings.
Hutchinson improves to 4-0 to start the season. The final game of the series will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday. That game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m., but was moved up because of potential weather issues.
BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL No. 23 Hutchinson at Rose State - Game 3 When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Where: RSC Field, Midwest City, OK Time: 10:00 a.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://web.gc.com/teams/1sfEEALd7F5N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rose State GameChanger</a>
GAME 1 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 4, Rose State 1 Mazza reached base in all four plate appearances in the series opener, going 2 for 2 with a pair of singles and two walks. He had RBI singles in the first and fourth innings.
Mazza and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;had two hits each to lead the Blue Dragons' eight-hit attack.
Maher also reached base in all four plate appearances going 2 for 2 with a run scored, RBI and stolen base.
Jarrett Herrman was 2 for 3 with two singles a run scored and stolen base.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;had an RBI double in Hutchinson's two-run second inning.
Blue Dragon starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/roehler_trenton_pudh">Trenton Roehler</a>&nbsp;struck out seven batters in three innings. Winning pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/combs_sean_c4r2">Sean Combs</a>&nbsp;(1-0) allowed four hits and one run with five strikeouts in three innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mccombs_noah_7a9n">Noah McCombs</a>&nbsp;earned his first career save with one strikeout in a perfect seventh inning.
GAME 2 RECAP &ndash; Hutchinson 4, Rose State 1 The Blue Dragons had a season-high 20 hits in the second game and had their first two home runs of the season to earn a seven-inning run-rule victory.
Mazza went 4 for 4 with two doubles, two runs scored and a pair of RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/tygart_baker_ked6">C.J. Reid</a>&nbsp;went 4 for 6 with two doubles, three runs and a pair of RBIs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;was 3 for 3 with three singles, two walks, three runs scored and an RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mustow_adam_sf8t">A.J. Mustow</a>&nbsp;was 2 for 6 with a two-run double.
Both&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/black_trent_xfjv">Trent Black</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/gardner_jack_8irv">Jack Gardner</a>&nbsp;hit pinch-hit home runs in Hutchinson's six-run sixth inning. Black hit a three-run homer and two batters later, Gardner launched a two-run home run.
After stranding five runners on base in the first three innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/hochstein_finn_ygit">Finn Hochstein</a>'s RBI single in the third lit the fuse for the Dragons' eight-run explosion in the fourth inning. The Dragons made it 2-0 on a well-executed safety squeeze bunt by Maher scored Glantz. The Dragons then scored six runs with two out in the inning. Mustow and Reid both had two-run doubles, Mazza added an RBI double and Glantz had a run-producing single. The Dragons sent 12 batters to the plate and had seven hits.
The Blue Dragons also had a season-high nine stolen bases, which tied for the sixth most in single-game program history. The Dragons executed a pair of double steals in a four-run sixth inning.
Pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/perry_gabe_wq1l">Gabe Perry</a>&nbsp;(2-0) earned his second victory of the season with 4 1-3 innings of work. Perry allowed six hits and four runs with five strikeouts and no walks.
Perry allowed four runs in the fifth inning as Rose State cut the Dragon lead to 9-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/rosser_lachlan_s3z7">Lachlan Rosser</a>&nbsp;got the final two outs of the fifth and worked the final 2 2-3 innings to close out the game. Rosser had five strikeouts and allowed no runs, with two hits and a walk.</div>

⚾ Blue Dragons take pair from Rose State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739635721798.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon shot putters Deisheline Meyer Scott, Janiel Montaque and Aiyanna Green lead the way for the Dragons on Day 1 of the Ichabod Invitational on Friday in Topeka." />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon shot putters Deisheline Meyer Scott, Janiel Montaque and Aiyanna Green lead the way for the Dragons on Day 1 of the Ichabod Invitational on Friday in Topeka.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
TOPEKA &ndash; Day 1 of the Ichabod Invitational was a quiet one for the Hutchinson Community College women's track and field team on Friday at the Washburn Indoor Athletic Facility.
Three shot putters led the Dragons on Day 1. National qualifier Deisheline Mayer Scott was the top Blue Dragon finisher on Friday with a fifth-place performance of 44 feet, 2.75 inches (13.48 meters). Janiel Montague finished seventh in the event with a distance of 43-5 1/2 (13.42 meters).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/green_aiyanna_nkel">Aiyanna Green</a>&nbsp;was 17th with a distance of 38-9 3/4 (11.82 meters).
BLUE DRAGON TRACK AND FIELD Ichabod Invitational When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Where: Washburn Indoor Athletic Facility, Topeka, KS Times: Running Events - 10 a.m.; Field events - 10:30 a.m. Live Results:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/25IchabodInvite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Squirrel Timing</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/WUMIAANetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAA Network (PPV)</a>
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/dawes_azariah_fovg">Azariah Dawes</a>&nbsp;placed seventh in the long jump with a distance of 17-6 1/4 (5.34 meters)
<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2024-25/bios/dominique_kemisha_hba9">Kemisha Dominique</a>&nbsp;ran in the 200-meter preliminaries on Friday. She placed 32nd in a time of 26.30 meters.
Day 2 of the Ichabod Invitational starts on the track at 10 a.m. on Saturday with field events beginning at 10:30 a.m.</div>

👟 Throwers lead HutchCC women after Day 1 at Ichabod Invite

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739635832994.jpeg" alt="Karson Engelland competes for the Blue Dragon men's track and field team on Day 1 of the Ichabod Invitational on Friday in Topeka." />
 <figcaption>Karson Engelland competes for the Blue Dragon men's track and field team on Day 1 of the Ichabod Invitational on Friday in Topeka.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
TOPEKA &ndash; Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/lester_da-shawn_ptrw">Da'Shawn Lester</a>&nbsp;led the Hutchinson Community College men's track and field team on Friday during Day 1 of the Ichabod Invitational with an individual event victory.
Lester won the 600-yard run with a time of 1:12.19 to lead a handful of players on Friday. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/williams_elisha_7e2c">Elisha Williams</a>&nbsp;placed 11th in the event with a time of 1:14.08.
BLUE DRAGON TRACK AND FIELD Ichabod Invitational When: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Where: Washburn Indoor Athletic Facility, Topeka, KS Times: Running Events - 10 a.m.; Field events - 10:30 a.m. Live Results:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/25IchabodInvite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Squirrel Timing</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/WUMIAANetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAA Network (PPV)</a>
Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/warren_d-antonio_9loc">D'Antonio Warren</a>&nbsp;placed 15th in the 200-meter preliminaries with a time of 21.94 seconds.
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/collins_richard_4jx3">Richard Collins</a>&nbsp;placed 16th in the high jump after clearing 6-0 1/2 (1.84 meters).
Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/ulteras_david_tjik">David Ultreras</a>&nbsp;placed 18th in the 5,000-meter finals with a time of 15:52.68.
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/parkinson_malique_53uy">Malique Parkinson</a>&nbsp;was 21st in the long jump after a best jump of 23-3 1/2 (6.79 meters).
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2024-25/bios/engelland_karson_13gs">Karson Engelland</a>&nbsp;finished 23rd in the shot put at 44-4 (13.51 meters). Grade Bare was 24th at 44-0 (13.41 meters)
Day 2 of the Ichabod Invitational starts on the track at 10 a.m. on Saturday with field events beginning at 10:30 a.m.</div>

👟 Lester earns Ichabod Invite event title

DERBY, Kan. — &nbsp;Boy, nobody saw this coming! Not only did the Hutchinson High School basketball team get one big win over No. 1 Derby, they got two big wins over No. 1 Derby.

Hutchinson went into the Derby game heavy underdogs for both contests, but came out with two wins with the Salthawk girls winning the opening varsity contest 58-54 and the Salthawks boys rally after being down 4 at the half 32-28 to pull the upset win over the No. 1 team in the State and the No. 1 team in class 6A 67-63 in the late varsity boys game.

Maybe the Snow Moon earlier in the week had something to do with it? Nah....just some darn good coaching to instill a never give up attitude in both teams to, as Ted Lasso would say..."Believe" and Believe they did.

Led by Kaia Smith's 22 points, including four trey's and 15 points from Grace Posh, including two clutch free throw tosses late, Hutch took a four point lead at half and made it hold to knock of #1 Derby 58-54.

Is this a signature win? It has to be as Hutchinson had lost to the Panthers for 10 straight years. You have to go back to February 17th of 2015 before you can find a Salthawk victory over Derby. Coach Kalen Hilst was a freshman at the University of Kansas. His two assistant coaches were seniors on the 2015 team, but on this magical night of basketball, the stars aligned for a Salthawk win. 

Kohlbie Craft kept the Salthawks in the game with five of her seven points coming in the Salthawk second quarter. Lily Rodriquez hit a clutch three point shot in the third as the Salthawks kept breaking the Panther press.

Derby's star Junior Macayla Askew and Senior Karlie Demel found themselves in foul trouble and had to sit much of the game with Demel fouling out late in the 4th quarter. That was when Posh stepped up to knock down two free throws along with several Ava Krone steals and rebounds to help seal the win for the Salthawks.

As if the night couldn't be more electric, the Salthawk boys took the lead from the girls to get a monster game from Lamar Govain and Levi Kepler to knock off previously undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state Derby 67-63 in nail bitter on Friday night.

At one time in the fourth quarter, the Salthawks had four starters with four fouls each at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but Hutchinson was clinging to a 51-44 lead going into the final quarter. Taishaun Govan fouled out with 5:46 to play, then playmaker point-guard Terrell King fouled out less then 30 seconds later, plus Kepler was playing with four fouls as was Lamar Govain, but then the reserve players willed the Salthawks to the win. Kepler and Danny Boone came up with huge offensive rebounds as Kepler knocked down big free throws down the stretch as Derby had cut the lead to one. Lamar Govain played his best game as a varsity player to lead the Salthawks with two clutch charity tosses plus eight fourth quarter points as part of his team leading 23 points. Every Salthawk contributed as it took a great team effort to get a big win for Hutchinson on this Friday night in Derby.

Next action for the Salthawks will be Monday night at the Salthawk Activity Center as the game previously scheduled for Tuesday, February 18th has been moved to the 17th due to a predicted winter storm set to hit the area on Tuesday of next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722025506199.jpg" alt="Both Salthawk basketball teams pulled improbable upset wins over #1 ranked Derby" />
 <figcaption>Both Salthawk basketball teams pulled improbable upset wins over #1 ranked Derby</figcaption>
 </figure>DERBY, Kan. — &nbsp;Boy, nobody saw this coming! Not only did the Hutchinson High School basketball team get one big win over No. 1 Derby, they got two big wins over No. 1 Derby.Hutchinson went into the Derby game heavy underdogs for both contests, but came out with two wins with the Salthawk girls winning the opening varsity contest 58-54 and the Salthawks boys rally after being down 4 at the half 32-28 to pull the upset win over the No. 1 team in the State and the No. 1 team in class 6A 67-63 in the late varsity boys game.Maybe the Snow Moon earlier in the week had something to do with it? Nah....just some darn good coaching to instill a never give up attitude in both teams to, as Ted Lasso would say..."Believe" and Believe they did.Girls recap:Led by Kaia Smith's 22 points, including four trey's and 15 points from Grace Posh, including two clutch free throw tosses late, Hutch took a four point lead at half and made it hold to knock of #1 Derby 58-54.Is this a signature win? It has to be as Hutchinson had lost to the Panthers for 10 straight years. You have to go back to February 17th of 2015 before you can find a Salthawk victory over Derby. Coach Kalen Hilst was a freshman at the University of Kansas. His two assistant coaches were seniors on the 2015 team, but on this magical night of basketball, the stars aligned for a Salthawk win. Kohlbie Craft kept the Salthawks in the game with five of her seven points coming in the Salthawk second quarter. Lily Rodriquez hit a clutch three point shot in the third as the Salthawks kept breaking the Panther press.Derby's star Junior Macayla Askew and Senior Karlie Demel found themselves in foul trouble and had to sit much of the game with Demel fouling out late in the 4th quarter. That was when Posh stepped up to knock down two free throws along with several Ava Krone steals and rebounds to help seal the win for the Salthawks.Girls game versus Derby:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gG4oRseq6_Y?si=ZslDlAXrtvr1pra3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Boys recap:As if the night couldn't be more electric, the Salthawk boys took the lead from the girls to get a monster game from Lamar Govain and Levi Kepler to knock off previously undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state Derby 67-63 in nail bitter on Friday night.At one time in the fourth quarter, the Salthawks had four starters with four fouls each at the beginning of the fourth quarter, but Hutchinson was clinging to a 51-44 lead going into the final quarter. Taishaun Govan fouled out with 5:46 to play, then playmaker point-guard Terrell King fouled out less then 30 seconds later, plus Kepler was playing with four fouls as was Lamar Govain, but then the reserve players willed the Salthawks to the win. Kepler and Danny Boone came up with huge offensive rebounds as Kepler knocked down big free throws down the stretch as Derby had cut the lead to one. Lamar Govain played his best game as a varsity player to lead the Salthawks with two clutch charity tosses plus eight fourth quarter points as part of his team leading 23 points. Every Salthawk contributed as it took a great team effort to get a big win for Hutchinson on this Friday night in Derby.Next action for the Salthawks will be Monday night at the Salthawk Activity Center as the game previously scheduled for Tuesday, February 18th has been moved to the 17th due to a predicted winter storm set to hit the area on Tuesday of next week.Boys game versus Derby:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EHLXUSCtdPM?si=0VUZ4DaAde8fw3ru" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏀 Both Salthawk teams knock of No. 1 Derby in AVCTL sweep

AP Sports Summary for February 15th, 2025:

Cam Newton doubles down on saying Panthers had 'locker room of losers' prior to drafting him

Former Carolina star quarterback Cam Newton doubled down on recent comments that the Panthers had "a locker room of losers" before drafting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, saying his remarks were "aggressive" but "true." Newton says during Thursday's "4th and 1 with Cam Newton" podcast that he was referring to the team's performance as a whole and not individual players. Several former teammates, including star receiver Steve Smith Sr., took exception to comments Newton made during an appearance on a podcast featuring University of Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. He spoke about the pressures Hunter might face if he's drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.

Philadelphia turns green on Valentine's Day to celebrate Super Bowl champions

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles fans climbed trees and atop ladders to get a glimpse of their Super Bowl champion Eagles. Screams and cheers broke out Friday when MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the team's victory parade through the City of Brotherly Love. Fans camped out along the parade route overnight. Some huddled under blankets and inside tents early Friday to secure prime spots near the Philadelphia Museum of Art where the Eagles took the stage. Running back Saquon and other players hopped off the open-air buses to walk along the parade route and exchange high-fives with fans.

NASCAR draws stars to Daytona 500 with Trump, Captain America expected at 'Great American Race'

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It's NASCAR's turn to throw its version of the Super Bowl with Sunday's Daytona 500. The "Great American Race" has Captain America coming and maybe even President Donald Trump. The field is stacked with stars, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who at age 49 is making his NASCAR debut. The start of the race has been moved up an hour, to 1:30 p.m. Eastern, with the threat of rain later Sunday. Pitbull is scheduled to perform the pre-race concert after his appearance was canceled last year because of rain.

Davis Thompson leads by 1 over Scottie Scheffler with Rory McIlroy lurking at Torrey Pines

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Davis Thompson has the lead at the Genesis Invitational thanks to a birdie on the final hole for a 66. He's one shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler. The world's No. 1 player only hit five fairways and still managed a bogey-free 67 at Torrey Pines. Rory McIlroy is three shots out of the lead after a 67. Scheffler isn't used to spending so much time in the rough. But even after a round like that, he was a constant presence atop the leaderboard and was satisfied that his short game is coming back after a delayed start to the year.

Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Micky Arison, 'Redeem Team' among Hall of Fame finalists

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are one step closer to going into the Basketball Hall of Fame. If all goes well, they might get in twice. Anthony and Howard were among the finalists announced Friday by the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame for enshrinement as part of the class of 2025. They both made it as individuals — and for their roles on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team that won gold at the Beijing Games. The team also is now one step from induction. Other finalists include women's basketball greats Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore and Jennifer Azzi.

Race between Tyreek Hill vs. Noah Lyles moves one step closer. Distance, place and time still TBD

Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill moved one step closer to settling things on the track. When, where and at what distance? All still to be determined. The reigning 100-meter Olympic champion and the fleet-footed NFL receiver conducted a joint interview and trash-talk session with People magazine this week in which they seemed to point toward a showdown sometime, somewhere.

Left-hander Cole Ragans and Royals agree to $13.25 million, 3-year contract

SUPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — All-Star left-hander Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $13.25 million, three-year contract. Ragans gets a $250,000 signing bonus and salaries of $1 million this year, $4.5 million in 2026 and $7.5 million in 2027. His 2027 salary would escalate to $8 million if he wins a Cy Young Award in either 2025 or 2026. Ragans, 27, remains eligible for salary arbitration after the 2027 season and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series. Ragans was 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts last year with 223 strikeouts.

Strength in numbers: New Red Sox righty Walker Buehler sees club joining trend of Dodgers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Walker Buehler won a World Series last year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that's stocked with starting pitching. He left as a free agent for a $21.05 million, one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, a team also trying to loading up on starting arms. Before agreeing to terms with infielder Alex Bregman on Wednesday, most of Boston's offseason was spent bolstering its staff. The Red Sox acquired 25-year-old left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox and signed 28-year-old lefty Patrick Sandoval, who hopes to return from Tommy John surgery this summer.

Marcus Stroman reports to Yankees camp and insists he won't go to the bullpen

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Marcus Stroman has reported to New York Yankees spring training after missing the first two days of workouts and said he will refuse to pitch out of the bullpen. Stroman repeated "I'm a starter" seven times in a 13-second span and says: "I won't pitch in the bullpen." Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt are the Yankees' top five starters, and a bullpen role for Stroman appears possible if he isn't traded and the others don't get hurt. Stroman is due an $18 million salary in the second season of a $37 million, two-year contract.

Napheesa Collier takes home $200K and Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown, beating Aaliyah Edwards in final

MEDLEY, Fla. (AP) — Napheesa Collier of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx took home $200,000 after she beat Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final of Unrivaled's 1-on-1 tournament. Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler says the winner's check was the largest one-day prize in women's basketball history. Collier is a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and was a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament. She won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighth-seeded Edwards to become Unrivaled's first 1-on-1 champion. Collier's five Unrivaled teammates each received $10,000 from the tournament's $350,000 prize pool. Edwards got $50,000 for reaching the final.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

		South Carolina	at	(3)Florida	8:30 p.m.	

		(22)Mississippi St.	at	(19)Mississippi	6 p.m.	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, February 15th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, February 15th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for February 15th, 2025:Cam Newton doubles down on saying Panthers had 'locker room of losers' prior to drafting himFormer Carolina star quarterback Cam Newton doubled down on recent comments that the Panthers had "a locker room of losers" before drafting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, saying his remarks were "aggressive" but "true." Newton says during Thursday's "4th and 1 with Cam Newton" podcast that he was referring to the team's performance as a whole and not individual players. Several former teammates, including star receiver Steve Smith Sr., took exception to comments Newton made during an appearance on a podcast featuring University of Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. He spoke about the pressures Hunter might face if he's drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.Philadelphia turns green on Valentine's Day to celebrate Super Bowl championsPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles fans climbed trees and atop ladders to get a glimpse of their Super Bowl champion Eagles. Screams and cheers broke out Friday when MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the team's victory parade through the City of Brotherly Love. Fans camped out along the parade route overnight. Some huddled under blankets and inside tents early Friday to secure prime spots near the Philadelphia Museum of Art where the Eagles took the stage. Running back Saquon and other players hopped off the open-air buses to walk along the parade route and exchange high-fives with fans.NASCAR draws stars to Daytona 500 with Trump, Captain America expected at 'Great American Race'DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It's NASCAR's turn to throw its version of the Super Bowl with Sunday's Daytona 500. The "Great American Race" has Captain America coming and maybe even President Donald Trump. The field is stacked with stars, including four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who at age 49 is making his NASCAR debut. The start of the race has been moved up an hour, to 1:30 p.m. Eastern, with the threat of rain later Sunday. Pitbull is scheduled to perform the pre-race concert after his appearance was canceled last year because of rain.Davis Thompson leads by 1 over Scottie Scheffler with Rory McIlroy lurking at Torrey PinesSAN DIEGO (AP) — Davis Thompson has the lead at the Genesis Invitational thanks to a birdie on the final hole for a 66. He's one shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler. The world's No. 1 player only hit five fairways and still managed a bogey-free 67 at Torrey Pines. Rory McIlroy is three shots out of the lead after a 67. Scheffler isn't used to spending so much time in the rough. But even after a round like that, he was a constant presence atop the leaderboard and was satisfied that his short game is coming back after a delayed start to the year.Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Micky Arison, 'Redeem Team' among Hall of Fame finalistsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are one step closer to going into the Basketball Hall of Fame. If all goes well, they might get in twice. Anthony and Howard were among the finalists announced Friday by the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame for enshrinement as part of the class of 2025. They both made it as individuals — and for their roles on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team that won gold at the Beijing Games. The team also is now one step from induction. Other finalists include women's basketball greats Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore and Jennifer Azzi.Race between Tyreek Hill vs. Noah Lyles moves one step closer. Distance, place and time still TBDNoah Lyles and Tyreek Hill moved one step closer to settling things on the track. When, where and at what distance? All still to be determined. The reigning 100-meter Olympic champion and the fleet-footed NFL receiver conducted a joint interview and trash-talk session with People magazine this week in which they seemed to point toward a showdown sometime, somewhere.Left-hander Cole Ragans and Royals agree to $13.25 million, 3-year contractSUPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — All-Star left-hander Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $13.25 million, three-year contract. Ragans gets a $250,000 signing bonus and salaries of $1 million this year, $4.5 million in 2026 and $7.5 million in 2027. His 2027 salary would escalate to $8 million if he wins a Cy Young Award in either 2025 or 2026. Ragans, 27, remains eligible for salary arbitration after the 2027 season and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series. Ragans was 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts last year with 223 strikeouts.Strength in numbers: New Red Sox righty Walker Buehler sees club joining trend of DodgersFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Walker Buehler won a World Series last year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that's stocked with starting pitching. He left as a free agent for a $21.05 million, one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, a team also trying to loading up on starting arms. Before agreeing to terms with infielder Alex Bregman on Wednesday, most of Boston's offseason was spent bolstering its staff. The Red Sox acquired 25-year-old left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox and signed 28-year-old lefty Patrick Sandoval, who hopes to return from Tommy John surgery this summer.Marcus Stroman reports to Yankees camp and insists he won't go to the bullpenTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Marcus Stroman has reported to New York Yankees spring training after missing the first two days of workouts and said he will refuse to pitch out of the bullpen. Stroman repeated "I'm a starter" seven times in a 13-second span and says: "I won't pitch in the bullpen." Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt are the Yankees' top five starters, and a bullpen role for Stroman appears possible if he isn't traded and the others don't get hurt. Stroman is due an $18 million salary in the second season of a $37 million, two-year contract.Napheesa Collier takes home $200K and Unrivaled 1-on-1 crown, beating Aaliyah Edwards in finalMEDLEY, Fla. (AP) — Napheesa Collier of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx took home $200,000 after she beat Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards in the final of Unrivaled's 1-on-1 tournament. Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler says the winner's check was the largest one-day prize in women's basketball history. Collier is a co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and was a No. 1 seed in the 30-player tournament. She won the best-of-three series 2-1 over the eighth-seeded Edwards to become Unrivaled's first 1-on-1 champion. Collier's five Unrivaled teammates each received $10,000 from the tournament's $350,000 prize pool. Edwards got $50,000 for reaching the final.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Team	40	Team	34	Final	Team	40	Team	39	Final	Team	25	Team	14	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE		Finland	at	Sweden	1 p.m.			USA	at	Canada	8 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL		(1)Auburn	at	(2)Alabama	4 p.m.			Stanford	at	(3)Duke	4 p.m.			South Carolina	at	(3)Florida	8:30 p.m.			Vanderbilt	at	(5)Tennessee	1 p.m.			(6)Houston	at	(13)Arizona	2 p.m.			(16)Wisconsin	at	(7)Purdue	1 p.m.			Arkansas	at	(8)Texas A&amp;M	12 p.m.			Cincinnati	at	(10)Iowa St.	4 p.m.			(11)Michigan St.	at	Illinois	8 p.m.			(12)Texas Tech	at	Oklahoma St.	3 p.m.			(15)Kentucky	at	Texas	8 p.m.			(17)Kansas	at	Utah	10 p.m.			(22)Mississippi St.	at	(19)Mississippi	6 p.m.			(21)Missouri	at	Georgia	3:30 p.m.			(23)Clemson	at	Florida St.	12 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Saturday

St. Thomas Aquinas 69, St. James Academy 57

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard for Friday, February 14th, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard for Friday, February 14th, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Abilene 62, Rossville 51Andale 56, Rose Hill 21Andover 59, Andover Central 54Atchison 79, KC Harmon 38Augusta 55, Mulvane 52, OTAxtell 65, Blue Valley Randolph 50BV West 63, BV Northwest 60Baldwin 73, Wellsville 44Basehor-Linwood 71, KC Turner 28Beloit 56, Lyons 50Bennington 60, Wichita Classical 37Berean Academy 54, Hutchinson Trinity 30Blue Valley 43, BV North 40Burlington 64, Prairie View 32Caney Valley 84, Commerce, Okla. 44Central Plains 50, La Crosse 26Centralia 69, Linn 34Chanute 69, Labette County 48Clay Center 43, Wamego 42Colby 64, Cimarron 43El Dorado 55, Clearwater 42Ellinwood 79, Kinsley 39Ellsworth 42, Republic County 35Eureka 61, Bluestem 35Frankfort 51, Valley Heights 37Frontenac 57, Baxter Springs 30Galena 49, Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 40Garden Plain 52, Kingman 24Girard 68, Riverton 63Goodland 60, Ulysses 43Great Bend 69, Garden City 41Hanover 57, Doniphan West 31Haven 65, Halstead 55Hays 67, Liberal 30Herington 46, Goessel 43Hesston 64, Smoky Valley 19Hiawatha 68, St Marys 62Hillsboro 46, Council Grove 40Hoisington 61, Nickerson 35Holcomb 64, Hugoton 57, OTHumboldt 67, Cherryvale 34Hutchinson 67, Derby 63Jackson Heights 59, McLouth 56Jefferson West 53, Holton 46KC Bishop Ward 67, Heritage Christian 65KC Washington 60, KC Sumner 46Logan 84, Triplains-Brewster 26Lyndon 52, Central Heights 44Macksville 73, Bucklin 61Maize 86, Valley Center 64Maize South 57, Salina South 50Marysville 61, Chapman 34McPherson 80, Buhler 46Mill Valley 83, SM East 66Nemaha Central 72, Riley County 65, 2OTNewton 61, Goddard-Eisenhower 50Norton 60, Smith Center 48Norwich 53, Attica 29Oakley 56, Ellis 52Olathe Northwest 66, Lawrence 56Olathe West 57, Gardner-Edgerton 38Olpe 64, Osage City 39Osawatomie 51, Santa Fe Trail 47Ottawa 57, Bonner Springs 50Oxford 67, Howard West Elk 64Paola 54, Eudora 35Parsons 55, Pittsburg 53Pike Valley 61, Natoma 24Pretty Prairie 62, Fairfield 48Riverside 71, Troy 56Rock Creek 62, Concordia 29Rural Vista 62, Canton-Galva 47SM Northwest 81, SM West 49SM South 57, Lawrence Free State 30Sabetha 59, Perry-Lecompton 46Salina Central 59, Arkansas City 46Sedgwick 43, Marion 0Shawnee Heights 79, De Soto 55Silver Lake 61, Royal Valley 48South Gray 69, Southwestern Hts. 49Southeast of Saline 64, Minneapolis 38Spring Hill 57, Louisburg 41St. Thomas Aquinas 69, St. James Academy 57Stafford 57, Burrton 15Topeka 64, Manhattan 52Topeka Hayden 51, Emporia 37Topeka West 69, Leavenworth 46Trego 77, Russell 71, 2OTValley Falls 53, Oskaloosa 44Washburn Rural 64, Junction City 58Washington County 51, Onaga 49Wellington 56, Wichita Collegiate 39West Franklin 62, Northern Heights 39Wheatland-Grinnell 58, Cheylin 38Wichita Campus 56, Goddard 46Wichita Heights 62, Wichita East 47Wichita Northwest 67, Wichita Bishop Carroll 56Wichita Southeast 92, Wichita North 40Winfield 65, Circle 55Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Andale 42, Rose Hill 41Andover 67, Andover Central 27Atchison 52, KC Harmon 15Atchison County 57, Pleasant Ridge 54, OTAxtell 43, Blue Valley Randolph 30BV North 59, Blue Valley 45BV Northwest 55, BV West 22Baldwin 70, Wellsville 26Basehor-Linwood 62, KC Turner 13Bennington 55, Wichita Classical 43Berean Academy 50, Hutchinson Trinity 17Bluestem 67, Eureka 38Bonner Springs 45, Ottawa 40Bucklin 50, Macksville 32Buhler 60, McPherson 23Centralia 63, Linn 38Circle 48, Winfield 26Clearwater 56, El Dorado 30Coffeyville 64, Independence 38Colby 50, Cimarron 19Commerce, Okla. 52, Caney Valley 51Conway Springs 39, Belle Plaine 26De Soto 59, Shawnee Heights 49Ellinwood 59, Kinsley 24Ellsworth 57, Republic County 15Flinthills 52, Caldwell 25Frontenac 70, Baxter Springs 32Garden City 60, Great Bend 35Garden Plain 54, Kingman 50Girard 40, Riverton 25Goddard 37, Wichita Campus 26Goddard-Eisenhower 43, Newton 32Goessel 36, Herington 24Greeley County 58, Deerfield 24Halstead 51, Haven 34Hanover 57, Doniphan West 49Hays 65, Liberal 32Hesston 54, Smoky Valley 37Hillsboro 51, Council Grove 22Hodgeman County 48, Ingalls 29Hoisington 63, Nickerson 40Holcomb 55, Hugoton 46Holton 64, Jefferson West 33Hutchinson 58, Derby 54Hutchinson Central Christian 49, South Barber 23Jackson Heights 37, McLouth 30Jayhawk Linn 26, Southeast 20KC Piper 82, Lansing 33KC Sumner 68, KC Washington 25Kansas City Christian 53, Maranatha 40Kapaun Mount Carmel 65, Wichita West 14Larned 38, Pratt 31Leavenworth 58, Topeka West 53Lebo 56, Mission Valley 31Logan 54, Triplains-Brewster 19Lyndon 47, Central Heights 28Maize South 45, Salina South 34Marion 37, Sedgwick 20Marysville 27, Chapman 24Maur Hill - Mount Academy 39, Horton 33Meade 50, South Central 31Mill Valley 44, SM East 38Minneapolis 47, Southeast of Saline 35Mulvane 47, Augusta 39Norton 45, Smith Center 34Oakley 65, Ellis 34Olathe North 61, SM North 17Olathe Northwest 56, Lawrence 49Olathe South 61, Olathe East 34Olathe West 60, Gardner-Edgerton 34Osage City 54, Olpe 22Pawnee Heights 58, Minneola 38Phillipsburg 57, Hays-TMP-Marian 37Pike Valley 52, Natoma 29Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 64, Galena 27Quinter 80, Rawlins County 50Riley County 33, Nemaha Central 31, OTRock Creek 58, Concordia 39Rossville 38, Abilene 34Russell 48, Trego 30SM Northwest 66, SM West 16SM South 61, Lawrence Free State 25Sabetha 46, Perry-Lecompton 39Salina Central 46, Arkansas City 31Santa Fe Trail 65, Osawatomie 16Silver Lake 67, Royal Valley 34South Gray 61, Southwestern Hts. 41Spring Hill 72, Louisburg 62St Marys 59, Hiawatha 43St. James Academy 54, St. Thomas Aquinas 48Topeka 64, Manhattan 52Topeka Hayden 66, Emporia 25Troy 48, Riverside 31Ulysses 67, Goodland 43Valley Center 42, Maize 25Valley Heights 54, Frankfort 29Wakefield 35, Solomon 25Wallace County 60, St Francis 34Wamego 41, Clay Center 35Washburn Rural 71, Junction City 13Washington County 55, Onaga 46Wellington 71, Wichita Collegiate 15West Franklin def. Northern Heights, forfeitWheatland-Grinnell 50, Cheylin 46Wichita Bishop Carroll 72, Wichita Northwest 18Wichita County 67, Stanton County 42Wichita Southeast 73, Wichita North 34Wichita Trinity 51, Cheney 42

🏀 EAGLE Media Scoreboard from Friday, February 14th

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739593553707.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
LAKE CHARLES, La. &ndash;&nbsp;Wichita State mustered just one hit from the fourth inning on as the Shockers dropped the 2025 season opener to McNeese, 7-1 on Friday night at Joe Miller Ballpark. &nbsp; McNeese (1-0) got 5.0 innings of one-hit, one-run relief from Sergio Lopez and broke a 1-1 deadlock with six runs over the final four innings, highlighted by a three-run bottom of the seventh. &nbsp; The game was scoreless into the bottom of the third inning as Wichita State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-hamilton/9179" rel="smarttag" rev="9179" data-airgap-id="58">Brady Hamilton</a></dfn>&nbsp;and McNeese southpaw Alexis Gravel traded zeroes. A solo home run from Conner Westenburg in the bottom of the third got the Cowboys on the board first, but the Shockers answered back with a run of their own in the top of the fifth thanks to a two-out walk and three consecutive hit by pitches, the last of which from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/9185" rel="smarttag" rev="9185" data-airgap-id="59">Josh Livingston</a></dfn>&nbsp;forced home a run that knotted the score at 1-1. &nbsp; The Cowboys quickly retook the lead in the home half of the frame as Matt Stancliff sliced an RBI double to the gap in left-center field and two batters later Marcus Heusohn plated Stancliff with a run-scoring single of his own for a 3-1 advantage. &nbsp; The big blow came in the seventh when Mack Brousseau lined an opposite field, two-out, two-run double that swelled the lead to 5-1. A Wichita State throwing error tacked on another in the inning, then Stancliff provided the final tally with an eighth inning sacrifice fly. &nbsp; Wichita State (0-1) finished with just six hits on the night, with&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/9178" rel="smarttag" rev="9178" data-airgap-id="60">Jaden Gustafson's</a></dfn>&nbsp;ninth inning double the lone extra-base hit. &nbsp; Hamilton (0-1) was tagged with the loss, allowing three runs over 4.2 innings.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/drew-iverson/9182" rel="smarttag" rev="9182" data-airgap-id="61">Drew Iverson</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jeremiah-arnett/9174" rel="smarttag" rev="9174" data-airgap-id="62">Jeremiah Arnett</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/karsen-richard/9405" rel="smarttag" rev="9405" data-airgap-id="63">Karsen Richard</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-reynolds/9397" rel="smarttag" rev="9397" data-airgap-id="64">Owen Reynolds</a></dfn>&nbsp;also worked in relief out of the Shocker bullpen. &nbsp; The Shockers and Cowboys continue the series on Saturday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 am.</div>

⚾ Shockers stymied in season opener

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739636305661.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
Long Beach Calif. &ndash; In the first game of the Wilson Invitational at the LBSU Softball Complex in Long Beach, California, the Jayhawks faced Saint Mary's (Calif.), recording 10 hits and playing solid defense behind senior pitcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906" rel="smarttag" rev="6906" data-airgap-id="83">Katie Brooks</a></dfn>, who earned her first pitching win of the season.&nbsp;
"We were frustrated last weekend after coming so close in multiple games but missing key hits," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/jennifer-mcfalls/526" rel="smarttag" rev="526" data-airgap-id="84">Jennifer McFalls</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "The team worked hard this week to focus on timely hitting, and I was proud of the quality at-bats tonight. We're getting runners on but still leaving too many stranded. The good news is we're stringing together solid hits&mdash;we just need to capitalize on opportunities. I was especially proud of KB (<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906" rel="smarttag" rev="6906" data-airgap-id="85">Katie Brooks</a></dfn>)&nbsp; and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949" data-airgap-id="86">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>, who did a great job in the circle and will be a key part of our pitching staff moving forward."
The Jayhawks struck first in a bases-loaded, two-out situation as freshman outfielder&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-wallace/15856" rel="smarttag" rev="15856" data-airgap-id="87">Ava Wallace</a></dfn>&nbsp;battled through a long at-bat, working a full count before drawing a walk to bring&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/presley-limbaugh/6855" rel="smarttag" rev="6855" data-airgap-id="88">Presley Limbaugh</a></dfn>&nbsp;across the plate. SMC would answer back with a run of their own tying the game 1-1 before heading to the top of the second.&nbsp;
Although Saint Mary's responded with a run, Kansas quickly answered with three of their own. Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949" data-airgap-id="89">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;battled at the plate and drew a walk, allowing&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emma-tatum/6927" rel="smarttag" rev="6927" data-airgap-id="90">Emma Tatum</a></dfn>&nbsp;to cross home.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977" rel="smarttag" rev="6977" data-airgap-id="91">Hailey Cripe</a></dfn>&nbsp;then delivered a hard-hit ball to shortstop, bringing in two more runs and extending the Jayhawks' lead to 4-1.
Kansas' defense remained solid, holding SMC scoreless with three shutout innings, including back-to-back three-up, three-down frames, keeping them off the bases heading into the sixth.The Jayhawks found one more run from a Linduff RBI bringing across Limbaugh.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Saint Mary's (Calif.) cut into Kansas' lead in the bottom of the sixth, making it a 5-3 game entering the seventh. However, the Jayhawks stayed composed, locking in defensively during SMC's final at-bat. A groundout to first secured the final out, sealing a 5-3 victory and Kansas' second win of the season.&nbsp;
Pitchers of Record&nbsp;
Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906" rel="smarttag" rev="6906" data-airgap-id="92">Katie Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;
Final Line: IP: 6.0, H: 5, R: 3, BB: 1, SO: 0
Save:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949" data-airgap-id="93">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;
Final Line: IP: 1, H: 1, R: 0, BB: 0, SO: 1
Loss: Avery Wolverton
Final Line: IP: 1.1, H: 2, R: 3, BB: 3, SO, 0
UP NEXT Kansas returns to action tomorrow night at the LBSU Softball Complex in Long Beach, Calif., with first pitch set for 9 p.m. CT. Fans can stay updated throughout the game by following the official softball&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/KUSoftball">X</a>&nbsp;(Twitter) account or via the live stats link&nbsp;<a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=582535">here</a>.</div>

🥎 Jayhawks power past Saint Mary's

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739636190366.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball put together a five-run 10th inning to lift the Jayhawks to an 8-5 victory against Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi in the season opener on Friday night at Whataburger Field.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="79">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>, a senior transfer&nbsp;from&nbsp;East Tennessee State, delivered a go-ahead, two-run double in the 10th inning with the bases loaded to give KU the lead. &nbsp; Big 12 Preseason Pitcher of the Year&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/136" rel="smarttag" rev="136" data-airgap-id="80">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp;tossed six innings and allowed two runs while walking one and striking out seven. Voegele allowed a run in each of the first couple innings before finishing his outing with four scoreless frames. Sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147" data-airgap-id="81">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>, junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146" data-airgap-id="82">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>, senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="83">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;and graduate&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155" data-airgap-id="84">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;all had two hits in their Jayhawk debuts. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Kansas (1-0) trailed early in the game after a run in the first and second innings by Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi gave the Islanders a 2-0 lead. Jackson Smith had an RBI single in the first and Jarrett Flaggert hit a solo home run in the second. &bull; Kansas threatened in the third inning by loading the bases with two outs. Osoria, a junior transfer from&nbsp;Western Oklahoma State College, came up with a big at-bat in his Jayhawks debut and took a 1-2 pitch up the middle with the bases loaded&nbsp;to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/130" rel="smarttag" rev="130" data-airgap-id="85">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147" data-airgap-id="86">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>. That tied the game up at 2-2. &bull; The Jayhawks pulled ahead in the sixth inning with an RBI single by senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135" data-airgap-id="87">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/chase-diggins/132" rel="smarttag" rev="132" data-airgap-id="88">Chase Diggins</a></dfn>. The hit was the first of Counsell's Jayhawks career and gave Kansas a 3-2 lead. &bull; Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi (0-1) battled back to tie it in the bottom of the eighth as a throwing error on an attempted steal at second base allowed the runner at third to come home. &bull; Kansas was able to string together their best offensive inning of the night in the 10th, when the Jayhawks rallied to score five runs. Three consecutive singles by Osoria, Diggins and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/mike-koszewski/127" rel="smarttag" rev="127" data-airgap-id="89">Mike Koszewski</a></dfn>&nbsp;set up Kansas with the bases loaded and no outs. Barth had his go-ahead, two-run double to make it 5-3. Then,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/130" rel="smarttag" rev="130" data-airgap-id="90">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit a sacrifice fly and Hauge had a two-run, ground-rule double to make it 8-3. &bull; The Islanders picked up two runs in the bottom of the 10th on wild pitches to end the game at 8-5. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/malakai-vetock/16142" rel="smarttag" rev="16142" data-airgap-id="91">Malakai Vetock</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-0) Final line: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 SO Loss: Cam Soliz (0-1) Final line: 3.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 SO Save:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jake-cubbler/16153" rel="smarttag" rev="16153" data-airgap-id="92">Jake Cubbler</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1) Final line: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO &nbsp; PLAYER OF THE GAME <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/136" rel="smarttag" rev="136" data-airgap-id="93">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>: After allowing a run in the first and second innings, Voegele battled to throw four scoreless innings after that. He had seven strikeouts in his six innings of work and only allowed one walk. His strong start on the mound kept the club in the game as hits were hard to come by early. &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1890592048933183836&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F2%2F14%2Fbaseball-kansas-claims-season-opener-with-8-5-victory-in-extras.aspx&amp;sessionId=5c8802b9fccce851422dbf0eebae2e92db6f089a&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1890592048933183836"></iframe></div>
 QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "I'm super proud of how we competed. It was ugly. I can't remember the exact quote that Coach Self had a couple weeks ago about playing in the mud, but it was not clean baseball tonight. It's all correctable stuff and all stuff that happens on opening night from time-to-time. In the big picture there are a billion things to get better at, but I was super pleased with how locked in the guys were, how well they competed and what great teammates they were tonight." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/1" rel="smarttag" rev="1" data-airgap-id="95">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "In that situation, I'm just trying to see the ball up and get something to hit and drive it to the outfield. It felt awesome. It was my first game with the Jayhawks and we're already clicking very well. I'm super excited for the rest of the year." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141" data-airgap-id="96">Tommy Barth</a></dfn> &nbsp; "I felt pretty good today. I started off a little slow, but once I found my stuff it was pretty easy to get rolling. I just trusted the guys behind me and Max (Soliz Jr.) behind the plate. Then, the offense came through late." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/136" rel="smarttag" rev="136" data-airgap-id="97">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas is now 21-8 in season openers since joining the Big 12 Conference prior to the start of the 1997 season. The Jayhawks are 2-1 in season openers under Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/1" rel="smarttag" rev="1" data-airgap-id="98">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn>. &bull; Kansas had 13 players make their Jayhawks debut. &bull; Kansas improved to 7-4 all-time at Whataburger Field. &bull; Kansas drew 10 walks offensively. &bull; Kansas pitching had 10 strikeouts. &bull; Ballinger, Barth, Hauge and Osoria, all had two hits in their Jayhawk debuts. Barth, Hauge and Osoria each also had two RBIs. &bull; Vetock earned his first win as a Jayhawk. &bull; Cubbler was credited with his first save as a Jayhawk. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas and Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi will play game two of the four-game series on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT at Whatburger Field. The game will be broadcast on FloCollege and live audio will be available on the Jayhawk Sports Network.</div>

⚾ KU wins season opener in extras

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Friday, Feb. 14 (Hutch Post Area Girls Finals)
Hutch High 58, Derby 54
Buhler 60, McPherson 23
Central Christian School 49, South Barber 23
Halstead 51, Haven 34
Hesston 54, Smoky Valley 37
Moundridge 48, Inman 32
Beloit 55, Lyons 27
Hoisington 63, Nickerson 40
Remington 57, Sterling 28
&nbsp;
Friday, Feb. 14 (Hutch Post Area Boys Finals)
Hutch High 67, Derby 63
McPherson 80, Buhler 46
Central Christian School 41, South Barber 29
Berean Academy 54, Trinity Catholic 30
Haven 68, Halstead 55
Hesston 64, Smoky Valley 19
Moundridge 66, Inman 26
Beloit 56, Lyons 50
Hoisington 61, Nickerson 35
Sterling 78, Remington 54
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;</div>

🏀 Hutch Post Area scoreboard for Friday, Feb. 14

SUPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — All-Star left-hander Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals agreed Friday to a $13.25 million, three-year contract.

Ragans gets a $250,000 signing bonus and salaries of $1 million this year, $4.5 million in 2026 and $7.5 million in 2027. His 2027 salary would escalate to $8 million if he wins a Cy Young Award in either 2025 or 2026.

Ragans, 27, remains eligible for salary arbitration after the 2027 season and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series.

“He earned this contract through his hard work, perseverance and professionalism,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “He’s been an outstanding performer for us at a young age and his success is motivating to us moving forward.”

Ragans was 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts last year with 223 strikeouts and 67 walks in 186 1/3 innings. He led AL qualified pitchers with an average of 10.77 strikeouts per nine innings and finished fourth in Cy Young voting.

He is 18-17 with a 3.46 ERA is 53 starts and 17 relief appearances over four seasons, including 16-11 with a 3.00 ERA in 44 starts since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aroldis-chapman-rangers-royals-trade-92d567adbd54f6fc838a6c0a57a13366">Kansas City acquired him from Texas</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2023, for reliever Aroldis Chapman, who helped the Rangers win their first World Series title that fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716411828410.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>SUPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — All-Star left-hander Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals agreed Friday to a $13.25 million, three-year contract.Ragans gets a $250,000 signing bonus and salaries of $1 million this year, $4.5 million in 2026 and $7.5 million in 2027. His 2027 salary would escalate to $8 million if he wins a Cy Young Award in either 2025 or 2026.Ragans, 27, remains eligible for salary arbitration after the 2027 season and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series.“He earned this contract through his hard work, perseverance and professionalism,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “He’s been an outstanding performer for us at a young age and his success is motivating to us moving forward.”Ragans was 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts last year with 223 strikeouts and 67 walks in 186 1/3 innings. He led AL qualified pitchers with an average of 10.77 strikeouts per nine innings and finished fourth in Cy Young voting.He is 18-17 with a 3.46 ERA is 53 starts and 17 relief appearances over four seasons, including 16-11 with a 3.00 ERA in 44 starts since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aroldis-chapman-rangers-royals-trade-92d567adbd54f6fc838a6c0a57a13366">Kansas City acquired him from Texas</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2023, for reliever Aroldis Chapman, who helped the Rangers win their first World Series title that fall.

⚾ LHP Cole Ragans and Royals agree to $13.25 million, 3-year contract

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739589533327.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
CLEARWATER, Fla. &ndash;&nbsp;A seventh-inning rally for the Wichita State softball team wasn't enough as they lost in walk-off fashion to San Diego State, 4-3, on Friday evening at Eddie C. Moore Complex. &nbsp; The Shockers have now dropped their first three games of the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational. &nbsp; In the top of the first, the Shockers worked the bases loaded via a single, an SDSU error and a hit by pitch but were unable to bring anybody home in the opening frame. &nbsp; After no score through the first two innings,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318" data-airgap-id="60">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;broke through with a no-doubt, solo home run to left-center to open the scoring and give WSU a 1-0 lead. &nbsp; Wichita State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/9310" rel="smarttag" rev="9310" data-airgap-id="61">Chloe Barber</a></dfn>&nbsp;kept the Aztec batters in check through the first four innings, only allowing one runner to move into scoring position in that time.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Aztecs finally broke through against the Lino Lakes, Minn., native in the bottom of the fifth, dragging a run across with a two-out infield single to tie the game at 1-1. &nbsp; An inning later, SDSU took its first lead of the game by ripping an RBI double down the right field line to take a 2-1 lead. The Aztecs went on to double the lead to 3-1 with an RBI single, meaning the Shockers would need two runs in the top of the seventh to extend the game. &nbsp; In the seventh, the Shockers would strike, scoring two runs in a hurry to tie the game at 3-3. With runners at the corners,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314" data-airgap-id="62">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;snuck on base via an error, allowing&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315" data-airgap-id="63">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;to run home, making it 3-2. Then,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323" data-airgap-id="64">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;played hero ball in the seventh, smashing an RBI double to right-center, bringing&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322" data-airgap-id="65">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;home to tie the game at 3-3. &nbsp; Despite the rally from WSU, SDSU would fire off three straight singles in the bottom of the seventh, bringing in the winning run to take the win on a walk-off, 4-3. &nbsp; Barber (2-2) threw the complete 6.0 innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits, three walks and five strikeouts. &nbsp; Eck was 2-for-2 to lead the Shockers at the plate. Five other Shockers recorded a hit, but eight runners left on base came back to haunt them. &nbsp; Next Up The Shockers play their final two games in Clearwater on Saturday, the first against the Liberty Flames at 2:00 PM CT and the second against #8/9 Florida State at 7:00 PM CT.</div>

🥎 Wichita State walked off by San Diego State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739589404044.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
&nbsp;
CONWAY, S.C. &ndash;&nbsp;Nine strikeouts and six shutout innings from Washington's Max Banks spearheaded the Huskies to a 9-2 victory Friday afternoon in the season opener at Vrooman Field at Springs Brooks Stadium. The Huskies (1-0) used seven hits, that included a pair of home runs backed the right-handed starter. Banks (1-0), a Division III transfer, held the Cats to two hits in his six innings to pick up his first victory with Washington. "The game started poorly for us," seventh-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2461" rel="smarttag" rev="2461">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>&nbsp;stated. "We immediately set a bad tone for that game. We won't beat anyone if we give away 13 free bases. The positive is that our guys are good players, and I don't think we can play any worse." In the ninth, K-State (0-1) ended the shutout with back-to-back hits from newcomers&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-evasco/12312" rel="smarttag" rev="12312">AJ Evasco</a></dfn>. O'Connor singled through the left side to plate the Cats' first run of the season before Evasco delivered a pinch-hit double down the right field line in his first collegiate at bat. "We were able to build momentum and get the bats going in the last inning and, hopefully, that carries over to tomorrow. I also thought our bullpen pitched well enough to give us a chance to climb back into the game, but unfortunately, we couldn't make it happen," Hughes added. "Credit to Washington's starter and their strong defense for nine innings." K-State starting pitcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/11475" rel="smarttag" rev="11475">Ty Ruhl</a></dfn>&nbsp;(0-1) suffered the loss after surrendering three runs (two earned) on one hit with three walks and three strikeouts. Four relievers for the Wildcats allowed four earned runs and combined for eight strikeouts, led by five from newcomer&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tanner-duke/12334" rel="smarttag" rev="12334">Tanner Duke</a></dfn>. A total of six different Wildcats registered a hit on Opening Day, with Evasco accounting for K-State's lone extra-base hit. HOW IT HAPPENED Leadoff Sam DeCarlo singled into left, avoiding the diving efforts of O'Connor, before the shortstop came around the bases on a throwing error and sacrifice fly. A wild pitch plated the second run of the inning.&nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-frost/11523" rel="smarttag" rev="11523">Jacob Frost</a></dfn>&nbsp;relieved Ruhl in the second, inheriting a bases loaded jam and walked in a run against the first batter he faced to make it 3-0. The lefty locked in and retired four straight batters, including three strikeouts, to help retire the Huskies in order in the third. K-State's best look to jump on the board early came in the next inning with Inoue's single up the middle before the junior shortstop advanced to second on a failed pickoff attempt. Washington extended its lead with homers by third baseman Trevor Kole and right fielder Malakhi Knight. Down 9-0, the Cats registered four hits in the final inning to snap the shutout.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/11469" rel="smarttag" rev="11469">Kyan Lodice</a></dfn>&nbsp;went back-to-back with a pair of singles, until Kennedy scored on a single through the left side by O'Connor. With runners on first and second, Evasco stepped in as a pinch hitter and laced a double down the right field line to score Lodice. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored two earned runs on six hits with two errors.</li>
<li>Six different players registered a hit, with Evasco produced the only extra-base hit with his pinch-hit double in the ninth.</li>
<li>Ruhl (0-1) was credited with the loss &ndash; logging 1 1/3 innings with three runs (two earned) on one hit, three walks, three strikeouts and two hit by pitches.</li>
<li>Washington plated nine runs on seven hits with one error committed.</li>
<li>Banks (1-0) logged six shutout innings to pick up the win with nine strikeouts while Emanuels earned the save.</li>
<li>The Cats hit .194 (6-for-31) while going 2-for-8 (.250) with runners in scoring position.</li>
<li>UW hit .219 (7-for-32) and were 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position and plated three runs with two outs.</li>
<li>The Huskies' Kole and Knight each homered.</li>
<li>K-State's pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts, led by five from Duke.</li>
</ul>
NOTES
<ul>
<li>Eight of the 15 players who saw the field on opening day made their K-State debuts, while Evasco appeared in his first collegiate game.</li>
<li>Washington leads the all-time series 7-1 with a five-game winning streak.</li>
<li>K-State moves to 162-207 all-time against Big Ten schools.</li>
<li>Friday marked the first time the Cats opened against a Big Ten opponent since 2017 vs. Ohio State (L, 6-3).</li>
<li>For the 21st&nbsp;consecutive year, K-State opened its season on the road.</li>
<li>K-State moves to 3-7 in the season openers over the last 10 years and 15-11 since 2000.</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT K-State continues the Baseball at the Beach on Saturday against tournament host Coastal Carolina with first pitch scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. Saturday's contest will be streamed on ESPN+, while fans can listen on K-StateSports.com/watch or follow live stats via online or social media.</div>

⚾ Cats drop season opener to Washington

LAKE CHARLES, La. --Due to forecasted inclement weather on Saturday, Wichita State and McNeese will play game two of their series on Saturday beginning at 11 am CT. The game was originally scheduled for 2:00 pm CT. Friday's series opener remains on as scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739567733888.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsLAKE CHARLES, La. --Due to forecasted inclement weather on Saturday, Wichita State and McNeese will play game two of their series on Saturday beginning at 11 am CT. The game was originally scheduled for 2:00 pm CT. Friday's series opener remains on as scheduled.