The Kansas City Royals on Tuesday announced that they have placed three pitchers on the 15-day injury list.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alec March, Kyle Wright and James McArthur were placed on the DL on Monday evening.&nbsp; 

Marsh is dealing with right shoulder impingement; Wright is dealing with a shoulder surgery and McArthur has an injury to his right elbow.&nbsp;

Mash has two years of big-league experience and in 2024 pitched 129 innings with a 4.53 ERA and finished with a 9-9 record.&nbsp; He spent a portion of the season as the Royals' fifth starter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wright, who the Royals recieved from the Braves in 2023, missed the entire 2024 season as he dealt with an injury that required surgery.&nbsp; He won 21 games for the Braves in 2022, which is the only season of his career where he pitched more than 38 innings.&nbsp;

McArthur came out of the bullpen for the Royals in 2024. He was 5-7 on the season with a 4.92 ERA with 18 saves.&nbsp;

The Royals open the season at home on Thursday against the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315090950.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Royals on Tuesday announced that they have placed three pitchers on the 15-day injury list.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alec March, Kyle Wright and James McArthur were placed on the DL on Monday evening.&nbsp; Marsh is dealing with right shoulder impingement; Wright is dealing with a shoulder surgery and McArthur has an injury to his right elbow.&nbsp;Mash has two years of big-league experience and in 2024 pitched 129 innings with a 4.53 ERA and finished with a 9-9 record.&nbsp; He spent a portion of the season as the Royals' fifth starter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wright, who the Royals recieved from the Braves in 2023, missed the entire 2024 season as he dealt with an injury that required surgery.&nbsp; He won 21 games for the Braves in 2022, which is the only season of his career where he pitched more than 38 innings.&nbsp;McArthur came out of the bullpen for the Royals in 2024. He was 5-7 on the season with a 4.92 ERA with 18 saves.&nbsp;The Royals open the season at home on Thursday against the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.&nbsp;

⚾ Royals add three pitchers to IL

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State's Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee added to their career trophy cases, as the tandem were named Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America top-50 finalists on Tuesday.

This is the fourth time Lee has collected WBCA All-Region 3 honors, while Sundell earned her first WBCA All-Region 3 citation.

Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, leads the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (256) and paces the nation and leads the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.31 apg) and third in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.46). She owns a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.

The product of Maryville, Missouri, is second on the team in scoring average with 13.9 points per game and leads the Wildcats with 486 points, which is the second-highest total of her career on a .503 field goal percentage. Her 186 made field goals this season is a new career-high.

She has registered a career-high 30 blocked shots (0.86 bpg) and has pulled in 153 rebounds (4.4 rpg), which is the second-highest rebound total in her career.

Sundell is the only player in the nation to register 400 or more points, 200 or more assists, 150 or more rebounds and 30 or more blocks. She has registered a career-high eight double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024.

With her point (486) and assist (256) totals this season, Sundell is the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists.

In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (138) and games played (138). She is holds the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 805 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,749 points. She ranks eighth in school history for career blocks (103). 

She is the only player in school history with 1,500 or more career points, 800 or more career assists and 100 or more career blocked shots.

This season, Lee, a 2025 All-Big 12 Second Team honoree and AP All-America honorable mention recipient, is averaging a team-high 15.6 points on a career-high .641 field goal percentage. She is also averaging team-highs with 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.

In her career, Lee holds the school record and ranks sixth in Big 12 history for points scored with 2,521 and holds the school record for career scoring average at 18.7. She also owns the school records for career rebounds and ranks fifth in Big 12 history with 1,252 and career rebounding average at 9.3. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742998085201.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State's Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee added to their career trophy cases, as the tandem were named Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America top-50 finalists on Tuesday.This is the fourth time Lee has collected WBCA All-Region 3 honors, while Sundell earned her first WBCA All-Region 3 citation.Sundell, a 2025 All-Big 12 First Team and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, leads the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (256) and paces the nation and leads the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.31 apg) and third in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.46). She owns a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.The product of Maryville, Missouri, is second on the team in scoring average with 13.9 points per game and leads the Wildcats with 486 points, which is the second-highest total of her career on a .503 field goal percentage. Her 186 made field goals this season is a new career-high.She has registered a career-high 30 blocked shots (0.86 bpg) and has pulled in 153 rebounds (4.4 rpg), which is the second-highest rebound total in her career.Sundell is the only player in the nation to register 400 or more points, 200 or more assists, 150 or more rebounds and 30 or more blocks. She has registered a career-high eight double-doubles this season. She was the first Big 12 player since the 2022-23 season and the fifth player in program history to register a triple-double with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against USC Upstate on Dec. 5, 2024.With her point (486) and assist (256) totals this season, Sundell is the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists.In her career, Sundell holds the school records for career starts (138) and games played (138). She is holds the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 805 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,749 points. She ranks eighth in school history for career blocks (103). She is the only player in school history with 1,500 or more career points, 800 or more career assists and 100 or more career blocked shots.This season, Lee, a 2025 All-Big 12 Second Team honoree and AP All-America honorable mention recipient, is averaging a team-high 15.6 points on a career-high .641 field goal percentage. She is also averaging team-highs with 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.In her career, Lee holds the school record and ranks sixth in Big 12 history for points scored with 2,521 and holds the school record for career scoring average at 18.7. She also owns the school records for career rebounds and ranks fifth in Big 12 history with 1,252 and career rebounding average at 9.3.

🏀 K-State’s Sundell, Lee named to WBCA All-America Top-50 watch list

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The No. 5 Washburn Ichabods moved into the NCAA National Semifinals with a 90-78 win over Lenoir-Rhyne sending the Ichabods to the final four of the national tournament on Thursday night at 8:30 pm CST against No. 1-ranked Nova Southeastern.

The Ichabods led from start to finish thanks to a hot start coming out of the gate pulling in front of the No. 10-ranked Bears 13-4 lead after Brayden Shorter scored nine points in the early going.

Washburn pushed its lead to 13 after a traditional 3-point play from Jacob Hanna putting the Ichabods up 27-14 with 11:48 remaining in the first, but the Bears (29-6) chipped away trimming their deficit to five less than 60 seconds later before a pair of Hanna free throws, a 3-pointer from Shorter and a Hanna bucket in the paint pushed the margin back to 10.

The lead stayed in double digits until the Bears used a 9-0 run pulling within three again at 40-37. Back-to-back layups from Dillon Claussen and Michael Keegan stretched the lead back to seven before LRU hit three free throws with 37 seconds left, but Jack Bachelor's jumper sent the Ichabods to the locker room with a 46-40 lead.

In the second half, the Ichabods went up by 20 at 64-45 with 14:42 to play and to as many as 21 before the Bears came back again.

The Bears eventually cut the lead to five with 3:14 to go, but two jumpers in a row from Dillon Claussen put the margin at 11 and the Bears did not get closer than nine the rest of the way.

The Ichabods had six players in double figures led by Shorter's 18 points. Claussen came off the bench to score a season-high-tying 17 points (recorded against Harding in the NCAA Regional Quarterfinals) on 7 of 7 shooting. Both Hanna and Bachelor finished with 12 points as Bachelor dished out nine assists. Hanna also added six boards and five assists. Brady Christiansen finished with 12 points and four boards and Andrew Orr had 10 points and thre boards. Keegan tallied four points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Junior Hodnett led the Bears with 19 points.

Washburn finished 53 percent from the field going 31 of 58 and 10 of 21 from deep also hitting 18 of 21 free throws. The Bears shot 41 percent connecting on 17 of 20 free throws and 9 of 24 from 3-point range.

Washburn held a 36 to 29 advantage on the glass and outscored the Bears 40 to 34 in the paint and 24 to 5 in fast break points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742997868635.png" alt="Washburn University " />
 <figcaption>Washburn University </figcaption>
 </figure>Washburn AthleticsEVANSVILLE, Ind. – The No. 5 Washburn Ichabods moved into the NCAA National Semifinals with a 90-78 win over Lenoir-Rhyne sending the Ichabods to the final four of the national tournament on Thursday night at 8:30 pm CST against No. 1-ranked Nova Southeastern.The Ichabods led from start to finish thanks to a hot start coming out of the gate pulling in front of the No. 10-ranked Bears 13-4 lead after Brayden Shorter scored nine points in the early going.Washburn pushed its lead to 13 after a traditional 3-point play from Jacob Hanna putting the Ichabods up 27-14 with 11:48 remaining in the first, but the Bears (29-6) chipped away trimming their deficit to five less than 60 seconds later before a pair of Hanna free throws, a 3-pointer from Shorter and a Hanna bucket in the paint pushed the margin back to 10.The lead stayed in double digits until the Bears used a 9-0 run pulling within three again at 40-37. Back-to-back layups from Dillon Claussen and Michael Keegan stretched the lead back to seven before LRU hit three free throws with 37 seconds left, but Jack Bachelor's jumper sent the Ichabods to the locker room with a 46-40 lead.In the second half, the Ichabods went up by 20 at 64-45 with 14:42 to play and to as many as 21 before the Bears came back again.The Bears eventually cut the lead to five with 3:14 to go, but two jumpers in a row from Dillon Claussen put the margin at 11 and the Bears did not get closer than nine the rest of the way.The Ichabods had six players in double figures led by Shorter's 18 points. Claussen came off the bench to score a season-high-tying 17 points (recorded against Harding in the NCAA Regional Quarterfinals) on 7 of 7 shooting. Both Hanna and Bachelor finished with 12 points as Bachelor dished out nine assists. Hanna also added six boards and five assists. Brady Christiansen finished with 12 points and four boards and Andrew Orr had 10 points and thre boards. Keegan tallied four points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.Junior Hodnett led the Bears with 19 points.Washburn finished 53 percent from the field going 31 of 58 and 10 of 21 from deep also hitting 18 of 21 free throws. The Bears shot 41 percent connecting on 17 of 20 free throws and 9 of 24 from 3-point range.Washburn held a 36 to 29 advantage on the glass and outscored the Bears 40 to 34 in the paint and 24 to 5 in fast break points.

🏀 Ichabods beat Lenior-Rhyne to advance to NCAA DII semifinals

<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 March 26" 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=bpdta-1861808-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧Listen 🏀 NJCAA Day 4  ⚾ College Baseball results 

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State erased an early 2-0 deficit and scored in each of their final five innings to rally past Wichita State 9-5 on Tuesday night at O'Brate Stadium.

The Shockers (8-16) scratched across single runs in the third and fourth innings to take the early lead, plating their first run on a Josh Livingston RBI single before Gannon Snyder doubled the advantage with a double play grounder. But the Cowboys (12-10) poured in six runs over the next two innings, highlighted by a three-run triple from Colin Brueggemann and back-to-back home runs from Brayden Smith and Nolan Schubart to take a 6-2 lead.

Wichita State pulled a run back in the top of the sixth when Kaleb Duncan dumped an RBI single with two outs, scoring Kam Durnin who had opened the frame with a single of his own. Oklahoma State answered back with a run of their own in the home half of the inning to restore their four-run lead, getting a leadoff double from Alex Conover to set up a squeeze bunt from Drew Culbertson that made it 7-3.

A Jayson Jones RBI double in the bottom of the seventh pushed the margin to 8-3.

The Shockers made things interesting in the top of the eighth, plating two runs to get the tying run into the on-deck circle. Snyder coaxed a leadoff walk and Jordan Black followed with a booming RBI triple to left-center field. Kaleb Duncan brought Black home with an RBI grounder to first, cutting the Cowboys lead to 8-5. Camden Johnson restarted the rally with a single and later moved to second on a wild pitch, but a pair of pop outs against Oklahoma State closer Sean Youngerman ended the threat.

Oklahoma State manufactured a run in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin. Smith doubled to start the frame, moved to third on a throwing error and came into score when he swiped home as part of a double steal. Youngerman worked a 1-2-3 ninth to secure the win and his fourth save.

Wichita State starter Brady Hamilton fired two hitless, scoreless innings before handing the ball off to Jeremiah Arnett (0-1), who allowed three runs in one-plus inning of work to take the loss. Shocker pitchers combined to walk 10 in the defeat.

Johnson and Durnin led the Shockers offensively with two hits apiece.

Wichita State returns to American Athletic Conference play on Friday night against UAB. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742994879244.png" alt="WSU senior Owen Reynolds delivers in a relief appearance in Stillwater against the Oklahoma State Cowboys - WSU Athletic Communications." />
 <figcaption>WSU senior Owen Reynolds delivers in a relief appearance in Stillwater against the Oklahoma State Cowboys - WSU Athletic Communications.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsSTILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma State erased an early 2-0 deficit and scored in each of their final five innings to rally past Wichita State 9-5 on Tuesday night at O'Brate Stadium.The Shockers (8-16) scratched across single runs in the third and fourth innings to take the early lead, plating their first run on a Josh Livingston RBI single before Gannon Snyder doubled the advantage with a double play grounder. But the Cowboys (12-10) poured in six runs over the next two innings, highlighted by a three-run triple from Colin Brueggemann and back-to-back home runs from Brayden Smith and Nolan Schubart to take a 6-2 lead.Wichita State pulled a run back in the top of the sixth when Kaleb Duncan dumped an RBI single with two outs, scoring Kam Durnin who had opened the frame with a single of his own. Oklahoma State answered back with a run of their own in the home half of the inning to restore their four-run lead, getting a leadoff double from Alex Conover to set up a squeeze bunt from Drew Culbertson that made it 7-3.A Jayson Jones RBI double in the bottom of the seventh pushed the margin to 8-3.The Shockers made things interesting in the top of the eighth, plating two runs to get the tying run into the on-deck circle. Snyder coaxed a leadoff walk and Jordan Black followed with a booming RBI triple to left-center field. Kaleb Duncan brought Black home with an RBI grounder to first, cutting the Cowboys lead to 8-5. Camden Johnson restarted the rally with a single and later moved to second on a wild pitch, but a pair of pop outs against Oklahoma State closer Sean Youngerman ended the threat.Oklahoma State manufactured a run in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin. Smith doubled to start the frame, moved to third on a throwing error and came into score when he swiped home as part of a double steal. Youngerman worked a 1-2-3 ninth to secure the win and his fourth save.Wichita State starter Brady Hamilton fired two hitless, scoreless innings before handing the ball off to Jeremiah Arnett (0-1), who allowed three runs in one-plus inning of work to take the loss. Shocker pitchers combined to walk 10 in the defeat.Johnson and Durnin led the Shockers offensively with two hits apiece.Wichita State returns to American Athletic Conference play on Friday night against UAB. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.

⚾ Shockers fall at Oklahoma State 

In a post on social media on Tuesday, agents for Wichita State senior Quincy Ballard has entered the transfer portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ballard, who received an additional year of eligibility earlier this month, ended the season averaging 10 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He had program record shooting 75.1-percent from the floor for the Shockers.&nbsp;

He finished his WSU career with 152 blocks, which is second in program history behind Antoine Carr who finished his career with 209.&nbsp;

He was joined in the portal by freshman Yanis Bamba.&nbsp; The portal closes on April 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742993841136.png" alt="Quincy Ballard puts one home in a game against Florida Atlantic - WSU Athletic Communications (File)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Quincy Ballard puts one home in a game against Florida Atlantic - WSU Athletic Communications (File)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In a post on social media on Tuesday, agents for Wichita State senior Quincy Ballard has entered the transfer portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEWS: Wichita State&#39;s Quincy Ballard will enter the transfer portal, his agents Brandon Grier and Michael Silverman told ESPN. The 6&#39;11 center averaged 10 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 75% from the field. <a href="https://t.co/mJnuNV86ZE">pic.twitter.com/mJnuNV86ZE</a>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1904639470445441263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ballard, who received an additional year of eligibility earlier this month, ended the season averaging 10 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. He had program record shooting 75.1-percent from the floor for the Shockers.&nbsp;He finished his WSU career with 152 blocks, which is second in program history behind Antoine Carr who finished his career with 209.&nbsp;He was joined in the portal by freshman Yanis Bamba.&nbsp; The portal closes on April 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WSU's Ballard enters transfer portal 

TAYA WILSON Sterling College Sports Information&nbsp;

Sterling, Kan. - Life consists of many milestones, from the first day of kindergarten, to graduating high school, to your first job, life is full of milestones that many people collectively share. But in the world of collegiate basketball, one milestone stands above the rest, the 1,000-point club.

This milestone is sought by many and achieved by only a select few who fight through the grind, persevere through hardship, and put in the work.

This season, Sterling College celebrated three athletes who achieved this milestone all coming from Kansas Junior College’s and all finding their own niche in the Warrior family.

On the men’s side, both Emmanuel “Mooch” Austin and Jayden Garrison were able to achieve this breakthrough while Alissa Heskamp made the same achievement on the women’s side of the court.

Austin, who hails from Orange County, Calif., started his playing career at Cowley College where he scored 262 of his 1,000 points. It was here that Warrior’s head coach Randy Stange and assistant coach Jack Shields noticed his ability to get the job done.

“Coach Jack hit my phone about a week after the season ended saying that he had some opportunities for me to continue playing and then shortly after that Coach Stange hit my phone saying the same thing,” Austin said. “They were really excited about me because the previous point guard had graduated and they thought it was a great opportunity for me to get into their system.”

The system worked out well for both Austin and the Warrior’s basketball program as he racked up 867 points over the past two seasons.

“Our best game is when he (Austin) has five or six assists and others are involved,” Stange said. “His ability to get to the basket is unmatched. I don’t think there’s been anyone that we’ve played where it hasn’t taken more than one guy to stop him.”

Austin scored his landmark 1,000 career point in a 29-point game against Friends University on Feb. 13, 2025 but the milestone was never on his mind.

“When I transferred here, I wasn’t really thinking about scoring 1,000 points I didn’t think I could get it, honestly,” he said. “So, for me to hit 1,000 points, it really means a lot.”

The senior realizes that none of it would have been possible without his “band of brothers” around him.

“We just have a lot of off the court bonding,” Austin said. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s always going to be ups and downs, but what brings us together as far as being a ‘brothership’ is a focus on family and the stuff we do off the court.”

One of his brothers on the court also reached the 1,000-point milestone in the same season. Garrison, a Little River, Kan. native, transferred to Sterling from Hutchinson Community College where he racked up 459 points throughout his career.

“Jayden, he’s more of a shooter,” Stange said. “He’s got to be able to utilize screens and move without the ball. Jayden shorts really deep and he’s one of those guys that when he’s on he’s as good as anybody in our league, and our league is one of the best in the country. So, you have to say he’s as good as anybody in the country.”

While at Sterling, Garrison averaged shooting an incredible 34% from beyond the three-point line and accumulated 746 points as a Warrior. His 1,000 points came earlier in the season on Jan. 8 in the game against Friends University where he scored 12 points.

“Without God all of my athletic achievements throughout the years would not have been possible,” Garrison said. “I was blessed with an ability to play the game I love at a high level for many years. I am very grateful and thankful for this accomplishment.”

Coach Stange realizes the importance both of these players have been to Sterling’s team over the past two years.

“I’ve been proud of their effort all year. It was a difficult stretch for both of those guys at different times. I’m proud of their heart, proud of what they’ve done and proud of how tough they are,” Stange said. “They both have been great and we’re going to miss them. It’s going to be very hard to replace both of them.”

On the women’s side, Heskamp had been the extra “oomph” the Lady Warriors have needed, especially in their post-season push, which led to a KCAC tournament championship. However, collegiate basketball wasn’t in the picture when she finished her time at Barton Community College.

“I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue playing basketball, but Coach (K.C.) Bassett and her coaching staff told me they would help me find joy in playing the game again,” Heskamp said. “I think that was one of the biggest things that made me decide to come to Sterling.”

At Barton Community College, Heskamp amounted 364 points before coming to Sterling. Her grit and determination is what helped her rise above and become a staple in the Lady Warrior’s offense.

“There’s just a toughness to her that I absolutely love and she’s really helped transform this team, especially to make this late push that we’ve been able to have this season,” head coach K.C. Bassett said.

Heskamp scored her 1,000-career point on Jan. 25 against Evangel University where she scored 21 points in the Warrior’s 83-82 victory, and ended her Lady Warrior career with 792 points.

“Reaching 1,000 points in my college basketball career was something I never thought would happen,” Heskamp said. “This means a lot for me, as a once little girl that first picked up a basketball and fell in love with the game. It means even more now because I wanted to give up on my dreams multiple times throughout my college career. This has shown me that perseverance and hard work through all my struggles has made me proud for never giving up on my dream.”

She also realizes that none of this would have been possible apart from her Lady Warrior “family.”

“The biggest thing I love about the Sterling College women’s basketball program has been the culture Coach Bassett has created. Last year she told us that F.A.M.I.L.Y stood for ‘Forget About Me, I Love You’ and I think it is something that this program really goes by,” Heskamp said. “The girls are my best friends and they have helped me enjoy the game which was my biggest goal when I chose to keep playing.”

Not only has the the Lady Warrior basketball team had a big impact on her life, but she’s had a big impact on the program.

“She just speaks through actions. Alissa is one of the most hard-nosed players, but it’s also been cool to see her come out of her shell over the past two years,” Coach Bassett said. “Personally, seeing her evolve and grow and love on the girls around her has been awesome.”

Both Coach Bassett and Coach Stange have enjoyed the benefits that Junior College athletes bring when transferring to Sterling College. From the impact they make in the game, to the relationships they create off the court, these students make a big difference in the program.

“I’m just trying to get the best players I can to get the best team I can,” Coach Stange said. “My experience with JUCO guys is that they’re good, but they’re really good the second semester of the second year. They’ve figured out the system, they know what to expect, and they’re athletic ability and basketball IQ has grown tremendously.”

Bassett has seen the same thing on the women’s side.

“It’s hard for a guard to come in their junior year and be part of a different system for the third time, but once they get their feet underneath them, they really thrive,” she said.

There’s something to be said for an experienced junior college athlete’s ability to help develop the younger athletes while also benefitting from the atmosphere of a four-year culture. It’s the mixture that allows Sterling College’s programs to thrive.

Both coaches are looking for the same thing: buy in. They want their athletes to have a passion for the game while also building a “family” that allows them to thrive in the Warrior family. It’s all part of the tradition of excellence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915724744.jpeg" alt="Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)" />
 <figcaption>Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAYA WILSON Sterling College Sports Information&nbsp;Sterling, Kan. - Life consists of many milestones, from the first day of kindergarten, to graduating high school, to your first job, life is full of milestones that many people collectively share. But in the world of collegiate basketball, one milestone stands above the rest, the 1,000-point club.This milestone is sought by many and achieved by only a select few who fight through the grind, persevere through hardship, and put in the work.This season, Sterling College celebrated three athletes who achieved this milestone all coming from Kansas Junior College’s and all finding their own niche in the Warrior family.On the men’s side, both Emmanuel “Mooch” Austin and Jayden Garrison were able to achieve this breakthrough while Alissa Heskamp made the same achievement on the women’s side of the court.Austin, who hails from Orange County, Calif., started his playing career at Cowley College where he scored 262 of his 1,000 points. It was here that Warrior’s head coach Randy Stange and assistant coach Jack Shields noticed his ability to get the job done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915858135.jpeg" alt="Emmanuel Austin (photo courtesy Sterling College) " />
 <figcaption>Emmanuel Austin (photo courtesy Sterling College) </figcaption>
 </figure>“Coach Jack hit my phone about a week after the season ended saying that he had some opportunities for me to continue playing and then shortly after that Coach Stange hit my phone saying the same thing,” Austin said. “They were really excited about me because the previous point guard had graduated and they thought it was a great opportunity for me to get into their system.”The system worked out well for both Austin and the Warrior’s basketball program as he racked up 867 points over the past two seasons.“Our best game is when he (Austin) has five or six assists and others are involved,” Stange said. “His ability to get to the basket is unmatched. I don’t think there’s been anyone that we’ve played where it hasn’t taken more than one guy to stop him.”Austin scored his landmark 1,000 career point in a 29-point game against Friends University on Feb. 13, 2025 but the milestone was never on his mind.“When I transferred here, I wasn’t really thinking about scoring 1,000 points I didn’t think I could get it, honestly,” he said. “So, for me to hit 1,000 points, it really means a lot.”The senior realizes that none of it would have been possible without his “band of brothers” around him.“We just have a lot of off the court bonding,” Austin said. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s always going to be ups and downs, but what brings us together as far as being a ‘brothership’ is a focus on family and the stuff we do off the court.”One of his brothers on the court also reached the 1,000-point milestone in the same season. Garrison, a Little River, Kan. native, transferred to Sterling from Hutchinson Community College where he racked up 459 points throughout his career.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915419797.jpeg" alt="Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)" />
 <figcaption>Jayden Garrison (photo courtesy Sterling College)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Jayden, he’s more of a shooter,” Stange said. “He’s got to be able to utilize screens and move without the ball. Jayden shorts really deep and he’s one of those guys that when he’s on he’s as good as anybody in our league, and our league is one of the best in the country. So, you have to say he’s as good as anybody in the country.”While at Sterling, Garrison averaged shooting an incredible 34% from beyond the three-point line and accumulated 746 points as a Warrior. His 1,000 points came earlier in the season on Jan. 8 in the game against Friends University where he scored 12 points.“Without God all of my athletic achievements throughout the years would not have been possible,” Garrison said. “I was blessed with an ability to play the game I love at a high level for many years. I am very grateful and thankful for this accomplishment.”Coach Stange realizes the importance both of these players have been to Sterling’s team over the past two years.“I’ve been proud of their effort all year. It was a difficult stretch for both of those guys at different times. I’m proud of their heart, proud of what they’ve done and proud of how tough they are,” Stange said. “They both have been great and we’re going to miss them. It’s going to be very hard to replace both of them.”On the women’s side, Heskamp had been the extra “oomph” the Lady Warriors have needed, especially in their post-season push, which led to a KCAC tournament championship. However, collegiate basketball wasn’t in the picture when she finished her time at Barton Community College.“I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue playing basketball, but Coach (K.C.) Bassett and her coaching staff told me they would help me find joy in playing the game again,” Heskamp said. “I think that was one of the biggest things that made me decide to come to Sterling.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742915912262.jpeg" alt="Alissa Heskamp (photo courtesy Sterling College) " />
 <figcaption>Alissa Heskamp (photo courtesy Sterling College) </figcaption>
 </figure>At Barton Community College, Heskamp amounted 364 points before coming to Sterling. Her grit and determination is what helped her rise above and become a staple in the Lady Warrior’s offense.“There’s just a toughness to her that I absolutely love and she’s really helped transform this team, especially to make this late push that we’ve been able to have this season,” head coach K.C. Bassett said.Heskamp scored her 1,000-career point on Jan. 25 against Evangel University where she scored 21 points in the Warrior’s 83-82 victory, and ended her Lady Warrior career with 792 points.“Reaching 1,000 points in my college basketball career was something I never thought would happen,” Heskamp said. “This means a lot for me, as a once little girl that first picked up a basketball and fell in love with the game. It means even more now because I wanted to give up on my dreams multiple times throughout my college career. This has shown me that perseverance and hard work through all my struggles has made me proud for never giving up on my dream.”She also realizes that none of this would have been possible apart from her Lady Warrior “family.”“The biggest thing I love about the Sterling College women’s basketball program has been the culture Coach Bassett has created. Last year she told us that F.A.M.I.L.Y stood for ‘Forget About Me, I Love You’ and I think it is something that this program really goes by,” Heskamp said. “The girls are my best friends and they have helped me enjoy the game which was my biggest goal when I chose to keep playing.”Not only has the the Lady Warrior basketball team had a big impact on her life, but she’s had a big impact on the program.“She just speaks through actions. Alissa is one of the most hard-nosed players, but it’s also been cool to see her come out of her shell over the past two years,” Coach Bassett said. “Personally, seeing her evolve and grow and love on the girls around her has been awesome.”Both Coach Bassett and Coach Stange have enjoyed the benefits that Junior College athletes bring when transferring to Sterling College. From the impact they make in the game, to the relationships they create off the court, these students make a big difference in the program.“I’m just trying to get the best players I can to get the best team I can,” Coach Stange said. “My experience with JUCO guys is that they’re good, but they’re really good the second semester of the second year. They’ve figured out the system, they know what to expect, and they’re athletic ability and basketball IQ has grown tremendously.”Bassett has seen the same thing on the women’s side.“It’s hard for a guard to come in their junior year and be part of a different system for the third time, but once they get their feet underneath them, they really thrive,” she said.There’s something to be said for an experienced junior college athlete’s ability to help develop the younger athletes while also benefitting from the atmosphere of a four-year culture. It’s the mixture that allows Sterling College’s programs to thrive.Both coaches are looking for the same thing: buy in. They want their athletes to have a passion for the game while also building a “family” that allows them to thrive in the Warrior family. It’s all part of the tradition of excellence.

From Kansas JUCOs to 1,000 points: three Warriors achieve major milestone at Sterling College

🎧Listen ⚾ HHS splits with Pratt 🏀Pitt State women advance, NJCAA day 4

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a>

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250325">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>

Game 13 No. 8 Daytona State (Fla.) 73,&nbsp;No. 9 Barton (Kan.) 70

Game 14 No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas) 92,&nbsp;No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) 60

Game 15 No. 12 Angelina (Texas) 74, No. 5 Jones (Miss.) 62

Game 16 No. 6 Panola (Texas) 60, No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas) 53

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a><a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250325">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>Game 13 No. 8 Daytona State (Fla.) 73,&nbsp;No. 9 Barton (Kan.) 70Game 14 No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas) 92,&nbsp;No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) 60Game 15 No. 12 Angelina (Texas) 74, No. 5 Jones (Miss.) 62Game 16 No. 6 Panola (Texas) 60, No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas) 53

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: Day 4 schedule & results

PITTSBURG STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Karenna Gerber of Halstead scored a game-high 24 points, including a key basket with 59 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Pittsburg State University women's basketball team seal a 66-55 victory over Lubbock Christian University in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight Monday (Mar. 24).

The win sends the Gorillas into the Division II Final Four for the first time in program history. Pitt State (33-3), the No. 4 seed in the Elite Eight field, will meet top-seeded Grand Valley State University (36-2) at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday (Mar. 26) at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The Lakers dispatched No. 8 seed Gannon University, 60-32, earlier Monday.

Gerber made 10 of 19 shots from the floor in the game. Her final bucket, an inside shot in the paint, stretched the Gorillas margin to seven points, 60-53, with 59 ticks left, after LCU had battled back to within five points on Grace Foster's jumper with 1:17 to go.

The Lady Chaps (32-5), who upset Division II's top-ranked squad Texas Woman's University in the South Central Regional Championship Game to reach the Elite Eight, could get no closer down the stretch. Maci Maddox missed an inside shot and Pitt State's Savannah Campbell rebounded. LCU was forced to foul Grace Pyle of McPherson and she made a pair of free throws with 45 seconds remaining to stretch the lead to nine, 62-53.

LCU missed two more shots from the floor, before Pyle was fouled and knocked down two more charity shots with 22 ticks to go to effectively seal the victory.

Gerber posted her program record 15th double-double of the season and she extended her career record to 36 double-doubles with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Pyle chipped in with 16 points while Maycee James also finished in double figures with 11 points. Pyle added five rebounds and six assists to her stat line.

The Gorillas outscored the Lady Chaps, 15-6, at the free throw line in the contest. Pitt State shot 40.4 percent from the field in the game (23-57), but the Gorillas owned a 12-4 advantage on the offensive glass.

Foster paced LCU with 23 points, while Maddox and Audrey Robertson added 11 apiece.

The Gorillas previously reached the Elite Eight in 2012 and 2016 with Pitt State falling each time in the national quarterfinals. In 2016, GVSU defeated the Gorillas, 59-56, at Sioux Falls, S.D. The Lakers ultimately lost to Alaska Anchorage in the Final Four that year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742905109623.png" alt="McPherson's Grace Pyle shoots over a Lubbock Christian defender during the Gorillas' 66-55 win over the Lady Chaps in the Division II Women's quarter final in Pittsburg, PA (Sam Clausen - Pitt State Athletics) " />
 <figcaption>McPherson's Grace Pyle shoots over a Lubbock Christian defender during the Gorillas' 66-55 win over the Lady Chaps in the Division II Women's quarter final in Pittsburg, PA (Sam Clausen - Pitt State Athletics) </figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURG STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Karenna Gerber of Halstead scored a game-high 24 points, including a key basket with 59 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Pittsburg State University women's basketball team seal a 66-55 victory over Lubbock Christian University in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight Monday (Mar. 24).The win sends the Gorillas into the Division II Final Four for the first time in program history. Pitt State (33-3), the No. 4 seed in the Elite Eight field, will meet top-seeded Grand Valley State University (36-2) at 7:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday (Mar. 26) at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The Lakers dispatched No. 8 seed Gannon University, 60-32, earlier Monday.Gerber made 10 of 19 shots from the floor in the game. Her final bucket, an inside shot in the paint, stretched the Gorillas margin to seven points, 60-53, with 59 ticks left, after LCU had battled back to within five points on Grace Foster's jumper with 1:17 to go.The Lady Chaps (32-5), who upset Division II's top-ranked squad Texas Woman's University in the South Central Regional Championship Game to reach the Elite Eight, could get no closer down the stretch. Maci Maddox missed an inside shot and Pitt State's Savannah Campbell rebounded. LCU was forced to foul Grace Pyle of McPherson and she made a pair of free throws with 45 seconds remaining to stretch the lead to nine, 62-53.LCU missed two more shots from the floor, before Pyle was fouled and knocked down two more charity shots with 22 ticks to go to effectively seal the victory.Gerber posted her program record 15th double-double of the season and she extended her career record to 36 double-doubles with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Pyle chipped in with 16 points while Maycee James also finished in double figures with 11 points. Pyle added five rebounds and six assists to her stat line.The Gorillas outscored the Lady Chaps, 15-6, at the free throw line in the contest. Pitt State shot 40.4 percent from the field in the game (23-57), but the Gorillas owned a 12-4 advantage on the offensive glass.Foster paced LCU with 23 points, while Maddox and Audrey Robertson added 11 apiece.The Gorillas previously reached the Elite Eight in 2012 and 2016 with Pitt State falling each time in the national quarterfinals. In 2016, GVSU defeated the Gorillas, 59-56, at Sioux Falls, S.D. The Lakers ultimately lost to Alaska Anchorage in the Final Four that year.

Pyle, Gerber lead Pitt State over Lubbock Christian in Division 2 quarterfinals

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Matt McMullen&nbsp;

The Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defensive line on Monday by re-signing veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel.

The 33-year-old Pennel returns for his third-consecutive season in Kansas City and his fifth overall when including his first stint with the Chiefs from 2019-20. Pennel appeared in all 17 games last year (with seven starts), logging a career-most three sacks. His 320 defensive snaps ranked third among defensive tackles on the team behind only Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton.

A stout run-defender, Pennel was graded as the Chiefs' top defensive tackle against the run last season by Pro Football Focus. Additionally, among interior linemen with at least 150 run-defense snaps (a pool of 99 players), Pennel ranked 13th in the NFL last season against the run according to PFF's metrics.

Overall, Pennel was a significant contributor to a Chiefs' defense that ranked fourth in the league in scoring last season, and now re-signed, he'll aim to pick right back up where he left off next season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742904548357.png" alt="Mike Pennel - Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Mike Pennel sitting on the coolers prior to the NFL week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Atlanta (Mikayla Schlosser, File photo) " />
 <figcaption>Mike Pennel - Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Mike Pennel sitting on the coolers prior to the NFL week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Atlanta (Mikayla Schlosser, File photo) </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Matt McMullen&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their defensive line on Monday by re-signing veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel.The 33-year-old Pennel returns for his third-consecutive season in Kansas City and his fifth overall when including his first stint with the Chiefs from 2019-20. Pennel appeared in all 17 games last year (with seven starts), logging a career-most three sacks. His 320 defensive snaps ranked third among defensive tackles on the team behind only Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton.A stout run-defender, Pennel was graded as the Chiefs' top defensive tackle against the run last season by Pro Football Focus. Additionally, among interior linemen with at least 150 run-defense snaps (a pool of 99 players), Pennel ranked 13th in the NFL last season against the run according to PFF's metrics.Overall, Pennel was a significant contributor to a Chiefs' defense that ranked fourth in the league in scoring last season, and now re-signed, he'll aim to pick right back up where he left off next season.

Chiefs resign Defensive Tackle Mike Pennel 

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250324">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>

Game 9: No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) 63, No. 1 Snow (Utah) 62

Game 10: No. 2 Cowley (Kan.) 58, No. 15 Triton (ill.) 57

Game 11: No. 4 South Plains (Texas) 91, No. 20 Monroe (NY) 71

Game 12: No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) 85, No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa) 71

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a><a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250324">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>Game 9: No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) 63, No. 1 Snow (Utah) 62Game 10: No. 2 Cowley (Kan.) 58, No. 15 Triton (ill.) 57Game 11: No. 4 South Plains (Texas) 91, No. 20 Monroe (NY) 71Game 12: No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) 85, No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa) 71

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: Day 3 schedule & results

The Pittsburg State women's basketball team will face Lubbock Christian (Texas) in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at 7:30 p.m. CT this evening at the UMPC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, Penn.&nbsp;The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

The Gorillas enter the Elite Eight with a 32-3 record and are led by a pair of Hutch Post-area local ties.&nbsp;

Halstead alum Karenna Gerber leads the Gorillas in scoring at 17.2 points per game, while also pulling down a team-high 8.3 rebounds per contest. She has started all 35 games and averages 24.3 minutes per game, while also shooting 60% from the floor. Gerber leads the Gorillas with 47 blocked shots, over 1.3 per game. Gerber is a 6-foot senior that has appeared in 127 career games, making 98 starts and averaging 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds at PSU.&nbsp;She ranks first in career double-doubles (35) and rebounds (916) at Pittsburg State, third in blocks (186) and blocks per game (1.5), fourth in rebounds per game (7.2), free throws made (406) and field goals made (689) while being sixth in points scored (1,785).

McPherson alum Grace Pyle is second on the team in scoring at 16.1 points per game, while also brining down 4.1 rebounds per contest and dishing off 3.2 assists. Pyle has appeared and started all 35 games for the Gorillas this season. Pyle is a 5-foot-11 senior that has made 112 appearances as a Gorilla, starting 98 games, averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Pyle was recently named a&nbsp;NCAA Division II All-American from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).&nbsp;Pyle ranks fourth in program history in 3-pointers made (255) and attempted (723), eighth for points scored (1,603) and 10th in assists (296).

You can read the complete preview for the Elite Eight matchup by <a href="https://pittstategorillas.com/news/2025/3/23/womens-basketball-no-7-gorillas-set-for-elite-eight-matchup-against-no-11-lady-chaps.aspx">clicking here</a>, courtesy of the Pittsburg State Athletic Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742830367888.jpeg" alt="Gerber (L), Pyle (R). Photos Courtesy Pittsburg State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Gerber (L), Pyle (R). Photos Courtesy Pittsburg State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostThe Pittsburg State women's basketball team will face Lubbock Christian (Texas) in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight at 7:30 p.m. CT this evening at the UMPC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, Penn.&nbsp;The game will be streamed on ESPN+.The Gorillas enter the Elite Eight with a 32-3 record and are led by a pair of Hutch Post-area local ties.&nbsp;Halstead alum Karenna Gerber leads the Gorillas in scoring at 17.2 points per game, while also pulling down a team-high 8.3 rebounds per contest. She has started all 35 games and averages 24.3 minutes per game, while also shooting 60% from the floor. Gerber leads the Gorillas with 47 blocked shots, over 1.3 per game. Gerber is a 6-foot senior that has appeared in 127 career games, making 98 starts and averaging 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds at PSU.&nbsp;She ranks first in career double-doubles (35) and rebounds (916) at Pittsburg State, third in blocks (186) and blocks per game (1.5), fourth in rebounds per game (7.2), free throws made (406) and field goals made (689) while being sixth in points scored (1,785).McPherson alum Grace Pyle is second on the team in scoring at 16.1 points per game, while also brining down 4.1 rebounds per contest and dishing off 3.2 assists. Pyle has appeared and started all 35 games for the Gorillas this season. Pyle is a 5-foot-11 senior that has made 112 appearances as a Gorilla, starting 98 games, averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Pyle was recently named a&nbsp;NCAA Division II All-American from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).&nbsp;Pyle ranks fourth in program history in 3-pointers made (255) and attempted (723), eighth for points scored (1,603) and 10th in assists (296).You can read the complete preview for the Elite Eight matchup by <a href="https://pittstategorillas.com/news/2025/3/23/womens-basketball-no-7-gorillas-set-for-elite-eight-matchup-against-no-11-lady-chaps.aspx">clicking here</a>, courtesy of the Pittsburg State Athletic Department.

🏀 Halstead's Gerber, McPherson's Pyle lead Pitt State women into NCAA DII Elite Eight

The NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament continues today with Day 3 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. 16 teams remain, while eight teams have packed their bags and are headed home with first round losses. 

The second round begins at noon with No. 1 Snow (Utah) facing No. 17 Connors State (Okla.). The second game of the day between No. 2 Cowley (Kan.) and No. 15 Triton (Ill.) will tipoff at 2:30 p.m. The evening session tips at 5:30 p.m. between No. 4 South Plains (Texas) and No. 20 Monroe (NY), that will be followed by No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa) facing No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) in the nightcap at 8 p.m.

You can hear every single game of the tournament on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>, as well evening games simulcasted on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a>.

Below are the 16 teams still remaining, plus the eight teams that have been eliminated.

No. 1 Snow (Utah) No. 2 Cowley (Kan.) No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa) No. 4 South Plains (Texas) No. 5 Jones (Miss.) No. 6 Panola (Texas) No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas) No. 8 Daytona State (Fla.) No. 9 Barton (Kan.) No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas) No. 12 Angelina (Texas) No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) No. 15 Triton (Ill.) No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) No. 20 Monroe (NY) No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.)

No. 10 Pensacola State (Fla.) No. 13 Chipola (Fla.) No. 16 John A. Logan (Ill.) No. 18 Columbia State (Tenn.) No. 19 Three Rivers (Mo.) No. 21 South Georgia State No. 22 Wallace State (Ala.) No. 24 Brunswick (N.C.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742828599240.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostThe NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament continues today with Day 3 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. 16 teams remain, while eight teams have packed their bags and are headed home with first round losses. The second round begins at noon with No. 1 Snow (Utah) facing No. 17 Connors State (Okla.). The second game of the day between No. 2 Cowley (Kan.) and No. 15 Triton (Ill.) will tipoff at 2:30 p.m. The evening session tips at 5:30 p.m. between No. 4 South Plains (Texas) and No. 20 Monroe (NY), that will be followed by No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa) facing No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) in the nightcap at 8 p.m.You can hear every single game of the tournament on <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a>, as well evening games simulcasted on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a>.Below are the 16 teams still remaining, plus the eight teams that have been eliminated.Teams still aliveNo. 1 Snow (Utah) No. 2 Cowley (Kan.) No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa) No. 4 South Plains (Texas) No. 5 Jones (Miss.) No. 6 Panola (Texas) No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas) No. 8 Daytona State (Fla.) No. 9 Barton (Kan.) No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas) No. 12 Angelina (Texas) No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) No. 15 Triton (Ill.) No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) No. 20 Monroe (NY) No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) Teams eliminatedNo. 10 Pensacola State (Fla.) No. 13 Chipola (Fla.) No. 16 John A. Logan (Ill.) No. 18 Columbia State (Tenn.) No. 19 Three Rivers (Mo.) No. 21 South Georgia State No. 22 Wallace State (Ala.) No. 24 Brunswick (N.C.)

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: 16 teams still alive, 8 teams have been eliminated

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725282945901.png" alt="EAGLE Media" />
 <figcaption>EAGLE Media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">KHMY-FM (93.1)</a> <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9)</a> <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)</a><div><h2>Monday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;24</h2>
NJCAA Tournament G9:&nbsp;No. 17 Connors State (Okla.) vs. No. 1 Snow (Utah), noon (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G10:&nbsp;No. 15 Triton (Ill.) vs. No. 2 Cowley (Kan.), 2:30 p.m. (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G11:&nbsp;No. 20 Monroe (NY) vs. No. 4 South Plains (Texas), 5:30 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
NJCAA Tournament G12:&nbsp;No. 14 Vincennes (Ind.) vs. No. 3 Indian Hills (Iowa), 8 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
&nbsp;
<h2>Tuesday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;25</h2>
NJCAA Tournament G13:&nbsp;No. 9 Barton (Kan.) vs. No. 8 Daytona State (Fla.), noon (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G14:&nbsp;No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) vs. No. 7 Trinity Valley (Texas), 2:30 p.m. (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G15:&nbsp;No. 12 Angelina (Texas) vs. No. 5 Jones (Miss.), 5:30 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
NJCAA Tournament G16:&nbsp;Frank Phillips/Wallace St. vs. No. 6 Panola, 8 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
&nbsp;
<h2>Wednesday,&nbsp;March&nbsp;26</h2>
NJCAA Tournament G17: TBD, noon (KWBW)
NJCAA Tournament G18: TBD, 2:30 p.m. (KWBW)
HutchCC WBB vs. South Georgia Tech (NJCAA Women's Tournament), 5:30 p.m. pregame, 5:45 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)
NJCAA Tournament G19: TBD, 5:30 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
NJCAA Tournament G20: TBD, 8 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
&nbsp;
<h2>Thursday, March&nbsp;27</h2>
Royals vs. Guardians, 2:30 p.m. pregame, 3:10 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Friday, March&nbsp;28</h2>
NJCAA Tournament G21: TBD, 5:30 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
HutchCC WBB vs.&nbsp;Three Rivers (NJCAA Women's Tournament), 5:30 p.m. pregame, 5:45 p.m. tipoff (KHMY) [*IF win on Wednesday]
NJCAA Tournament G22: TBD, 8 p.m. (KWBW, KHUT)
&nbsp;
<h2>Saturday, March&nbsp;29</h2>
&nbsp;
NJCAA Tournament G23 (National Championship): TBD,&nbsp; 1 p.m. (KHUT)
Royals vs. Guardians, 2:30 p.m. pregame, 3:10 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;
<h2>Sunday, March&nbsp;30</h2>
Royals vs. Guardians, 12:30 p.m. pregame, 1:10 p.m. first pitch (KWBW)
&nbsp;</div>

🎧 EAGLE Media Sports Broadcast Calendar (March 24-March 30)

<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 Monday, March 24, 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=kyez5-185d4d9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 NJCAA Tournament results; 🏀 K-State women on to Sweet 16

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250323">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>

Game 5: No. 9 Barton (Kan.) 92, No. 24 Brunswick (NC) 62

Game 6: No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) 83, No. 10 Pensacola St. (Fla.) 75

Game 7: No. 12 Angelina (Texas) 87,&nbsp;No. 21 South Georgia St. 70

Game 8: No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas) 83,&nbsp;No. 22 Wallace State (Ala.) 69

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742176424420.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">TOURNAMENT CENTRAL</a><a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">CLICK HERE FOR RADIO STREAM</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/cd70a58e-a830-330c-93ed-52360b51b632/channel/ESPN_PLUS/startDate/20250323">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO STREAM ($)</a>Game 5: No. 9 Barton (Kan.) 92, No. 24 Brunswick (NC) 62Game 6: No. 23 Trinidad State (Colo.) 83, No. 10 Pensacola St. (Fla.) 75Game 7: No. 12 Angelina (Texas) 87,&nbsp;No. 21 South Georgia St. 70Game 8: No. 11 Frank Phillips (Texas) 83,&nbsp;No. 22 Wallace State (Ala.) 69

🏀 NJCAA Tournament: Day 2 schedule & results

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have released right-hander Ross Stripling and catcher Luke Maile after they opted out of their contracts.

The Royals also said Sunday that right-hander Carlos Hernández was claimed off waivers by Philadelphia. First baseman Nick Pratto and outfielder Nelson Velázquez cleared waivers and were outrighted by the team to Triple-A Omaha.

The 35-year-old Stripling and 34-year-old Maile were in camp on minor league deals.

Stripling played for Oakland last season, going 2-11 with a 6.01 ERA in 22 games, including 14 starts. He is 40-54 with a 4.17 ERA in 248 career games, also playing for the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Giants.

Maile hit .178 with two homers in 55 games for Cincinnati last year. He is a .208 hitter with 21 homers and 113 RBIs in 440 career games, also playing for Tampa Bay, Toronto, Milwaukee and Cleveland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695315090950.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have released right-hander Ross Stripling and catcher Luke Maile after they opted out of their contracts.The Royals also said Sunday that right-hander Carlos Hernández was claimed off waivers by Philadelphia. First baseman Nick Pratto and outfielder Nelson Velázquez cleared waivers and were outrighted by the team to Triple-A Omaha.The 35-year-old Stripling and 34-year-old Maile were in camp on minor league deals.Stripling played for Oakland last season, going 2-11 with a 6.01 ERA in 22 games, including 14 starts. He is 40-54 with a 4.17 ERA in 248 career games, also playing for the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Giants.Maile hit .178 with two homers in 55 games for Cincinnati last year. He is a .208 hitter with 21 homers and 113 RBIs in 440 career games, also playing for Tampa Bay, Toronto, Milwaukee and Cleveland.

⚾ Royals release right-hander Ross Stripling and catcher Luke Maile

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742782504402.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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NEW ORLEANS, La. --&nbsp;Wichita State stranded 16 runners on base and went just 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position in an 11-5 loss at Tulane on Sunday afternoon at Turchin Stadium. It was a frustrating offensive afternoon for the Shockers (8-15, 1-2), who drew 12 walks and were hit by a pitch four times, but managed only six hits on the day. Tulane (17-7, 2-1) hit four home runs and used 10 pitchers to keep WSU to two hits over the final six innings. The Green Wave surged to a quick 7-1 lead through three innings, knocking out Wichita State starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/aaron-arnold/9406" rel="smarttag" rev="9406">Aaron Arnold</a></dfn>&nbsp;(3-1) in the process. Gavin Schulz and Tanner Chun hit back-to-back homers in the bottom of the second and Andrew McKenna doubled in two more runs as part of a four-run third that extended the Tulane lead to six. The Shockers chipped away at the deficit, plating a run in the fourth on a fielder's choice ground out from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kam-durnin/9177" rel="smarttag" rev="9177">Kam Durnin</a></dfn>&nbsp;and two more in the seventh on a bases-loaded walk from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/gannon-snyder/9192" rel="smarttag" rev="9192">Gannon Snyder</a></dfn>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/ryan-callahan/9175" rel="smarttag" rev="9175">Ryan Callahan</a></dfn>&nbsp;fielder's choice. In the eighth,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-dillon/9411" rel="smarttag" rev="9411">Cole Dillon</a></dfn>&nbsp;was plunked with the bases loaded to force in a run that cut the Tulane lead to 8-5, but closer Michael Lombardi ended the inning with a strikeout and then pitched around a leadoff walk in the ninth to earn his second consecutive save and seventh of the season overall. Tulane put the game out of reach in the bottom of the eighth with a pair of homers, getting a two-run shot from Lombardi and a solo blast off the bat of James Agabedis for the final margin. Julius Ejike-Charles (1-0) picked up the win in relief for the Green Wave, working a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. Only one of the 10 Tulane pitchers did not walk a batter. Snyder put together a solid offensive day to spearhead Wichita State's attack, finishing with two hits and two walks. Five different Shockers walked multiple times, while Dillon was hit twice.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyler-dobbs/9176" rel="smarttag" rev="9176">Tyler Dobbs</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caleb-anderson/9173" rel="smarttag" rev="9173">Caleb Anderson</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-potter/9404" rel="smarttag" rev="9404">Nick Potter</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/hunter-holmes/9181" rel="smarttag" rev="9181">Hunter Holmes</a></dfn>&nbsp;all had scoreless appearances out of the WSU bullpen. The Shockers are back in action on Tuesday night at Oklahoma State. First pitch from Stillwater is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT.</div>

⚾ Shockers squander chances in finale loss

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742782396348.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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SAN ANTONIO &ndash;&nbsp;A career-high seven RBIs from senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/camryn-compton/9311" rel="smarttag" rev="9311">Camryn Compton</a></dfn>&nbsp;powered Wichita State to a 13-5 win over the UTSA Roadrunners on Sunday afternoon at Roadrunner Field. &nbsp; The win clinched the regular season series win for the Shockers (15-15, 4-5) over UTSA (14-16, 2-7). &nbsp; In the top of the first, the first three Shockers reached base, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/9318" rel="smarttag" rev="9318">Taylor Sedlacek</a></dfn>&nbsp;opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly that brought&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ellee-eck/9322" rel="smarttag" rev="9322">Ellee Eck</a></dfn>&nbsp;home.&nbsp; &nbsp; Immediately after, Compton belted the first of two home runs on a no-doubt, three-run home run over the wall in center to quadruple the Shocker lead to 4-0. Later,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/9315" rel="smarttag" rev="9315">Krystin Nelson</a></dfn>&nbsp;capped off the fantastic start for Wichita State with an RBI single through the left side of the infield, making it a 5-0 lead for WSU. &nbsp; UTSA answered the big inning with a big hit of their own, a two-run homer to center, making it a 5-2 score through the first inning. &nbsp; The Shockers responded with two sacrifice flies in the second, one from Compton and one from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/gabby-scott/9324" rel="smarttag" rev="9324">Gabby Scott</a></dfn>&nbsp;to take a 7-2 lead. &nbsp; In the third, the Shocker onslaught continued as&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;drove in a run on a bloop single and then Compton delivered again, blasting another three-run home run, giving WSU an 11-2 lead through the top of the third. &nbsp; Moving to the bottom half, UTSA quickly loaded the bases against Shocker starter&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>, scoring three runs to cut the Shocker lead to 11-5. &nbsp; In the fifth, Sedlacek immediately re-extended the Shocker advantage to eight runs with a monster two-run home run to right-center field, giving WSU a 13-5 lead. &nbsp; Needing three outs to end the game, Nihart stranded a leadoff walk to wrap the game up in five innings. &nbsp; All but one Shocker starter recorded a hit with Lucas going 3-for-4 with a double and her RBI. Compton's two home runs were a career-best, while her seven RBIs were the most by any Shocker in a single game this season. &nbsp; Next Up The Shockers return home to face the Central Arkansas Bears on March 26 at 5:00 PM at Wilkins Stadium.</div>

🥎 WSU clinches series win at UTSA

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742782256611.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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WACO, Texas &ndash;&nbsp;K-State's six-game winning streak came to an end Sunday afternoon, as Baylor used a six-run fifth inning to defeat the Wildcats, 19-4, in seven innings at Baylor Ballpark. The Bears registered 17 hits on their way to moving to 16-7 and 2-4 in league action, handing the Cats (15-8, 5-1 Big 12) their first conference loss of the season. "Disappointing day, but a really good road series win," seventh-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "I thought we had a good enough start from [<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>] to be able to win and our offense did great job driving up their starters' pitch count and getting him out of the game, but unfortunately, they won the battle of the bullpen." Bears' starter Carson Bailey held the Cats to two earned runs in his 4 1/3 innings of work, striking out seven of the 19 batters he faced. Grayson Murry (2-0) was awarded the victory in relief of Bailey. &nbsp; Baylor spotted&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/lincoln-sheffield/12332" rel="smarttag" rev="12332">Lincoln Sheffield</a></dfn>&nbsp;(4-2) for five earned runs, as the left-hander suffered his first loss since February 17 against Coastal Carolina. He finished his sixth consecutive start with four strikeouts and a walk, while allowing eight hits. Six different players recorded a hit for K-State, led by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>&nbsp;(2-for-3), while&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;each drove in a pair of runs batted in. HOW IT HAPPENED After two scoreless frames, Baylor broke through with a 2-0 edge, led by Wesley Jordan's RBI single up the middle. &nbsp;With runners on second and third, Martin threw out a runner at home before Sheffield recorded his fourth strikeout to minimize the damage. <dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/aj-evasco/12312" rel="smarttag" rev="12312">AJ Evasco</a></dfn>&nbsp;and O'Connor strung together a pair of singles before both moving to scoring position after&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;walked. With two outs, catcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/bear-madliak/12309" rel="smarttag" rev="12309">Bear Madliak</a></dfn>&nbsp;delivered a two-out RBI single to left center to score Evasco and O'Connor. Baylor made its first call to the pen in the fifth after Bailey issued a walk to&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/shintaro-inoue/12311" rel="smarttag" rev="12311">Shintaro Inoue</a></dfn>&nbsp;with one out, bringing Murry to the hill. The right-handed reliever fanned two straight batters to keep game tied, 2-2. Jordan led off the bottom of the inning with a solo shot to left field to ignite the Bears' six-run inning that included a bases-clearing double from JJ Kennett. &nbsp;Trailing 8-2,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-dardar/12320" rel="smarttag" rev="12320">Seth Dardar</a></dfn>&nbsp;closed the gap to four, as the Cats' first baseman belted a two-run homer into right-center. Baylor answered with 11 unanswered runs in the sixth. INSIDE THE BOX
<ul>
<li>K-State scored four runs on seven hits with one error and four left on base.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Baylor scored 19 runs on 16 hits with no errors and nine left on base.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Six different players had hits for K-State, led by two from O'Connor.</li>
<li>K-State had three extra-base hits, with doubles from O'Connor and English and a homer by Dardar.</li>
<li>The Bears scored 17 runs between the fifth and sixth innings.</li>
<li>Baylor sent 17 to the plate and scored 11 runs in the fifth inning.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Sheffield (4-2) suffered his second loss of the year after allowing five runs and eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings of work.</li>
<li>Baylor was 13-for-23 with runners on and 9-for-15 with runners in scoring position.</li>
<li>Jordan and Riebock had three hits, while Jordan and Simmons each homered for Baylor.</li>
</ul>
TEAM NOTES
<ul>
<li>Baylor leads the all-time series 56-35, with a 52-29 advantage in Big 12 games.</li>
<li>In games played in Waco, K-State is 13-34 with five wins coming in the last 10 contests.</li>
<li>K-State is 5-5 when opponents score first.</li>
<li>K-State has homered in seven straight games and in 18 of its 23 games overall.</li>
<li>The Cats have 41 homers on the season, rank second overall in the Big 12.</li>
<li>K-State hit a program-record 89 home runs in 2021.</li>
</ul>
PLAYER NOTES
<ul>
<li>Evasco and O'Connor stretched their hitting streaks out to 14 and 13 &ndash; first- and second-best streaks on the team</li>
<li>Dardar belted his fourth homer of the season.</li>
<li>O'Connor is third on the team with seven multi-hit games, including six in his last 10 games.</li>
</ul>
UP NEXT The Wildcats return to Tointon Family Stadium Tuesday night to host Nebraska (10-13, 2-7 Big Ten), scheduled for a 6 p.m. first pitch. K-State baseball season and single-game tickets are now available, and can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stopping by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ 'Cats drop series finale in Waco

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742782094858.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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TEMPE, Ariz. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball dropped the series finale against Arizona State by a score of 7-6 on Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. A walk-off two-run home run by Nu'u Contrades handed Kansas its first series loss of the season. &nbsp; In the top of the ninth, Kansas was trailing by a run and down to its final out when&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/tommy-barth/16141" rel="smarttag" rev="16141">Tommy Barth</a></dfn>&nbsp;hit a go-ahead two-run homer to take a 6-5 lead. That was the third lead of the day for Kansas after a 2-0 lead and a 4-3 advantage, but Arizona State came back all three times to ultimately win the game. &nbsp; Redshirt sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/manning-west/16160" rel="smarttag" rev="16160">Manning West</a></dfn>&nbsp;got the start for Kansas and went 3.1 innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits, four walks and three strikeouts.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/dariel-osoria/16146" rel="smarttag" rev="16146">Dariel Osoria</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a career-high four hits, while&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147" rel="smarttag" rev="16147">Brady Ballinger</a></dfn>&nbsp;and Barth each had two hits. &nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED &bull; Kansas took an early lead on Sunday afternoon with a pair of runs in the first inning. The Jayhawks had three consecutive hits with one out. Osoria was the third of those three hits and drove in the first run on an RBI single to center field.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;provided the second run with a sacrifice fly. &bull; Arizona State (15-8, 3-2 Big 12) got a run back in the second inning on a passed ball to make it a 2-1 Kansas lead. &bull; The Sun Devils were able to take a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run homer by Isaiah Jackson. &bull; The Jayhawks were able to get the lead back in the sixth inning. Osoria scored on a wild pitch to tie the game and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-wisdom/16131" rel="smarttag" rev="16131">Ty Wisdom</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a pinch-hit RBI fielder's choice to score Barth. That gave Kansas a 4-3 advantage. &bull; Arizona State answered back in the bottom of the seventh with two runs to take the lead. Jacob Tobias hit a two-run double to the gap in left-center field to give the Sun Devils a 5-4 edge. &bull; Kansas had an opportunity to score in the eighth inning but left two runners stranded on base. &bull; The Jayhawks did capitalize in the top of the ninth with a runner on base. Osoria singled with one out and Counsell hit a fielder's choice to be on first base with two outs. Barth took a 1-1 pitch the opposite way to right field for a go-ahead, two-run homer and a 6-5 lead. &bull; The Sun Devils responded by getting a leadoff single and then on the seventh pitch of the at-bat Contrades drove one out to right field to win it. &nbsp; PITCHERS OF RECORD Win: Lucas Kelly (3-0) Final line: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 SO Loss:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/eric-lin/16158" rel="smarttag" rev="16158">Eric Lin</a></dfn>&nbsp;(1-2) Final line: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 SO 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=1903952813748789273&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F3%2F23%2Fbaseball-kansas-suffers-walk-off-7-6-loss-in-series-finale-at-arizona-state.aspx&amp;sessionId=ff2eef82a0b4fd8a2c33a31f918838013ed18d16&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1903952813748789273"></iframe></div>
&nbsp; QUOTABLES &amp; NOTABLES "Great baseball game and two teams that for the most part played really well. We had some opportunities where you wish we could have punched it through and widened the gap when we took the lead, but they could say the same thing when they had the lead. Usually games like this it just comes down to whoever hits last. Tommy hammered the ball to right and then their guy did the same thing. The ball really just started carrying right at the end there to right field. It was kind of dead to right-center and right field all day and then in the ninth it kind of opened up. This is a really good team we played and we certainly have done a lot of things well, but like I say every game and believe, we still have a long way to go. We'll be ready to get after it Tuesday." &ndash; Head Coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn> &nbsp; &bull; Kansas suffered its first series loss of the season. &bull; Barth hit his fifth home run of the season to put Kansas ahead going into the bottom of the ninth. &bull; Osoria had a career-high four hits. He finished the game 4-for-5 with a RBI and run scored. &bull; Brooks has reached base safely in 13 consecutive games. He drew three walks in the game. &bull; Counsell extended his on-base streak to 13 games. &bull;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jackson-hauge/16155" rel="smarttag" rev="16155">Jackson Hauge</a></dfn>&nbsp;has a 10-game on-base streak. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas returns home to play a two-game midweek series against St. Thomas on Tuesday and Wednesday. First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and Wednesday is set for 3 p.m. CT. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and fans can purchase tickets by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=BSB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=&amp;utm_source=navbar&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=navbar_website">here</a>.</div>

⚾ Sun Devils walk-off Jayhawks in series finale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742781939543.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah&nbsp;&ndash; In the final game of the three-day series against Utah, Kansas was able to walk away with a nine-inning 5-4 victory. With the win, Kansas improved to 14-12 overall and 3-3 in conference play. Utah fell to 10-23 overall and 2-4 in Big 12 play. "We focused on bringing competitive energy today. Our mental toughness was a game changer, and we had a no-quit attitude," said Kansas head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/jennifer-mcfalls/526" rel="smarttag" rev="526">Jennifer McFalls</a></dfn>. "I'm really proud of the way we fought, especially our pitching staff.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/katie-brooks/6906" rel="smarttag" rev="6906">Katie Brooks</a></dfn>&nbsp;had a great start, Diggs (<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kennedy-diggs/15857" rel="smarttag" rev="15857">Kennedy Diggs</a></dfn>) kept them off balance, and K Wash (<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kaelee-washington/15853" rel="smarttag" rev="15853">Kaelee Washington</a></dfn>) closed it out. It's reassuring to have a pitching staff we can depend on. While we didn't win the series, the most important thing is we responded well today, and now we look ahead to a big week." Kansas started Brooks in the circle, recording the first out and a strikeout before junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968" rel="smarttag" rev="6968">Aynslee Linduff</a></dfn>&nbsp;secured the final out in right field. The Jayhawks opened the second inning with a single from junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/campbell-bagshaw/6868" rel="smarttag" rev="6868">Campbell Bagshaw</a></dfn>. A hard-hit ball by&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/natalie-marshall/6919" rel="smarttag" rev="6919">Natalie Marshall</a></dfn>&nbsp;moved Bagshaw into scoring position, and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/september-flanagan/6890" rel="smarttag" rev="6890">September Flanagan</a></dfn>&nbsp;followed with a solid hit to left field, driving Bagshaw home to give Kansas the early lead at 1-0. Kansas kept the Utes off the bases through the second inning and showed a gritty half-inning in the top of the third, by scoring two runs which came from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968" rel="smarttag" rev="6968">Aynslee Linduff</a></dfn>&nbsp;who singled down the left field line, driving in Presely Limbaugh. Later in the inning, Linduff advanced to third and scored on a rundown involving&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/natalie-marshall/6919" rel="smarttag" rev="6919">Natalie Marshall</a></dfn>, extending Kansas' lead to 3-0 heading into the bottom of the third. As in the previous two matchups, the Utes fought back, overcoming a three-run deficit to tie the game, keeping Kansas from holding onto its early lead through the fifth inning. In the top of the sixth inning, the Jayhawks pushed to answer back, with Flanagan drawing a walk and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/karsen-griggs/15854" rel="smarttag" rev="15854">Karsen Griggs</a></dfn>&nbsp;hitting a standup-up double, setting up Kansas in a great position to earn a lead once again. Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/candace-yingling/15862" rel="smarttag" rev="15862">Candace Yingling</a></dfn>&nbsp;made a key appearance at the plate as a pinch hitter, delivering a hard-hit grounder down the third base line. The play allowed Flanagan to cross the plate, regaining the lead for Kansas at 4-3. <dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/hailey-cripe/6977" rel="smarttag" rev="6977">Hailey Cripe</a></dfn>&nbsp;got the Jayhawks started with a 10-pitch at-bat, finally placing a hit through the second baseline. However, Utah quickly retired Kansas, leaving the game's outcome in the hands of the Jayhawks' defense. Utah found an answer to tie the game, and both teams battled through nine innings. In the top of the ninth, Kansas began to rally. With the most consistent hitters, Limbaugh and Linduff, reaching base, Cripe, who had been solid all game, delivered an RBI single to center field, scoring Limbaugh and giving Kansas a 5-4 lead. The Jayhawks remained strong through nine innings, holding the Utes scoreless and securing their first win of the series with a final score of 5-4. &nbsp; UP NEXT Kansas will next hit to road to play at Missouri on Wednesday, March 26, in Columbia, Missouri. The contest from Mizzou Softball Stadium will start at 8 p.m. Central and the game will be televised on ESPNU. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Pitchers of Record Win:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kennedy-diggs/15857" rel="smarttag" rev="15857">Kennedy Diggs</a></dfn> Line: 4.1 IP, 3 H,&nbsp; 1 R, 2 BB, 2 SO Save:&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/kaelee-washington/15853" rel="smarttag" rev="15853">Kaelee Washington</a></dfn> Line: 1 IP, 1 H,&nbsp; 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO Loss: Hailey Maestretti Line: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2&nbsp; SO &nbsp;
<h3>Up Next Kansas concludes its series with Utah and faces a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on Border Showdown rival Missouri at home on Wednesday, March 26, at 8:00 p.m. CT.</h3>
&nbsp; &nbsp; Notables
<ul>
<li>Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/karsen-griggs/15854" rel="smarttag" rev="15854">Karsen Griggs</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded her second double of the season</li>
<li>Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/aynslee-linduff/6968" rel="smarttag" rev="6968">Aynslee Linduff</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded five putouts, the most for Linduff in a single game this season</li>
<li><dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-amezcua/15852" rel="smarttag" rev="15852">Bailey Amezcua</a></dfn>&nbsp;recorded two hits against Utah, matching her season-high for hits in a single game.</li>
</ul></div>

🥎 KU picks up win in series finale at Utah

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Temira Poindexter&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1903901655135088762" target="_blank">hit a corner 3-pointer</a>&nbsp;with 56 seconds left in overtime — her eighth 3 of the game — and fifth-seeded Kansas State dodged four misses by No. 4 seed Kentucky in the closing seconds&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1903903730606456961" target="_blank">to beat the host Wildcats 80-79</a>&nbsp;in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday.

Kentucky star Georgia Amoore missed a jumper with 21 seconds left, a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining and then a baseline layup at the buzzer. Amelia Haslett also missed a 3 that would have put Kentucky ahead at Rupp Arena.

Poindexter missed her first six shots but finished 8 of 15 beyond the arc to score 24 points. Serena Sundell added 19 points, including a turnaround jumper with 8 seconds left to force overtime, and Ayoka Lee scored 16.

Kansas State (28-7) advanced to face either JuJu Watkins and top-seeded Southern California or No. 9 seed Mississippi State in the Sweet 16 in Spokane, Washington.

Clara Strack led Kentucky (23-8) with 22 points. Amoore scored 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting.

Amoore hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Kentucky a 69-67 lead with 32 seconds left in regulation. After Sundell’s basket, Kentucky’s Dazia Lawrence could not get a clean look before time expired.

Kansas State: Sundell had 11 points in the first quarter to steady the visiting Wildcats after Kentucky jumped out to an early 7-0 lead.

Kentucky: The host Wildcats built small leads but could never extend their advantage to double digits.

Key rebounded her own missed jumper to make a layup that gave Kentucky a 66-61 lead with 2:11 to play. Kansas State responded with 3-pointers by Jaelyn Glenn and then Poindexter in a 40-second span.

Kentucky came in averaging seven blocks per game, but it was Kansas State denying shots with 13 blocks, including two on 3-point attempts in the second quarter. Those fueled a 12-3 run that propelled Kansas State to a 33-31 halftime lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742761115250.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Temira Poindexter&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1903901655135088762" target="_blank">hit a corner 3-pointer</a>&nbsp;with 56 seconds left in overtime — her eighth 3 of the game — and fifth-seeded Kansas State dodged four misses by No. 4 seed Kentucky in the closing seconds&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1903903730606456961" target="_blank">to beat the host Wildcats 80-79</a>&nbsp;in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday.Kentucky star Georgia Amoore missed a jumper with 21 seconds left, a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining and then a baseline layup at the buzzer. Amelia Haslett also missed a 3 that would have put Kentucky ahead at Rupp Arena.Poindexter missed her first six shots but finished 8 of 15 beyond the arc to score 24 points. Serena Sundell added 19 points, including a turnaround jumper with 8 seconds left to force overtime, and Ayoka Lee scored 16.Kansas State (28-7) advanced to face either JuJu Watkins and top-seeded Southern California or No. 9 seed Mississippi State in the Sweet 16 in Spokane, Washington.Clara Strack led Kentucky (23-8) with 22 points. Amoore scored 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting.Amoore hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Kentucky a 69-67 lead with 32 seconds left in regulation. After Sundell’s basket, Kentucky’s Dazia Lawrence could not get a clean look before time expired.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas State: Sundell had 11 points in the first quarter to steady the visiting Wildcats after Kentucky jumped out to an early 7-0 lead.Kentucky: The host Wildcats built small leads but could never extend their advantage to double digits.<h2>Key moment</h2>Key rebounded her own missed jumper to make a layup that gave Kentucky a 66-61 lead with 2:11 to play. Kansas State responded with 3-pointers by Jaelyn Glenn and then Poindexter in a 40-second span.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kentucky came in averaging seven blocks per game, but it was Kansas State denying shots with 13 blocks, including two on 3-point attempts in the second quarter. Those fueled a 12-3 run that propelled Kansas State to a 33-31 halftime lead.<h2>Up next</h2>

🏀 K-State women are Sweet 16 bound for first time since 2002

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State’s Carter Starocci won an unprecedented fifth national title and Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson stunned Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson 5-4 in the heavyweight final Saturday night at the NCAA men’s wrestling championships with President Donald Trump in attendance.

Hendrickson, a transfer from Air Force, trailed in the last match of the evening until scoring on a takedown in the final minute — the only takedown Steveson allowed all season.

Hendrickson saluted Trump after his victory. With a United States flag draped over his shoulders, he then walked over and shook Trump’s hand and hugged him as part of his celebration. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ncaa-wrestling-championships-sports-trips-8f68a03e4c6926ef2e159e67d70a8466">attended the event, just as he did as a candidate in 2023</a>&nbsp;when the tournament was in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“It’s bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” an emotional Hendrickson said moments after the win.

Minnesota’s Steveson, seeking his third national title, was on a 70-match win streak. The 2021 and 2022 national champion retired at the end of the 2022 event, but returned this year after stints in World Wrestling Entertainment and the National Football League.

Steveson entered the third period with a 3-2 lead before&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NCAAWrestling/status/1903634014193287509" target="_blank">giving up the takedown with about 20 seconds remaining</a>. The crowd erupted when Hendrickson scored and as time expired.

Starocci’s Nittany Lions claimed their third four-peat, running away from the field to claim their 12th men’s Division I men’s wrestling national title under coach Cael Sanderson.

Starocci defeated Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in the 184-pound final. Keckeisen was the defending champion in the class.

“It means a lot to me, but as for me — I never want to down play the moment — but I mean, it’s always cool, but one thing that Coach Cael really instills in us, this is all just preparation for the next thing.”

Penn State, just the second program to have 10 All-Americans in one season, scored 177 points to top its record from last year. The Nittany Lions picked up another championship when Mitchell Mesenbrink won the 165 final 8-2 over Iowa’s Michael Caliendo. Mesenbrink finished unbeaten this season after losing in the national final a year ago.

Nebraska finished second with 117 points and closed out it’s best tournament ever with Ridge Lovett winning at 149 and Antrell Taylor at 157. Oklahoma State finished third with 102.5 points and Iowa was fourth with 81.

North Carolina State freshman Vincent Robinson defeated Oklahoma State’s Troy Spratley 2-1 at 125, and Illinois’ Lucas Byrd defeated Iowa’s Drake Ayala 3-2 at 133.

At 141, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat Nebraska’s Brock Hardy 12-9 and claim his second straight national title. Hardy was the No. 1 seed.

At 149, Lovett toppled the defending champion, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson, 1-0. Lovett became the first Cornhusker national champion since Jordan Burroughs in 2011.

Nebraska’s Taylor hung on to defeat Purdue’s Joey Blaze 4-2.

Oklahoma State’s Dean Hamiti defeated Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole 4-1 in overtime to win at 174. O’Toole, the national champ at 165 in 2022 and 2023, challenged a takedown during regulation that was reversed and allowed him to get to overtime. In sudden victory, another takedown was challenged, but this time, it was upheld, and Hamiti celebrated with first-year coach David Taylor.

Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan defeated Penn State’s Josh Barr 5-2 in the 197 final. He’s been an All-American at Wyoming, Oklahoma and now Iowa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742783143243.png" alt="Oklahoma State's Wyatt Hendrickson, right, reacts after defeating Minnesota's Gable Steveson during a 285-pound match in the finals at the NCAA wrestling championship, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)" />
 <figcaption>Oklahoma State's Wyatt Hendrickson, right, reacts after defeating Minnesota's Gable Steveson during a 285-pound match in the finals at the NCAA wrestling championship, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State’s Carter Starocci won an unprecedented fifth national title and Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Hendrickson stunned Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson 5-4 in the heavyweight final Saturday night at the NCAA men’s wrestling championships with President Donald Trump in attendance.Hendrickson, a transfer from Air Force, trailed in the last match of the evening until scoring on a takedown in the final minute — the only takedown Steveson allowed all season.Hendrickson saluted Trump after his victory. With a United States flag draped over his shoulders, he then walked over and shook Trump’s hand and hugged him as part of his celebration. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ncaa-wrestling-championships-sports-trips-8f68a03e4c6926ef2e159e67d70a8466">attended the event, just as he did as a candidate in 2023</a>&nbsp;when the tournament was in Tulsa, Oklahoma.“It’s bigger than worlds, Olympics, anything,” an emotional Hendrickson said moments after the win.Minnesota’s Steveson, seeking his third national title, was on a 70-match win streak. The 2021 and 2022 national champion retired at the end of the 2022 event, but returned this year after stints in World Wrestling Entertainment and the National Football League.Steveson entered the third period with a 3-2 lead before&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NCAAWrestling/status/1903634014193287509" target="_blank">giving up the takedown with about 20 seconds remaining</a>. The crowd erupted when Hendrickson scored and as time expired.Starocci’s Nittany Lions claimed their third four-peat, running away from the field to claim their 12th men’s Division I men’s wrestling national title under coach Cael Sanderson.Starocci defeated Northern Iowa’s Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in the 184-pound final. Keckeisen was the defending champion in the class.Starocci kept it all in perspective.“It means a lot to me, but as for me — I never want to down play the moment — but I mean, it’s always cool, but one thing that Coach Cael really instills in us, this is all just preparation for the next thing.”Penn State, just the second program to have 10 All-Americans in one season, scored 177 points to top its record from last year. The Nittany Lions picked up another championship when Mitchell Mesenbrink won the 165 final 8-2 over Iowa’s Michael Caliendo. Mesenbrink finished unbeaten this season after losing in the national final a year ago.Nebraska finished second with 117 points and closed out it’s best tournament ever with Ridge Lovett winning at 149 and Antrell Taylor at 157. Oklahoma State finished third with 102.5 points and Iowa was fourth with 81.North Carolina State freshman Vincent Robinson defeated Oklahoma State’s Troy Spratley 2-1 at 125, and Illinois’ Lucas Byrd defeated Iowa’s Drake Ayala 3-2 at 133.At 141, Ohio State’s Jesse Mendez rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat Nebraska’s Brock Hardy 12-9 and claim his second straight national title. Hardy was the No. 1 seed.At 149, Lovett toppled the defending champion, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson, 1-0. Lovett became the first Cornhusker national champion since Jordan Burroughs in 2011.Nebraska’s Taylor hung on to defeat Purdue’s Joey Blaze 4-2.Oklahoma State’s Dean Hamiti defeated Missouri’s Keegan O’Toole 4-1 in overtime to win at 174. O’Toole, the national champ at 165 in 2022 and 2023, challenged a takedown during regulation that was reversed and allowed him to get to overtime. In sudden victory, another takedown was challenged, but this time, it was upheld, and Hamiti celebrated with first-year coach David Taylor.Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan defeated Penn State’s Josh Barr 5-2 in the 197 final. He’s been an All-American at Wyoming, Oklahoma and now Iowa.