Royals stay red hot, Blue Dragons advance in Region 6 baseball, Windsurge tops Naturals in Texas League action and Regional Tennis begins today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher.png" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Royals stay red hot, Blue Dragons advance in Region 6 baseball, Windsurge tops Naturals in Texas League action and Regional Tennis begins today.&nbsp;&nbsp; <div><iframe title="Early Morning Spprts - May 9, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wj3pu-18a43d4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 ⚾ Royals red hot, Blue Dragons beat Allen, Windsurge wins and 🎾 Regional Tennis 

Sophomore starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/roehler_trenton_pudh">Trenton Roehler</a>&nbsp;tossed seven strong innings and sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/herrmann_jarrett_kvsa">Jarrett Herrmann</a>&nbsp;drove in three runs each to pace the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons to a series sweep.

The Blue Dragons defeated Allen 7-3 on Thursday in Game 2 of the Plains District (Region 6) Tournament opening-round best-of-3 series at Hobart-Detter Field, completing a series sweep of the Red Devils.

Fifth-seeded Hutchinson (39-19) advances to the Plains District Tournament to face fourth-seed Cowley at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina in the opening round of that eight-team, double-elimination tournament.

Hutchinson is now 12-4 in best-of-3 opening-round series since Region 6 went to this format in 2004. The Blue Dragons also extended their winning streak of Allen to 22 games – that streak dates back to the opening game of the 1995 season. The Blue Dragons are now 8-0 against Allen in Region 6 Tournament matchups dating back to 2005.

Roehler (6-3) won his third-straight start with a with a season- and career-long seven innings on Thursday. Roehler struck out six and allowed four hits, two runs and one walk.

After a rocky second inning where he gave up two runs, one scoring on a Blue Dragon error to give Allen a 2-1 lead, Roehler was facing runners and first and second with one out in the third. He got an infield fly and strikeout to get out of the inning.

From that point, Roehler dominated the Red Devils, retiring the final 14 Allen batters he faced.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/flores_colin_o7x4">Colin Flores</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/ainsworth_seth_huwf">Seth Ainsworth</a>&nbsp;pitched the eighth and ninth innings to close out the game.

Maher went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons' nine-hit attack. Maher gave the Blue Dragons a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when he drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mustow_adam_sf8t">A.J. Mustow</a>&nbsp;with a two-out double for a 1-0 lead. Then tied at 2-2 in the fifth with bases empty and two, the Dragons got a break when Mustow's high fly to left-center was dropped and he wound up at third base. One pitch later, Maher launched a go-ahead two-run home run for a 4-2 lead.

Herrmann was 2 for 4 for the Dragons with three RBIs. Trailing 2-1 in the second, Herrmann hit an opposite-field single through the left side of the infield to score&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/griffin_leo_z3t1">Leo Griffin</a>, tying the game at 2-2. Then in the sixth, Herrmann tripled in two runs to right field and then scored on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/hamrick_cael_iiy0">Cael Hamrick</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly for a 7-2 Hutchinson lead.

Mustow doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to six games.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/tygart_baker_ked6">C.J. Reid</a>, Griffin,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/fegen_scotty_n1yk">Scotty Fegen</a>&nbsp;and Hamrick all had base hits.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Head coach Brock Nehls won his 90th game with the Blue Dragons, which is the most wins by a Blue Dragon head coach in his first two seasons with the program. … The Dragons are now 25-14 in games played in opening-round best-of-3 Region 6 Tournament series. This is their seventh series sweep.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746799286628.jpeg" alt="Trenton Roehler retires the final 14 Allen batters he faces in a career-long seven innings to lead the Blue Dragons to a 7-3 win in Game 2 and a Region 6 series sweep of the Red Devils on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Trenton Roehler retires the final 14 Allen batters he faces in a career-long seven innings to lead the Blue Dragons to a 7-3 win in Game 2 and a Region 6 series sweep of the Red Devils on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomore starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/roehler_trenton_pudh">Trenton Roehler</a>&nbsp;tossed seven strong innings and sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/herrmann_jarrett_kvsa">Jarrett Herrmann</a>&nbsp;drove in three runs each to pace the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons to a series sweep.The Blue Dragons defeated Allen 7-3 on Thursday in Game 2 of the Plains District (Region 6) Tournament opening-round best-of-3 series at Hobart-Detter Field, completing a series sweep of the Red Devils.Fifth-seeded Hutchinson (39-19) advances to the Plains District Tournament to face fourth-seed Cowley at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina in the opening round of that eight-team, double-elimination tournament.Hutchinson is now 12-4 in best-of-3 opening-round series since Region 6 went to this format in 2004. The Blue Dragons also extended their winning streak of Allen to 22 games – that streak dates back to the opening game of the 1995 season. The Blue Dragons are now 8-0 against Allen in Region 6 Tournament matchups dating back to 2005.Roehler (6-3) won his third-straight start with a with a season- and career-long seven innings on Thursday. Roehler struck out six and allowed four hits, two runs and one walk.After a rocky second inning where he gave up two runs, one scoring on a Blue Dragon error to give Allen a 2-1 lead, Roehler was facing runners and first and second with one out in the third. He got an infield fly and strikeout to get out of the inning.From that point, Roehler dominated the Red Devils, retiring the final 14 Allen batters he faced.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/flores_colin_o7x4">Colin Flores</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/ainsworth_seth_huwf">Seth Ainsworth</a>&nbsp;pitched the eighth and ninth innings to close out the game.Maher went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the Blue Dragons' nine-hit attack. Maher gave the Blue Dragons a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when he drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mustow_adam_sf8t">A.J. Mustow</a>&nbsp;with a two-out double for a 1-0 lead. Then tied at 2-2 in the fifth with bases empty and two, the Dragons got a break when Mustow's high fly to left-center was dropped and he wound up at third base. One pitch later, Maher launched a go-ahead two-run home run for a 4-2 lead.Herrmann was 2 for 4 for the Dragons with three RBIs. Trailing 2-1 in the second, Herrmann hit an opposite-field single through the left side of the infield to score&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/griffin_leo_z3t1">Leo Griffin</a>, tying the game at 2-2. Then in the sixth, Herrmann tripled in two runs to right field and then scored on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/hamrick_cael_iiy0">Cael Hamrick</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly for a 7-2 Hutchinson lead.Mustow doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to six games.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/tygart_baker_ked6">C.J. Reid</a>, Griffin,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/fegen_scotty_n1yk">Scotty Fegen</a>&nbsp;and Hamrick all had base hits.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Head coach Brock Nehls won his 90th game with the Blue Dragons, which is the most wins by a Blue Dragon head coach in his first two seasons with the program. … The Dragons are now 25-14 in games played in opening-round best-of-3 Region 6 Tournament series. This is their seventh series sweep.

⚾ Roehler, Maher, Herrmann lead Dragons to series sweep

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746799582594.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball dropped its series opener 7-5 against BYU on Thursday night at Hoglund Ballpark.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit a three-run homer for the Jayhawks, but it was not enough offensively. &nbsp; Kansas and BYU were tied up 5-5 after six innings, but the Cougars scored a run with two outs in both the seventh and eighth innings to earn a win in the first game of the series. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; BYU (24-23, 8-17 Big 12) got on the scoreboard first with four runs in the third inning. Brock Watkins led off the inning with a solo homer. Ryder Robinson then hit a two-run single and Luke Anderson had an RBI groundout to make it a 4-0 game. &bull; Kansas (37-14, 15-10 Big 12) got one run back in the bottom of the third inning on a two-out bases-loaded walk by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-brooks/16122" rel="smarttag" rev="16122">Michael Brooks</a></dfn>. The Jayhawks had an opportunity to get more but left the bases loaded. &bull; A sacrifice fly by Ryder Robinson in the fifth inning pushed the BYU advantage to 5-1. &bull; KU cut into that deficit in the bottom of the fifth on a three-run homer by&nbsp;Osoria. That brought the score to 5-4. &bull; Kansas tied up the game at 5-5 in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>. &bull; The Cougars added a run in both the seventh and eighth innings, scoring a run in each with two outs. A wild pitch gave BYU the lead in the seventh and an RBI single from Crew McChesney in the eighth pushed their lead to 7-5. &bull; Kansas was unable to put together a rally down the stretch as Ashton Johnson held the Jayhawks without a hit in the final four innings. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Ashton Johnson (3-0) Final line: 4.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO Loss:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160">Manning West</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-2) Final line: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 SO &nbsp; SOCIAL POST OF THE GAME
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=%40KUBaseball&amp;dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1920640969709375968&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F5%2F8%2Fbaseball-kansas-drops-series-opener-7-5-to-byu.aspx&amp;sessionId=8088f791f1487878fc44677185dcf333d5c53503&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1920640969709375968"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "We absolutely couldn't get the big hit which was the story. We had seven walks and only punched out five times. We punched them out eight and only gave up three walks. We didn't square up the baseball and didn't take advantage of some stuff early. We had a bunch of baserunners in the first couple innings and didn't punch it through. Manning (West) gives up a run there on a ball that gets away from Ian (Francis). Then, the two-out, two-strike base hit to go up 7-5 and 7-5 is a little bit different than 6-5 in that situation. It's a series and a Thursday night in the Big 12." &nbsp; &bull; Kansas has a program-record 91 home runs this year. &bull; Osoria hit his seventh home run of the season. He has two home runs in the last three games and extended his on-base streak to 17 games. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyer-smith/16138" rel="smarttag" rev="16138">Sawyer Smith</a></dfn>&nbsp;has reached base safely in each of the last 27 games. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas and BYU will play the second game of the three-game series on Friday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and fans can purchase tickets by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/list/BSB">here</a>.&nbsp;Seniors will be honored prior to the start of the game at approximately 5:30 p.m. CT.</div>

⚾ KU drops series opener to BYU

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746799760928.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (May 8, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge took their first win of the series by a 5-3 final over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark. After tallying four runs in the first, the Wind Surge got out of multiple late high-pressure situations to secure the victory.
Wichita tagged Naturals starter Ben Kudrna for four runs in the top of the first on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ricardo-olivar-691627">Ricardo Olivar</a>&nbsp;solo homer, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly, and a two-RBI double to left center by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/aaron-sabato-693306">Aaron Sabato</a>.
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<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/andrew-cossetti-681355">Andrew Cossetti</a>&nbsp;found the left field corner for an RBI double in the top of the fifth for a 5-0 Wind Surge lead.
Kyle Hayes lofted his first home run of the year over the Wichita bullpen in left field in the home half of the sixth, with a second Northwest Arkansas score following soon after on an infield putout off the bat of Jac Caglianone to make it a three-run game.
After a hit-by-pitch and a pair of walks loaded the bases for the Naturals in the bottom of the eighth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/michael-martinez-681597">Michael Martinez</a>&nbsp;pitched into an inning-ending 4-6-3 twin killing to keep the score at 5-3 Wind Surge. While the go-ahead run later came to the plate for Northwest Arkansas in the final inning, a dropped third strike throw from Olivar to Sabato ended the ballgame with a 5-3 Wichita victory.
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<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/mike-paredes-702474">Mike Paredes</a>&nbsp;improved to 4-0 on the season after receiving the win; he gave up two earned runs on a hit with three walks and three strikeouts over two and one-third innings pitched out of the bullpen.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/joel-cesar-666802">Joel Cesar</a>&nbsp;also earned his first save in 2025 after retiring the final two batters of the game.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Connor Prielipp ties his career high with six strikeouts.</li>
<li>Aaron Sabato records his first three-hit performance of the season and fifth overall multi-hit game.</li>
<li>Mike Paredes now leads the Wind Surge in wins (4).</li>
<li>Ricardo Olivar stands at four home runs, one away from tying for the team lead with Kyler Fedko.</li>
<li>11 of the 14 Wichita runs through three games in this series so far have come within the first three innings.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge continue the series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Friday, May 9, at Arvest Ballpark at 7:05 PM. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park on May 13 for a series with the Arkansas Travelers. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge snaps five-game losing streak 

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

Regional tennis tournaments will be held across Kansas on Friday and Saturday, with several Hutch Post-area schools set to compete.

According to the KSHSAA handbook, all matches will be best two out of three sets with a tiebreaker at 6-all. An exception is made for play-in matches — those held to qualify for the 16-player main bracket — which will be played as eight-game pro sets with a tiebreak at 8-all.

For matches labeled M through S, a full third set will be played if necessary. All other matches will use a 10-point super tiebreak in lieu of a third set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728352153791.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostRegional tennis tournaments will be held across Kansas on Friday and Saturday, with several Hutch Post-area schools set to compete.According to the KSHSAA handbook, all matches will be best two out of three sets with a tiebreaker at 6-all. An exception is made for play-in matches — those held to qualify for the 16-player main bracket — which will be played as eight-game pro sets with a tiebreak at 8-all.For matches labeled M through S, a full third set will be played if necessary. All other matches will use a 10-point super tiebreak in lieu of a third set.<div><h1>Class 5A</h1>
Host: Eisenhower
Date: May 9
Location: Goddard Middle School, 2700 W. 199th St. S., Goddard
Schools: Eisenhower, Goddard, Great Bend, Hays, Hutchinson, Newton, Salina Central, Salina South&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h1>Class 4A</h1>
Host: Buhler
Date: May 9
Location: Buhler High School, 611 N. Main St., Buhler
Schools: Augusta, Buhler, El Dorado, Hesston, Towanda-Circle, Wellington, Winfield
&nbsp;
<h1>Class 4A</h1>
Host:&nbsp;Scott City
Date: May 10
Location: Scott City High School, 809 W. 9th, Scott City
Schools: Abilene, Colby, Concordia, McPherson, Pratt, Scott City, Ulysses
&nbsp;
<h1>Class 3-1A</h1>
Host:&nbsp;Conway Springs
Date(s): May 9-10
Location: Conway Springs High School, 607 W. Saint Louis, Conway Springs
Schools: Anthony/Harper-Chaparral, Central Plains, Conway Springs, Ellinwood, Kingman, Langdon-Fairfield, Lyons, Nickerson, Sterling
&nbsp;
<h1>Class 3-1A</h1>
Host:&nbsp;Wichita Collegiate
Date(s): May 9-10
Location: Wichita Collegiate School, 1221 N. Webb Rd., Wichita
Schools: Ellsworth, Haven, Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, Neodesha, Smoky Valley, Wichita Collegiate, Wichita-Classical School of Wichita, Wichita-The Independent School, Wichita-Trinity Academy</div>

🎾 Regionals set for this weekend for Hutch Post-area 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits, Kris Bubic pitched seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 10-0 on Thursday to complete a four-game series sweep.

Salvador Perez had three RBIs as the Royals posted their sixth consecutive win. Jonathan India had two hits, two RBIs and scored three times.

Bubic (4-2) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one. Chris Stratton and Steven Cruz each got three outs for the Royals, finishing a six-hitter.

Kansas City scored its first six runs on two-out hits.

The Royals jumped in front in the first against Davis Martin (1-4). Vinnie Pasquantino singled and scored on Perez's ninth double in his last 12 games.

Witt singled and stole second before scoring on a single by Perez for a 2-0 lead in the third.

Witt singled, stole his 13th base and scored on a two-run triple by Maikel Garcia in the fifth. India and Witt added back-to-back RBI doubles in the sixth.

Martin allowed four runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Chicago threatened in the fifth, putting runners at the corners with nobody out. Andrew Vaughn, who reached on a leadoff double, was thrown out at home by Garcia on a grounder to third. Brooks Baldwin then hit into a double play.

The White Sox have lost a club-record 11 straight games at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals will start RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 4.23 ERA) on Friday in the first of three games against the visiting Red Sox, who will send out RHP Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 3.78 ERA) for his fourth career start.

The White Sox return home for three games against the Marlins. RHP Bryse Wilson (0-1, 5.56 ERA) starts for the third time, opposite Miami RHP Max Meyer (2-3, 3.92 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746741089929.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. had four hits, Kris Bubic pitched seven innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 10-0 on Thursday to complete a four-game series sweep.Salvador Perez had three RBIs as the Royals posted their sixth consecutive win. Jonathan India had two hits, two RBIs and scored three times.Bubic (4-2) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one. Chris Stratton and Steven Cruz each got three outs for the Royals, finishing a six-hitter.Kansas City scored its first six runs on two-out hits.The Royals jumped in front in the first against Davis Martin (1-4). Vinnie Pasquantino singled and scored on Perez's ninth double in his last 12 games.Witt singled and stole second before scoring on a single by Perez for a 2-0 lead in the third.Witt singled, stole his 13th base and scored on a two-run triple by Maikel Garcia in the fifth. India and Witt added back-to-back RBI doubles in the sixth.Martin allowed four runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Chicago threatened in the fifth, putting runners at the corners with nobody out. Andrew Vaughn, who reached on a leadoff double, was thrown out at home by Garcia on a grounder to third. Brooks Baldwin then hit into a double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox have lost a club-record 11 straight games at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals will start RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 4.23 ERA) on Friday in the first of three games against the visiting Red Sox, who will send out RHP Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 3.78 ERA) for his fourth career start.The White Sox return home for three games against the Marlins. RHP Bryse Wilson (0-1, 5.56 ERA) starts for the third time, opposite Miami RHP Max Meyer (2-3, 3.92 ERA).

⚾ Witt and Bubic help the Royals beat the White Sox for 4-game series sweep

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746733505671.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
TAMPA, Fla. &ndash;&nbsp;No. 4 seed North Texas put up six runs in the first inning and held on for an 8-4 win over No. 5 seed Wichita State in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Championship. Wichita State saw its season come to an end at 29-25-1. North Texas advances to Friday's semifinals where they will face top seed Florida Atlantic. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;closed her collegiate career with a three-hit day, including a pair of doubles and two RBIs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;was 2-for-3 and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;tripled and walked in their final game.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;walked twice and singled.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled, drove in a run and walked twice to cap a standout freshman campaign. Wichita State's three doubles in the game moved its season total to 88, a new single season school record. In the circle,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-sliger/9327" rel="smarttag" rev="9327">Ava Sliger</a></dfn>&nbsp;(7-7) didn't make it out of the first inning, as North Texas lit her up for six runs.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;was stellar in 5.2 innings out of the bullpen. She allowed just two runs on three hits, three walks and three strikeouts a day after throwing a full 7-inning complete game vs. Tulsa. North Texas hung six runs on six hits on the Shockers in the bottom of the first. The Mean Green tallied four singles, a double and then capped the inning with a three-run home run. Wichita State broke into the scoring column in the top of the third on back-to-back hits from Nelson and Eck. Nelson led off with a single and a fielding error by the left fielder, and it immediately turned into a run in the next at bat when Eck dropped a double down the right field line. Eck would end up on third thanks to a throwing error on the right fielder. That extra base immediately paid off, as Eck came in to score on a wild pitch, just sliding in before the tag to cut the deficit to 6-2. The Shockers continued their comeback attempt with a single run in the fourth and fifth to make it a 6-4 game. In the fourth, Eck added her second RBI of the game on a single back up the middle. With two outs in the fifth, Wichita State's two freshmen came up clutch.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;smoked a ground-rule double and then came around to score on&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec's</a></dfn>&nbsp;single down the left field line. A leadoff triple sparked a two-run bottom of the fifth for North Texas after Nihart had held them scoreless for 3.2 innings.
&nbsp;</div>

🥎 Shockers ousted in AAC Tournament quarterfinals by Mean Green

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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships will be held Thursday, May 15 through Saturday, May 17 at Gowans Stadium on the Hutchinson Community College campus.

There will be over 700 participants from 35 teams across the country.&nbsp;

This marks the first time since 2017 that Gowans Stadium has hosted the event, and the seventh time since 2009.

Below you will find the schedule of events for the three-day event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746718914144.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2025 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships will be held Thursday, May 15 through Saturday, May 17 at Gowans Stadium on the Hutchinson Community College campus.There will be over 700 participants from 35 teams across the country.&nbsp;This marks the first time since 2017 that Gowans Stadium has hosted the event, and the seventh time since 2009.Below you will find the schedule of events for the three-day event.<h2>Day 1 – Thursday, May 15</h2>Combined Events<ul>
 <li>9:00 AM – Women’s Heptathlon: 100mH, High Jump, Shot Put, 200m
</li><li>9:15 AM – Men’s Decathlon: 100m, Long Jump, Shot Put, High Jump, 400m
</li>
 </ul>Field Events&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>11:00 AM – Women’s Hammer Throw (Fairgrounds Park – transportation provided)
</li><li>11:00 AM – Men’s Long Jump
</li><li>1:00 PM – Women’s Pole Vault (Final)
</li><li>2:00 PM – Men’s Hammer Throw (Fairgrounds Park – transportation provided)
</li><li>2:00 PM – Women’s Long Jump
</li><li>5:00 PM – Men’s Pole Vault (Final)
</li>
 </ul>Running Events<ul>
 <li>5:00 PM – Women’s 4x800m Relay (Final)
</li><li>5:15 PM – Men’s 4x800m Relay (Final)
</li><li>5:30 PM – Women’s 4x100m Relay (Trials)
</li><li>5:45 PM – Men’s 4x100m Relay (Trials)
</li><li>6:00 PM – Women’s 400m Hurdles (Prelim)
</li><li>6:15 PM – Men’s 400m Hurdles (Prelim)
</li><li>6:30 PM – Women’s 400m (Prelim)
</li><li>6:45 PM – Men’s 400m (Prelim)
</li><li>7:00 PM – Women’s 10,000m (Final)
</li><li>7:50 PM – Men’s 10,000m (Final)
</li>
 </ul><h2>Day 2 – Friday, May 16</h2>Combined Events<ul>
 <li>9:00 AM – Men’s Decathlon: 110mH, Discus, Pole Vault, Javelin, 1500m
</li><li>9:30 AM – Women’s Heptathlon: Long Jump, Javelin, 800m
</li>
 </ul>Field Events<ul>
 <li>11:00 AM – Men’s Shot Put
</li><li>12:00 PM – Men’s High Jump (Final)
</li><li>2:00 PM – Women’s Shot Put
</li><li>2:00 PM – Women’s High Jump (Final)
</li>
 </ul>Running Events<ul>
 <li>1:00 PM – Women’s 1500m (Prelim)
</li><li>1:15 PM – Men’s 1500m (Prelim)
</li><li>1:40 PM – Women’s 100m Hurdles (Prelim)
</li><li>2:05 PM – Men’s 110m Hurdles (Prelim)
</li><li>2:30 PM – Women’s 100m (Prelim)
</li><li>2:50 PM – Men’s 100m (Prelim)
</li><li>3:10 PM – Women’s 800m (Prelim)
</li><li>3:30 PM – Men’s 800m (Prelim)
</li><li>3:50 PM – Women’s 200m (Prelim)
</li><li>4:05 PM – Men’s 200m (Prelim)
</li><li>4:30 PM – Women’s Steeplechase (Final)
</li><li>4:50 PM – Men’s Steeplechase (Final)
</li><li>5:10 PM – Women’s 4x400m Relay (Prelim)
</li><li>5:25 PM – Men’s 4x400m Relay (Prelim)
</li>
 </ul><h2>Day 3 – Saturday, May 17</h2>Field Events<ul>
 <li>10:00 AM – Men’s Javelin (Fairgrounds Park – transportation provided)
</li><li>11:00 AM – Women’s Discus
</li><li>11:00 AM – Women’s Triple Jump
</li><li>1:00 PM – Women’s Javelin (Fairgrounds Park – transportation provided)
</li><li>1:00 PM – Men’s Discus
</li><li>1:30 PM – Men’s Triple Jump
</li>
 </ul>Running Events<ul>
 <li>12:00 PM – National Anthem &amp; Recognitions
</li><li>12:30 PM – Women’s 4x100m Relay (Final)
</li><li>12:40 PM – Men’s 4x100m Relay (Final)
</li><li>12:50 PM – Women’s 1500m (Final)
</li><li>1:00 PM – Men’s 1500m (Final)
</li><li>1:10 PM – Women’s 400m (Final)
</li><li>1:20 PM – Men’s 400m (Final)
</li><li>1:35 PM – Women’s 100m Hurdles (Final)
</li><li>1:45 PM – Men’s 110m Hurdles (Final)
</li><li>2:00 PM – Women’s 100m (Final)
</li><li>2:10 PM – Men’s 100m (Final)
</li><li>2:20 PM – Women’s 800m (Final)
</li><li>2:30 PM – Men’s 800m (Final)
</li><li>2:45 PM – Women’s 400m Hurdles (Final)
</li><li>2:55 PM – Men’s 400m Hurdles (Final)
</li><li>3:10 PM – Women’s 200m (Final)
</li><li>3:15 PM – Men’s 200m (Final)
</li><li>3:25 PM – Women’s 5000m (Final)
</li><li>3:50 PM – Men’s 5000m (Final)
</li><li>4:15 PM – Women’s 4x400m Relay (Final)
</li><li>4:25 PM – Men’s 4x400m Relay (Final)
</li><li>4:45 PM – Awards Presentation</li>
 </ul>

👟 NJCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin next week in Hutch

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School swim &amp; dive team hosted a home invitational on Wednesday at the Hutchinson YMCA.

Buhler claimed the team title with 355 points, followed by Hutchinson in second place with 327 points.&nbsp;

Classical School of Wichita, El Dorado, Dodge City and Hays round out the six-team invite.

The Buhler Crusaders set new school records in the 200 Medley Relay and the 400 Free Relay. Hannah Swain broke the school record in the 200 Freestyle with a time of 2:15.43, the previous record was set in 2021 at 2:15.92.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706120114964.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson YMCA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson YMCA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School swim &amp; dive team hosted a home invitational on Wednesday at the Hutchinson YMCA.Buhler claimed the team title with 355 points, followed by Hutchinson in second place with 327 points.&nbsp;Classical School of Wichita, El Dorado, Dodge City and Hays round out the six-team invite.The Buhler Crusaders set new school records in the 200 Medley Relay and the 400 Free Relay. Hannah Swain broke the school record in the 200 Freestyle with a time of 2:15.43, the previous record was set in 2021 at 2:15.92.

🏊‍♀️ Buhler wins Hutch High Invite, Salthawks second

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Thursday, May 8, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ed7cj-18a2bf6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Royals win fifth straight, 🥎 WSU advances in AAC, ⚾ HutchCC wins Region VI opener

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746710031600.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon shortstop Taber Stokes turns 1 of 3 double plays in Hutchinson's 9-3 victory in Game 1 of the Region 6 Opening-Round series over the Allen Red Devils on Wednesday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon shortstop Taber Stokes turns 1 of 3 double plays in Hutchinson's 9-3 victory in Game 1 of the Region 6 Opening-Round series over the Allen Red Devils on Wednesday at Hobart-Detter Field. (Sammi Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mazza_antony_9347">Anthony Mazza</a>&nbsp;posted his eighth three-hit game of the season to awaken a slumbering Hutchinson Community College baseball team offense Wednesday night at Hobart-Detter Field.
Mazza sparked the Blue Dragons, who scored a combined nine runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings after not getting a hit through the first three innings, to defeat the Allen Red Devils 9-3 in Game 1 of their Region 6 (Plains District) Tournament opening-round series.
The Blue Dragons (38-19) lead the best-of-3 series 1-0. Game 2 against the Red Devils (16-32) will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.
BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL Hutchinson (38-19) vs. Allen (16-32) Region 6 Tournament Opening Round Series Game 1 (Hutchinson leads series 1-0) When: Thurday, May 8, 2025 Where: Hobart-Detter Field, Hutchinson, KS Time: 1:00 p.m. Admission: Free Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=2411582">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:50 p.m.</a> X: @bluedragonsport
Hutchinson has now won 21 consecutive games over the Red Devils dating back to the 1995 season opener.
Trailing 1-0 after three innings, Mazza singled to lead off the fourth inning. Two batters later,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;singled home Mazza to tie the game at 1-1.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/fegen_scotty_n1yk">Scotty Fegen</a>&nbsp;reached on the second Allen error of the inning to score&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/allen_griffin_bmj4">Nick Glantz</a>&nbsp;for a 2-1 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/griffin_leo_z3t1">Leo Griffin</a>&nbsp;followed with a perfectly executed safety squeeze to score Maher.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/hamrick_cael_iiy0">Cael Hamrick</a>&nbsp;became the fourth-straight Blue Dragon batter in the inning to drive in a run with an RBI single to center to score Fegen for a 4-3 Hutchinson lead.
Allen scored two runs in the top of the fifth to pull within 4-3, but the Blue Dragons answered back with a three-run fifth inning. Mazza doubled home&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/tygart_baker_ked6">C.J. Reid</a>&nbsp;from first base. Glantz had an RBI single and Fegen had a sacrifice fly to center to complete a three-run inning for a 7-3 Dragon lead.
Mazza then tripled into the right-field corner that scored Reid in the sixth inning. Mazza then scored to make it 9-3 on an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/mustow_adam_sf8t">A.J. Mustow</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly.
Not getting their first hit until the fourth inning, the Blue Dragons outscored Allen 10-6. The Blue Dragons were also 7 of 8 in stolen bases with Glantz, Fegen and Maher stealing two bases each. This is the fourth time this season the Blue Dragons have had at least seven stolen bases in a single game.
Mazza went 3 for 5 with a double, triple, three runs scored and two RBIs.
Reid was 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Fegen was 1 for 2 with a double and two RBIs.
Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/rosser_lachlan_s3z7">Lachlan Rosser</a>&nbsp;(6-4) earned the pitching win with 5 1-3 innings. He allowed five hits and three earned runs with five strikeouts and three walks. With a run already in and bases loaded with no outs in the fifth, Rosser induced a 5-4-3 double play that produced a run and got a groundout to get out of the jam with the Dragons leading 4-3.
With one out in the sixth and a runner on base,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/combs_sean_c4r2">Sean Combs</a>&nbsp;entered the game for the Dragons and coaxed an inning-ending double play. Combs retired all seven batters he faced with two strikeouts. Brand Phillips tossed a scoreless ninth with a strikeout.
The Blue Dragons are now 12-4 in Game one's of Region 6 Opening-round series.</div>

⚾ Blue Dragons win Game 1 of Region VI Tournament over Red Devils

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746710224575.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (May 7, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge lost 6-5 in 10 innings to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark. After scoring four runs over the game&rsquo;s opening two frames, the Naturals scored twice each in the seventh, ninth, and tenth innings for their second straight win in the series.
Wichita started with four runs through the first two innings on a two-run home run to right field from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/rubel-cespedes-686438">Rubel Cespedes</a>, an RBI single to center by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/tanner-schobel-802355">Tanner Schobel</a>, and a run-scoring double to right from Cespedes, all against Major League rehabber Kyle Wright.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1920277121777176841&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-lose-in-extras-to-naturals&amp;sessionId=ea00783497862e8704426e283220834eed56b1d5&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1920277121777176841"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/trent-baker-694536">Trent Baker</a>&nbsp;was masterful in his first start of May, throwing five innings of one-hit baseball with three walks and six strikeouts, just one shy of his season-high.
After being sent down in order in the sixth, Gavin Cross broke through for the Naturals in the seventh on a two-run homer out to right to cut the lead in half for a 4-2 score with the Wind Surge still leading. That lead would not last much longer as Cross connected on another two-run jack in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and force extra innings.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/ben-ross-805346">Ben Ross</a>&nbsp;reached on a bases-loaded walk to give Wichita a 5-4 lead before a double play ended the top of the 10th. Carter Jensen responded with the game-winning two-RBI single back up the middle into center to finish the game as a 6-5 Northwest Arkansas win in 10.
<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/cody-laweryson-689520">Cody Laweryson</a>&nbsp;took his second loss of the season, surrendering two runs (one earned) with two hits and two strikeouts over two-thirds of an inning.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Rubel Cespedes records his team-leading fifth multi-RBI performance.</li>
<li>Tanner Schobel has his first four-hit performance of the season, and ninth overall multi-hit game in 2025. The latter number is tied for best on the team with Ricardo Olivar.</li>
<li>Ben Ross turns a pair of 6-3 double plays as the Wind Surge shortstop.</li>
<li>This game between Wichita and Northwest Arkansas was the lone one to get to extras in the Texas League.</li>
<li>The Wind Surge are now 1-2 in games that head to extra innings.</li>
</ul>
Wichita continues the series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Thursday, May 8, at Arvest Ballpark at 7:05 PM. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park on May 13 for a series with the Arkansas Travelers. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge falls to Naturals in extra innings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run homer to give Michael Wacha all the support he needed as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night.

It was the third straight quality start for Wacha (2-4), who allowed just three hits in seven innings, walked one and struck out five.

The Royals, who won for the 14th time in their last 16 games, lead the majors with 18 quality starts.

The White Sox got a run in the ninth off Carlos Estévez on a single by Luis Robert, but left the tying run stranded at third. Estévez allowed one run and three hits, but struck out two, including Josh Rojas for the final out to earn his 11th save.

Jonathan Cannon (2-4) took the loss, allowing two runs and nine hits in six innings.

The White Sox have lost nine straight against Kansas City and 10 in a row at Kauffman Stadium. Both are franchise records against the Royals and in Kansas City.

Both starting pitchers were effective early on a damp, cool night. With a mist falling and game-time temperatures in the low 60s, Wacha and Cannon each threw four scoreless innings.

But while Wacha threw up another zero in the top of the fifth, Cannon ran into trouble in the bottom of the inning. Luke Maile led off with a single and, with two outs, Witt hit his fifth homer of the season to left field.

The White Sox had runners on first and second with two outs in the second inning, but Wacha got Lenyn Sosa to line out to right. That was Chicago's only inning with two runners on base against Wacha.

The Royals have scored four runs or fewer in 32 of 38 games this season. They're 16-16 in those games.

The White Sox and Royals will conclude their four-game series with an afternoon game Thursday. RHP Davis Martin (1-3, 3.52 ERA) will start for Chicago, while Kansas City will counter with LHP Kris Bubic (3-2, 1.98).

— AP MLB:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/MLB">https://apnews.com/hub/MLB</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746669913141.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run homer to give Michael Wacha all the support he needed as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night.It was the third straight quality start for Wacha (2-4), who allowed just three hits in seven innings, walked one and struck out five.The Royals, who won for the 14th time in their last 16 games, lead the majors with 18 quality starts.The White Sox got a run in the ninth off Carlos Estévez on a single by Luis Robert, but left the tying run stranded at third. Estévez allowed one run and three hits, but struck out two, including Josh Rojas for the final out to earn his 11th save.Jonathan Cannon (2-4) took the loss, allowing two runs and nine hits in six innings.The White Sox have lost nine straight against Kansas City and 10 in a row at Kauffman Stadium. Both are franchise records against the Royals and in Kansas City.Both starting pitchers were effective early on a damp, cool night. With a mist falling and game-time temperatures in the low 60s, Wacha and Cannon each threw four scoreless innings.But while Wacha threw up another zero in the top of the fifth, Cannon ran into trouble in the bottom of the inning. Luke Maile led off with a single and, with two outs, Witt hit his fifth homer of the season to left field.<h2>Key moment</h2>The White Sox had runners on first and second with two outs in the second inning, but Wacha got Lenyn Sosa to line out to right. That was Chicago's only inning with two runners on base against Wacha.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have scored four runs or fewer in 32 of 38 games this season. They're 16-16 in those games.<h2>Up next</h2>The White Sox and Royals will conclude their four-game series with an afternoon game Thursday. RHP Davis Martin (1-3, 3.52 ERA) will start for Chicago, while Kansas City will counter with LHP Kris Bubic (3-2, 1.98).— AP MLB:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/MLB">https://apnews.com/hub/MLB</a>

⚾ Witt and Wacha lead Royals to victory over White Sox

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746670200586.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The eighth-seeded Baylor Bears hit three straight home runs in the fifth inning Wednesday to break open a tie game and eventually top the ninth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks, 7-3, in the opening round of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship at OGE Energy Field at Devon Park. The loss concludes Kansas' season with a 22-28 mark. Baylor improved to 27-26 and advanced to play the No. 1 seed Texas Tech on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Senior&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp;got the start in the circle for the Jayhawks and started strong, throwing up a zero in the opening inning. After the leadoff hitter reached via a single, Brooks got some help from shortstop&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977">Hailey Cripe</a>, who snagged a liner for the third out of the inning.&nbsp; Cripe then reached base on an error to start the second inning, but the Jayhawks stranded a runner and weren't able to produce the game's first run. Baylor broke the 0-0 tie in the bottom half of the inning when Abi Flores reached on an error to plate Leah Cran, who doubled earlier in the frame with one out. Brooks then retired the next two batters to get out of the inning with no further damage. The Bears' lead lasted exactly one batter.&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/natalie-marshall/6919">Natalie Marshall</a>, who led off the third for Kansas, blasted a solo home run to left to knot the game at 1-1. The homer was the second of the season for Marshall, who also went deep in early April at Arizona State.&nbsp; Baylor answered back in the bottom half of the inning when the Bears loaded the bases with no outs. They scored one run on a double play and then added a second on an RBI double to take a 3-1 lead through three innings. Kansas cut that to a 3-2 deficit in the fourth when&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/campbell-bagshaw/6868">Campbell Bagshaw</a>&nbsp;collected an RBI fielder's choice to score&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949">Olivia Bruno</a>&nbsp;with one out, with still two on base. A caught stealing and a groundout ended the rally, however. Following a scoreless inning from Brooks, the Jayhawks' offense went back to work. Marshall led off the inning with a walk. Following a fielder's choice,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/presley-limbaugh/6855">Presley Limbaugh</a>&nbsp;reached on an error to put two runners on with one out for&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968">Aynslee Linduff</a>. Linduff came through with an RBI single to score&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/emma-tatum/6927">Emma Tatum</a>&nbsp;and tie the game at 3-3. But in the bottom of the fifth, Baylor got a leadoff single before blasting three straight home runs for a four-run inning that proved to be the difference.&nbsp; Marshall finished 1-for-1 with a pair of walks and a home run in the game, while Cripe went 1-for-2 with a walk. Brooks tossed the first 4.1 innings, while Bruno tossed the final 1.2, allowing one run.&nbsp; Pitchers of Record: Win: Lillie Walker (12-10) Line: 5.1 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 SO Loss:&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906">Katie Brooks</a>&nbsp;(8-11) Line: 4.1 IP, 6 R, 3 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 0 SO</div>

🥎 Baylor ends KU's season in first round of Big 12 Tournament

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746670077620.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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TAMPA, Fla. &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton's</a></dfn>&nbsp;three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth pushed No. 5 seed Wichita State to a 5-2 win over No. 8 seed Tulsa in the second round of the American Athletic Conference Championship Wednesday afternoon. Wichita State (29-24-1) advances to Thursday's American quarterfinals where they will face No. 4 North Texas at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN+. The Shockers were limited to just four hits in the game, but Compton's 12th home run of the season proved to be the difference.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;doubled and scored two runs,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled and drove in a run and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>&nbsp;singled to round out the hits. Co-Freshman of the Year&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;(11-7) went the distance in the circle, allowing only one earned run on seven hits and three walks. A leadoff double to start the game turned into an early run on a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;throwing error, giving Tulsa a 1-0 lead after the first inning. Tulsa doubled its lead to 2-0 in the top of the second on a one-out, solo home run. Wichita State cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the third on Eck's RBI single after a Livanec single and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/9312" rel="smarttag" rev="9312">Sami Hood</a></dfn>&nbsp;sac bunt. In the bottom of the fourth, the Shockers tied the game at 2-2 on&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/jodie-epperson/9323" rel="smarttag" rev="9323">Jodie Epperson's</a></dfn>&nbsp;sac fly. Sedlacek led off the inning with a double and then moved up to third on Compton's sac bunt. To open the bottom of the sixth, Eck and Sedlacek both reached on hit by pitches to set the scene for Compton. On the very first pitch of the at bat, Compton smashed a no-doubter over the wall in left.</div>

🥎 Compton's home run sends Shockers to quarterfinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former Fort Hays State University standout Kate (Lehman) Bremerman will be inducted into the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Hall of Fame on June 2 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Lehman, a Newton High School alum, starred on the basketball court from 2011 to 2015 for FHSU, finishing her career as one of the most dominant post players in NCAA Division II history. She still holds the MIAA and FHSU records for career blocked shots with 515—more than doubling the conference’s previous mark. Her total ranks third all-time in Division II, and her 5.3 blocks per game as a junior remains an NCAA record for that class year.

Lehman was a two-time All-American, four-time All-MIAA honoree, and a three-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. She also collected 1,917 points and 1,109 rebounds during her time with the Tigers, making her the first player in program history to reach 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds—a milestone matched only recently.

In addition to her athletic accolades, Lehman excelled academically. She earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors, was named MIAA Scholar-Athlete four times, and became Fort Hays State’s first recipient of the Ken B. Jones Award, which recognizes the top student-athlete in the MIAA for excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.

She will be inducted alongside 10 other individuals as part of the 2025 MIAA Hall of Fame class.

Bremerman currently serves as the principal at Northridge Elementary School in the USD 373 Newton Public Schools system.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746640451066.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Fort Hays State University Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Fort Hays State University Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former Fort Hays State University standout Kate (Lehman) Bremerman will be inducted into the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Hall of Fame on June 2 in Kansas City, Missouri.Lehman, a Newton High School alum, starred on the basketball court from 2011 to 2015 for FHSU, finishing her career as one of the most dominant post players in NCAA Division II history. She still holds the MIAA and FHSU records for career blocked shots with 515—more than doubling the conference’s previous mark. Her total ranks third all-time in Division II, and her 5.3 blocks per game as a junior remains an NCAA record for that class year.Lehman was a two-time All-American, four-time All-MIAA honoree, and a three-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. She also collected 1,917 points and 1,109 rebounds during her time with the Tigers, making her the first player in program history to reach 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds—a milestone matched only recently.In addition to her athletic accolades, Lehman excelled academically. She earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors, was named MIAA Scholar-Athlete four times, and became Fort Hays State’s first recipient of the Ken B. Jones Award, which recognizes the top student-athlete in the MIAA for excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.She will be inducted alongside 10 other individuals as part of the 2025 MIAA Hall of Fame class.Bremerman currently serves as the principal at Northridge Elementary School in the USD 373 Newton Public Schools system.

🏀 Newton native Kate (Lehman) Bremerman named to MIAA Hall of Fame

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746651926936.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.&nbsp;&ndash; For the first time in program history, the Kansas State women's golf team has advanced to the NCAA Championship as the Wildcats tied for second place, while senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/carla-bernat/12238" rel="smarttag" rev="12238">Carla Bernat</a></dfn>&nbsp;was the individual medalist of the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional after final-round play on Wednesday at the par-72, 6,095-yard Keene Trace Golf Club. The Wildcats, who entered play on Wednesday in third place and just six shots clear of the cutline, turned in the round of the day at 10-under par 278, which tied for the eighth-lowest round in program history. K-State finished with a three-round total of 10-under par 854, the sixth-lowest 54-hole score in school history and 12 shots clear of the cutline. "Moments like this are why we do all the work," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/coaches/stew-burke/2590" rel="smarttag" rev="2590">Stew Burke</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "It was a pleasure to be out there today with them. They were composed, confident, and determined. Nobody was going to give it to us, so we just had to go out there and take it. "The team was excellent with everyone contributing this week. They never looked uncomfortable and just stuck to the task at hand. We couldn't be prouder of how they came into this week wanting to play again next week and not resting on a great season." Bernat &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/5/1/womens-golf-bernat-named-big-12-womens-golfer-of-the-year-bert-earns-all-big-12-honors">the 2024-25 Big 12 Player of the Year</a>&nbsp;&ndash; earned her third victory this season and fifth as Wildcat &ndash; the latter of which moved her into sole possession of second place in school history &ndash; while she has eight in her collegiate career after picking up three wins at Tulane prior to transferring to K-State. Her 54-hole score of 12-under par 204 tied the school record set by fellow senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/sophie-bert/12241" rel="smarttag" rev="12241">Sophie Bert</a></dfn>&nbsp;three months ago at the Westbrook Invitational. Additionally, it was one shot better than her collegiate low of 205 during a victory at the MountainView Collegiate in March. Bernat's winning tally was fueled by a final-round score of 6-under par 66, which tied for the sixth-lowest round in school history. After she parred the first four holes, Bernat kicked off her low round with an albatross on the par-5 5th hole, the first time in her collegiate or international career she went 3-under par on a hole. From there, she carded birdies on Nos. 8, 11, 12 and 16. A product of Castellon, Spain, Bernat now has 17 rounds in the 60s this season and 42 in her collegiate career. Ranked No. 23 in the National Collegiate Golf Rankings and No. 22 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), Bernat earned a two-shot victory over the No. 1 and 2 players in the WAGR, Florida State's Mirabel Ting and Lottie Woad. "Carla really had a great tournament and built well into the week," Burke said of Bernat, who led the field by going 9-under par on the par 5s. "Winning a regional against the No. 1 and 2 players not just in the country but the world is no easy feat. It was special to see her albatross at hole 5, and it came right when we needed it as a team. To win once in college golf is an unbelievable achievement, but eight times is truly remarkable. She has a bright future ahead of her after college, but let's first try and add to that total in California." Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/nanami-nakashima/12243" rel="smarttag" rev="12243">Nanami Nakashima</a></dfn>&nbsp;posted a season-low round of 5-under par 67, one shot better than her previous low of 68 during the second round of the Rainbow Wahine Invitational in October. The Kani, Japan, native went bogey-free and 5-under par on the front 9, while she had one bogey and one birdie on the back. Nakashima improved 16 spots on the leaderboard during the final round to tie for 18th place &ndash; her third top-20 finish this season &ndash; at even-par 216. Sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/alenka-navarro/12239" rel="smarttag" rev="12239">Alenka Navarro</a></dfn>&nbsp;tied with Nakashima as she went even par on the day, including a bogey-free and 1-under par back 9. Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/noa-van-beek/12240" rel="smarttag" rev="12240">Noa van Beek</a></dfn>&nbsp;turned in a counting score of 1-over par 73 on Wednesday thanks to an eagle on No. 5 and birdies on four of her first five holes on the back 9. The Oene, Netherlands, native finished in 29th place at 4-over par 220. Bert produced her second-straight round of 3-over par 75 on Wednesday as she finished in 58th place with a three-round total of 14-over par 230. After going a collective 12-over par on the back 9 over the first two rounds, the Wildcats did not let the tougher half of the golf course derail their final-round momentum as they were 5-under par on that side on Wednesday, the best of any squad in the 12-team field. Kansas State led the field by going 20-under par on the par 5s, tied for first with two eagles or better and finished with 47 birdies to rank second, just one behind team champion Florida State. Along with K-State and Florida State, the other teams to advance out of the NCAA Lexington Regional were Georgia Southern &ndash; which tied with the Wildcats for second place &ndash; USC and Vanderbilt. TCU finished one stroke back of the Commodores and in sixth place. The 2025 NCAA Championship begins on Friday, May 16, with the first of three days of stroke play. Following Sunday's third round, the field will be cut to 15 teams and the top nine individuals on a non-advancing team for the fourth and final round on Monday, May 19, to determine the top eight teams that will advance to match play as well as the 72-hole individual champion. The team national champion will be determined by a match-play format that will consist of quarterfinals and semifinals on Tuesday, May 20, followed by the finals on Wednesday, May 21. Monday's final round of stroke play and all three rounds of match play will be shown on GOLF Channel.</div>

⛳ K-State punches ticket to NCAA Championship for first time in program history

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746649933846.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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The Jayhawk Conference champion Hutchinson Community College softball team had a program-record 12 players receive All-Jayhawk Conference recognition this season.
The 2025 All-KJCCC Division I softball team was released on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons placed two players on the first time &ndash; shortstop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>. Three others earned second-team honors &ndash; third baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_haley_h3bo">Haley Kruger</a>, center fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>. First baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, outfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>, second baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>, catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>, utility player Addi Lutz, right-fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;were all named honorable mention.
Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Tomlinson are repeat first-team selections.
The 12 players selected this season surpass the old record of 11 players set by the 2023 Jayhawk Conference champion Blue Dragons.
The 2025 Blue Dragons posted a 37-11 overall record and tied Butler for the league title with a 27-5 mark. The Blue Dragons went 2-2 in the 2025 Region 6 Tournament.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/files/2025_All-KJCCC_D1_Softball.pdf">CLICK FOR ENTIRE 2025 ALL-KJCCC DIVISION I SOFTBALL TEAM</a>
BAILEY BACKHAUS (So./SS) &ndash; 1st Team <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;concluded an incredible two-year run with the Blue Dragons that included 202 career hits (most by a two-year player in Blue Dragon history) and a career batting average of .502, which established a Blue Dragon career record.
This season, the sophomore from Newkirk, Oklahoma, hit .530, the second-highest batting average in a single season in team history with 98 hits, second only to her record 104 hits from her freshman season in 2024. In 30 KJCCC games, Backhaus hit a torrid .608 (76 for 125) with 64 runs scored and 35 RBIs from the leadoff position.
Of her 98 hits, nine went for doubles and she hit a single-season record 10 triples to up her career record to 16 triples.
Backhaus broke the Blue Dragon single-season stolen base record with 57 steals in 58 attempts. Her 82 career steals tied Lexi Williams (2020-21) for first place in team history.
Backhaus also broke a Blue Dragon single-season record for runs scores with 78, again surpassing her own record of 77 set last season.
Backhaus had a season-long 16 game hitting streak this season and reached base in 33 consecutive games. Se had 31 multi-hit games this season, including three five-hit games against Fort Hays Tech Northwest on March 1, Colby on March 16 and Garden City on April 17. She tied single-game record for runs with five against Pratt on February 26 and Garden City on April 17.
MORGAN TOMLINSON (So./P) &ndash; 1st Team Tomlinson became the first 20-game winner for the Blue Dragons since Holly Kelley in 2016, posting a record of 21-7 with a 3.18 earned run average. In KJCCC play &ndash; where she made 15 starts and eight relief appearances &ndash; Tomlinson was 16-3 with a 3.11 ERA.
The sophomore from Harveyville, Kansas, had 131 strikeouts in 147 1-3 innings pitched this season. She walked only 24 batters and allowed 149 hits with opposing batters hitting only .251 off of her.
Tomlinson pitched two combined no-hitters this season and had six complete games with two complete-game shutouts.
In three-straight starts this season, Tomlinson set new single-game career highs in strikeouts with eight against Colby on March 17, nine against Garden City on March 18 and 10 against Dodge City on March 20.
Tomlinson completed her career with a 37-10 record and a 3.14 earned-run average. She finished with 180 strikeouts in 236 innings. Her 37 wins rank fourth on the Blue Dragon career list and her 180 strikeouts are 10th.
HALEY KRUGER (So./3B) &ndash; 2nd Team Kruger hit .313 this season (41 for 131) with 15 doubles, three home runs and 37 RBIs.
The sophomore from Oklahoma City, had 10 multi-hit games, including a career-high four hits against Pratt on March 29. She also drove in a career-best eight RBIs in that game. The eight RBIs are third most in Blue Dragon single-game history.
Kruger hit .341 in conference play this season with 29 hits, 13 doubles, two home runs and 34 RBIs.
KAIBRYN KRUGER (Fr./CF) &ndash; 2nd Team The freshman from Silver Lake was second on the team in batting this season with a .456 average. Kruger was 73 for 160 with 13 doubles, six triples and seven home runs. She drove in 51 runs and scored 76, which is third-most in Blue Dragon single-season history.
Kruger was 40 of 42 in stolen-base attempts this season, which is No. 3 on the Blue Dragon single-season list.
Kruger matched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;for the longest hitting streak this season at 16 and she will carry a 43-game streak of reach base into next season.
Kruger had 24 multi-hit games, including a season-high four hits against Seward County on March 12.
Kruger had two games with four steals &ndash; Fort Hays Tech Northwest on March on and Labette on March 9 &ndash; to establish a new Blue Dragon single-game record for steals.
JESSICA SCHMIDT (Fr./P) &ndash; 2nd Team A freshman left-handed pitcher from Norfolk, Nebraska, pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season. Schmidt had a 2-1 record with a team-high three saves and a 2.96 ERA.
Over 52 innings in 27 appearances, Schmidt had 38 strikeouts and allowed opponents only a .238 batting average.
In 18 conference appearances, Schmidt was 1-0 with three saves and a 2.73 ERA.
Schmidt had a single-game high four strikeouts three different times. She had saves against Pratt on February 26, Butler on April 7 and Seward County on April 13.
BROOKE BACKHAUS (So./1B) &ndash; Honorable Mention The only Blue Dragon to appear in all 48 games this season,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;hit .321 (53 for 165) with 13 doubles, two home runs and 40 RBIs.
A sophomore from Newkirk, Oklahoma, Backhaus' .987 career fielding percentage ties for seventh in Blue Dragon history.
BRIE BRAWNER (So./LF) &ndash; Honorable Mention The sophomore left-fielder from Haven wound up hitting .312 (43 for 138) with four extra-base hits, including a home run at Colby. Brawner scored 37 runs and was 11 of 11 in stolen bases.
EMILY DICE (So./2B) &ndash; Honorable Mention Stepping into the full-time starting role at second base this season, the sophomore from Wichita, served as another leadoff hitter from the No. 9 spot in the order. Dice hit .377 this season (57 for 151) with seven doubles, an inside-the-park home run and a out-of-the-park homer. She drove in 32 RBIs this season. Dice was 16 of 18 on steals this season.
TAIBOR GOLLY (Fr./C) &ndash; Honorable Mention The freshman catcher from Grimes, Iowa, led the Blue Dragons with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs this season. She was second on the team with 20 doubles. Golly hit .444 for the season (71 for 160) with a slugging percentage of .788. Golly had three two-home run games this season against Colby twice on March 16 and Fort Hays Tech Northwest on April 2. Golly was also named to the All-Region 6 Tournament team.
ADDI LUTZ (Fr./Utl.) &ndash; Honorable Mention The freshman from Olathe had some clutch hits this season, including both the game-tying and walk-off hits in Hutchinson's come-from-behind 7-6 win over Butler on nine innings on March 6 at Fun Valley. Lutz hit .331 in her freshman season as a catcher and designated player. She went 44 for 133 this season with three doubles, two home runs, 23 RBIs and 24 runs scored.
GABBY STAUFFER (Fr./RF) &ndash; Honorable Mention The Blue Dragons' freshman right-fielder from Wichita was the fourth player this season to post a batting average of .400 or higher, hitting .406 (69 for 170). Stauffer had a team-high 21 doubles, five home runs and was second on the team with 64 RBIs. Against Colby on April 16, Stauffer became this sixth Blue Dragon player with three home runs in a game after going 3 for 8 with eight RBIs against the Trojans.
AUBREE THOMAS (Fr./P) &ndash; Honorable Mention The freshman starting pitcher from Hays posted a 13-3 record with a 4.18 ERA in 24 starts this season. Thomas struck out 72 in 90 1-3 innings pitched this season and opponents hit .292 against her. Thomas' top performance this season came in the postseason, a complete-game two-hit shutout of Seward County in a 1-0 win over the Saints in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament on Friday in Dodge City.</div>

🥎 Blue Dragons place record 12 players on all-conference team

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746643584276.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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COLUMBUS, Ohio &ndash;&nbsp;The Kansas women's golf team is headed to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2014 after capturing the NCAA Columbus Regional title on Wednesday at OSU Golf Club, the first regional championship win in program history.&nbsp; &nbsp; Battling cold and rainy conditions all week, the Jayhawks secured the win by three shots and were led by sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lyla-louderbaugh/3478" rel="smarttag" rev="3478">Lyla Louderbaugh</a></dfn>, who became the first player in program history to earn medalist honors at an NCAA Regional Championship.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The tournament win marks the first collegiate individual title for Louderbaugh, who fired a final round, career-low 65 (-7) to win the event by eight shots. After an early bogey on the second hole, Louderbaugh kept a clean scorecard and rolled in eight birdies the rest of the way. She stayed under par all week, posting rounds of 69-70-65 to finish at -12 with a career-low 54-hole total of 204.&nbsp; &nbsp; In Wednesday's final round, the Jayhawks fired a tournament-low round of 276 (-12) to jump two spots and win the event by three shots. Kansas' team scores of 289-293-276-858 (-6) were enough to secure the first NCAA Regional team title in program history.&nbsp; &nbsp; This marks just the third NCAA Championship appearance for the Jayhawks, with the previous trips coming in 1990 and 2014. It's also only the second time Kansas has advanced through regional qualifying, as NCAA Regionals were first introduced in 1993. In 1990, the Jayhawks earned their spot at the NCAA Championship by winning the Big Eight Tournament and receiving an invitation to compete in the championship.&nbsp; &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/johanna-ebner/3462" rel="smarttag" rev="3462">Johanna Ebner</a></dfn>&nbsp;was another key contributor to Kansas' dominant final round, firing a 5-under 67 that included seven birdies. Ebner earned a tie for 12th, finishing the tournament at 1-over par.&nbsp; &nbsp; In her NCAA Regional debut, freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/ebba-nordstedt/15549" rel="smarttag" rev="15549">Ebba Nordstedt</a></dfn>&nbsp;posted rounds of 77-74-70 to finish tied for 21st at +5. Her final round featured four birdies and a clean scorecard through 14 holes, before carding bogeys on the 15th and 18th.&nbsp; &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lauren-clark/3465" rel="smarttag" rev="3465">Lauren Clark</a></dfn>&nbsp;also tied for 21st, finishing 5-over for the tournament with rounds of 72-75-74, including a final-round 74 (+2) on Wednesday.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/amy-dekock/3474" rel="smarttag" rev="3474">Amy DeKock</a></dfn>&nbsp;rounded out the Jayhawks' lineup with a final-round 74 (+2), finishing tied for 38th at +10 overall after rounds of 72-80-74.&nbsp; &nbsp; TEAM LEADERBOARD&nbsp; 1. KANSAS (-6)&nbsp; 2. Arkansas (-3)&nbsp; 3. Ohio State (+1) - host&nbsp; 4. UNLV (+4)&nbsp; 5. LSU (+18)&nbsp; cut line (top five teams advanced to NCAA Championship)&nbsp; 6. Houston (+22)&nbsp; 7. Kent State (+25)&nbsp; 8. SMU (+26)&nbsp; 9. Illinois (+27)&nbsp; 10. Xaver (+29)&nbsp; 11. Illinois State (+58)&nbsp; 12. Oakland (+78)&nbsp; &nbsp; KANSAS INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS&nbsp; 1. Louderbaugh (-12)&nbsp; T13. Ebner (+1)&nbsp; T21. Nordstedt (+5)&nbsp; T21. Clark (+5)&nbsp; T35. DeKock (+10)&nbsp; &nbsp; UP NEXT&nbsp; After finishing in the top five at the Columbus Regional, the Jayhawks are headed to Carlsbad, California, for their third NCAA Championship appearance in program history, taking place May 16-21 at the Omni La Costa Resort &amp; Spa's Champions Course.&nbsp;</div>

⛳ KU, Louderbaugh win Columbus Regional; Jayhawks advance to first NCAA Championship since 2014

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School honored its top students and athletes during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Athletic Director Steve Kappenman presented the Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year award to Kade Smith, while Grace Posch received the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year honor.

Smith, who has signed to continue his academic and football career at Hutchinson Community College, capped off an exceptional senior year in both football and wrestling.

On the gridiron, Smith rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. He recorded nine games with over 100 rushing yards, including a career-high 245 yards on 24 attempts against Liberal.

In wrestling, Smith concluded his career tied with Romero Cotton for the most wins in program history with 136. He earned a third-place finish at the Class 5A state tournament on March 1 in Park City.

Posch is headed to Seward County Community College to play basketball and pursue her academic goals. She was a multi-sport standout for the Salthawks, excelling in both basketball and volleyball.

On the basketball court, Posch scored 968 career points. She shot 35% from three-point range and 80% from the free-throw line during her senior season, averaging 12 points per game—second on the team behind Kaia Smith. She topped 20 points in three games, including a season-high 22 against Salina South.

In volleyball, Posch was an honorable mention selection on the all-league team in 2024 and was a four-year varsity letterwinner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746641153463.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School honored its top students and athletes during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday morning.Athletic Director Steve Kappenman presented the Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year award to Kade Smith, while Grace Posch received the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year honor.<h2>Kade Smith</h2>Smith, who has signed to continue his academic and football career at Hutchinson Community College, capped off an exceptional senior year in both football and wrestling.On the gridiron, Smith rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. He recorded nine games with over 100 rushing yards, including a career-high 245 yards on 24 attempts against Liberal.In wrestling, Smith concluded his career tied with Romero Cotton for the most wins in program history with 136. He earned a third-place finish at the Class 5A state tournament on March 1 in Park City.<h2>Grace Posch</h2>Posch is headed to Seward County Community College to play basketball and pursue her academic goals. She was a multi-sport standout for the Salthawks, excelling in both basketball and volleyball.On the basketball court, Posch scored 968 career points. She shot 35% from three-point range and 80% from the free-throw line during her senior season, averaging 12 points per game—second on the team behind Kaia Smith. She topped 20 points in three games, including a season-high 22 against Salina South.In volleyball, Posch was an honorable mention selection on the all-league team in 2024 and was a four-year varsity letterwinner.

Hutch High's Smith, Posch earn awards at Senior Awards Ceremony

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746639997086.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&mdash; Kansas softball standouts&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/presley-limbaugh/6855" rel="smarttag" rev="6855">Presley Limbaugh</a></dfn>&nbsp;have been recognized by the Big 12 Conference for their stellar play during the 2025 season as the league office&nbsp;announced its postseason honors Wednesday Bruno was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, while Limbaugh was selected to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. The conference postseason honors were voted on by the league coaches. A utility player Topeka, Kansas, Bruno has played in 45 games for the Jayhawks, posting a .326 batting average with 12 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a slugging percentage of .637, ranking among the team's leaders in nearly every offensive category. She also has a .408 on-base percentage with 20 walks, consistently producing in the heart of the lineup. Bruno's 12 home runs this season ranked eighth in the Big 12, tying her single-season best and affirming her status as one of the conference's premier power hitters. In the circle, Bruno has made 18 appearances with 11 starts, compiling a 4-6 record and a team-best 2.88 ERA across 73.0 innings pitched. She has held opposing hitters to a .245 average, with 47 strikeouts. Defensively, Bruno was flawless, recording a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 45 putouts and 16 assists without committing an error. Limbaugh has capped off her final season in center field where she has underscored a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, tallying 75 putouts and two assists on 77 total chances without a single error. The Cooper, Texas, native's speed and range in the outfield have been critical in limiting extra-base hits and anchoring the Jayhawk defense. Limbaugh's defensive efforts rank her third in the Big 12 for fielding percentage and make her one of just three players in the conference to maintain a perfect mark this season. Offensively, Limbaugh was equally impactful, starting all 49 games and leads the team with a .367 batting average. She has collected 58 hits, with 10 doubles, two triples, and 13 RBI. Her .436 on-base percentage and 19 walks make her one of Kansas' most reliable top-of-the-lineup hitters. Additionally, Limbaugh has five stolen bases in 2025. Kansas enters the 2025 Big 12 Championship as the No. 9 seed and will face No. 8 Baylor on Wednesday, May 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. The contest will be televised on ESPN+ and fans can also follow the action on the KU softball social media accounts with the tag @KUSoftball.</div>

🥎 KU's Bruno, Limbaugh collect Big 12 postseason awards

BILL FAFLICK KSHSAA Executive Director

When students are involved in education-based activities, they are better! We all know the connection with peers, with coaches and sponsors, and to the community support their academic success as well as their physical health and mental wellness. However, can some students take it too far and be doing too much? 

Earlier in April, I listened intently to the doctors, athletic trainers, school nurses and school leaders serving on the KSHSAA Sports Medicine Academy as they talked about a significant concern becoming more prevalent in their work with students. That topic is burnout. While the discussion was focused on supporting the many students who experience overuse injury, it also included students who have lost the love of the game. It was reported:

Over 50% of high school athletes report training related injuries which contribute to mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to burnout.

Teenagers who overtrain are also at a higher risk of eating disorders and sleep problems.

36% of high school student-athletes report feeling burned out because they feel pressure to succeed from their coaches and parents.

30-40% of young athletes experience burnout at some point in their sports careers and 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13.

Overtraining and burnout are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

While I support the notion of learning to work hard to achieve at the highest level, many of our students are exhausted. We need to teach our students to work smarter, not necessarily more! As we prepare for summer, which has been transformed from an opportunity for students and coaches to recharge and pursue options not possible during the school year, into a fight for more training and more competition. Is it too much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students not spend more than 5 days a week playing or practicing one sport and 2-3 months per year of no organized sports. The KSHSAA SMAC suggested a general rule of thumb for a student is for the maximum hours of training, practice and competition per week to not exceed the age of the student or 16 hours per week (whichever is less).

As you head to summer, I encourage you to lead the discussion on how less can be more.  Thank you for supporting the healthy development of students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598357043542.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>BILL FAFLICK KSHSAA Executive DirectorWhen students are involved in education-based activities, they are better! We all know the connection with peers, with coaches and sponsors, and to the community support their academic success as well as their physical health and mental wellness. However, can some students take it too far and be doing too much? Earlier in April, I listened intently to the doctors, athletic trainers, school nurses and school leaders serving on the KSHSAA Sports Medicine Academy as they talked about a significant concern becoming more prevalent in their work with students. That topic is burnout. While the discussion was focused on supporting the many students who experience overuse injury, it also included students who have lost the love of the game. It was reported:Over 50% of high school athletes report training related injuries which contribute to mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to burnout.Teenagers who overtrain are also at a higher risk of eating disorders and sleep problems.36% of high school student-athletes report feeling burned out because they feel pressure to succeed from their coaches and parents.30-40% of young athletes experience burnout at some point in their sports careers and 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13.Overtraining and burnout are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.While I support the notion of learning to work hard to achieve at the highest level, many of our students are exhausted. We need to teach our students to work smarter, not necessarily more! As we prepare for summer, which has been transformed from an opportunity for students and coaches to recharge and pursue options not possible during the school year, into a fight for more training and more competition. Is it too much?The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students not spend more than 5 days a week playing or practicing one sport and 2-3 months per year of no organized sports. The KSHSAA SMAC suggested a general rule of thumb for a student is for the maximum hours of training, practice and competition per week to not exceed the age of the student or 16 hours per week (whichever is less).As you head to summer, I encourage you to lead the discussion on how less can be more. Thank you for supporting the healthy development of students.

OPINION: Less is more during summer workouts for student-athletes

Because of rain forecast for Wednesday morning and early Wednesday afternoon, the start time for the Hutchinson Community College baseball team's Region 6 Opening-round series Game 1 has been pushed back to 6 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Blue Dragons and Allen Red Devils were originally scheduled to start at 3 p.m. today, but the teams moved the start time back 3 hours to 6&nbsp;p.m. to allow the rain to move out of the area.

Game 2 is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday and the if necessary Game 3 is&nbsp;scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday.

There is no admission for any game in the series.&nbsp; All games will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677155580308.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon Baseball image" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon Baseball image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationBecause of rain forecast for Wednesday morning and early Wednesday afternoon, the start time for the Hutchinson Community College baseball team's Region 6 Opening-round series Game 1 has been pushed back to 6 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.The Blue Dragons and Allen Red Devils were originally scheduled to start at 3 p.m. today, but the teams moved the start time back 3 hours to 6&nbsp;p.m. to allow the rain to move out of the area.Game 2 is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday and the if necessary Game 3 is&nbsp;scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday.There is no admission for any game in the series.&nbsp; All games will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ HutchCC-Allen series opener moved to 6 p.m. Wednesday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Wednesday, May 7, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bt65j-18a0eae-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>

🎧⚾ Royals win in walk-off fashion, ⚾ Hutch High splits, 🏀 McPherson's Pyle named Mr. Kansas Basketball

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746583143021.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.&nbsp;&ndash; Kansas State senior women's golfer&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/carla-bernat/12238" rel="smarttag" rev="12238">Carla Bernat</a></dfn>&nbsp;put together a score of 4-under par 68 on Tuesday to lead the Wildcats during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional held at the par-72, 6,095-yard Keene Trace Golf Club. The Wildcats finished at even par for a second-straight day as they reside in third place with a 36-hole score of 576. K-State is six shots clear of the cutline as the top five teams from the NCAA Lexington Regional will advance to the 2025 NCAA Championship after Wednesday's final round. Kansas State holds a two-shot lead over second-seeded USC, while No. 3 seed TCU is in fifth place at 6-over par 582, just one stroke ahead of fourth-seeded Vanderbilt. "We put up another good score today, which could have been a little better with a stronger finish," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/coaches/stew-burke/2590" rel="smarttag" rev="2590">Stew Burke</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "However, we got off to a much better start and kept the mistakes to a minimum throughout the round. We will tee off first in the lead groups, so it will be up to us to set a number and let others chase it. As a team, we have not yet put four good scores together in the same round, so tomorrow would be the ideal time." A product of Castellon, Spain, Bernat went bogey free during Tuesday's round, which was the best ever by a Wildcat in NCAA Regional play. The previous record was 69 by Bernat, who did it twice in last year's NCAA Bryan (Texas) Regional, and by Miranda Smith in the 2003 NCAA Central Regional. Bernat was able to set that mark thanks to three-straight birdies on Nos. 4, 5 and 6 in addition to a birdie on the par-5 15th hole. Bernat enters Wednesday's final round in third place at 6-under par 138. She is only two shots back of the lead and behind a pair of Florida State players in Mirabel Ting &ndash; the No. 1 player in the country &ndash; and Lottie Woad &ndash; the No. 2 player in the nation. Bernat is tied for second in the 66-player field in par-4 (3-under par) and par-5 (4-under par) scoring, while she is also tied for second with nine total birdies. The Wildcats also received an under-par round from sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/alenka-navarro/12239" rel="smarttag" rev="12239">Alenka Navarro</a></dfn>, who posted a score of 1-under par 71. The Mexico City native had three birdies on the day, including two during a bogey-free front 9. Navarro rose eight spots during the second round into a tie for 11th place at even-par 144. Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/noa-van-beek/12240" rel="smarttag" rev="12240">Noa van Beek</a></dfn>&nbsp;is tied for 22nd place at 2-over par 146 following a round of 4-over par 76, and the Oene, Netherlands, native is tied with Bernat for second by going a collective 4-under par on the par 5s. Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/nanami-nakashima/12243" rel="smarttag" rev="12243">Nanami Nakashima</a></dfn>&nbsp;went 2-over par 74 on the day as she is tied for 34th place with a 36-hole score of 5-over par 149. The Kani, Japan, product ranks third in the field with 28 total pars. Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/sophie-bert/12241" rel="smarttag" rev="12241">Sophie Bert</a></dfn>&nbsp;shaved five strokes off her first-round total by turning in a score of 3-over par 75. She enters the final round in a tie for 54th place at 11-over par 155. The Wildcats went 4-under par on the front 9 during the second round and 4-over par on the back. Six of the toughest eight holes on the course are on the back 9, a side that is playing 2-over par per player on average. Kansas State leads the 12-team field by going a collective 12-under par on the par 5s, while the Wildcats are tied for second with 29 total birdies. K-State enters the final round five shots back of Georgia Southern for second place, while top-seeded Florida State leads the event at 14-under par 562. The final round of the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional sees Kansas State's tee times begin at 8 a.m. (ET) off the first tee. The Wildcats will once again be in the top group as they are paired with the Seminoles and Eagles. Live results can be followed on&nbsp;<a href="https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/236565/scoring/team">SCOREBOARD powered by Clippd</a>.</div>