GREAT BEND – The Hutchinson Community College baseball team accomplished many things in its 7-2 victory in Game 1 of a four-game Jayhawk West series with the Barton Cougars on Wednesday at Lawson-Biggs Field.

First, and foremost, the Blue Dragons clinched the 2024 Jayhawk West championship, the program's first since 2021 and 13th overall in the 50-year history of the program. Combined with the conference-clinching win was:

+ The Blue Dragons clinched their first 40-win season since 2019 and 10th 40-win season overall;

+ First-year head coach Brock Nehls joins Gene Torczon and Kyle Crookes as Blue Dragon head coaches to win a conference championship in their first season (Torczon in 1975 and Crookes in 2005);

+ Nehls also became the first Blue Dragon head coach to win 40 games in his first season;

+ The Blue Dragons earned their 1,500th all-time victory.

+ With two stolen bases, Blue Dragon sophomore centerfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>&nbsp;broke the Blue Dragon single-season record for stolen bases with his 48th and 49th steals of the season, surpassing Nick Thigpen's 2003 record of 48. Babin also had two steals in the second game to become the first Blue Dragon to reach 50 steals in a season.

The Blue Dragons and Cougars split the opening two games of the series on Wednesday – the series was pushed up a day because of forecast severe weather in central Kansas on Thursday. Barton rallied from eight runs down to defeat Hutchinson 10-9 in nine innings in Game 2.

Hutchinson is now 40-11 overall and 25-5 in the Jayhawk West. Barton is now 33-17 overall and 15-11 in the Jayhawk West. The final two games of the series are scheduled for Friday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

GAME 1 RECAP – Hutchinson 7, Barton 2 Sophomore starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;became the first Blue Dragon nine-game winner in a season since Kyle Simonds won 13 games in 2014 with five solid innings of shutout ball.

Giesbrecht (9-2) allowed just one hit and walked two with four strikeouts over his five innings. He allowed two walks in the first inning and a single-inning single before retiring the final 11 Barton batters he faced, closing his outing with back-to-back strikeouts in the fifth inning.

Giesbrecht was backed offensively with a six-run third inning. The Blue Dragons broke the scoreless tie when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;hit a three-run home run to left-center for a 3-0 lead. Four batters later, after the Dragons loaded the bases,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;hit a three-run double to right-center to give the Blue Dragons a 6-0 lead.

After the Cougars scored two runs in the sixth inning, the Dragons got one of those runs back with a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/gunderson_cody_npi8">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;RBI single in the seventh inning for a five-run cushion.

Babin and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;had two hits each to lead Hutchinson.

Babin tied Thigpen's stolen base record with a steal in the first inning and broke the record with a seventh-inning steal. Cymbalista had two doubles.

GAME 2 RECAP – Barton 10, Hutchinson 9 (10 innings) Cymbalista's eighth home run of the season to lead off the seventh inning gave the Blue Dragons a 9-1 lead, but Barton mounted a furious comeback with nine unanswered runs to rally to defeat the Dragons in 10 innings.

Barton scored two runs in the seventh, tied the game with six runs in the eighth and won the game with a sacrifice fly in the 10th.

Babin led the Blue Dragons' 12-hit attack, going 4 for 5 with two doubles, two runs and two stolen bases.

Cymbalista was 2 for 4 with three RBIs. Wesslund was 2 for 4 with a double, run scored and a stolen base. Pimentel-Guerrero was 2 for 5 with two RBIs.

Barton had 10 hits and took advantage of two Dragon errors and a season-high eight walks by four Blue Dragon pitchers.

Landon Snyder (0-1) took the loss for the Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/toureau_cole_aswi">Cole Toureau</a>&nbsp;worked 4 2-3 innings in his first start for the season. He allowed just one run and one hit with four strikeouts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714050796158.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon baseball team celebrates winning the 2024 Jayhawk West championship after a 7-2 victory over Barton in Game 1 on Wednesday in Great Bend. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon baseball team celebrates winning the 2024 Jayhawk West championship after a 7-2 victory over Barton in Game 1 on Wednesday in Great Bend. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationGREAT BEND – The Hutchinson Community College baseball team accomplished many things in its 7-2 victory in Game 1 of a four-game Jayhawk West series with the Barton Cougars on Wednesday at Lawson-Biggs Field.First, and foremost, the Blue Dragons clinched the 2024 Jayhawk West championship, the program's first since 2021 and 13th overall in the 50-year history of the program. Combined with the conference-clinching win was:+ The Blue Dragons clinched their first 40-win season since 2019 and 10th 40-win season overall;+ First-year head coach Brock Nehls joins Gene Torczon and Kyle Crookes as Blue Dragon head coaches to win a conference championship in their first season (Torczon in 1975 and Crookes in 2005);+ Nehls also became the first Blue Dragon head coach to win 40 games in his first season;+ The Blue Dragons earned their 1,500th all-time victory.+ With two stolen bases, Blue Dragon sophomore centerfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/babin_kael_g1ow">Kael Babin</a>&nbsp;broke the Blue Dragon single-season record for stolen bases with his 48th and 49th steals of the season, surpassing Nick Thigpen's 2003 record of 48. Babin also had two steals in the second game to become the first Blue Dragon to reach 50 steals in a season.The Blue Dragons and Cougars split the opening two games of the series on Wednesday – the series was pushed up a day because of forecast severe weather in central Kansas on Thursday. Barton rallied from eight runs down to defeat Hutchinson 10-9 in nine innings in Game 2.Hutchinson is now 40-11 overall and 25-5 in the Jayhawk West. Barton is now 33-17 overall and 15-11 in the Jayhawk West. The final two games of the series are scheduled for Friday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.GAME 1 RECAP – Hutchinson 7, Barton 2 Sophomore starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_qz2n">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;became the first Blue Dragon nine-game winner in a season since Kyle Simonds won 13 games in 2014 with five solid innings of shutout ball.Giesbrecht (9-2) allowed just one hit and walked two with four strikeouts over his five innings. He allowed two walks in the first inning and a single-inning single before retiring the final 11 Barton batters he faced, closing his outing with back-to-back strikeouts in the fifth inning.Giesbrecht was backed offensively with a six-run third inning. The Blue Dragons broke the scoreless tie when&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/pimental-guerrero_luis_ubag">Luis Pimentel-Guerrero</a>&nbsp;hit a three-run home run to left-center for a 3-0 lead. Four batters later, after the Dragons loaded the bases,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/wesslund_cooper_2jkh">Cooper Wesslund</a>&nbsp;hit a three-run double to right-center to give the Blue Dragons a 6-0 lead.After the Cougars scored two runs in the sixth inning, the Dragons got one of those runs back with a&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/gunderson_cody_npi8">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;RBI single in the seventh inning for a five-run cushion.The Blue Dragons out-hit Barton 7-5.Babin and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/cymbalista_colin_rw61">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;had two hits each to lead Hutchinson.Babin tied Thigpen's stolen base record with a steal in the first inning and broke the record with a seventh-inning steal. Cymbalista had two doubles.GAME 2 RECAP – Barton 10, Hutchinson 9 (10 innings) Cymbalista's eighth home run of the season to lead off the seventh inning gave the Blue Dragons a 9-1 lead, but Barton mounted a furious comeback with nine unanswered runs to rally to defeat the Dragons in 10 innings.Barton scored two runs in the seventh, tied the game with six runs in the eighth and won the game with a sacrifice fly in the 10th.Babin led the Blue Dragons' 12-hit attack, going 4 for 5 with two doubles, two runs and two stolen bases.Cymbalista was 2 for 4 with three RBIs. Wesslund was 2 for 4 with a double, run scored and a stolen base. Pimentel-Guerrero was 2 for 5 with two RBIs.Barton had 10 hits and took advantage of two Dragon errors and a season-high eight walks by four Blue Dragon pitchers.Landon Snyder (0-1) took the loss for the Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2023-24/bios/toureau_cole_aswi">Cole Toureau</a>&nbsp;worked 4 2-3 innings in his first start for the season. He allowed just one run and one hit with four strikeouts.

⚾ Dragons clinch Jayhawk West title with milestone win

HAYS – Hutchinson Community College freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/thid_david_jvzs">David Thid</a>&nbsp;broke his own school record in the 400-meter hurdles on Wednesday at the FHSU Alex Francis Classic at Fort Hays State University.

Thid led a list of one school record, four event titles, three all-time Top 10 performances and two national qualifiers at the Alex Francis Classic, which was moved from Thursday to Wednesday because of impending severe weather forecast for Thursday.

Thid won the 400-meter hurdles with a Blue Dragon-record time of 51.14 seconds. That beat his own record he set at the KT Woodman Classic by 0.36 seconds.

Thid's 400-meter hurdle record marks the third Blue Dragon outdoor school record and fifth overall track and field record to be broken this season.

The Blue Dragons upped their total of 2024 national qualifiers to 17 on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/roland_ty-rique_n9sc">Ty'Rique Roland</a>&nbsp;qualified in the high jump after placing second with a PR height of 6 feet, 10 inches. That mark ties for the ninth-highest high jump in program history.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/brown_christopher_1wqz">Christopher Brown</a>&nbsp;placed second in the shot put with a national-qualifying mark of 51 feet, 6 inches (15.70 meters). Brown tied for 12th all time in Blue Dragon history. Brown also placed second in the discus with a throw of 170 feet, 0 inches (51.82m), which is the fifth-best mark in Blue Dragon history. Brown added a fourth-place finish in the hammer throw at 161 feet, 1 inches (49.11m).

The Blue Dragons added three more event victories – three individual events and one relay – on Wednesday.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/johnson_chris_pj8c">Chris Johnson</a>, the nation's No. 1 pole vaulter, won the Alex Francis pole vault clearing 16 feet, 4 1/4 inches (5.00m).

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/seamster_ezekiel_gysy">Ezekiel Seamster</a>&nbsp;won his third 100-meter title of the outdoor season with a time of 10.34 seconds, a PR time that is the ninth-fastest mark in Blue Dragon outdoor history.

Seamster rank the anchor leg of Hutchinson's winning 4x100-meter relay on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/warren_d-antonio_xcf2">D'Antonio Warren</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/smith_omari_gc69">Omari Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/bronaugh_trenton_omnd">Trenton Bronaugh</a>&nbsp;teamed up with Seamster to win the relay with a time of 41.12 seconds.

The Blue Dragons will now compete at the Region 6 Outdoor Championships next Thursday through Saturday at Pratt Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714051091535.jpeg" alt="David Thid breaks the Blue Dragon 400-meter hurdle record for the second time this season after winning the FHSU Alex Francis Classic with a time of 51.14 seconds. (Photo courtesy Ryan Prickett/FHSU Media Relations)." />
 <figcaption>David Thid breaks the Blue Dragon 400-meter hurdle record for the second time this season after winning the FHSU Alex Francis Classic with a time of 51.14 seconds. (Photo courtesy Ryan Prickett/FHSU Media Relations).</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHAYS – Hutchinson Community College freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/thid_david_jvzs">David Thid</a>&nbsp;broke his own school record in the 400-meter hurdles on Wednesday at the FHSU Alex Francis Classic at Fort Hays State University.Thid led a list of one school record, four event titles, three all-time Top 10 performances and two national qualifiers at the Alex Francis Classic, which was moved from Thursday to Wednesday because of impending severe weather forecast for Thursday.Thid won the 400-meter hurdles with a Blue Dragon-record time of 51.14 seconds. That beat his own record he set at the KT Woodman Classic by 0.36 seconds.Thid's 400-meter hurdle record marks the third Blue Dragon outdoor school record and fifth overall track and field record to be broken this season.The Blue Dragons upped their total of 2024 national qualifiers to 17 on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/roland_ty-rique_n9sc">Ty'Rique Roland</a>&nbsp;qualified in the high jump after placing second with a PR height of 6 feet, 10 inches. That mark ties for the ninth-highest high jump in program history.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/brown_christopher_1wqz">Christopher Brown</a>&nbsp;placed second in the shot put with a national-qualifying mark of 51 feet, 6 inches (15.70 meters). Brown tied for 12th all time in Blue Dragon history. Brown also placed second in the discus with a throw of 170 feet, 0 inches (51.82m), which is the fifth-best mark in Blue Dragon history. Brown added a fourth-place finish in the hammer throw at 161 feet, 1 inches (49.11m).The Blue Dragons added three more event victories – three individual events and one relay – on Wednesday.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/johnson_chris_pj8c">Chris Johnson</a>, the nation's No. 1 pole vaulter, won the Alex Francis pole vault clearing 16 feet, 4 1/4 inches (5.00m).<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/seamster_ezekiel_gysy">Ezekiel Seamster</a>&nbsp;won his third 100-meter title of the outdoor season with a time of 10.34 seconds, a PR time that is the ninth-fastest mark in Blue Dragon outdoor history.Seamster rank the anchor leg of Hutchinson's winning 4x100-meter relay on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/warren_d-antonio_xcf2">D'Antonio Warren</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/smith_omari_gc69">Omari Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2023-24/bios/bronaugh_trenton_omnd">Trenton Bronaugh</a>&nbsp;teamed up with Seamster to win the relay with a time of 41.12 seconds.The Blue Dragons will now compete at the Region 6 Outdoor Championships next Thursday through Saturday at Pratt Community College.

👟 Thid breaks own 400 hurdle record at Alex Francis Classic

HAYS – Hutchinson Community College sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/limon_liberty_pn63">Liberty Limon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/burke_hayleigh_qa6g">Hayleigh Burke</a>&nbsp;both punched tickets to the 2024 NJCAA Outdoor National Track and Field Championships, qualifying on Wednesday at the FHSU Alex Francis Classic at Fort Hays State University.

Limon and Burke became the 12th and 13th national qualifiers for the Blue Dragons heading into next week's Region 6 Championships in Pratt.

Limon, after several weeks of being right on the cusp of qualifying, cleared 5 feet, 4 1/4 inches (1.63) meters to finally reach the 2024 qualifying standard in a second-place showing on Wednesday. Limon's PR performance tied for 10th on the Blue Dragon all-time outdoor women's high jump chart.

Burke placed 12th in the hammer throw, but did so with a qualifying throw of 143 feet, 10 inches (43.84 meters), which is 11th all time in Blue Dragon women's track and field history.

The Blue Dragons had four event winners on Wednesday at the Alex Francis Classic, a meet moved up one day because of potential severe weather on Thursday.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/hawkins_brooke_1fkd">Brooke Hawkins</a>&nbsp;was a double-event winner for Hutchinson. Hawkins won the high jump at 5-4 1/4 (1.63 meters), which was Limon's highest clearance. But Hawkins won the event based on less misses than Limon. Hawkins also won the triple jump with a best jump of 39-1 (11.91m). Hawkins was seventh in the long jump at 16-6 3/4 (5.05m).

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/kuepker_jenna_arvk">Jenna Kuepker</a>&nbsp;continued her strong season in the javelin with a winning throw of 145-5 (44.33m). Kuepker earlier this season broke the Blue Dragon outdoor javelin record.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/james_kaylee_rvey">Kaylee James</a>&nbsp;won her fourth 100-meter hurdle title of the 2024 outdoor season. James won the event at 14.12 seconds. James added a third-place finish in the 400 meters with a PR time of 58.07 seconds, the third-fastest outdoor 400-meter time in Blue Dragon history.

Other top Blue Dragon performances at the Alex Francis Classic:

+ Pole vaulters&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/o-hair_nakaela_53zq">Nakaela O'Hair</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/noll_alivia_6yww">Alivia Noll</a>&nbsp;finished third and fourth, respectively. Both Blue Dragons cleared 10-2.

+ Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/moreno_yaya_hio8">Yaya Moreno</a>&nbsp;placed third in the long jump with a PR mark of 17-5 1/2 (5.32m). Moreno was also sixth in the triple jump at 33-10 3/4 (10.37m).

+&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/dominique_kemisha_fekc">Kemisha Dominique</a>&nbsp;posted the ninth-best time in the 400 meters in Blue Dragon history with a fifth-place performance in the 400 meters with a time of 59.72 seconds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714051016857.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Liberty Limon finished second in the FHSU Alex Francis Classic in the women's high jump and qualified for nationals at 5 feet, 4 1/2 inches. (Photo courtesy Ryan Prickett/FHSU Media Relations)" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Liberty Limon finished second in the FHSU Alex Francis Classic in the women's high jump and qualified for nationals at 5 feet, 4 1/2 inches. (Photo courtesy Ryan Prickett/FHSU Media Relations)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHAYS – Hutchinson Community College sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/limon_liberty_pn63">Liberty Limon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/burke_hayleigh_qa6g">Hayleigh Burke</a>&nbsp;both punched tickets to the 2024 NJCAA Outdoor National Track and Field Championships, qualifying on Wednesday at the FHSU Alex Francis Classic at Fort Hays State University.Limon and Burke became the 12th and 13th national qualifiers for the Blue Dragons heading into next week's Region 6 Championships in Pratt.Limon, after several weeks of being right on the cusp of qualifying, cleared 5 feet, 4 1/4 inches (1.63) meters to finally reach the 2024 qualifying standard in a second-place showing on Wednesday. Limon's PR performance tied for 10th on the Blue Dragon all-time outdoor women's high jump chart.Burke placed 12th in the hammer throw, but did so with a qualifying throw of 143 feet, 10 inches (43.84 meters), which is 11th all time in Blue Dragon women's track and field history.The Blue Dragons had four event winners on Wednesday at the Alex Francis Classic, a meet moved up one day because of potential severe weather on Thursday.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/hawkins_brooke_1fkd">Brooke Hawkins</a>&nbsp;was a double-event winner for Hutchinson. Hawkins won the high jump at 5-4 1/4 (1.63 meters), which was Limon's highest clearance. But Hawkins won the event based on less misses than Limon. Hawkins also won the triple jump with a best jump of 39-1 (11.91m). Hawkins was seventh in the long jump at 16-6 3/4 (5.05m).Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/kuepker_jenna_arvk">Jenna Kuepker</a>&nbsp;continued her strong season in the javelin with a winning throw of 145-5 (44.33m). Kuepker earlier this season broke the Blue Dragon outdoor javelin record.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/james_kaylee_rvey">Kaylee James</a>&nbsp;won her fourth 100-meter hurdle title of the 2024 outdoor season. James won the event at 14.12 seconds. James added a third-place finish in the 400 meters with a PR time of 58.07 seconds, the third-fastest outdoor 400-meter time in Blue Dragon history.Other top Blue Dragon performances at the Alex Francis Classic:+ Pole vaulters&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/o-hair_nakaela_53zq">Nakaela O'Hair</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/noll_alivia_6yww">Alivia Noll</a>&nbsp;finished third and fourth, respectively. Both Blue Dragons cleared 10-2.+ Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/moreno_yaya_hio8">Yaya Moreno</a>&nbsp;placed third in the long jump with a PR mark of 17-5 1/2 (5.32m). Moreno was also sixth in the triple jump at 33-10 3/4 (10.37m).+&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2023-24/bios/dominique_kemisha_fekc">Kemisha Dominique</a>&nbsp;posted the ninth-best time in the 400 meters in Blue Dragon history with a fifth-place performance in the 400 meters with a time of 59.72 seconds.

👟 Limon, Burke become 12th, 13th Blue Dragon national qualifiers

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Travis Adams&nbsp;surrendered just two runs across five innings while five different Wind Surge batters drove in runs across a 9-6 loss against the San Antonio Missions.

Carson McCusker&nbsp;grounded an RBI single to bring in&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;in the top of the second.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;one-upped his teammate on a two-run single past the hole to left field later in the frame to score McCusker and&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;to compile a 3-0 lead.

The Missions got two runs back an inning later in the third on an RBI double and a sacrifice fly to right field against Adams.

Wichita designated hitter&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;singled to center field to pile on another run in the form of Schobel.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;later worked an RBI Fielder’s Choice to allow&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;to cross home plate for a 5-2 Wind Surge advantage.

San Antonio broke out for seven consecutive runs in the following two innings, including a five run bottom of the seventh after the stretch. The spree came against a trio of Wind Surge relievers over five hits and two walks.

Jake Rucker&nbsp;put up the sixth Wind Surge run after Wichita loaded the bases in the top of the ninth on a fielder’s choice before the game ended on a McCusker strikeout. Wichita remains one of two MiLB teams who are winless on the road at 0-8 alongside the Bradenton Marauders (Single-A Pittsburgh Pirates Affiliate).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714043820515.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge give up win to the Missions." />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge give up win to the Missions.</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Travis Adams&nbsp;surrendered just two runs across five innings while five different Wind Surge batters drove in runs across a 9-6 loss against the San Antonio Missions.Carson McCusker&nbsp;grounded an RBI single to bring in&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti&nbsp;in the top of the second.&nbsp;Tanner Schobel&nbsp;one-upped his teammate on a two-run single past the hole to left field later in the frame to score McCusker and&nbsp;Jorel Ortega&nbsp;to compile a 3-0 lead.The Missions got two runs back an inning later in the third on an RBI double and a sacrifice fly to right field against Adams.Wichita designated hitter&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;singled to center field to pile on another run in the form of Schobel.&nbsp;Kala’i Rosario&nbsp;later worked an RBI Fielder’s Choice to allow&nbsp;Emmanuel Rodriguez&nbsp;to cross home plate for a 5-2 Wind Surge advantage.San Antonio broke out for seven consecutive runs in the following two innings, including a five run bottom of the seventh after the stretch. The spree came against a trio of Wind Surge relievers over five hits and two walks.Jake Rucker&nbsp;put up the sixth Wind Surge run after Wichita loaded the bases in the top of the ninth on a fielder’s choice before the game ended on a McCusker strikeout. Wichita remains one of two MiLB teams who are winless on the road at 0-8 alongside the Bradenton Marauders (Single-A Pittsburgh Pirates Affiliate).

⚾ Wind Surge continue search for first road win after 7-run Missions comeback

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night. Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight. John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save. Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two. George Springer homered for Toronto.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Lars Nootbaar drove in two runs and Kyle Gibson pitched six effective innings, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of three-game series. Gibson allowed one run and five hits. Gibson struck out six and walked two. Former Cardinal Jordan Montgomery went seven innings in his second start for Arizona since signing a one-year, $25 million deal as this season began. He allowed three runs, two earned, and six hits and struck out four and walked one. The Cardinals took a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning. With one out, Brendan Donovan singled and Willson Contreras doubled. Nolan Arenado’s single scored Donovan. Contreras scored on a wild pitch before Montgomery retired the next two hitters.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals right-hander Alec Marsh was hit on his throwing arm by a line drive, forcing him to leave in the fifth inning against Toronto on Wednesday night. After Marsh (3-0) pitched four scoreless innings, Addison Barger hit a 91-mph fastball back up the middle leading off the fifth. After being struck, Marsh picked up the ball and threw to first to retire Barger. The Royals said Marsh had a forearm contusion. Angel Zerpa took over for Marsh on the mound.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had three doubles to improve his major league-leading batting average to .371, rookie Landon Knack got his first victory and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Washington Nationals 11-2 on Wednesday night. The Dodgers had a season-high 20 hits en route to their third straight victory, with Mookie Betts and Will Smith each having four hits and Andy Pages homering. Nick Senzel homered for Washington. The Nationals didn’t have a baserunner after the second inning. Ohtani went 3 for 6, hitting RBI doubles in the eighth and ninth innings. He leads the majors in slugging percentage, OPS, extra-base hits and doubles.

BOSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro hit six of Miami’s franchise playoff-record 23 3-pointers to lead the Heat to a 111-101 victory over the Boston Celtics and tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. Herro had 24 points and 14 assists to lead Miami. Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and new Celtics nemesis Caleb Martin also had 21 for the Heat. Miami shot 53.5% from beyond the arc to bounce back after a Game 1 blowout. Jaylen Brown scored 33 points for top-seeded Boston. Jayson Tatum scored 28. The series moves to Miami for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Chet Holmgren had 26 points and seven rebounds and Jalen Williams added 21 points for the top-seeded Thunder. Oklahoma City shot 59% from the field and made 14 of 29 3-pointers. Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points and Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram added 18 each for the Pelicans. New Orleans continued to struggle on offense without top scorer Zion Williamson. He remained out with a strained left hamstring.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award. Bush gave up the trophy in 2010 following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. Heisman Trust President Michael Comerford said the trust considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years that now make some forms of athlete compensation permissible. Bush amassed more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns in 2005. He received the fifth most first-place votes in Heisman history.

DETROIT (AP) — Jayden Daniels handled the media with the same poise and command he displays in the pocket. Asked a few times about speculation that he doesn’t want to play for Washington and whether he prefers going to another team, Daniels understandably took a diplomatic approach one day before the NFL draft. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner from LSU is expected to be one of the top three players selected Thursday night. After USC quarterback Caleb Williams goes to Chicago first overall, Daniels is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 2 pick, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, April 25th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, April 25th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports in a Minute Report:<div><iframe title="April 25th, 2024 AP Sports in a Minute" 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=6i2mp-15f638f-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>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night. Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight. John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save. Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two. George Springer homered for Toronto.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Lars Nootbaar drove in two runs and Kyle Gibson pitched six effective innings, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of three-game series. Gibson allowed one run and five hits. Gibson struck out six and walked two. Former Cardinal Jordan Montgomery went seven innings in his second start for Arizona since signing a one-year, $25 million deal as this season began. He allowed three runs, two earned, and six hits and struck out four and walked one. The Cardinals took a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning. With one out, Brendan Donovan singled and Willson Contreras doubled. Nolan Arenado’s single scored Donovan. Contreras scored on a wild pitch before Montgomery retired the next two hitters.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals right-hander Alec Marsh was hit on his throwing arm by a line drive, forcing him to leave in the fifth inning against Toronto on Wednesday night. After Marsh (3-0) pitched four scoreless innings, Addison Barger hit a 91-mph fastball back up the middle leading off the fifth. After being struck, Marsh picked up the ball and threw to first to retire Barger. The Royals said Marsh had a forearm contusion. Angel Zerpa took over for Marsh on the mound.WASHINGTON (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had three doubles to improve his major league-leading batting average to .371, rookie Landon Knack got his first victory and the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Washington Nationals 11-2 on Wednesday night. The Dodgers had a season-high 20 hits en route to their third straight victory, with Mookie Betts and Will Smith each having four hits and Andy Pages homering. Nick Senzel homered for Washington. The Nationals didn’t have a baserunner after the second inning. Ohtani went 3 for 6, hitting RBI doubles in the eighth and ninth innings. He leads the majors in slugging percentage, OPS, extra-base hits and doubles.BOSTON (AP) — Tyler Herro hit six of Miami’s franchise playoff-record 23 3-pointers to lead the Heat to a 111-101 victory over the Boston Celtics and tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. Herro had 24 points and 14 assists to lead Miami. Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and new Celtics nemesis Caleb Martin also had 21 for the Heat. Miami shot 53.5% from beyond the arc to bounce back after a Game 1 blowout. Jaylen Brown scored 33 points for top-seeded Boston. Jayson Tatum scored 28. The series moves to Miami for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday.OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Chet Holmgren had 26 points and seven rebounds and Jalen Williams added 21 points for the top-seeded Thunder. Oklahoma City shot 59% from the field and made 14 of 29 3-pointers. Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points and Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram added 18 each for the Pelicans. New Orleans continued to struggle on offense without top scorer Zion Williamson. He remained out with a strained left hamstring.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award. Bush gave up the trophy in 2010 following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. Heisman Trust President Michael Comerford said the trust considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years that now make some forms of athlete compensation permissible. Bush amassed more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns in 2005. He received the fifth most first-place votes in Heisman history.DETROIT (AP) — Jayden Daniels handled the media with the same poise and command he displays in the pocket. Asked a few times about speculation that he doesn’t want to play for Washington and whether he prefers going to another team, Daniels understandably took a diplomatic approach one day before the NFL draft. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner from LSU is expected to be one of the top three players selected Thursday night. After USC quarterback Caleb Williams goes to Chicago first overall, Daniels is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 2 pick, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Chicago Cubs 4 Houston 3AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Baltimore 6 L.A. Angels 5Final Boston 8 Cleveland 0Final Tampa Bay 7 Detroit 5Final N.Y. Yankees 7 Oakland 3Final Minnesota 6 Chicago White Sox 3Final Kansas City 3 Toronto 2Final Texas 5 Seattle 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal St. Louis 5 Arizona 1Final N.Y. Mets 8 San Francisco 2Final Milwaukee 3 Pittsburgh 2Final L.A. Dodgers 11 Washington 2Final Cincinnati 7 Philadelphia 4Final Atlanta 4 Miami 3Final San Diego 5 Colorado 2NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal Miami 111 Boston 101Final Oklahoma City 124 New Orleans 92NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal Boston 4 Toronto 2Final Vegas 3 Dallas 1

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight.

“That’s Royals baseball," said Bobby Witt Jr., who is batting .350 during a five-game hitting streak. "We've got to keep doing that. Get on the base paths. Be aggressive. Make things happen. The bats will come around and (we'll) hit some homers, too.”

John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.

“It’s been awesome,” McArthur said. “Those guys coming in early in the game kind of sets the tone for us to come in later. We all have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do in the pen.

"The coaches do a great job of giving us good scouting reports, and then we can always rely on (catchers) Salvy (Perez) and Freddy (Fermin). We just try to pass the baton to each other and feed off each other.”

Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two.

Marsh left the game with one out in the fifth inning after taking a line drive off his right forearm. He fielded the ball and threw out Addison Barger at first, but was removed after that. He gave up no runs on two hits.

“We feel like we got pretty lucky,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It got him in like just above the elbow, on the forearm, but squaring him up. I mean, you could see (the laces) pretty good.

"He was saying, ‘Oh, it’s coming back. It’s coming back.’ We've got to use our heads there a little bit.”

The Royals scored in the first, helped by a couple of walks by Rodriguez. Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and Perez lined a single to left to score Witt.

The Royals added a run in the second. Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double that Barger misplayed into three bases. Barger, who made his debut Wednesday, played right field and third base in Triple-A. He broke in and the ball sailed over his head. Garcia singled, scoring Isbel with the Royals' second run.

The Blue Jays have scored just seven runs in the last three games, two of them 3-2 losses. Toronto manager John Schneider is not worried.

“It’s a matter of time," he said. "You got to keep plugging away. Everyone knows how we’re built, but it takes a game or two to really get rolling. And I think the encouraging part is we are where we are (record-wise) without firing on all cylinders really. So, we’re confident it will turn around.”

The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth when George Springer homered off reliever Angel Zerpa.

The Royals chased Rodriguez with three straight singles in the fifth. Witt's single scored Isbel with KC's third run.

Toronto got an RBI groundout from Ernie Clement to pull within 3-2 in the sixth.

Blue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation. Toronto called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. Barger made his MLB debut in left field and hit eighth in the order.

The Blue Jays and Royals will conclude their four-game series Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send RHP Jose Berrios (4-0, 0.85 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (0-2, 4.32 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714012601218.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) leads starting pitcher Alec Marsh (48) off the field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) leads starting pitcher Alec Marsh (48) off the field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alec Marsh and four relievers combined for a six-hitter as the Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Wednesday night.Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had two hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which bounced back from a loss in the series opener on Monday to win two straight.“That’s Royals baseball," said Bobby Witt Jr., who is batting .350 during a five-game hitting streak. "We've got to keep doing that. Get on the base paths. Be aggressive. Make things happen. The bats will come around and (we'll) hit some homers, too.”John Schreiber (2-0) picked up the win in relief. James McArthur earned his sixth save.“It’s been awesome,” McArthur said. “Those guys coming in early in the game kind of sets the tone for us to come in later. We all have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do in the pen."The coaches do a great job of giving us good scouting reports, and then we can always rely on (catchers) Salvy (Perez) and Freddy (Fermin). We just try to pass the baton to each other and feed off each other.”Yariel Rodríguez (0-1) gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked two.Marsh left the game with one out in the fifth inning after taking a line drive off his right forearm. He fielded the ball and threw out Addison Barger at first, but was removed after that. He gave up no runs on two hits.“We feel like we got pretty lucky,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It got him in like just above the elbow, on the forearm, but squaring him up. I mean, you could see (the laces) pretty good."He was saying, ‘Oh, it’s coming back. It’s coming back.’ We've got to use our heads there a little bit.”The Royals scored in the first, helped by a couple of walks by Rodriguez. Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and Perez lined a single to left to score Witt.The Royals added a run in the second. Kyle Isbel hit a two-out double that Barger misplayed into three bases. Barger, who made his debut Wednesday, played right field and third base in Triple-A. He broke in and the ball sailed over his head. Garcia singled, scoring Isbel with the Royals' second run.The Blue Jays have scored just seven runs in the last three games, two of them 3-2 losses. Toronto manager John Schneider is not worried.“It’s a matter of time," he said. "You got to keep plugging away. Everyone knows how we’re built, but it takes a game or two to really get rolling. And I think the encouraging part is we are where we are (record-wise) without firing on all cylinders really. So, we’re confident it will turn around.”The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth when George Springer homered off reliever Angel Zerpa.The Royals chased Rodriguez with three straight singles in the fifth. Witt's single scored Isbel with KC's third run.Toronto got an RBI groundout from Ernie Clement to pull within 3-2 in the sixth.TRANSACTIONSBlue Jays: OF Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the 10-day injured list with left hip flexor inflammation. Toronto called up Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. Barger made his MLB debut in left field and hit eighth in the order.UP NEXTThe Blue Jays and Royals will conclude their four-game series Thursday afternoon. The Blue Jays will send RHP Jose Berrios (4-0, 0.85 ERA) to the mound to face LHP Cole Ragans (0-2, 4.32 ERA).

⚾ Royals win over Blue Jays Wednesday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714051238611.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>University of Kansas Sports Information<div>LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash; &nbsp;Kansas softball fell to Kansas City 4-1 in a midweek contest Wednesday night at Arrocha Ballpark.&nbsp;
The Jayhawks out-hit the Roos eight to seven, but left 11 runners on base as KU fell to 27-18-1, while Kansas City improved to 17-26.
HOW IT HAPPENED
<ul style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Kansas City got on the board first in the top half of the first inning. A double by Espy Daniels and a single by Lexi Smith put runners on first and third for the Roos. A wild pitch by Kasey Hamilton scored the runner on third to put Kansas City ahead 1-0.&nbsp;</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Kansas City led off the top of the third with a single, followed by a passed ball and a sacrifice bunt to move the Roos to third with one out. A sacrifice fly to left by Lexy Smith scored the second run of the game as Kansas City led 2-0 into the bottom of the third.&nbsp;</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">In the bottom of the fourth, a one-out double by Sara Roszak followed by back-to-back singles by Ashlyn Anderson and Angela Price scored the first run of the game for the Jayhawks. Kansas would once again leave two runners on base after Aynslee Linduff flew out to center. Kansas City led 2-1.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Kansas relief pitcher Lizzy Ludwig worked her way to a scoreless inning after a leadoff walk and a bunt single put a runner in scoring position to start the top of the fifth inning for Kansas City.&nbsp;</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">In the bottom of the fifth, Kansas found themselves with the bases loaded after back-to-back walks followed by Olivia Bruno&rsquo;s one-out single. However, KU failed to convert after Anderson flew out to second to put an end to the Inning.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Kansas City added insurance runs in the top of the seventh, scoring a run after a leadoff walk, followed by two bunt singles and a Kansas error. The Roos scored their second run of the inning after an Daniels groundout. Kansas City extended its lead to 4-1.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Kansas was held scoreless the last 3 innings as they fell 4-1 to Kansas City.</li>
</ul>
PITCHERS OF RECORD
Win: Katie Noble (7-5) Final line: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 SO Save: Camryn Stickel (4) Final line: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 SO Loss: Kasey Hamilton (10-12) Final line: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, &nbsp;2 SO
QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES
&ldquo;I think we&rsquo;re making it bigger than it is at times. Again, tonight was one of those nights where we out hit them. We hit a lot of hard balls right at them, we just couldn&rsquo;t get anything to fall our way. That&rsquo;s where we got to try and go back to work. I think we had too many people trying to be the hero, instead of trying to string some hits together and push runs across the board.&rdquo; &ndash; Head Coach Jennifer McFalls
<ul style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Bruno recorded two hits in the contest, putting her season total of multi-hit games at four.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Roszak earned a single and a double to put her multi-hit game total at six this season.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Anderson went 2-for-3 at the dish as she now has four multi-hit games this season.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT
Kansas will travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to face off against No. 4/4 Oklahoma State in a three-game series from April 26-28 at Cowgirl Stadium for Kansas&rsquo; eighth Big 12 conference series of the season.</div>

🥎 Kansas falls to Kansas City in midweek contest

MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State Nation is headed to The Emerald Isle as the Wildcats will open the 2025 season against Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

"We are thrilled that Kansas State University and our football program have been selected to play Iowa State in the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "The opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans to visit one of the world's top travel destinations and to showcase our football program and brand on a global stage was one we could not pass up. We appreciate John Anthony and his staff for making this unbelievable experience possible, and I know our team, coaches and fans are eager to begin preparations for the trip to Dublin."

This will be just the second time ever that K-State will play a football game outside the United States as the Wildcats played Nebraska in Tokyo, Japan, on December 5, 1992.

"We couldn't be more excited to be chosen to play in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic," head coach Chris Klieman said. "Our players and staff are excited to expose our program to a global audience, and the cultural experience will also be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of Wildcat Nation. We appreciate our administration and the Aer Lingus Classic team for making this tremendous experience possible."

The game between the Wildcats and Cyclones will be the first ever Big 12 matchup in Ireland, the fourth edition of the Aer Lingus Classic and the 10th college football game all-time played in Ireland.

K-State's series with Iowa State has featured two neutral-site matchups with the Wildcats winning both the 2009 and 2010 meetings at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, the 2025 matchup will mark the first time K-State begins a season with a conference opponent since the inaugural Big 12 matchup when the Wildcats defeated Texas Tech on August 31, 1996.

"We are thrilled to welcome K-State and Iowa State to Dublin for the 2025 Aer Lingus Classic," said John Anthony, Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus Classic and Executive VP, Collegiate of On Location. "Kicking off the season with this classic Big 12 Conference rivalry game will bring a heightened level of excitement to another expected sell out of Aviva Stadium. This matchup was selected because of the high-quality play from both teams, as well as the passionate fans bases that follow them. We look forward to providing the experience of a lifetime to the student-athletes and their loyal fans who travel to Ireland. Special thanks to Coach Klieman and Gene Taylor for embracing this special opportunity for all of Kansas State University."

The Aer Lingus Classic aims to bring American college football to Ireland each year to promote Ireland as a travel destination, and 2025 will be the fourth-consecutive season that college football begins its season with a game in Dublin. Florida State and Georgia Tech will kick off the 2024 season in Ireland with an excess of 21,000 U.S. fans confirmed traveling overseas for game week. ESPN's College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will be on hand for the Aer Lingus Classic, broadcasting live from Dublin on Saturday, August 24.

As title sponsor, Aer Lingus is responsible for transporting the teams and their delegations to Dublin on dedicated chartered flights. Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, operates from 17 North America destinations direct to Ireland as well as offer seamless connections to Europe for U.S. travelers via its hub at Dublin airport.

"The Aer Lingus College Football Classic provides us with a unique opportunity to drive awareness of the Aer Lingus brand in our key North American market," said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer. "We have a proud history of connecting the U.S. and Ireland – flying to 17 destinations in North America this summer – and we are committed to growing this transatlantic network so we can continue connecting North America to Ireland and Europe through our Dublin hub. The Aer Lingus Classic draws substantial numbers of American visitors and gives the opportunity to showcase Ireland as a destination through this exciting event. We look forward to welcoming both the Kansas State and Iowa State teams to Ireland for the game in 2025."

"I welcome the news that Kansas State University and Iowa State University have been chosen to play the fourth match in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series," said Catherine Martin, Ireland's Minister for Tourism. "This event is now a firm fixture in the Irish sporting calendar and provides a huge boost to tourism and hospitality in Ireland and indeed creates a great atmosphere in Dublin for visitors and locals alike. We look forward to welcoming the teams and supporters to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and beyond, as they go on to explore other parts of Ireland in August 2025."

Wildcat fans can visit <a href="http://www.Cats2Ireland.com">www.Cats2Ireland.com</a> to learn more about the game and sign up for ticket updates, including official K-State travel and hospitality packages that will become available in late May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714009524626.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State Nation is headed to The Emerald Isle as the Wildcats will open the 2025 season against Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland."We are thrilled that Kansas State University and our football program have been selected to play Iowa State in the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic," Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. "The opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans to visit one of the world's top travel destinations and to showcase our football program and brand on a global stage was one we could not pass up. We appreciate John Anthony and his staff for making this unbelievable experience possible, and I know our team, coaches and fans are eager to begin preparations for the trip to Dublin."This will be just the second time ever that K-State will play a football game outside the United States as the Wildcats played Nebraska in Tokyo, Japan, on December 5, 1992."We couldn't be more excited to be chosen to play in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic," head coach Chris Klieman said. "Our players and staff are excited to expose our program to a global audience, and the cultural experience will also be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of Wildcat Nation. We appreciate our administration and the Aer Lingus Classic team for making this tremendous experience possible."The game between the Wildcats and Cyclones will be the first ever Big 12 matchup in Ireland, the fourth edition of the Aer Lingus Classic and the 10th college football game all-time played in Ireland.K-State's series with Iowa State has featured two neutral-site matchups with the Wildcats winning both the 2009 and 2010 meetings at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, the 2025 matchup will mark the first time K-State begins a season with a conference opponent since the inaugural Big 12 matchup when the Wildcats defeated Texas Tech on August 31, 1996."We are thrilled to welcome K-State and Iowa State to Dublin for the 2025 Aer Lingus Classic," said John Anthony, Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus Classic and Executive VP, Collegiate of On Location. "Kicking off the season with this classic Big 12 Conference rivalry game will bring a heightened level of excitement to another expected sell out of Aviva Stadium. This matchup was selected because of the high-quality play from both teams, as well as the passionate fans bases that follow them. We look forward to providing the experience of a lifetime to the student-athletes and their loyal fans who travel to Ireland. Special thanks to Coach Klieman and Gene Taylor for embracing this special opportunity for all of Kansas State University."The Aer Lingus Classic aims to bring American college football to Ireland each year to promote Ireland as a travel destination, and 2025 will be the fourth-consecutive season that college football begins its season with a game in Dublin. Florida State and Georgia Tech will kick off the 2024 season in Ireland with an excess of 21,000 U.S. fans confirmed traveling overseas for game week. ESPN's College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will be on hand for the Aer Lingus Classic, broadcasting live from Dublin on Saturday, August 24.As title sponsor, Aer Lingus is responsible for transporting the teams and their delegations to Dublin on dedicated chartered flights. Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, operates from 17 North America destinations direct to Ireland as well as offer seamless connections to Europe for U.S. travelers via its hub at Dublin airport."The Aer Lingus College Football Classic provides us with a unique opportunity to drive awareness of the Aer Lingus brand in our key North American market," said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer. "We have a proud history of connecting the U.S. and Ireland – flying to 17 destinations in North America this summer – and we are committed to growing this transatlantic network so we can continue connecting North America to Ireland and Europe through our Dublin hub. The Aer Lingus Classic draws substantial numbers of American visitors and gives the opportunity to showcase Ireland as a destination through this exciting event. We look forward to welcoming both the Kansas State and Iowa State teams to Ireland for the game in 2025.""I welcome the news that Kansas State University and Iowa State University have been chosen to play the fourth match in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series," said Catherine Martin, Ireland's Minister for Tourism. "This event is now a firm fixture in the Irish sporting calendar and provides a huge boost to tourism and hospitality in Ireland and indeed creates a great atmosphere in Dublin for visitors and locals alike. We look forward to welcoming the teams and supporters to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and beyond, as they go on to explore other parts of Ireland in August 2025."Wildcat fans can visit <a href="http://www.Cats2Ireland.com">www.Cats2Ireland.com</a> to learn more about the game and sign up for ticket updates, including official K-State travel and hospitality packages that will become available in late May.

🏈 K-State to play Iowa State in Ireland in 2025

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– For just the third time in program history and second-straight year, the Kansas women’s golf team has been selected as an at-large team for the NCAA Regional Championship in Cle Elum, Washington, announced via the GOLF Channel Wednesday afternoon.

For the first time in program history, the Jayhawks have earned their way into the NCAA Regional Championship in consecutive years.

Kansas enters the NCAA Regional as the No. 9 seed in the 12-team Cle Elum Regional and will play at Tumble Creek Club.

“This shows that we are ready to compete against the nation’s best,” said Kansas third-year head coach Lindsay Kuhle. “We’re very excited to play in Washington. We can play anywhere and have been all over the country trying to prepare for wherever we would be selected. (Tumble Creek) is a championship course and you can get any type of weather.”

The Cle Elum Regional consists of 1. Stanford; 2. Duke; 3. Arizona State; 4. Virginia; 5. San Jose State; 6. Washington; 7. Alabama; 8. Virginia Tech;&nbsp;9. KANSAS; 10. Long Beach State; 11. Sacramento State and 12. Seattle.

Kansas has been selected as an at-large team for an NCAA Regional just two other times in program history, in 2014 and 2023. The 2014 team placed fifth at the NCAA Regional in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and advanced to the NCAA Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Last season, Kansas finished eighth in the Athens Regional.

Ranked No. 49 in the latest Spikemark Clippd rankings, Kansas has five Top 5 finishes in 2023-24, three of those being in the Top 3. In the third tournament of the spring season, Kansas won the Wisconsin Westbrook Invitational with a score of -43 for the program’s first team title since 2017. Also, at the Westbrook Invitational, the Jayhawks broke the 18-hole (-19), 36-hole (-30) and 54-hole (-43) program records. Junior captain Jordan Rothman finished second individually at the event with a score of 203 (-13), setting a new individual 54-hole program record.

“We’re experienced, tough and resilient and I think we will have a great performance because we are prepared,” Kuhle added. “We will continue to have fun and trust the work that we have put in all season. I have said all year that we are one of the best ball striking teams in the nation and I think this course will reward that.”

Through 11 events this season, Kansas has compiled a 288.26 scoring average and accumulated a 73-60-1 head-to-head record. At last weekend’s Big 12 Conference Championship, Kansas shot an 876 (+24) for the program’s lowest team score recorded in the league tournament. Sophomore Amy DeKock and junior Lauren Clark led the Jayhawks in scoring at the conference event, both finishing inside the Top 20.

Rothman co-leads Kansas in scoring for the year with a 71.83 per round average with six Top 20 finishes, including five Top 10’s, two Top 5’s and an individual title. Rothman’s win was the first for a Kansas individual in three years as she shot a 205 (-11) to win the Ron Moore Intercollegiate. DeKock is tied with Rothman in scoring average, also at 71.83. Although she has only competed in six rounds this season, DeKock was the top scorer at the 2024 Big 12 Championship (T12, +3). Junior transfer Lily Hirst carries a 72.23 scoring average for the season. Hirst has recorded seven rounds in the 60’s with six Top-20 finishes, three Top 10 and a Top 5 finish. Clark is next with a 72.80 scoring average. Along with Rothman and Hirst, Clark has competed in all 11 events and 30 rounds for Kansas. Clark has placed in the Top 20 six times and three times in the Top 10. Senior captain Hanna Hawks carries a 73.52 scoring average. Hawks has three Top-20 placements on the year. Freshman Lyla Louderbaugh competed in 10 events this season and averaged 73.96 strokes per round. Louderbaugh made history at the UNM Dick McGuire Invitational earlier this season, firing off a 5-under 67 in the second round for the lowest 18-hole score by a freshman in Kansas history. Junior Johanna Ebner averages 74.13 strokes per round through eight events this season.

Historically, prior to NCAA Regional play, KU was an NCAA Championship at-large selection after it won the 1990 the Big Eight Conference Tournament. Additionally, Kansas has had individuals compete in NCAA Regionals in 1993 (Holly Reynolds), 1994 (Holly Reynolds), 2006 (Amanda Costner), 2008 (Emily Powers), 2015 (Yupaporn Kawinpakorn) and 2016 (Pornvipa Sakdee and Yupaporn Kawinpakorn). Kawinpakorn and Sakdee were part of the 2014 team along with Thanuttra Boonraksasat, Minami Levonowich and Meghan Potee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713987726078.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– For just the third time in program history and second-straight year, the Kansas women’s golf team has been selected as an at-large team for the NCAA Regional Championship in Cle Elum, Washington, announced via the GOLF Channel Wednesday afternoon.For the first time in program history, the Jayhawks have earned their way into the NCAA Regional Championship in consecutive years.Kansas enters the NCAA Regional as the No. 9 seed in the 12-team Cle Elum Regional and will play at Tumble Creek Club.“This shows that we are ready to compete against the nation’s best,” said Kansas third-year head coach Lindsay Kuhle. “We’re very excited to play in Washington. We can play anywhere and have been all over the country trying to prepare for wherever we would be selected. (Tumble Creek) is a championship course and you can get any type of weather.”The Cle Elum Regional consists of 1. Stanford; 2. Duke; 3. Arizona State; 4. Virginia; 5. San Jose State; 6. Washington; 7. Alabama; 8. Virginia Tech;&nbsp;9. KANSAS; 10. Long Beach State; 11. Sacramento State and 12. Seattle.Kansas has been selected as an at-large team for an NCAA Regional just two other times in program history, in 2014 and 2023. The 2014 team placed fifth at the NCAA Regional in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and advanced to the NCAA Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Last season, Kansas finished eighth in the Athens Regional.Ranked No. 49 in the latest Spikemark Clippd rankings, Kansas has five Top 5 finishes in 2023-24, three of those being in the Top 3. In the third tournament of the spring season, Kansas won the Wisconsin Westbrook Invitational with a score of -43 for the program’s first team title since 2017. Also, at the Westbrook Invitational, the Jayhawks broke the 18-hole (-19), 36-hole (-30) and 54-hole (-43) program records. Junior captain Jordan Rothman finished second individually at the event with a score of 203 (-13), setting a new individual 54-hole program record.“We’re experienced, tough and resilient and I think we will have a great performance because we are prepared,” Kuhle added. “We will continue to have fun and trust the work that we have put in all season. I have said all year that we are one of the best ball striking teams in the nation and I think this course will reward that.”Through 11 events this season, Kansas has compiled a 288.26 scoring average and accumulated a 73-60-1 head-to-head record. At last weekend’s Big 12 Conference Championship, Kansas shot an 876 (+24) for the program’s lowest team score recorded in the league tournament. Sophomore Amy DeKock and junior Lauren Clark led the Jayhawks in scoring at the conference event, both finishing inside the Top 20.Rothman co-leads Kansas in scoring for the year with a 71.83 per round average with six Top 20 finishes, including five Top 10’s, two Top 5’s and an individual title. Rothman’s win was the first for a Kansas individual in three years as she shot a 205 (-11) to win the Ron Moore Intercollegiate. DeKock is tied with Rothman in scoring average, also at 71.83. Although she has only competed in six rounds this season, DeKock was the top scorer at the 2024 Big 12 Championship (T12, +3). Junior transfer Lily Hirst carries a 72.23 scoring average for the season. Hirst has recorded seven rounds in the 60’s with six Top-20 finishes, three Top 10 and a Top 5 finish. Clark is next with a 72.80 scoring average. Along with Rothman and Hirst, Clark has competed in all 11 events and 30 rounds for Kansas. Clark has placed in the Top 20 six times and three times in the Top 10. Senior captain Hanna Hawks carries a 73.52 scoring average. Hawks has three Top-20 placements on the year. Freshman Lyla Louderbaugh competed in 10 events this season and averaged 73.96 strokes per round. Louderbaugh made history at the UNM Dick McGuire Invitational earlier this season, firing off a 5-under 67 in the second round for the lowest 18-hole score by a freshman in Kansas history. Junior Johanna Ebner averages 74.13 strokes per round through eight events this season.Historically, prior to NCAA Regional play, KU was an NCAA Championship at-large selection after it won the 1990 the Big Eight Conference Tournament. Additionally, Kansas has had individuals compete in NCAA Regionals in 1993 (Holly Reynolds), 1994 (Holly Reynolds), 2006 (Amanda Costner), 2008 (Emily Powers), 2015 (Yupaporn Kawinpakorn) and 2016 (Pornvipa Sakdee and Yupaporn Kawinpakorn). Kawinpakorn and Sakdee were part of the 2014 team along with Thanuttra Boonraksasat, Minami Levonowich and Meghan Potee.

⛳ KU women earn NCAA Regional selection for second-straight season

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If your child loves football and is in 1st-8th grade, clear your calendar for Saturday afternoon! It’s not too late to register for the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson’s 2024 Skills Combine.

This year’s combine features Mitchell Tinsley, an American football wide receiver for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League. Tinsley's football career began at Hutchinson Community College! Boys &amp; Girls Club is excited to bring Mitchell back to where it all began, Gowans Stadium.

Join us this Saturday afternoon from 2:00-3:30 at Gowans Stadium. Coach Drew Dallas, Mitchell Tinsley and current Hutchinson Community College football team members will host a mock combine for area youth to have fun and compete in various drills.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to watch from the stands. Drop off and pickup will be on the west side of Gowans by the Cosmosphere.

Kids do not need to be a Boys &amp; Girls Club member to participate. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iF3tqJmArS9CMkadAFxo3D6pv_5WvlHQaqmdS3gvCYA/viewform?edit_requested=true">Register online today</a>. For questions, contact Tabetha Gray at <a href="mailto:tgray@bgchutch.com">tgray@bgchutch.com</a>.

Learn more about programs and activities offered by Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson at <a href="http://www.bgchutch.com">www.bgchutch.com</a> or (620) 665-7171.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974083096.jpeg" alt="Mitchell Tinsley" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell Tinsley</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys and Girls ClubHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If your child loves football and is in 1st-8th grade, clear your calendar for Saturday afternoon! It’s not too late to register for the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson’s 2024 Skills Combine.This year’s combine features Mitchell Tinsley, an American football wide receiver for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League. Tinsley's football career began at Hutchinson Community College! Boys &amp; Girls Club is excited to bring Mitchell back to where it all began, Gowans Stadium.Join us this Saturday afternoon from 2:00-3:30 at Gowans Stadium. Coach Drew Dallas, Mitchell Tinsley and current Hutchinson Community College football team members will host a mock combine for area youth to have fun and compete in various drills.Parents and caregivers are welcome to watch from the stands. Drop off and pickup will be on the west side of Gowans by the Cosmosphere.Kids do not need to be a Boys &amp; Girls Club member to participate. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iF3tqJmArS9CMkadAFxo3D6pv_5WvlHQaqmdS3gvCYA/viewform?edit_requested=true">Register online today</a>. For questions, contact Tabetha Gray at <a href="mailto:tgray@bgchutch.com">tgray@bgchutch.com</a>.Learn more about programs and activities offered by Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson at <a href="http://www.bgchutch.com">www.bgchutch.com</a> or (620) 665-7171.

🏈 Hutch kids combine is Saturday

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Former Buhler High School standout Caitlin Peterson (formerly Pankratz) has signed a three-year contract extension as the head coach of the University of Central Missouri volleyball program.

Peterson helped guide the Jennies to their 37th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history with a 25-8 record this past fall.

In her second season as the head coach, Peterson guided the Jennies to the MIAA regular season title along with the program's fourth conference tournament title in team history.

Peterson graduated from Buhler High School in 2005 after a standout prep career.

She was inducted into the UCM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2020 for her playing career at UCM. She led her teams to a 149-39 record from 2005-09. She was the starting setter for four years and a team captain for two years.&nbsp;

Peterson finished her career for UCM ranked No. 2 all-time in assists with 5,502. She was also named an AVCA All-American and an First-Team All-MIAA selection. She is still in second place all-time in UCM history in total assists and is eighth all-time in the MIAA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700092781326.jpeg" alt="Caitlin Peterson has signed a three-year contract extension to stay at UCM through the 2026 season. (Photo Courtesy UCM Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Caitlin Peterson has signed a three-year contract extension to stay at UCM through the 2026 season. (Photo Courtesy UCM Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>WARRENSBURG, Mo. — Former Buhler High School standout Caitlin Peterson (formerly Pankratz) has signed a three-year contract extension as the head coach of the University of Central Missouri volleyball program.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">✍️Contract Extension <a href="https://twitter.com/UCM_volleyball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UCM_volleyball</a> head coach Caitlin Peterson has signed a 3⃣-year contract extension through the 2026 season! 📝 | <a href="https://t.co/fuQijHarKs">https://t.co/fuQijHarKs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teamUCM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teamUCM</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JensVB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JensVB</a> <a href="https://t.co/kws7PhxrQJ">pic.twitter.com/kws7PhxrQJ</a>&mdash; UCM Mules &amp; Jennies (@UCMMULES) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCMMULES/status/1783149033504051710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Peterson helped guide the Jennies to their 37th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history with a 25-8 record this past fall.In her second season as the head coach, Peterson guided the Jennies to the MIAA regular season title along with the program's fourth conference tournament title in team history.Peterson graduated from Buhler High School in 2005 after a standout prep career.She was inducted into the UCM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2020 for her playing career at UCM. She led her teams to a 149-39 record from 2005-09. She was the starting setter for four years and a team captain for two years.&nbsp;Peterson finished her career for UCM ranked No. 2 all-time in assists with 5,502. She was also named an AVCA All-American and an First-Team All-MIAA selection. She is still in second place all-time in UCM history in total assists and is eighth all-time in the MIAA.

🏐 Buhler graduate earns contract extension at UCM

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College football team will host its spring scrimmage this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.

The scrimmage is free and open to the public.

The scrimmage was originally scheduled for Thursday evening, but due to the possibility of severe storms, the event has been moved up a day.

The reigning Jayhawk Conference champion Blue Dragons began spring practice on April 1 and will conclude with the scrimmage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692731400205.jpeg" alt="Gowans Stadium (Hutch Post/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Gowans Stadium (Hutch Post/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College football team will host its spring scrimmage this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.The scrimmage is free and open to the public.The scrimmage was originally scheduled for Thursday evening, but due to the possibility of severe storms, the event has been moved up a day.The reigning Jayhawk Conference champion Blue Dragons began spring practice on April 1 and will conclude with the scrimmage.

🏈 Blue Dragons to host spring scrimmage this afternoon due to weather

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118" target="_blank">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.

The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470" target="_blank">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.

“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.

Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689" target="_blank">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675" target="_blank">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”

Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952" target="_blank">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800" target="_blank">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198" target="_blank">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.

Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.

The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

Last August, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for issuing a statement to media in 2021 that said Bush had a “pay-for-play” arrangement. That statement was in response to media inquiries about whether Bush would have his statistics from his USC career reinstated when NIL payments became permissible. Bush contended the statement cast him in a false light.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713971023671.png" alt="FILE - Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush of the University of Southern California smiles while posing for photos after a news conference in New York, Dec. 10, 2005. Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush of the University of Southern California smiles while posing for photos after a news conference in New York, Dec. 10, 2005. Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118" target="_blank">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470" target="_blank">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689" target="_blank">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675" target="_blank">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday’s NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952" target="_blank">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800" target="_blank">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198" target="_blank">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.Last August, Bush filed a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA for issuing a statement to media in 2021 that said Bush had a “pay-for-play” arrangement. That statement was in response to media inquiries about whether Bush would have his statistics from his USC career reinstated when NIL payments became permissible. Bush contended the statement cast him in a false light.

🏈 Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NCAA athletes are now eligible to play immediately no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation to fall in line with a recent court order. The Division I Board of Directors formally ratified the change to the transfer rule and approved a tweak that allows schools to identify name, image and likeness opportunities and facilitate deals between athletes and third parties. Athletes are not obligated to accept assistance from the school and must maintain authority over the terms in their NIL agreements. Beginning Aug. 1, member schools will be permitted to increase NIL-related support only for athletes who disclose their NIL arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636467170276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NCAA athletes are now eligible to play immediately no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation to fall in line with a recent court order. The Division I Board of Directors formally ratified the change to the transfer rule and approved a tweak that allows schools to identify name, image and likeness opportunities and facilitate deals between athletes and third parties. Athletes are not obligated to accept assistance from the school and must maintain authority over the terms in their NIL agreements. Beginning Aug. 1, member schools will be permitted to increase NIL-related support only for athletes who disclose their NIL arrangements.

NCAA allowing immediate transfer eligibility

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in what should amount to a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.

The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

The Grand Prix season begins Oct. 18 with Skate America, which will take place for the second straight year at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. It is the first event in the six-stop international Grand Prix schedule.

The U.S. also will host the 2025 world championships from March 23-30 at TD Garden in Boston.

U.S. figure skaters topped the medal table with two golds and a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and they could do even better at the next Winter Games. Ilia Malinin recently won his first world title with a record-setting free skate, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won a second straight ice dance gold, and Isabeau Levito took silver in the women’s event.

“U.S. Figure Skating is very excited about each of our top-tier events, both at the national and international stages, for the 2024-25 season,” U.S. Figure Skating chief executive Tracy Marek said. “These events span our nation to provide amazing opportunities for skaters at all levels — from our juveniles to adults — as well as our fans and the skating community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713950189144.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in what should amount to a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.The Grand Prix season begins Oct. 18 with Skate America, which will take place for the second straight year at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. It is the first event in the six-stop international Grand Prix schedule.The U.S. also will host the 2025 world championships from March 23-30 at TD Garden in Boston.U.S. figure skaters topped the medal table with two golds and a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and they could do even better at the next Winter Games. Ilia Malinin recently won his first world title with a record-setting free skate, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won a second straight ice dance gold, and Isabeau Levito took silver in the women’s event.“U.S. Figure Skating is very excited about each of our top-tier events, both at the national and international stages, for the 2024-25 season,” U.S. Figure Skating chief executive Tracy Marek said. “These events span our nation to provide amazing opportunities for skaters at all levels — from our juveniles to adults — as well as our fans and the skating community."

⛸️ US Figure Skating championships headed to Wichita

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning for Kansas City after a costly error by Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory Tuesday night.

Chris Stratton (2-1) minimized the damage when he inherited a bases-loaded jam from Michael Wacha in the fifth. He also took care of the sixth before John Schreiber handled the seventh and James McArthur breezed through the eighth.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to send McArthur out for the ninth, and the Blue Jays' Cavan Biggio appeared to begin the inning by beating out a single, only for the call to be overturned upon review. George Springer followed with a single and went to second on Guerrero's groundout, but McArthur got Bo Bichette to ground out to finish off his fifth save of the season.

“You don't get too many opportunities with the extra outs there, but we were able to make them pay,” Wacha said. “Bobby came through for us, like he so often does, and the bullpen shut the door for us.”

Kevin Gausman (0-3) allowed three runs — none of them earned — on seven hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings for Toronto.

“I mean, Guasman led the league in strikeouts last year and he had one or two in six-plus,” Quatraro said, “so just getting the ball in play. Not every contact is going to be solid. But you know, make something happen”

Wacha allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks for Kansas City, but he needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. But while he was plenty erratic — Wacha plunked Davis Schneider to load the bases in the fifth — he also was victimized by some bad luck, including a series of weakly hit singles that the Blue Jays turned into a 1-0 lead in the third.

After Wacha left with the bases loaded in the fifth, Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.

The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the fifth began with a blunder: Adam Frazier was caught in a rundown between third base and home for the second out of the inning. But he stayed alive long enough for Michael Massey to reach second base, and moments later, Guerrero allowed the throw for what should have been the final out of the inning to go right past him.

“What can I say? I just missed the ball, period,” Guerrero said through an interpreter.

Massey came around to score, Maikel Garcia followed with a base hit and Witt's double to left gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.

“Just tried to control the moment. Control what I could control,” Witt said.

The Royals nearly added to that advantage in the seventh, when Garcia drew a two-out walk and Witt singled for his third hit of the night. Vinnie Pasquantino then hammered a pitch from Nate Pearson, but it skirted outside the foul pole in right field, and the Toronto reliever proceeded to strike him out to end the threat.

Turned out that the Royals didn't need any more runs the way their bullpen performed.

“I mean, it was a one-run game, so there was no margin for error,” Quatraro said. “They put up 4 2/3 scoreless against a really good team, so I can't overstate them enough. Without that, we're either still out there or we're behind."

Blue Jays RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-0, 2.35 ERA) takes the mound Wednesday night against Royals RHP Alec Marsh (3-0, 3.22)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713926914717.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to advance to third on a single by Bo Bichette during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to advance to third on a single by Bo Bichette during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning for Kansas City after a costly error by Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory Tuesday night.Chris Stratton (2-1) minimized the damage when he inherited a bases-loaded jam from Michael Wacha in the fifth. He also took care of the sixth before John Schreiber handled the seventh and James McArthur breezed through the eighth.Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to send McArthur out for the ninth, and the Blue Jays' Cavan Biggio appeared to begin the inning by beating out a single, only for the call to be overturned upon review. George Springer followed with a single and went to second on Guerrero's groundout, but McArthur got Bo Bichette to ground out to finish off his fifth save of the season.“You don't get too many opportunities with the extra outs there, but we were able to make them pay,” Wacha said. “Bobby came through for us, like he so often does, and the bullpen shut the door for us.”Kevin Gausman (0-3) allowed three runs — none of them earned — on seven hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings for Toronto.“I mean, Guasman led the league in strikeouts last year and he had one or two in six-plus,” Quatraro said, “so just getting the ball in play. Not every contact is going to be solid. But you know, make something happen”Wacha allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks for Kansas City, but he needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. But while he was plenty erratic — Wacha plunked Davis Schneider to load the bases in the fifth — he also was victimized by some bad luck, including a series of weakly hit singles that the Blue Jays turned into a 1-0 lead in the third.After Wacha left with the bases loaded in the fifth, Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the fifth began with a blunder: Adam Frazier was caught in a rundown between third base and home for the second out of the inning. But he stayed alive long enough for Michael Massey to reach second base, and moments later, Guerrero allowed the throw for what should have been the final out of the inning to go right past him.“What can I say? I just missed the ball, period,” Guerrero said through an interpreter.Massey came around to score, Maikel Garcia followed with a base hit and Witt's double to left gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.“Just tried to control the moment. Control what I could control,” Witt said.The Royals nearly added to that advantage in the seventh, when Garcia drew a two-out walk and Witt singled for his third hit of the night. Vinnie Pasquantino then hammered a pitch from Nate Pearson, but it skirted outside the foul pole in right field, and the Toronto reliever proceeded to strike him out to end the threat.Turned out that the Royals didn't need any more runs the way their bullpen performed.“I mean, it was a one-run game, so there was no margin for error,” Quatraro said. “They put up 4 2/3 scoreless against a really good team, so I can't overstate them enough. Without that, we're either still out there or we're behind."UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-0, 2.35 ERA) takes the mound Wednesday night against Royals RHP Alec Marsh (3-0, 3.22)

⚾ Royals win over Blue Jays Tuesday

AP Sports Audio Reports for April 24th, 2024:

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving lead Mavs over Clippers 96-93 to tie series as Kawhi Leonard returns

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 32 points and the Dallas Mavericks overcame the return of Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard to beat Los Angeles 96-93 and tie their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece. Leonard had 15 points and seven rebounds in 35 minutes of his first game since March 31. He had been out with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. Kyrie Irving added 23 points and P.J. Washington Jr. had 18 for the Mavs. Game 3 is Friday in Dallas.

Timberwolves take 2-0 lead on Suns behind 25 points and ace defense from Jaden McDaniels

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points for a career best in the playoffs and spearheaded another stifling defensive performance by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 105-93 victory over the Phoenix Suns to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert each added 18 points to help the Timberwolves offset the smothering of Anthony Edwards by the Suns. He went 3 for 12 from the floor for 15 points. Game 3 is in Phoenix on Friday. Minnesota has held a 2-0 series lead one other time in franchise history, against Denver in the first round in 2004.

Bobrovsky makes incredible save during Panthers-Lightning playoff game

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky might have had the save of the year. The Panthers' goaltender was facing the other way when Tampa Bay's Matt Dumba had a chance at what looked it would be an easy goal in Game 2 of the teams' NHL playoff series on Tuesday night. Dumba had nothing but net to shoot at — and Bobrovsky, without his stick and diving blindly at a puck he couldn't see — somehow made the save.

Havertz scores 2 as Arsenal routs Chelsea 5-0 to cement Premier League lead

LONDON (AP) — Kai Havertz scored twice against his former team and Ben White also got a brace as Arsenal brushed aside a dismal Chelsea side 5-0 for its biggest league win over its London rival. The win ensures Arsenal will go into the weekend atop the Premier League standings, lifting it three points in front of Liverpool ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby at Everton. Manchester City is now four points back before it plays at Brighton on Thursday, with another game in hand. For Chelsea, it was another dispiriting loss after a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday that ended any hope of finishing a disappointing season on a high note.

Suns guard Grayson Allen aggravates ankle injury vs. Timberwolves. Phoenix falls into 0-2 hole

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen appeared to aggravate the sprained right ankle he suffered in the playoff opener. Allen hobbled off in the third quarter of Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round series. Allen was guarding Mike Conley on a drive to the lane when he went airborne to try to block the shot and landed awkwardly on his right leg. Allen had to be helped away from the court and into the locker room. He had three points in 17 minutes.

Pacers' Haliburton says fan directed racial slur at his younger brother during playoff game

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said a fan directed a racial slur at his younger brother during Game 1 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks. Haliburton said after the Pacers' Game 2 victory on Tuesday that "my little brother in the stands the other day was called an N-word." Neither the Bucks nor the NBA immediately responded to an email asking whether the team or league had been made aware of this before Haliburton's comment, and whether any investigation had been conducted.

Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say

Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record. The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft is preparing to sign a second contract with Nike, this one paying $28 million over eight years and coming with a signature shoe. The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations between the sportswear giant and Clark's agents. Excel Sports Management, which represents Clark, declined to comment. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for April 24th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for April 24th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Audio Reports for April 24th, 2024:<div><iframe title="April 24th 2024 AP Sports Report" 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=ura9k-15f45aa-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>Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving lead Mavs over Clippers 96-93 to tie series as Kawhi Leonard returnsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 32 points and the Dallas Mavericks overcame the return of Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard to beat Los Angeles 96-93 and tie their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece. Leonard had 15 points and seven rebounds in 35 minutes of his first game since March 31. He had been out with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. Kyrie Irving added 23 points and P.J. Washington Jr. had 18 for the Mavs. Game 3 is Friday in Dallas.Timberwolves take 2-0 lead on Suns behind 25 points and ace defense from Jaden McDanielsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points for a career best in the playoffs and spearheaded another stifling defensive performance by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 105-93 victory over the Phoenix Suns to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert each added 18 points to help the Timberwolves offset the smothering of Anthony Edwards by the Suns. He went 3 for 12 from the floor for 15 points. Game 3 is in Phoenix on Friday. Minnesota has held a 2-0 series lead one other time in franchise history, against Denver in the first round in 2004.Bobrovsky makes incredible save during Panthers-Lightning playoff gameSUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky might have had the save of the year. The Panthers' goaltender was facing the other way when Tampa Bay's Matt Dumba had a chance at what looked it would be an easy goal in Game 2 of the teams' NHL playoff series on Tuesday night. Dumba had nothing but net to shoot at — and Bobrovsky, without his stick and diving blindly at a puck he couldn't see — somehow made the save.Havertz scores 2 as Arsenal routs Chelsea 5-0 to cement Premier League leadLONDON (AP) — Kai Havertz scored twice against his former team and Ben White also got a brace as Arsenal brushed aside a dismal Chelsea side 5-0 for its biggest league win over its London rival. The win ensures Arsenal will go into the weekend atop the Premier League standings, lifting it three points in front of Liverpool ahead of Wednesday's Merseyside derby at Everton. Manchester City is now four points back before it plays at Brighton on Thursday, with another game in hand. For Chelsea, it was another dispiriting loss after a 1-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday that ended any hope of finishing a disappointing season on a high note.Suns guard Grayson Allen aggravates ankle injury vs. Timberwolves. Phoenix falls into 0-2 holeMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen appeared to aggravate the sprained right ankle he suffered in the playoff opener. Allen hobbled off in the third quarter of Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round series. Allen was guarding Mike Conley on a drive to the lane when he went airborne to try to block the shot and landed awkwardly on his right leg. Allen had to be helped away from the court and into the locker room. He had three points in 17 minutes.Pacers' Haliburton says fan directed racial slur at his younger brother during playoff gameMILWAUKEE (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said a fan directed a racial slur at his younger brother during Game 1 of an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks. Haliburton said after the Pacers' Game 2 victory on Tuesday that "my little brother in the stands the other day was called an N-word." Neither the Bucks nor the NBA immediately responded to an email asking whether the team or league had been made aware of this before Haliburton's comment, and whether any investigation had been conducted.Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports sayCaitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record. The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft is preparing to sign a second contract with Nike, this one paying $28 million over eight years and coming with a signature shoe. The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations between the sportswear giant and Clark's agents. Excel Sports Management, which represents Clark, declined to comment. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.US government agrees to $138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegationsDETROIT (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is paying a $138.7 million to settle more than 100 claims that it badly mishandled allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016. It was a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue preying on victims before his arrest. Nassar worked at Michigan State University and at USA Gymnastics. He's serving decades in prison for assaulting female athletes, including Olympians. For more than a year, FBI agents in Indianapolis and Los Angeles had knowledge of allegations against Nassar but apparently took no action.NBA says Tyrese Maxey was fouled -- twice -- before turnover that led to Knicks' go-ahead shotNEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey was fouled twice before his turnover that led to the go-ahead 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo in the New York Knicks' victory over the 76ers in Game 2. That's according to the NBA's report on the officiating that the league released Tuesday. The league also says 76ers coach Nick Nurse was attempting to call a timeout that was "neither recognized nor granted by the officials" at the start of the possession. The league says Jalen Brunson grabbed Maxey's jersey to prevent him from cleanly catching a pass before Josh Hart made lower body contact that caused the All-Star guard to fall.Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad lead Rangers to 4-3 win over Capitals for 2-0 series leadNEW YORK (AP) — Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad each had a goal and an assist and the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers held on to beat the Washington Capitals 4-3 for a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Jack Roslovic and K'Andre Miller also scored for the Rangers, and Erik Gustafsson and Alexis Lafreniere each had two assists. Igor Shesterkin stopped 22 shots. New York has won four straight and 12 of its last 15 games. Tom Wilson had a goal and an assist, and Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome also scored for the Capitals. Charlie Lindgren finished with 23 saves. Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Friday at Washington.AP-ScorecardTODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE Final	Chicago Cubs	7	Houston	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Cleveland	4	Boston	1	Final	Detroit	4	Tampa Bay	2	Final	N.Y. Yankees	4	Oakland	3	Final	Kansas City	3	Toronto	2	Final	Minnesota	6	Chicago White Sox	5	Final	Seattle	4	Texas	0	Final	L.A. Angels	7	Baltimore	4	___NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	Pittsburgh	2	Milwaukee	1	Final	Atlanta	5	Miami	0	Final	Cincinnati	8	Philadelphia	1	Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Washington	1	Final	Arizona	14	St. Louis	1	Final	Colorado	7	San Diego	4	Final	San Francisco	5	N.Y. Mets	1	___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Minnesota	105	Phoenix	93	Final	Indiana	125	Milwaukee	108	Final	Dallas	96	L.A. Clippers	93	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYOFFS Final	N-Y Rangers	4	Washington	3	Final OT	Florida	3	Tampa Bay	2	Final	Colorado	5	Winnipeg	2	Final	Nashville	4	Vancouver	1	___