The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches released their first rankings of the 2025 season. There are six area teams ranked in their respective classifications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712613050526.jpeg" alt="KABC" />
 <figcaption>KABC</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches released their first rankings of the 2025 season. There are six area teams ranked in their respective classifications.<div><table id="theTable" class="footable table outerBorder footable-1 breakpoint-small" dir="auto" data-paging="false" data-cascade="true" data-filter-min="3" data-paging-size="5" data-useparentwidth="true" data-filter-container="#filterBox" data-filter-connectors="false" data-use-parent-width="false" data-sorting="false" data-filtering="false" data-filter-filters="[]" data-filter-placeholder="Search" data-filter-position="right" data-show-header="true">
<tbody>
<tr class="footableEven">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">#</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">CLASS 6A</td>
<td class="wixColumns">CLASS 5A</td>
<td class="wixColumns">CLASS 4A</td>
<td class="wixColumns">CLASS 3A</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">CLASS 2-1A</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableOdd">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">1</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">SM East&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">ST Thomas Aquinas&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">St George-Rock Creek&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Wichita Trinity&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Pittsburg-St Mary's Colgan&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableEven">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">2</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Olathe West&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Blue Valley SW&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Topeka Hayden&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Bishop Ward&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Hays-TMP Marion&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableOdd">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">3</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Blue Valley &nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Spring Hill&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">McPherson&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Frontenac&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Medicine Lodge&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableEven">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">4</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Lawrence Free State&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Great Bend&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Paola&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Haven&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Colony Crest&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableOdd">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">5</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Blue Valley West&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Topeka Seaman&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Mulvane&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Hesston&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Valley Falls &nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableEven">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">6</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Mill Valley&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Shawnee Heights&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Pratt&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Silver Lake&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Sedgwick&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableOdd">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">7</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Olathe East&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Bishop Carroll&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Fort Scott&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Wichita Collegiate&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Eskridge-Mission Valley&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableEven">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">8</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Maize&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Maize South&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Louisburg&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Hoisington&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Belleville-Republic County&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableOdd">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">9</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Manhattan&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Goddard- Eisenhower&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Wakefield-Clay Center&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Sante Fe Trail&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Moundridge&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr class="footableEven">
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">10</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-first-visible">Blue Valley North&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Desoto&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns">Sabetha&nbsp;</td>
<td class="wixColumns footable-last-visible">Salina-Sacred Heart&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

⚾ KABC releases first rankings of high school season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a><div><h2>Monday,&nbsp;March 31</h2>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Tuesday,&nbsp;April 1</h2>
&nbsp;
<h2>Wednesday,&nbsp;April 2</h2>
&nbsp;
Royals at Brewers - 6 p.m. pregame, 6:40 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday,&nbsp;April 3</h2>
Reno County Coaches Show &amp; More - 6 p.m. (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday,&nbsp;April 4</h2>
&nbsp;
Hutch High baseball vs. Andover - 4 p.m. &amp; 6 p.m. (HutchPost.com)
Royals vs. Orioles - 6 p.m. pregame, 6:40 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday,&nbsp;April 5</h2>
Royals vs. Orioles - 2:30 p.m. pregame, 3:10 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Sunday,&nbsp;April 6</h2>
Royals vs. Orioles - 12:30 p.m. pregame, 1:10 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)</div>

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (March 31-April 6)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - You could sense that the tank was running on empty mid-way through the second half of the NJCAA Championship game Saturday afternoon at the Sports Arena. Bot that didn't take away from a very successful season and run in Hutchinson for the young, Cowboy team, that seemed to have a special purpose.

The Connors State warmups read “This one’s for Momma Muse” and that mantra was the rallying cry for three months.

Connors became the Cardiac Cowboys at the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championships this past week but saw the ultimate dream escape in the title game with a 69-61 loss to Trinity Valley,Texas, Community College on Saturday in Hutchinson, Kansas. But what a run by the Cowboys.

Fueled by the unexpected December death of Connie Muse, wife of head coach Bill Muse, mother to assistant coach Bill Muse Jr. and the mother hen of Connors basketball for 33 years, this team put their grieving coaches on their shoulders. This was a team that featured 11 new players with no returners but found a higher purpose to come together and breeze through the conference and Region 2 tournament to give the elder Muse his 17th trip to the JUCO nationals.

Despite their 25-3 regular season record, the Cowboys were never ranked in the top 25 during the season and drew the 17th seed in the tournament. The first game was against 16th seeded John A Logan (IL) College. And this is where the fun begins.

The Cowboys trailed late in the game but went on a 19-5 run over the last six minutes and still trailed by 10 with 5:24 to play. Freshman Jermiah Johnson had three steals, five free throws and a tip-in in the final three minutes and DJ Dormu, who earned the Bud Obee Small Player of the Tournament Award, hit four charities in the last five seconds to seal an 80-75 win. Dormu had 25 points and big man Ed Daniels, who along with Dormu was named to the All-Tournament Team, recorded his first of five double doubles with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

The next game was against top-seeded and number one ranked Snow (UT) College and will be remembered for Dormu’s Immaculate Connection. The Cowboys started slow, but grabbed the lead at halftime and led most of the second half until Snow managed the first of four ties and seven lead changes in the final eight minutes. With the final tie at 60-all, the Badgers Mark Brown hit a pair of free throws with five seconds left for what looked like would be a Snow win. But Dormu got the ball just across mid-court and launched a 30-foot prayer at the buzzer that found nothing but net, and the Cowboys again pumped up the blood pressure with a 63-62 win. The Washington D.C. prep school product finished with 22 points and five assists while Daniel had 13 points and 18 rebounds.

The quarterfinal game against eighth seeded Daytona (Fl) State again saw Connors come from behind with a 14-0 run over the last three-and-a half minutes capped by a game-tying 3-pointer by Dormu with :38 left. Daniel hit the game-winning free throw with seven seconds left and grabbed a rebound off a missed charity to secure a 66-65 victory. The Cardiac Cowboys rally again.

After a day off, the Cowboys played South Plains, Texas, College in the semifinals. This looked like it would be an easier game as Connors played well and the Texans struggled from the field with the Cowboys owning a 40-28 lead at the half. But South Plains took advantage of a 27-7 gap in second chance points to stay close and eventually made it 67-63 with 4:52 to play. Connors stretched it back out to 11 on a trey by Dormu with 3:26 left and the Texans would get no closer than five the rest of the way as Connors won 80-74.

Playing their fifth game of the tournament compared to just four for Trinity Valley, the Cowboys just ran out of gas in the second half scoring just 29 points as the seventh-seeded Cardinals played tough defense against Dormu limiting him to 16 points on 7-of-23 shooting while Daniel had 12 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out late.

As comedian Rodney Dangerfield used to complain “I just get no respect”, the Connors State Cowboys could make the same claim for the second year in a row with no ranking and low seeding. But this time they had a mission and surely some divine help from Momma Muse to gain that respect and send Papa Muse to his first ever championship game in what had to be the most challenging and maybe rewarding season of his long coaching career.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743501721706.jpeg" alt="Connors State vs Trinity Valley battle for NJCAA Title" />
 <figcaption>Connors State vs Trinity Valley battle for NJCAA Title</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - You could sense that the tank was running on empty mid-way through the second half of the NJCAA Championship game Saturday afternoon at the Sports Arena. Bot that didn't take away from a very successful season and run in Hutchinson for the young, Cowboy team, that seemed to have a special purpose.The Connors State warmups read “This one’s for Momma Muse” and that mantra was the rallying cry for three months.Connors became the Cardiac Cowboys at the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championships this past week but saw the ultimate dream escape in the title game with a 69-61 loss to Trinity Valley,Texas, Community College on Saturday in Hutchinson, Kansas. But what a run by the Cowboys.Fueled by the unexpected December death of Connie Muse, wife of head coach Bill Muse, mother to assistant coach Bill Muse Jr. and the mother hen of Connors basketball for 33 years, this team put their grieving coaches on their shoulders. This was a team that featured 11 new players with no returners but found a higher purpose to come together and breeze through the conference and Region 2 tournament to give the elder Muse his 17th trip to the JUCO nationals.Despite their 25-3 regular season record, the Cowboys were never ranked in the top 25 during the season and drew the 17th seed in the tournament. The first game was against 16th seeded John A Logan (IL) College. And this is where the fun begins.The Cowboys trailed late in the game but went on a 19-5 run over the last six minutes and still trailed by 10 with 5:24 to play. Freshman Jermiah Johnson had three steals, five free throws and a tip-in in the final three minutes and DJ Dormu, who earned the Bud Obee Small Player of the Tournament Award, hit four charities in the last five seconds to seal an 80-75 win. Dormu had 25 points and big man Ed Daniels, who along with Dormu was named to the All-Tournament Team, recorded his first of five double doubles with 21 points and 15 rebounds.The next game was against top-seeded and number one ranked Snow (UT) College and will be remembered for Dormu’s Immaculate Connection. The Cowboys started slow, but grabbed the lead at halftime and led most of the second half until Snow managed the first of four ties and seven lead changes in the final eight minutes. With the final tie at 60-all, the Badgers Mark Brown hit a pair of free throws with five seconds left for what looked like would be a Snow win. But Dormu got the ball just across mid-court and launched a 30-foot prayer at the buzzer that found nothing but net, and the Cowboys again pumped up the blood pressure with a 63-62 win. The Washington D.C. prep school product finished with 22 points and five assists while Daniel had 13 points and 18 rebounds.The quarterfinal game against eighth seeded Daytona (Fl) State again saw Connors come from behind with a 14-0 run over the last three-and-a half minutes capped by a game-tying 3-pointer by Dormu with :38 left. Daniel hit the game-winning free throw with seven seconds left and grabbed a rebound off a missed charity to secure a 66-65 victory. The Cardiac Cowboys rally again.After a day off, the Cowboys played South Plains, Texas, College in the semifinals. This looked like it would be an easier game as Connors played well and the Texans struggled from the field with the Cowboys owning a 40-28 lead at the half. But South Plains took advantage of a 27-7 gap in second chance points to stay close and eventually made it 67-63 with 4:52 to play. Connors stretched it back out to 11 on a trey by Dormu with 3:26 left and the Texans would get no closer than five the rest of the way as Connors won 80-74.Playing their fifth game of the tournament compared to just four for Trinity Valley, the Cowboys just ran out of gas in the second half scoring just 29 points as the seventh-seeded Cardinals played tough defense against Dormu limiting him to 16 points on 7-of-23 shooting while Daniel had 12 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out late.As comedian Rodney Dangerfield used to complain “I just get no respect”, the Connors State Cowboys could make the same claim for the second year in a row with no ranking and low seeding. But this time they had a mission and surely some divine help from Momma Muse to gain that respect and send Papa Muse to his first ever championship game in what had to be the most challenging and maybe rewarding season of his long coaching career.

🏀 Connors State just ran out of gas in NJCAA title game, but what a run it was

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743385114446.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State twice trimmed a seven-run deficit down to one but could never fully erase the margin, falling to UAB 11-9 in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Eck Stadium.
The Shockers (10-17, 3-3) even had the potential winning run on base in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with nobody out against UAB reliever Braxton Shelton. But Shelton struck out Jordan Black for the first out and then got Gannon Snyder to hit a hard comebacker which resulted in a game-ending 1-2-3 double play for Shelton's second save of the season.
Wichita State dug themselves an early hole by allowing seven runs over the first two innings. Two WSU errors contributed to three unearned runs during the barrage against Shockers starter Brady Hamilton (1-3), who settled down to work through the third and fourth innings with no damage.
The Shockers began to chip away in the third. Mauricio Millan ripped his first career triple down the left field line, scoring two to get WSU on the board. Josh Livingston singled him home and Jordan Rogers kicked off a huge day offensively with a run-scoring double, inching the Shockers within 7-4.
Rogers then homered in the bottom of the sixth, an opposite-field bullet that scraped over the wall in right to trim the UAB lead to 7-6.
UAB (16-12, 2-4) restored some semblance of order with a two-run homer from Camden Hayslip in the top of the seventh, but the Shockers got the two runs right back in the bottom of the inning on a Blazers throwing error and Rogers RBI single.
Once again UAB pushed the advantage out to three in the top of the ninth, scoring twice via a Gavin Lewis Jr. RBI triple followed by a squeeze bunt. The Shockers made one last surge in the bottom of the ninth, putting their first four runners on including a Rogers RBI single, but Shelton escaped the jam to salvage the series finale.
Rogers finished with four hits and five RBI while Hayslip drove in four to lead UAB. Brendan Conner (1-1) picked up the win in relief, allowing two earned runs over three innings.
The Shockers are back in action on Wednesday night against Kansas State. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.</div>

⚾ Shocker rally comes up short in loss to Blazers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743384991205.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;The series finale between Wichita State and South Florida finished in a 7-7 tie due to the drop dead time set before the game of 3:10 p.m. It's the first game to end in a tie for Wichita State (17-17-1, 5-6-1) since April 18, 2021 when the Shockers and UCF Knights finished in a 0-0 tie. South Florida scored five runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 7. After a scoreless bottom of the seventh for Wichita State, the game went into extra innings, but because the drop dead time was reached before the top of the eighth ended, the game ended in a 7-7 tie. The bottom of the order produced nearly all of the offensive output for the Shockers on Sunday, recording eight of the nine hits and driving in all seven runs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312" rel="smarttag" rev="9312">Sami Hood</a></dfn>&nbsp;both finished with three-hit days, while Hood added three RBIs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove in three runs to go with a single. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;was one out away from tossing a complete game, but was pulled after allowing a two-run and three-run home run in the top of the seventh. She went 6.2 innings, allowing seven runs on 10 hits and seven walks. South Florida opened the scoring on a two-out, solo home run in the top of the second. Wichita State immediately answered with a run in the home half on Hood's RBI double. After the Bulls regained the lead 2-1 in the top of the third, Wichita State put four runs on the board in the bottom half to take a 5-2 lead. Scott drove in a pair on a single up the middle and then Hood and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded an RBI apiece. In the bottom of the fifth, Wichita State added two insurance runs on a Scott RBI groundout and Hood fielder's choice to make it 7-2. After a double play put the Shockers one out away from a series win, the Bulls responded with a two-run shot to make it 7-4. Back-to-back walks set the stage for DaNia Brooks who crushed a 2-0 pitch over the wall in left to complete the comeback, tying the game at 7. Up Next Wichita State travels to Birmingham for a weekend series against UAB, April 4-6.</div>

🥎 Shockers and Bulls series finale ends in tie

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743384913783.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;K-State completed the series sweep of Texas Tech on Sunday afternoon, as&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/shintaro-inoue/12311" rel="smarttag" rev="12311">Shintaro Inoue's</a></dfn>&nbsp;two-run walk-off single lifted the Wildcats to a 5-4 victory at Tointon Family Stadium. "I love seeing our kids play at a high level and pressure situation," stated head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>&nbsp;on his team's third Big 12 series win of the year. "The greatest thing a coach can do is watch that. It means they're prepared, they have confidence in their preparation, and they have a strong foundation. So that was awesome." The Wildcats (19-8, 8-1 Big 12) trailed 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Catcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;doubled to right field before a hit by pitch and clutch RBI-single from pinch hitter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/sam-flores/12310" rel="smarttag" rev="12310">Sam Flores</a></dfn>&nbsp;brought the game within one. <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dee-kennedy/12308" rel="smarttag" rev="12308">Dee Kennedy</a></dfn>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to load the bases and force TTU (8-16, 4-5 Big 12) to make a call to the bullpen. With no outs and bases loaded, Inoue laced a 2-2 pitch pass the diving efforts of the Red Raiders' second baseman to plate the tying- and game-winning runs, handing Wildcats their 10th&nbsp;consecutive victory at home. "Our bullpen really saved the day, specifically our two seniors,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/12303" rel="smarttag" rev="12303">Ty Ruhl</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jj-slack/12304" rel="smarttag" rev="12304">JJ Slack</a></dfn>. I'm just happy for guys like&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/sam-flores/12310" rel="smarttag" rev="12310">Sam Flores</a></dfn>, who hasn't played a whole lot of baseball this spring, but his mindset has never left the 'team first'. He's never caught up in himself. He puts himself in a really good place mentally when we call his number. Who knows when we're going to do it, but we did today, and he was ready. So, a heck of a role model for our younger players. It's just fun putting yourself in a situation in the ninth inning where you get a chance to win a game and sweep the series. It was a fun day." K-State utilized five pitchers in the win with Ruhl and Slack combining for 5 1/3 shutout innings in relief. Slack (1-2), who was awarded his first win of the season, struck out five of the seven batters he faced. The left-hander issued one walk before he struck out the side in the ninth, building momentum heading into the final frame. <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>, who led the weekend with a .455 average (5-for-11), finished the day 2-for-3 with a double and his second home run of the series. In addition to O'Connor, Inoue also produced a multi-hit effort, going 2-for-4. The duo combined for four of the Wildcats' five RBI. With the win, the Wildcats recorded their third sweep over Texas Tech in program history and first since 2013.&nbsp;The victory also marks K-State's second consecutive 19-8 start. K-State hit .277 (26-for-94) in its third straight home series win against TTU, registering six doubles and six home runs. The Wildcats slugged .532 overall and hit .320 (8-for-25) with runners in scoring position with five two-out RBI. HOW IT HAPPENED TTU plated three runs in a three-inning span, led by a two-run blast by first baseman Robin Villeneuve in the first. The Red Raiders threatened to expand their lead after loading the bases with no outs, but reliever&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/12303" rel="smarttag" rev="12303">Ty Ruhl</a></dfn>&nbsp;retired three straight batters to keep the game within three. O'Connor ended TTU starter Zane Petty's no-hit bid in the fourth, doubling into right center and avoiding the diving efforts of the Red Raiders' center fielder. After five scoreless innings, the Wildcats broke through with a two-run blast from O'Connor, making it a 3-2 ballgame. TTU recovered one of the runs handed over in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single. Trailing 4-2 in the eighth, Slack took the mound and inherited runners on first and second. The left-hander fanned the first two batters he faced before forcing a grounder to second and retired the Red Raiders in order. Behind scoreless ninth from Slack, Madliak doubled into right field before&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyan-lodice/12298" rel="smarttag" rev="12298">Kyan Lodice</a></dfn>&nbsp;was clipped to put runners on first and second. Pinch hitter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/sam-flores/12310" rel="smarttag" rev="12310">Sam Flores</a></dfn>&nbsp;lined a singled to the wall in right field to bring the game within one. Down 4-3 with no outs, Kennedy was hit by a pitch to load the bases and force TTU to make a pitching change. Facing reliever Zach Crotchfelt, Inoue drove a 2-2 pitch pass the second baseman to score a pair of runs and complete the series sweep. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored five runs on seven hits with no errors committed and nine runners left on base.</li>
<li>TTU scored four runs on 12 hits, committed no errors and stranded 13 on base.</li>
<li>Inoue delivered the game-winning hit with a two-run single through the right side in the ninth.</li>
<li>O'Connor doubled in the fourth to break a no-hit bid and homered in the sixth to end the shutout.</li>
<li>Inoue and O'Connor each had two hits and drove in a pair of RBI.</li>
<li>K-State utilized five pitchers in the win.</li>
<li>Slack (1-2) was awarded the victory in relief, striking out five of the seven batters he faced.</li>
<li>Ruhl logged a team-high 3 1/3 innings, leaving TTU scoreless with five hits.</li>
<li>Parish (0-4) suffered the loss, allowing four earned runs in his 2 2/3 innings in relief.</li>
<li>Petty held the Cats to one run and two hits in his 5 1/3 inning start.</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>The Wildcats are off to a 10-0 start at home for the first time since 2014.</li>
<li>K-State recorded its third sweep of the season &ndash; second in Big 12 action.</li>
<li>With the win, K-State recorded the program's third-ever sweep over TTU (2011, 2013, 2025).</li>
<li>The win marked the Cats' third come-from-behind victory of the year and fourth walk-off victory.</li>
<li>K-State has homered in 11 straight games, totaling 22 in the stretch &ndash; ranks second in the Big 12 with 49 total home runs.</li>
<li>TTU leads the all-time series 51-37-1, with a 43-33-1 lead in Big 12 play.</li>
<li>K-State is 24-18 when playing at home against TTU.</li>
<li>Under Hughes, K-State is 10-9 vs. TTU.</li>
</ul>
PLAYER NOTES
<ul>
<li>O'Connor hit his eighth homer and stretched his on-base streak to 19.</li>
<li>Evasco has reached safely in 18 straight games.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Inoue delivered his first game-winning RBI when the Cats' trailed.</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT K-State will face in-state rival Wichita State (10-17) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Eck Stadium, before returning to conference play for a three-game series at Oklahoma State (12-13, 1-6 Big 12), starting Friday. K-State baseball single-game tickets are available, and can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stopping by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State sweeps Texas Tech after walk-off win Sunday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743384728867.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball secured its first series sweep against&nbsp;Oklahoma State since 2009 as the Jayhawks won 11-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark. Kansas improved to 23-6 overall and 6-3 in conference play this season. The 6-3 start to Big 12 play is the best in program history. &nbsp; &nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cooper-moore/16136" rel="smarttag" rev="16136">Cooper Moore</a></dfn>&nbsp;shined as he struck out a career-high nine batters and matched his career high of seven innings. He allowed only two runs on five hits to earn the win.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/gavin-brasosky/16121" rel="smarttag" rev="16121">Gavin Brasosky</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/robbie-knowles/16161" rel="smarttag" rev="16161">Robbie Knowles</a></dfn>&nbsp;each pitched a scoreless and hitless inning of relief to close out the game. &nbsp; <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ian-francis/16139" rel="smarttag" rev="16139">Ian Francis</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;each hit a home run as the offense poured on a double-digit run effort for the second day in a row. Brooks finished with three hits, three RBIs, three runs scored and a walk, while Francis had two hits, two RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Oklahoma State (12-13, 1-6 Big 12) got out to a first inning lead on a sacrifice fly from Kollin Ritchie to give the Cowboys a 1-0 lead. &bull; Kansas was able to even up the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning on a solo home run from Francis. &bull; The Cowboys were able to take back the lead in the top of the fourth inning on a solo blast by Colin Brueggemann. The homer gave Oklahoma State a 2-1 advantage. &bull; The Jayhawks took back the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;led off the inning with a single and then Brooks belted a two-run homer to left field to give the Jayhawks a 3-2 edge. &bull; KU was able to stretch out its lead with five runs in the fifth inning. Brooks and Francis each drew a bases-loaded walk,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;hustled down the line for an RBI infield single and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a two-run fielder's choice. That gave Kansas an 8-2 lead. &bull; In the seventh inning,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit an RBI double to bring in another run and make it 9-2. &bull; The Jayhawks added two more runs in the eighth inning on a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;RBI triple and Francis scored on a wild pitch to bring the score to 11-2. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cooper-moore/16136" rel="smarttag" rev="16136">Cooper Moore</a></dfn>&nbsp;(2-0) Final line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 9 SO Loss: Ryan Ure (1-3) Final line: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 SO &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=1906444948494508077&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F30%2Fbaseball-kansas-sweeps-oklahoma-state-off-to-best-big-12-start-in-program-history.aspx&amp;sessionId=bd505ca1a7584972a6063222ce63e20f019fa9d4&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1906444948494508077"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "Any game you win period is important, but conference games take on a little bit different life of their own when you talk about just stepping things forward. I think it obviously started with Cooper on the mound. Seven complete and he was in complete control and his stuff was really good at the end. Then, Gavin came in and did a fantastic job, which was great to see. Gavin is so tough on those lefties and they have that stretch at the top. Robbie was great minus the leadoff walk. I don't know what Coach Scott said to him, but it certainly worked. They jumped out to an early lead and we tied it up in the third, then they take the lead in the fourth and then we get it right back. Proud of how we competed and love the fight. Love how together the guys are." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "Filling up the zone early and often. Landing that punch out pitch was awesome. Had a lot of confidence in my defense to make the play if I missed a spot. [The offense scoring] adds everything. If you don't score runs, you can't win, and to get a little cushion from the offense makes me even more comfortable out there." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/cooper-moore/16136" rel="smarttag" rev="16136">Cooper Moore</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas has its best nine-game start ever in Big 12 play (6-3). The first season of the Big 12 was 1997. &bull; Kansas swept Oklahoma State for the first time since the 2009 season (April 10-12, 2009 in Lawrence). The Jayhawks outscored the Cowboys 28-15 in the series. &bull; Kansas has hit 61 home runs this season through the first 29 games. The program record for home runs is 75 in 2006 and 2023. Kansas is 21-2 this season when hitting a home run. &bull; Moore recorded a career-high nine strikeouts and matched his career high with seven innings. &bull; Francis hit his fifth home run of the season and has homered in back-to-back games. He has hit a home run in consecutive games twice this season (March 14-15 vs. Baylor). &bull; Brooks now has five home runs this season, with three coming in the last four games. Brooks has reached base safely in 18 consecutive games. &bull; Ballinger extended his hitting streak to nine games. &bull; Hauge finished the game with three hits and now has a 15-game on-base streak. &bull; Brasosky has not allowed a run in his eight appearances this season (10.1 innings). &bull; Cerda pushed his hitting streak to eight games. &bull; Osoria tallied his 11th multi-hit game of the season. &bull; Barth had two hits, one RBI and one run scored. His two hits marked his 10th multi-hit effort of the season. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will wrap up its six-game homestand with a midweek game on Wednesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. CT against South Dakota State at Hoglund Ballpark. Fans can purchase tickets by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=BSB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;utm_source=navbar&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=navbar_website">here</a>.</div>

⚾ KU sweeps Oklahoma State, off to best Big 12 start in program history

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday.

Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The right-hander bounced back after he was scheduled to make the opening day start for Cleveland on Thursday, but was scratched because of an illness.

Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-1) threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City's starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game during the three-game season-opening series.

Mazardo's home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.

Arias' homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.

Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias' sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.

Schneemann's homer in the eighth extended the Guardians' lead to 6-0.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.

The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.

Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.

The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743417602662.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday.Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The right-hander bounced back after he was scheduled to make the opening day start for Cleveland on Thursday, but was scratched because of an illness.Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-1) threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City's starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game during the three-game season-opening series.Mazardo's home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.Arias' homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias' sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.Schneemann's homer in the eighth extended the Guardians' lead to 6-0.Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.<h2>Key stat</h2>Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

⚾ Bibee throws shutout ball into the 7th as Guardians defeat Royals

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.

Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.

Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.

A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.

Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.

Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.

The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.

Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.

USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.

Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.

A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”

Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, K-State Family. 💜 <a href="https://t.co/A0E4LQqvZe">pic.twitter.com/A0E4LQqvZe</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1906166043267207186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From all of us, thank you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAWBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCAAWBB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/4UB4ezbRP2">pic.twitter.com/4UB4ezbRP2</a>&mdash; NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1906167071911575761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.<h2>Honoring JuJu</h2>USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.___

🏀 K-State women's basketball season ends in Sweet 16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.

Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.

Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.

Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.

Kwan’s solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.

Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.

Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.

Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.

The Royals’ comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia’s homer and Witt’s double.

The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.

The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743292281679.jpeg" alt="Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio, right, is caught stealing second by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio, right, is caught stealing second by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., left, during the second inning of a baseball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.Kwan’s solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals’ comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia’s homer and Witt’s double.<h2>Key stat</h2>The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

⚾ Royals grab first win of 2025 season

By Trinity Valley CC Sports Information

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -&nbsp;If the crown fits …

Not to worry, it fits just fine and the Cardinals will be wearing it for the next year as 2025 NJCAA D1 MBB champion after a 69-61 win Saturday afternoon against the Connors State Cowboys in their first-ever championship game appearance at Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan.

In claiming their first title, the Cardinals set a school record for wins in a season. They finished 34-3 to better the previous mark of 33 wins set by the Cardinal teams in 1982 and 2016.

"The season was a process and a long grind," first-year Cardinal coach Greg Heiar said afterwards. "These kids bought in and is one special group.

"I just can't say enough good things about them or how much they mean to me, and always will."

The title was the second for Heiar, who led Northwest Florida State to a championship in 2022. It was his fourth appearance in the title game, having also finished twice as national runnerup at Chipola.

Connors State, which made an amazing run to the title game as the No. 17 seed, including a 63-62 win against No. 1 Snow, ended the year 32-4.

After a tightly-contested first half, which resulted in a 32-32 tie at halftime, the seventh-seeded Cardinals slowly began to wrestle control in the second half. That was large in part to never letting up with their intense defensive approach and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/nuckolls_garrett_8i7t">Garrett Nuckolls</a>&nbsp;heating up. Nuckolls scored the Cardinals' first 11 points after intermission.

By the time there was 6:07 left in the game, the Cardinals had opened to a 51-41 lead. Connors State did not go away quietly, pulling with six, 57-51, with 1:01 to go.

The question then became, could the Cardinals be successful at free throw line?

The Cardinals were 10-of-13 from the stripe in the remaining time to close things out. They were 22-of-30 for the game.

Tournament MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/loubaki_zati_6naz">Zati Loubaki</a>, who matched Nuckolls' 17 points, was 7-of-8 at the line.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/marlow_m.j._m05p">M.J. Wardlow</a>&nbsp;was as well.

Loubaki also had four rebounds, three blocked shots and a pair of steals.

Along with Nuckolls,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_tyler_obhm">Tyler Smith</a>&nbsp;was named to the all-tournament team. Smith had six points, four assists and three steals.

With just over 30 seconds to go, Heiar looked at his assistant coaches with a smile, as to say "we've got this."

Yes, they did. And they will have it forever.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743415706142.jpeg" alt="Trinity Valley NJCAA Champs for 2025" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Valley NJCAA Champs for 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>By Trinity Valley CC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. -&nbsp;If the crown fits …Not to worry, it fits just fine and the Cardinals will be wearing it for the next year as 2025 NJCAA D1 MBB champion after a 69-61 win Saturday afternoon against the Connors State Cowboys in their first-ever championship game appearance at Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan.In claiming their first title, the Cardinals set a school record for wins in a season. They finished 34-3 to better the previous mark of 33 wins set by the Cardinal teams in 1982 and 2016."The season was a process and a long grind," first-year Cardinal coach Greg Heiar said afterwards. "These kids bought in and is one special group."I just can't say enough good things about them or how much they mean to me, and always will."The title was the second for Heiar, who led Northwest Florida State to a championship in 2022. It was his fourth appearance in the title game, having also finished twice as national runnerup at Chipola.Connors State, which made an amazing run to the title game as the No. 17 seed, including a 63-62 win against No. 1 Snow, ended the year 32-4.After a tightly-contested first half, which resulted in a 32-32 tie at halftime, the seventh-seeded Cardinals slowly began to wrestle control in the second half. That was large in part to never letting up with their intense defensive approach and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/nuckolls_garrett_8i7t">Garrett Nuckolls</a>&nbsp;heating up. Nuckolls scored the Cardinals' first 11 points after intermission.By the time there was 6:07 left in the game, the Cardinals had opened to a 51-41 lead. Connors State did not go away quietly, pulling with six, 57-51, with 1:01 to go.The question then became, could the Cardinals be successful at free throw line?Short answer: Yes.The Cardinals were 10-of-13 from the stripe in the remaining time to close things out. They were 22-of-30 for the game.Tournament MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/loubaki_zati_6naz">Zati Loubaki</a>, who matched Nuckolls' 17 points, was 7-of-8 at the line.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/marlow_m.j._m05p">M.J. Wardlow</a>&nbsp;was as well.Loubaki also had four rebounds, three blocked shots and a pair of steals.Along with Nuckolls,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_tyler_obhm">Tyler Smith</a>&nbsp;was named to the all-tournament team. Smith had six points, four assists and three steals.With just over 30 seconds to go, Heiar looked at his assistant coaches with a smile, as to say "we've got this."Yes, they did. And they will have it forever.

🏀 Trinity Valley CC Cardinals claim first-ever NJCAA title

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/links/nrd6iq">BOX SCORE</a>

CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball season came to a close in the second round of the national tournament on Friday, falling to Three Rivers (Mo.), 50-48.

Hailey Jackson had a chance to tie the game up in the final seconds, but a shot attempt from the right baseline fell just short as the horn sounded.&nbsp;

Jackson finished with a team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds for her 14th double-double of the season and 17th of her career. She'll forever be one of the greatest players to ever where a Blue Dragon uniform. She finishes third on the all-time scoring list with 1,100 career points in 71 games played.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons finish the 2024-25 season with a 29-5 record. The four sophomores that spent two seasons in a HutchCC uniform finished with a 66-5 record, a national title, two national tournament appearances and a 50-game winning streak.

Hutchinson fell behind early 5-0 before scoring the next 12 points of the game to lead 14-9 after the first period. The Blue Dragons were outscored by three in the second quarter, but still led at halftime 26-24.

Three Rivers (29-3) and Hutchinson each scored 12 points in the third quarter for a two-point lead for the Blue Dragons after the third period. The Raiders outscored the Blue Dragons by four in the final frame to earn the win and advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 3 Northwest Florida State on Saturday afternoon.

Hutchinson shot 40% from the floor, while Three Rivers only shot 29%, but the Raiders got up 25 more shot attempts, thanks to 17 offensive rebounds.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons gave up 17 second chance points, while also turning the ball over 18 times, compared to eight by the Raiders.

The seven Blue Dragon sophomores that played their final game in a Hutchinson uniform are Kahlen Norris, Jackson, Landon Forbes, Madi Denison, Jada Pleasant, Brynne Katcher and Zhane Singer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743214349525.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="2025 NJCAA WBB Tournament: Hutchinson CC vs. Three Rivers" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=aqquw-1865fb3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/links/nrd6iq">BOX SCORE</a>CASPER, Wyo. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball season came to a close in the second round of the national tournament on Friday, falling to Three Rivers (Mo.), 50-48.Hailey Jackson had a chance to tie the game up in the final seconds, but a shot attempt from the right baseline fell just short as the horn sounded.&nbsp;Jackson finished with a team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds for her 14th double-double of the season and 17th of her career. She'll forever be one of the greatest players to ever where a Blue Dragon uniform. She finishes third on the all-time scoring list with 1,100 career points in 71 games played.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons finish the 2024-25 season with a 29-5 record. The four sophomores that spent two seasons in a HutchCC uniform finished with a 66-5 record, a national title, two national tournament appearances and a 50-game winning streak.Hutchinson fell behind early 5-0 before scoring the next 12 points of the game to lead 14-9 after the first period. The Blue Dragons were outscored by three in the second quarter, but still led at halftime 26-24.Three Rivers (29-3) and Hutchinson each scored 12 points in the third quarter for a two-point lead for the Blue Dragons after the third period. The Raiders outscored the Blue Dragons by four in the final frame to earn the win and advance to the quarterfinals to face No. 3 Northwest Florida State on Saturday afternoon.Hutchinson shot 40% from the floor, while Three Rivers only shot 29%, but the Raiders got up 25 more shot attempts, thanks to 17 offensive rebounds.&nbsp;The Blue Dragons gave up 17 second chance points, while also turning the ball over 18 times, compared to eight by the Raiders.The seven Blue Dragon sophomores that played their final game in a Hutchinson uniform are Kahlen Norris, Jackson, Landon Forbes, Madi Denison, Jada Pleasant, Brynne Katcher and Zhane Singer.

🏀 Hutchinson ends season with second round loss to Three Rivers

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743217366974.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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Lawrence, Kan. &ndash; Kansas softball fell to No.13 Texas Tech 9-0 in five innings Friday night in the series opener at Arrocha Ballpark.&nbsp; NiJaree Canady, the USA Collegiate Softball Player of the Year in 2024, tossed a five-inning no-hitter, striking out 12 batters and walking three. The Topeka High School product improved to 11-4 and lowered her ERA to 0.57.&nbsp; Kansas (15-13, 3-4 Big 12 Conference) started on defense with junior pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lizzy-ludwig/6881">Lizzy Ludwig</a>&nbsp;(3-4) getting the start in the circle. Texas Tech struck early, scoring on a double steal,, but Ludwig responded with a strikeout to retire the side.&nbsp; Texas Tech extended its lead to 5-0 in the second inning with four runs. The Jayhawks had extended at-bats against Canady and got a baserunner via a walk but couldn't muster a run. In the third inning, Kansas kept Tech from crossing home from a strikeout from Ludwig and two flyouts, keeping the game unchanged from the previous inning.&nbsp; To start the bottom of the fourth,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977">Hailey Cripe</a>&nbsp;battled through a nine-pitch at-bat in an effort to spark some offense but was ultimately unsuccessful, and the Jayhawks&nbsp;went into the fifth, trailing 8-0.&nbsp; The Red Raiders plated a run in the fifth inning, but a great extended catch by Cripe ended the inning.&nbsp; Up Next&nbsp; The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will follow approximately 35 minutes after the opener. Fans can stay updated by following Kansas softball on&nbsp;<a style="font-weight: 400;" href="https://x.com/KUSoftball?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">X</a>&nbsp;(Twitter), tracking&nbsp;<a style="font-weight: 400;" href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=570968#google_vignette">live stats</a>, and watching the games live on ESPN+. Pitchers of Record Win: NiJaree Canady (11-4) Line: 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 SO Loss:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/lizzy-ludwig/6881">Lizzy Ludwig</a>&nbsp;(3-4) Line: 5.0 IP, 9 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 2 SO</div>

🥎 Jayhawks no-hit by No. 13 Red Raiders

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743221859684.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;In front of the second sellout crowd in Hoglund Ballpark history, Kansas defeated Oklahoma State, 5-2, and set a new attendance record of 2,660 fans on Friday night. Sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp;had one of his best starts at Kansas, tossing a career-high 8.0 innings and tying his career best of 10 strikeouts to earn the win. &nbsp; Voegele pitched into the ninth inning before wrapping up his night. He allowed only two runs on three hits, while walking only one batter. The only blemishes for Voegele on Friday were two solo home runs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;each hit home runs in the game to lead the Jayhawks offensively. Kansas improved to 21-6 on the year and 4-3 in conference play.&nbsp; &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Ballinger got Kansas started in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer. The blast helped Kansas grab an early 2-0 lead.&nbsp; &bull; The next four innings were scoreless for both teams as each pitcher settled into the game. &bull; Kansas was able to break that scoreless drought with an RBI groundout from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ian-francis/16139" rel="smarttag" rev="16139">Ian Francis</a></dfn>&nbsp;in the sixth inning to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;and give Kansas a 3-0 lead..&nbsp; &bull; Oklahoma State (12-11, 1-4 Big 12) put up its first run of the night on a Brayden Smith solo home run in the top of the seventh to cut the Jayhawks lead to 3-1.&nbsp; &bull; In the eighth inning, Voegele recorded his eighth, ninth and 10th strikeouts as he sent Oklahoma State down in order. His final pitch of the inning hit 97 miles per hour. &bull; KU picked up two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. Brooks opened the inning with a solo home run to stretch the Kansas advantage back out to three runs at 4-1. Later in the inning, Ballinger drew a bases-loaded walk to score&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;to give KU a 5-1 edge heading into the final inning.&nbsp; &bull; The Cowboys continued to battle and got another solo home run in the top of the ninth from Alex Conover to cut it to a 5-2 KU advantage. OSU brought the tying run to the plate twice, but a strikeout and game-ending double play helped&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;secure the save. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp;(4-2) Fine line: 8.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 SO Save:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3) Fine line: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 SO Loss: Harrison Bodendorf (5-1) Fine line: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 SO SOCIAL POST OF THE NIGHT
<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=1905786926738608463&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F28%2Fbaseball-voegele-kansas-beat-oklahoma-state-5-2-break-hoglund-ballpark-attendance-record.aspx&amp;sessionId=16c1b9d77a2c2ef6e224dd3694105bf401ff66ad&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1905786926738608463"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES&nbsp; "I thought Dom was absolutely electric and it was all working. That's the best his changeup has ever been on top of really sharp breaking stuff&nbsp;and then obviously his fastball was electric, which is why we had total confidence to put him out in the ninth. He was 96 in the eighth. That's what big time number ones do and it couldn't happen to a better guy, a better teammate and a better worker." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "This has been an incredible two and a half years and there's so many special moments to mark different points of the build&hellip;I think one of the markers of the build that's been amazing is Jayhawk Nation and how they've shown up and how electric this place has been. I've said it a bunch, but I'm so blessed to have worked at some really cool places with some unbelievable crowds and I've never been in something like this where it's every single pitch. I'm hoarse for a number of reasons in this game, but one of them is just having to yell to get my players' attention. It is so loud. The fans have been incredible. The support is incredible, but it's not surprising either because I think people love to watch people compete, and that's what our guys do." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; "It's probably the most confident I've ever been tonight. Having all four pitches and just being able to put it where I wanted to and throwing them whenever felt really good. Just staying confident and believing in the catcher, the defense and the bats picking me up on offense. Ian (Francis) and I, once we got our groove we just kept it rolling for eight innings and I'm glad to have him behind the plate." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dominic-voegele/16130" rel="smarttag" rev="16130">Dominic Voegele</a></dfn>&nbsp; &nbsp; "I love the fans out here. I'm able to feed off them. They're awesome and I appreciate them always coming out and showing support. It's always cool to hear people chanting for you. The environment is definitely above what I expected when being recruited. I love that the fans are supporting baseball and it's great to be a part of." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp; &nbsp; "Being here for three years, I never thought that this would have happened, especially the first year. It's awesome. I love it and they should come out to every game. We feed off that, I know they probably know that, but we love every second of it in the dugout." &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas set a new attendance record with a sellout crowd of 2,660 fans. The sellout was the second in Hoglund Ballpark history (2,639 fans on May 17, 2009 vs. Kansas State). &bull; Kansas has hit 54 home runs this season through the first 26 games. The program record for home runs is 75 in 2006 and 2023. &bull; Voegele pitched a career-high 8.0 innings and matched his career high of 10 strikeouts (April 13, 2024 vs. Pacific). Voegele's previous career high was 7.0 innings pitched earlier this season in the 9-1 win over Baylor on March 14. &bull; Ballinger hit his eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning. Ballinger extended his hitting streak to seven games and recorded his 12th multi-hit game and seventh multi-RBI effort of the season. &bull; Brooks connected on his fourth home run of the season and has homered in back-to-back games. Brooks has reached base safely in 16 consecutive games.&nbsp; &bull; Hauge has reached base safely in each of the last 13 games.&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/chase-diggins/16124" rel="smarttag" rev="16124">Chase Diggins</a></dfn>&nbsp;now has eight multi-hit games this season.&nbsp; &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas and Oklahoma State will play the second game of the series at Hoglund Ballpark on Saturday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+..</div>

⚾ Voegele shines in KU win over OSU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743217814128.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning and then put the game away with a four-run seventh en route to a 11-1 win over UAB on Friday night at Eck Stadium. The game was called in the bottom of the seventh inning due to the conference's 10-run rule. The Shockers (9-16, 2-2) pounced on UAB starter Cole Cheatham (3-3) in the second, taking advantage of some UAB charity in the process. A leadoff walk followed by a single and a passed ball put runners at second and third with nobody out to start the inning;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/logan-kreske/9184" rel="smarttag" rev="9184">Logan Kreske</a></dfn>&nbsp;got the scoring started with an RBI groundout&nbsp;ahead of a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaleb-duncan/9419" rel="smarttag" rev="9419">Kaleb Duncan</a></dfn>&nbsp;sacrifice fly that made it 2-0. After a hit by pitch kept the inning alive, Wichita State strung together four consecutive two-out hits: a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/9186" rel="smarttag" rev="9186">Mauricio Millan</a></dfn>&nbsp;RBI single,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-rogers/9191" rel="smarttag" rev="9191">Jordan Rogers</a></dfn>&nbsp;two-run triple and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/9185" rel="smarttag" rev="9185">Josh Livingston</a></dfn>&nbsp;RBI single for a 6-0 lead. That was plenty of support for starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/grant-adler/9422" rel="smarttag" rev="9422">Grant Adler</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-1), who did not allow a run until the top of the seventh and held the Blazers to just four hits. The redshirt senior lost the shutout with an unearned run in the top of the seventh, but still got credit for a complete game when WSU poured in four runs in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/9178" rel="smarttag" rev="9178">Jaden Gustafson</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled home&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;to swell the advantage to 8-1, then&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-black/9414" rel="smarttag" rev="9414">Jordan Black</a></dfn>&nbsp;nearly cleared the wall in left but settled for an RBI triple. Duncan then got a 2-0 fastball from reliever Justin Hicks and slammed it out to left-center field for a game-ending, two-run homer.
<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=GoShockersBSB&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=1905798322469630259&amp;lang=en&amp;maxWidth=560px&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fgoshockers.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F28%2Fbaseball-shockers-run-rule-uab-in-series-opener.aspx&amp;sessionId=020949249d3fb712b55e5d7ead71683c743f7cf9&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1905798322469630259"></iframe></div>
Wichita State finished with 11 hits, getting two apiece from Millan, Rogers and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;and one from five others. All 10 Shockers who batted recorded either a hit, a run scored or an RBI. The Shockers will look to secure the series win on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm CT.</div>

⚾ Shockers run-rule Blazers Friday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743217638617.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
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WICHITA, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Two home runs and a complete game from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;lifted Wichita State to a 9-4 win over the South Florida Bulls on Friday evening at Wilkins Stadium. &nbsp; After a scoreless opening frame,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;opened the scoring for Wichita State with an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;doubled the lead soon after with a sacrifice fly and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;ripped a double off the wall, giving the Shockers a 3-0 lead through two. &nbsp; In the fourth, the Shocker bats returned to work as&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;fired a ball up the middle, driving in a run and putting the Shockers up 4-0. Later in the inning,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;added to her power numbers with a rocket three-run shot to center field, nearly doubling the lead to 7-0.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;followed up with an opposite-field solo homer, putting the Shockers up 8-0 through four innings. &nbsp; Facing a potential run-rule defeat, South Florida scratched a run across with a sacrifice fly, making it an 8-1 game, and went on to score two more, getting one on a steal home and another on an RBI single to cut the deficit to 8-3. &nbsp; In the Shocker fifth, Livanec got a run back for the home team with a sacrifice fly, putting the Shockers back up by six, 9-3. &nbsp; USF made it 9-4 with a two-out solo homer in the seventh, but Nihart held the Bulls off to get the final out. &nbsp; Eight Shockers recorded a hit in the game, with Eck and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson</a></dfn>&nbsp;recording two each. &nbsp; Nihart's complete game victory came behind allowing only one earned run on four hits with two strikeouts. &nbsp; Next Up The Shockers begin game two of the series with the Bulls on Saturday at 2:00 PM at Wilkins Stadium.</div>

🥎 Shockers drop Bulls in series opener

CASPER, Wyoming - The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for its eighth all-time appearance in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament on Friday in Casper, Wyoming.

The No. 11-seeded Blue Dragons (29-4) take on sixth-seed Three Rivers (28-3) in the tournament's final second-round matchup at 5:45 p.m. CDT on Friday at the Ford Wyoming Center.

The game will be broadcast live on KHMY-FM (My93.1) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, which is a pay-per-view/subscription service.

Friday's matchup will be the first ever between Hutchinson and Three Rivers. Last season when the Blue Dragons won the 2024 national championship, Three Rivers advanced to the quarterfinals.

Behind&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>'s 13th double-double of the season of 17 points and 12 rebounds, the Blue Dragons advanced to the second round of the national tournament with a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons are now 7-2 in national tournament opening-round games.

Three Rivers was ranked No. 2 in the final NJCAA Tournament regular-season national rankings, but was upset by State Fair 73-70 in the Region 16 championship game on March 14. That loss snapped a 20-game winning streak by the Raiders.

While Hutchinson and Three Rivers have never played in women's basketball, the two schools have met in another significant game in NJCAA history. The Blue Dragon men defeated the Raider men 78-74 in the 1994 men's NJCAA Tournament championship game.

The Blue Dragons are currently in their 13th NJCAA Tournament appearance. The Dragons are 4-2 in second-round games in tournament history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743170703407.jpeg" alt="Head coach John Ontjes and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team meet Three Rivers in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at 5:45 p.m. Friday in Casper, WY. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Head coach John Ontjes and the Blue Dragon women's basketball team meet Three Rivers in the second round of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at 5:45 p.m. Friday in Casper, WY. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationCASPER, Wyoming - The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for its eighth all-time appearance in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament on Friday in Casper, Wyoming.The No. 11-seeded Blue Dragons (29-4) take on sixth-seed Three Rivers (28-3) in the tournament's final second-round matchup at 5:45 p.m. CDT on Friday at the Ford Wyoming Center.<div>BLUE DRAGON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL No. 11 Hutchinson (29-4) vs. No. 6 Three Rivers (28-3) 2025 NJCAA Women's Division I National Tournament - 2nd Round When: Friday, March 28, 2025 Where: Ford Casper Center, Casper, WY Tipoff: 5:45 p.m. CDT Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1), 5:30 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP)</a> Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/catalog/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/basketball#bucketId=29794&amp;sourceCollection=Browse_By_Sport_New" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN+</a> X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/files/Game_34_-_Three_Rivers_women.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a></div>The game will be broadcast live on KHMY-FM (My93.1) beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, which is a pay-per-view/subscription service.Friday's matchup will be the first ever between Hutchinson and Three Rivers. Last season when the Blue Dragons won the 2024 national championship, Three Rivers advanced to the quarterfinals.Behind&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/jackson_hailey_q6t6">Hailey Jackson</a>'s 13th double-double of the season of 17 points and 12 rebounds, the Blue Dragons advanced to the second round of the national tournament with a 61-58 win over South Georgia Tech on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons are now 7-2 in national tournament opening-round games.Three Rivers was ranked No. 2 in the final NJCAA Tournament regular-season national rankings, but was upset by State Fair 73-70 in the Region 16 championship game on March 14. That loss snapped a 20-game winning streak by the Raiders.While Hutchinson and Three Rivers have never played in women's basketball, the two schools have met in another significant game in NJCAA history. The Blue Dragon men defeated the Raider men 78-74 in the 1994 men's NJCAA Tournament championship game.The Blue Dragons are currently in their 13th NJCAA Tournament appearance. The Dragons are 4-2 in second-round games in tournament history.

🏀 HutchCC faces Three Rivers in NJCAA Tournament second round 

Josh Dix, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound senior-to-be men’s basketball shooting guard from the University of Iowa, was slated to arrive in Lawrence on Thursday night for a two-day recruiting visit to Kansas, two sources close to Nix confirmed to The Kansas City Star.

Known as an accurate 3-point shooter, Dix, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, averaged 14.4 points a game this past season on 50.7% shooting.

As a junior he was 65-of-154 from 3 for 42.2%. A starter in 32 games for the Hawkeyes (17-16), Dix hit 36 of 47 free throws for 76.6%. Both Rivals.com and 247sports.com reported that KU coaches visited with Dix on Wednesday in Iowa in advance of his KU campus visit.

Dix, who announced he’d be entering the transfer portal on March 19, scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting (career-high 7 3s in 10 attempts) with seven assists in a 97-87 overtime win over Nebraska on Jan. 7 in Iowa City, Iowa. He played 45 minutes in that game. He had 27 points vs. Purdue on Feb. 4 in Iowa City and 26 points on Feb. 12 at Rutgers.

“Dix put on some incredible displays,” wrote Hawkcentral.com. “He drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat Northwestern in December. He scored in double-figures in 27 of his 32 appearances as a junior. He scored at least 21 points in six games.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743170696592.jpeg" alt="Josh Dix (AP Photo, file) " />
 <figcaption>Josh Dix (AP Photo, file) </figcaption>
 </figure>GARY BEDORE Kansas City Star&nbsp;Josh Dix, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound senior-to-be men’s basketball shooting guard from the University of Iowa, was slated to arrive in Lawrence on Thursday night for a two-day recruiting visit to Kansas, two sources close to Nix confirmed to The Kansas City Star.Known as an accurate 3-point shooter, Dix, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, averaged 14.4 points a game this past season on 50.7% shooting.As a junior he was 65-of-154 from 3 for 42.2%. A starter in 32 games for the Hawkeyes (17-16), Dix hit 36 of 47 free throws for 76.6%. Both Rivals.com and 247sports.com reported that KU coaches visited with Dix on Wednesday in Iowa in advance of his KU campus visit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/guKwZ3w5CZ">pic.twitter.com/guKwZ3w5CZ</a>&mdash; Josh Dix (@J0shDix) <a href="https://twitter.com/J0shDix/status/1902402435693375701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dix, who announced he’d be entering the transfer portal on March 19, scored a career-high 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting (career-high 7 3s in 10 attempts) with seven assists in a 97-87 overtime win over Nebraska on Jan. 7 in Iowa City, Iowa. He played 45 minutes in that game. He had 27 points vs. Purdue on Feb. 4 in Iowa City and 26 points on Feb. 12 at Rutgers.“Dix put on some incredible displays,” wrote Hawkcentral.com. “He drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to beat Northwestern in December. He scored in double-figures in 27 of his 32 appearances as a junior. He scored at least 21 points in six games.”

Portal prospect Josh Dix visits KU 

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">RADIO STREAM</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250328">TV STREAM ($)</a>

5:30 p.m. - No. 4 South Plains (Texas) vs. No. 17 Connors State (Okla.)

8 p.m. - No. 6 Panola (Texas) vs. No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a>&nbsp;| <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">RADIO STREAM</a> | <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250328">TV STREAM ($)</a>5:30 p.m. - No. 4 South Plains (Texas) vs. No. 17 Connors State (Okla.)8 p.m. - No. 6 Panola (Texas) vs. No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas)

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: Semifinal Friday schedule & results

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports 032825" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=yu4qj-186502b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Listen: 🏀 Blue Dragon women play tonight, Men's semifinals ⚾ Royals drop opener to Guardians 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double in the 10th inning to tie the club record for most RBIs on opening day and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Thursday.

Manzardo joined Tris Speaker (1925) and Leon Wagner (1964) with four RBIs on opening day.

Manzardo also become the third MLB player with a double, triple and homer on opening day, joining Don Baylor (1973), Gee Walker (1937).

Steven Kwan led off the 10th with a run-scoring double. With two outs and Kwan at third, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who drove in both runners.

Emmanuel Clase took the win and Paul Sewald earned the save.

Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the third for Kansas City.

The Guardians answered with a run in the fourth. Manzardo hit a one-out triple and Jhonkensy Noel drove him in with a sacrifice fly.

The Guardians got another run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly. Cleveland put runners on first and second with no outs and Jose Ramirez drove in Gabriel Arias with the second run.

Manzardo homered on the first pitch he saw in the sixth to give the Guardians a 4-3.

The Royals tied it at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth off Clase on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.

The Royals had runners on first and third and no outs in the eighth, with the top of the order up. But Jonathan India hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in a double play.

Manzardo had 12 doubles, no triples and five home runs in 145 at bats in his debut last season.

Gavin Williams of Cleveland is scheduled to face Seth Lugo for Kansas City when the clubs resume the three-game series on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743118799657.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run home run during the third inning of&nbsp; the game. Image courtesy KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run home run during the third inning of&nbsp; the game. Image courtesy KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double in the 10th inning to tie the club record for most RBIs on opening day and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Thursday.Manzardo joined Tris Speaker (1925) and Leon Wagner (1964) with four RBIs on opening day.Manzardo also become the third MLB player with a double, triple and homer on opening day, joining Don Baylor (1973), Gee Walker (1937).Steven Kwan led off the 10th with a run-scoring double. With two outs and Kwan at third, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who drove in both runners.Emmanuel Clase took the win and Paul Sewald earned the save.Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the third for Kansas City.The Guardians answered with a run in the fourth. Manzardo hit a one-out triple and Jhonkensy Noel drove him in with a sacrifice fly.The Guardians got another run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly. Cleveland put runners on first and second with no outs and Jose Ramirez drove in Gabriel Arias with the second run.Manzardo homered on the first pitch he saw in the sixth to give the Guardians a 4-3.The Royals tied it at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth off Clase on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had runners on first and third and no outs in the eighth, with the top of the order up. But Jonathan India hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in a double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Manzardo had 12 doubles, no triples and five home runs in 145 at bats in his debut last season.<h2>Up next</h2>Gavin Williams of Cleveland is scheduled to face Seth Lugo for Kansas City when the clubs resume the three-game series on Saturday.

⚾ Manzardo shines for Cleveland in opening day win over the Royals

WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State earned a coveted top four overall seed in the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship bracket announced Wednesday, securing the #1 seed in the Lansing Regional.

The Shockers (84-36) will square off with #4 seed Felician (75-32) in the opening round Mega Match on Friday, April 4. On the opposite side of the bracket, #2 seed Vanderbilt battles #3 seed FDU. The regional round is double-elimination format.

Felician won the program's first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship to reach the tournament as an automatic qualifier. The Golden Falcons, who were ranked #22 in the latest edition of the NTCA poll, defeated Dominican University of New York in the opening round and Caldwell twice to secure the championship.

Elsewhere in the 19-team field, Jacksonville State (#1 overall seed - Arlington Regional), Nebraska (#2 overall seed - Pittsburgh Regional) and Youngstown State (#3 overall seed - Rochester Regional) snagged the top spots in their respective regions. Wichita State's region is the only one in the field with just four teams; the other three regions each have five teams with a single-elimination play-in round on Thursday, April 3.

Conference USA was well-represented in the bracket, with eight of the 19 teams hailing from CUSA (Jacksonville State, Wichita State, Youngstown State, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech). The Shockers won the CUSA Championship this past weekend, surging back from an opening round loss to Arkansas State to win seven consecutive matches in the Contender's Bracket. Wichita State knocked off defending NCAA champion Jacksonville State twice on Sunday to earn the trophy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743103705500.png" alt="WSU bowling team top seed in Lansing Regional (WSU Athletic Communications) " />
 <figcaption>WSU bowling team top seed in Lansing Regional (WSU Athletic Communications) </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State earned a coveted top four overall seed in the NCAA Women's Bowling Championship bracket announced Wednesday, securing the #1 seed in the Lansing Regional.The Shockers (84-36) will square off with #4 seed Felician (75-32) in the opening round Mega Match on Friday, April 4. On the opposite side of the bracket, #2 seed Vanderbilt battles #3 seed FDU. The regional round is double-elimination format.Felician won the program's first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship to reach the tournament as an automatic qualifier. The Golden Falcons, who were ranked #22 in the latest edition of the NTCA poll, defeated Dominican University of New York in the opening round and Caldwell twice to secure the championship.Elsewhere in the 19-team field, Jacksonville State (#1 overall seed - Arlington Regional), Nebraska (#2 overall seed - Pittsburgh Regional) and Youngstown State (#3 overall seed - Rochester Regional) snagged the top spots in their respective regions. Wichita State's region is the only one in the field with just four teams; the other three regions each have five teams with a single-elimination play-in round on Thursday, April 3.Conference USA was well-represented in the bracket, with eight of the 19 teams hailing from CUSA (Jacksonville State, Wichita State, Youngstown State, Arkansas State, Vanderbilt, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech). The Shockers won the CUSA Championship this past weekend, surging back from an opening round loss to Arkansas State to win seven consecutive matches in the Contender's Bracket. Wichita State knocked off defending NCAA champion Jacksonville State twice on Sunday to earn the trophy.

Shockers land top seed in Lansing bowling regional

Pittsburg State Athletics PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team conjured up yet another amazing NCAA Division II National Tournament second half comeback bid, but the Gorillas couldn't quite fully pull it off.

Top-seeded Grand Valley State University built a 13-point advantage early in the third quarter in the Final Four match-up Wednesday (Mar. 26), then withstood a furious Pitt State rally that saw the Gorillas pull ahead midway through the third period. The Lakers eventually wrestled the lead back from Pitt State in the fourth quarter and held off the Gorillas in the game's final minute for a 68-61 victory at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.

Grand Valley State (37-2) advances to the 2024-25 NCAA Division II National Championship Game Friday (Mar. 28) where the Lakers will meet No. 3 seed California State University-Dominguez Hills, which defeated Union (Tenn.) University, 68-50, in its national semifinal match-up. Pitt State's record-breaking season ends with a 33-4 mark, a program record for victories (33) and winning percentage (.892).

Pitt State, which trailed by double-digit point totals in the Central Regional semifinals and finals at John Lance Arena earlier this month, exploded for a 15-2 third quarter run that turned a 37-24 deficit into a tie game, 39-39, on&nbsp; Grace Pyle's (McPherson, Kan.) three-point play with 5:42 to play in the stanza.

GVSU's Nicole Kamin made one of two free throws for a 40-39 Lakers edge, but Pitt State's Harper Schreiner gave the Gorillas their first lead, 41-40, on an inside basket with 4:24 to play in the quarter.

Pitt State's last lead came with 27 ticks remaining in the third quarter when Hannah Nilges hit a 3-pointer for a 46-44 Gorillas edge.

The Lakers tied the game at 46-46 in the final seconds of the period then held Pitt State scoreless for the first three-plus minutes of the fourth quarter to push in front, 54-46, with 6:41 to play in the game.

The Gorillas twice battled back to within two points - 58-56 on a 3-pointer by Pyle and 60-68 on a bucket by Karenna Gerber (Halstead, Kan.) with 2:29 to play in regulation.

The Lakers pushed the lead back to four on a basket by Kamin with 1:28 to go and Pitt State's Maycee James was called for an offensive foul to thwart a Gorillas possession at the 1:07 mark.

The two teams traded missed shots before GVSU's Paige Vanstee made two free throws for a 64-58 Lakers lead with 18 seconds to go. GVSU added two more free throws for an eight-point cushion before Pyle hit a 3-pointer with six seconds left. The Lakers, who owned a 14-2 advantage at the free throw line in the game, closed it out with two more charity shots with two seconds to play.

Pyle led all scorers with 25 points on nine for 18 shootings. She made six 3-pointers in the contest. Gerber added 13 points and eight rebounds. Nilges and James finished with six points apiece.

The Lakers, who forced the Gorillas into an uncharacteristic 20 turnovers in the contest, got 21 points from Kamin, 17 from Rylie Bisballe and 11 from Vanstee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743092711135.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Pittsburg State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Pittsburg State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Pittsburg State Athletics PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team conjured up yet another amazing NCAA Division II National Tournament second half comeback bid, but the Gorillas couldn't quite fully pull it off.Top-seeded Grand Valley State University built a 13-point advantage early in the third quarter in the Final Four match-up Wednesday (Mar. 26), then withstood a furious Pitt State rally that saw the Gorillas pull ahead midway through the third period. The Lakers eventually wrestled the lead back from Pitt State in the fourth quarter and held off the Gorillas in the game's final minute for a 68-61 victory at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.Grand Valley State (37-2) advances to the 2024-25 NCAA Division II National Championship Game Friday (Mar. 28) where the Lakers will meet No. 3 seed California State University-Dominguez Hills, which defeated Union (Tenn.) University, 68-50, in its national semifinal match-up. Pitt State's record-breaking season ends with a 33-4 mark, a program record for victories (33) and winning percentage (.892).Pitt State, which trailed by double-digit point totals in the Central Regional semifinals and finals at John Lance Arena earlier this month, exploded for a 15-2 third quarter run that turned a 37-24 deficit into a tie game, 39-39, on&nbsp; Grace Pyle's (McPherson, Kan.) three-point play with 5:42 to play in the stanza.GVSU's Nicole Kamin made one of two free throws for a 40-39 Lakers edge, but Pitt State's Harper Schreiner gave the Gorillas their first lead, 41-40, on an inside basket with 4:24 to play in the quarter.Pitt State's last lead came with 27 ticks remaining in the third quarter when Hannah Nilges hit a 3-pointer for a 46-44 Gorillas edge.The Lakers tied the game at 46-46 in the final seconds of the period then held Pitt State scoreless for the first three-plus minutes of the fourth quarter to push in front, 54-46, with 6:41 to play in the game.The Gorillas twice battled back to within two points - 58-56 on a 3-pointer by Pyle and 60-68 on a bucket by Karenna Gerber (Halstead, Kan.) with 2:29 to play in regulation.The Lakers pushed the lead back to four on a basket by Kamin with 1:28 to go and Pitt State's Maycee James was called for an offensive foul to thwart a Gorillas possession at the 1:07 mark.The two teams traded missed shots before GVSU's Paige Vanstee made two free throws for a 64-58 Lakers lead with 18 seconds to go. GVSU added two more free throws for an eight-point cushion before Pyle hit a 3-pointer with six seconds left. The Lakers, who owned a 14-2 advantage at the free throw line in the game, closed it out with two more charity shots with two seconds to play.Pyle led all scorers with 25 points on nine for 18 shootings. She made six 3-pointers in the contest. Gerber added 13 points and eight rebounds. Nilges and James finished with six points apiece.The Lakers, who forced the Gorillas into an uncharacteristic 20 turnovers in the contest, got 21 points from Kamin, 17 from Rylie Bisballe and 11 from Vanstee.

🏀 Pitt State title hopes dashed in Final Four loss to Grand Valley State 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
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🎧 Listen: 🏀 Blue Dragons advance in Casper, NJCAA Final Four Set ⚾ Royals opening day

Heading into Wednesday’s doubleheader at Fun Valley, the Dragons were tied atop the Jayhawk Conference with an identical 13-1 record.

In Game 1, the Dragons got on the board in the first inning with an unearned run off an RBI single to short by freshman Gabby Stauffer, allowing sophomore Bailey Backhaus to score.

With a 1-0 lead in the third, the Dragons put up five more runs with doubles by Stauffer and Kaibryn Kruger. They added another run in the fourth on an RBI single by Tailor Golly.

Morgan Tomlinson went 6 2/3 innings for the win, improving to 11-2 on the season.

In Game 2, the Dragons struck early, scoring one in the bottom of the first on a fielder's choice by Stauffer.

Barton tied the game and took the lead with single runs in the second and fourth innings.

The Blue Dragons tied it in the fifth with an RBI single by Backhaus, then reclaimed the lead on a two-run homer by Kruger to left field, scoring Backhaus.

Freshman Aubree Thomas went four innings, allowing two runs for the win. She improved to 8-2 on the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743080238610.jpeg" alt="Tailor Golly (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information, file photo)" />
 <figcaption>Tailor Golly (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information, file photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostHeading into Wednesday’s doubleheader at Fun Valley, the Dragons were tied atop the Jayhawk Conference with an identical 13-1 record.In Game 1, the Dragons got on the board in the first inning with an unearned run off an RBI single to short by freshman Gabby Stauffer, allowing sophomore Bailey Backhaus to score.With a 1-0 lead in the third, the Dragons put up five more runs with doubles by Stauffer and Kaibryn Kruger. They added another run in the fourth on an RBI single by Tailor Golly.Morgan Tomlinson went 6 2/3 innings for the win, improving to 11-2 on the season.In Game 2, the Dragons struck early, scoring one in the bottom of the first on a fielder's choice by Stauffer.Barton tied the game and took the lead with single runs in the second and fourth innings.The Blue Dragons tied it in the fifth with an RBI single by Backhaus, then reclaimed the lead on a two-run homer by Kruger to left field, scoring Backhaus.Freshman Aubree Thomas went four innings, allowing two runs for the win. She improved to 8-2 on the season.