LOS ANGELES -&nbsp;The short-handed KC Current fell 1-0 to Angel City FC in the second of three matches on the road. The Current, without head coach Matt Potter and four players due to COVID protocol, held the match scoreless until an unlucky own goal from Taylor Leach gave Los Angeles the lead in the 70th minute.

“So, so proud of the players and how they responded,” said acting head coach Lloyd Yaxley. “I felt like everyone that was a part of this organization this week gave their all for the cause.”

Rookie Alex Loera had Kansas City’s best chance of the night off a free kick from the edge of the penalty box. Her rocket toward the top left corner forced a sprawling save from goalkeeper Didi Haracic.

Kansas City goalkeeper AD Franch had an outstanding night with four saves against the high-pressure attack from Angel City. In the 31st&nbsp;minute, Los Angeles forward Simone Charley charged past the defensive line to find herself alone against Franch. The goalkeeper came up big at the near post with a kick save to keep the match level.

Franch came up big again in the 78th minute, when an Angel City corner kick found Vanessa Gilles at the penalty spot. A quick diving save from Franch prevented a second Los Angeles goal.

COVID replacement player Jada Talley made her NWSL debut in the 84th minute. Talley was selected by the Orlando Pride with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. After playing at Arizona University from 2017-2020, the Corona, California native played her final season at the University of Southern California.

The Current finishes its road stretch against OL Reign May 25. The next home match is May 30 against Racing Louisville FC. Season Tickets and Flex plans are available for all home matches at Children’s Mercy Park. For pricing and information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascitycurrent.com/" target="_blank">kansascitycurrent.com</a>.

LOS ANGELES -&nbsp;The short-handed KC Current fell 1-0 to Angel City FC in the second of three matches on the road. The Current, without head coach Matt Potter and four players due to COVID protocol, held the match scoreless until an unlucky own goal from Taylor Leach gave Los Angeles the lead in the 70th minute.“So, so proud of the players and how they responded,” said acting head coach Lloyd Yaxley. “I felt like everyone that was a part of this organization this week gave their all for the cause.”Rookie Alex Loera had Kansas City’s best chance of the night off a free kick from the edge of the penalty box. Her rocket toward the top left corner forced a sprawling save from goalkeeper Didi Haracic.Kansas City goalkeeper AD Franch had an outstanding night with four saves against the high-pressure attack from Angel City. In the 31st&nbsp;minute, Los Angeles forward Simone Charley charged past the defensive line to find herself alone against Franch. The goalkeeper came up big at the near post with a kick save to keep the match level.Franch came up big again in the 78th minute, when an Angel City corner kick found Vanessa Gilles at the penalty spot. A quick diving save from Franch prevented a second Los Angeles goal.COVID replacement player Jada Talley made her NWSL debut in the 84th minute. Talley was selected by the Orlando Pride with the 31st overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. After playing at Arizona University from 2017-2020, the Corona, California native played her final season at the University of Southern California.The Current finishes its road stretch against OL Reign May 25. The next home match is May 30 against Racing Louisville FC. Season Tickets and Flex plans are available for all home matches at Children’s Mercy Park. For pricing and information visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascitycurrent.com/" target="_blank">kansascitycurrent.com</a>.

Kansas City Current drops close match despite Franch's 4 saves

HUTCHINSON - Entering the third and final day of action with 36 points accumulated through two days of events, the Cloud County Community College men's track and field team would turn three top-eight finishes into an additional five points to finish in sixth place at the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. Finishing as one of six Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference schools in the top seven, the T-Birds would finish six points ahead of both Northwest Kansas Tech and Colby who would both finish with 35 points in a tie for seventh. Other KJCCC schools to finish in the top seven included a third-place finish from Barton (68 points), a fourth-place finish from Coffeyville (67.5 points), and a fifth-place finish from Butler (48 points). South Plains College would defend their 2021 NJCAA Outdoor Track National Title by finishing as the only school to eclipse 100 points with 104 points to outlast Iowa Western who would finish National Runner-Up with 85 total points. After scoring 19 points on the opening day of competition on Thursday, CCCC would have a strong start to day two action as multi-event athletes&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3dd300da-2b09-4bdb-960d-647d4877a28c?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Andrew Betton</a>&nbsp;(6,274 points, second) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/fcebb69d-bf71-49b8-b9e8-469f68d01524?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Anson Moses</a>&nbsp;(6,335 points, fourth) would both earn top-five finishes in the decathlon to add 12 points to the T-Bird team total. Cloud County would then see&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2f29cc5b-cb2a-4149-b542-8913ac0e05fe?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Michael Iyali</a>&nbsp;run his way to a fifth-place finish in the 3,000-steeplechase in a time of 9:24.75 and put CCCC at their day two total of 36 points. In the remaining limited action on Friday by Cloud County, freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/81e8a9a2-a478-4e1a-9ba4-4a6d3f2864ac?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Hassan Abidi</a>&nbsp;would run a qualifying time of 1:53.44 in the 800 meters to post the sixth-fastest time in the 40-man field. Turning things over to the final day on Saturday morning, an early point for the T-Birds would come from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8ab462ea-4af4-4649-b35a-b532b27c797a?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Davis Mick</a>&nbsp;in the javelin with a throw of 48.80 meters (160 ft. - 1 in.) to take eighth before seeing Abidi take seventh in the 800-meter finals with a time of 1:53.58. The other points for CCCC scored on Saturday would come in the 400-meter hurdle finals as a Thursday qualifying time ran by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/194e9a4e-3358-4bfb-9e35-82d4011f9a45?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Ephraim Lerkin</a>&nbsp;would turn into a seventh-place finish by posting a time of 54.34 seconds. For Cloud County, the sixth-place team finish continues a stretch dating back to the 2017 NJCAA Outdoor National Championships that the T-Birds have finished no worse than sixth at an NJCAA National Championship Track Meet. Included in the stretch are five top-three finishes on the National Stage including the program's lone National Championship coming in the 2019 outdoor season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County AthleticsHUTCHINSON - Entering the third and final day of action with 36 points accumulated through two days of events, the Cloud County Community College men's track and field team would turn three top-eight finishes into an additional five points to finish in sixth place at the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. Finishing as one of six Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference schools in the top seven, the T-Birds would finish six points ahead of both Northwest Kansas Tech and Colby who would both finish with 35 points in a tie for seventh. Other KJCCC schools to finish in the top seven included a third-place finish from Barton (68 points), a fourth-place finish from Coffeyville (67.5 points), and a fifth-place finish from Butler (48 points). South Plains College would defend their 2021 NJCAA Outdoor Track National Title by finishing as the only school to eclipse 100 points with 104 points to outlast Iowa Western who would finish National Runner-Up with 85 total points. After scoring 19 points on the opening day of competition on Thursday, CCCC would have a strong start to day two action as multi-event athletes&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3dd300da-2b09-4bdb-960d-647d4877a28c?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Andrew Betton</a>&nbsp;(6,274 points, second) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/fcebb69d-bf71-49b8-b9e8-469f68d01524?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Anson Moses</a>&nbsp;(6,335 points, fourth) would both earn top-five finishes in the decathlon to add 12 points to the T-Bird team total. Cloud County would then see&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2f29cc5b-cb2a-4149-b542-8913ac0e05fe?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Michael Iyali</a>&nbsp;run his way to a fifth-place finish in the 3,000-steeplechase in a time of 9:24.75 and put CCCC at their day two total of 36 points. In the remaining limited action on Friday by Cloud County, freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/81e8a9a2-a478-4e1a-9ba4-4a6d3f2864ac?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Hassan Abidi</a>&nbsp;would run a qualifying time of 1:53.44 in the 800 meters to post the sixth-fastest time in the 40-man field. Turning things over to the final day on Saturday morning, an early point for the T-Birds would come from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8ab462ea-4af4-4649-b35a-b532b27c797a?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Davis Mick</a>&nbsp;in the javelin with a throw of 48.80 meters (160 ft. - 1 in.) to take eighth before seeing Abidi take seventh in the 800-meter finals with a time of 1:53.58. The other points for CCCC scored on Saturday would come in the 400-meter hurdle finals as a Thursday qualifying time ran by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/194e9a4e-3358-4bfb-9e35-82d4011f9a45?elinkdata=27508" target="_blank">Ephraim Lerkin</a>&nbsp;would turn into a seventh-place finish by posting a time of 54.34 seconds. For Cloud County, the sixth-place team finish continues a stretch dating back to the 2017 NJCAA Outdoor National Championships that the T-Birds have finished no worse than sixth at an NJCAA National Championship Track Meet. Included in the stretch are five top-three finishes on the National Stage including the program's lone National Championship coming in the 2019 outdoor season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Men's track finishes sixth at NJCAA championships

WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Wind Surge late-inning rally fell short as they lost to the Springfield Cardinals 9-7.&nbsp;

The Surge scored six runs in the seventh inning to shrink the Springfield lead to 9-6. Andrew Bechtold hit a three-run homer, and two walks and a wild pitch with the bases loaded plated three more Wichita baserunners.

Wichita scored another run in the bottom of the eighth as Chris Williams hit an RBI- double to score Matt Wallner. Williams finished the night going three for four with an RBI and a walk. Springfield closer Freddy Pacheco retired the side in the bottom of the ninth to secure the Cardinals victory.

Kyle Leahy started and earned the win for Springfield.&nbsp; He pitched six innings and did not allow a run into the seventh inning.&nbsp; Ben Gross took the loss.

Notes: Michael Helman’s hit streak ended at eleven games.&nbsp; Chris Vallimont was designated for assignment and Zach Featherstone was activated from development roster.&nbsp;

Coming Up: The Wind Surge will resume action Sunday for the series finale against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m. Matt Canterino will take the hill for Wichita and Domingo Robles will be on the mound for the Cardinals. Catch the game on&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,fxDhIretLQnjRcIdEhSuHIsT9f28HrIJFLQp0oYKdm83h2isY1HtaFHSQG1IJxu0Fks6yL7xqapkZuMvi1N6M1XfU4aAX7rjKdzrEMd7RvqmuV6cSphqDllqFvgQ&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,chDpxP3FVoSK-Tz2PH8mOBJF_HE8BcEh0W9MT4wfvpUAXBYWtdN0kCSOJUq1s1LklE3b_kqQlDm-YBPLn98tnfxLKfBPUX_zu0azGkg9Sh8WXaRT8kov9ZRr-w,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>.

WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Wind Surge late-inning rally fell short as they lost to the Springfield Cardinals 9-7.&nbsp;The Surge scored six runs in the seventh inning to shrink the Springfield lead to 9-6. Andrew Bechtold hit a three-run homer, and two walks and a wild pitch with the bases loaded plated three more Wichita baserunners.Wichita scored another run in the bottom of the eighth as Chris Williams hit an RBI- double to score Matt Wallner. Williams finished the night going three for four with an RBI and a walk. Springfield closer Freddy Pacheco retired the side in the bottom of the ninth to secure the Cardinals victory.Kyle Leahy started and earned the win for Springfield.&nbsp; He pitched six innings and did not allow a run into the seventh inning.&nbsp; Ben Gross took the loss.Notes: Michael Helman’s hit streak ended at eleven games.&nbsp; Chris Vallimont was designated for assignment and Zach Featherstone was activated from development roster.&nbsp;Coming Up: The Wind Surge will resume action Sunday for the series finale against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m. Matt Canterino will take the hill for Wichita and Domingo Robles will be on the mound for the Cardinals. Catch the game on&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,fxDhIretLQnjRcIdEhSuHIsT9f28HrIJFLQp0oYKdm83h2isY1HtaFHSQG1IJxu0Fks6yL7xqapkZuMvi1N6M1XfU4aAX7rjKdzrEMd7RvqmuV6cSphqDllqFvgQ&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,chDpxP3FVoSK-Tz2PH8mOBJF_HE8BcEh0W9MT4wfvpUAXBYWtdN0kCSOJUq1s1LklE3b_kqQlDm-YBPLn98tnfxLKfBPUX_zu0azGkg9Sh8WXaRT8kov9ZRr-w,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>.

Wind Surge comeback falls short against Springfield

HUTCHINSON - Adding two more individual national champions to go along with three additional top-three finishers on days two and three of the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the Cloud County Community College women's track and field team walked away with more hardware by finishing third to cap off a memorable 2022 track season at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. Scoring a total of 49 total points to more than double their three-day total and finish with 92 total points, the T-Birds would trail only National Runner-Up New Mexico Junior College (98 points) and National Champion Iowa Western who would win their second-straight NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship after scoring 117 total points. Just two points back of CCCC would be fourth place and Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference foe Barton with 90 points while South Plains College would be a distant fifth with 70 total points to round out the top-five. Recapping Friday's action for CCCC, the T-Birds would add 16 points to their day one total of 27 points by getting a third-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3e95829d-1300-4719-b625-d310f9aedf8b?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Ludjenie Mondesir</a>&nbsp;(11:32.49) and fifth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2500205a-a72c-48e2-95f2-e40abe3d5abe?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Melody Ochana</a>&nbsp;(11:46.49) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The remaining six points scored on Friday would come in the completion of the multi-event heptathlon as&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/25425944-6d64-420f-bc44-0e2bf13419b0?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>&nbsp;would take third by scoring a total of 4,498 points as part of second-place finishes in the high jump (1.55 meters, 5 ft. - 1 in.) and 800 meters (2:26.36) in the event. Other key action for Cloud County on Friday would see qualifying times run by both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a76b4837-2072-4d02-be39-593b29ff8929?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Pamela Milano</a>&nbsp;(sixth, 2:16.51) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8d1db12d-9b84-422a-9b10-eb08b8792c4f?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>&nbsp;(ninth, 2:16.74) in the 800 meters as well as the 4x400 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ba0886db-4333-4b7a-8770-b3ffcd9c15fb?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Leonie Beu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/98ff679c-a605-46d2-baf3-519eb1960d64?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Isila Apkup</a>, Mercera, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/24bfaac2-15bd-4c04-bb27-c256a3590e6d?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>) with a fourth-place time of 3:44.20. Highlighting the final day of action for the T-Birds with National Titles would be sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/de93e362-5d29-42ca-bc0e-caef9423e116?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Hollie Stewart</a>&nbsp;in the javelin (41.81 meters, 137 ft. - 2 in.) along with freshman Maisvorewa in the 400 meters (54.18 seconds). Adding a National Runner-Up performance in her first appearance at the NJCAA Track Championships would be freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d03fc11d-54cc-4384-a742-962cf86493dd?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Jessi Brummett</a>&nbsp;finishing just behind Stewart in the javelin with a throw of 39.19 meters (128 ft. - 7 in.) while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/fee2a296-e4fd-4538-8347-df5b009ab81e?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Faithlyn Irving</a>&nbsp;earn a fourth-place finish in the triple jump (12.16 meters, 39 ft. - 10.75 in.) and a fifth-place finish from Milano in the 800 meters. Also adding fifth-place finishes on Saturday would be the 4x100 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/61def2b4-778c-4aaa-b68f-e31b50b03b8f?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>, Beu, Apkup, and Maisvorewa, 46.44 seconds) and the 4x400 meter relay team (Beu, Apkup, Mercera, and Maisvorewa, 3:47.37). The final three points scored by the T-Birds on Saturday would come from the second top-eight finish of the weekend for freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e21afe5f-4625-4031-b168-4b14f0bce6b8?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;following a sixth-place finish in the 5,000 meters (18:33.12). With the third-place team finish, Cloud County has now finished in third place at three of the past four NJCAA Track and Field Championships held (Indoor and Outdoor) while finishing no worse than seventh in every National Championship meet held dating back to 2019. For the 2022 indoor and outdoor season, the T-Birds would sweep both the NJCAA Region VI Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field titles while seeing each of the third-place finishes on the national stage come behind Iowa Western and New Mexico Junior College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653187350759.jpeg" alt="The Cloud County women's track team is bringing home NJCAA Track hardware for the third time in the past two year. Photo by Drew Mahin courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>The Cloud County women's track team is bringing home NJCAA Track hardware for the third time in the past two year. Photo by Drew Mahin courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Cloud County AthleticsHUTCHINSON - Adding two more individual national champions to go along with three additional top-three finishers on days two and three of the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the Cloud County Community College women's track and field team walked away with more hardware by finishing third to cap off a memorable 2022 track season at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. Scoring a total of 49 total points to more than double their three-day total and finish with 92 total points, the T-Birds would trail only National Runner-Up New Mexico Junior College (98 points) and National Champion Iowa Western who would win their second-straight NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship after scoring 117 total points. Just two points back of CCCC would be fourth place and Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference foe Barton with 90 points while South Plains College would be a distant fifth with 70 total points to round out the top-five. Recapping Friday's action for CCCC, the T-Birds would add 16 points to their day one total of 27 points by getting a third-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3e95829d-1300-4719-b625-d310f9aedf8b?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Ludjenie Mondesir</a>&nbsp;(11:32.49) and fifth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2500205a-a72c-48e2-95f2-e40abe3d5abe?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Melody Ochana</a>&nbsp;(11:46.49) in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The remaining six points scored on Friday would come in the completion of the multi-event heptathlon as&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/25425944-6d64-420f-bc44-0e2bf13419b0?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>&nbsp;would take third by scoring a total of 4,498 points as part of second-place finishes in the high jump (1.55 meters, 5 ft. - 1 in.) and 800 meters (2:26.36) in the event. Other key action for Cloud County on Friday would see qualifying times run by both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a76b4837-2072-4d02-be39-593b29ff8929?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Pamela Milano</a>&nbsp;(sixth, 2:16.51) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8d1db12d-9b84-422a-9b10-eb08b8792c4f?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>&nbsp;(ninth, 2:16.74) in the 800 meters as well as the 4x400 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ba0886db-4333-4b7a-8770-b3ffcd9c15fb?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Leonie Beu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/98ff679c-a605-46d2-baf3-519eb1960d64?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Isila Apkup</a>, Mercera, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/24bfaac2-15bd-4c04-bb27-c256a3590e6d?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>) with a fourth-place time of 3:44.20. Highlighting the final day of action for the T-Birds with National Titles would be sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/de93e362-5d29-42ca-bc0e-caef9423e116?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Hollie Stewart</a>&nbsp;in the javelin (41.81 meters, 137 ft. - 2 in.) along with freshman Maisvorewa in the 400 meters (54.18 seconds). Adding a National Runner-Up performance in her first appearance at the NJCAA Track Championships would be freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d03fc11d-54cc-4384-a742-962cf86493dd?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Jessi Brummett</a>&nbsp;finishing just behind Stewart in the javelin with a throw of 39.19 meters (128 ft. - 7 in.) while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/fee2a296-e4fd-4538-8347-df5b009ab81e?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Faithlyn Irving</a>&nbsp;earn a fourth-place finish in the triple jump (12.16 meters, 39 ft. - 10.75 in.) and a fifth-place finish from Milano in the 800 meters. Also adding fifth-place finishes on Saturday would be the 4x100 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/61def2b4-778c-4aaa-b68f-e31b50b03b8f?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>, Beu, Apkup, and Maisvorewa, 46.44 seconds) and the 4x400 meter relay team (Beu, Apkup, Mercera, and Maisvorewa, 3:47.37). The final three points scored by the T-Birds on Saturday would come from the second top-eight finish of the weekend for freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e21afe5f-4625-4031-b168-4b14f0bce6b8?elinkdata=27612" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;following a sixth-place finish in the 5,000 meters (18:33.12). With the third-place team finish, Cloud County has now finished in third place at three of the past four NJCAA Track and Field Championships held (Indoor and Outdoor) while finishing no worse than seventh in every National Championship meet held dating back to 2019. For the 2022 indoor and outdoor season, the T-Birds would sweep both the NJCAA Region VI Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field titles while seeing each of the third-place finishes on the national stage come behind Iowa Western and New Mexico Junior College.

T-Bird women's track team finishes 3rd at NJCAA championships

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Ryan struck out six and the Minnesota Twins capped the game with a four-run ninth inning for a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. 

Ryan allowed one run on five hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Minnesota had a pair of two-run innings and was ahead going into the ninth, when the offense erupted. The top six batters in the Twins lineup all collected RBIs in the win. 

The Royals' Brad Keller tossed seven innings and gave up four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. In the sixth inning, Keller notched his 400th career strikeout.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Joe Ryan struck out six and the Minnesota Twins capped the game with a four-run ninth inning for a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ryan allowed one run on five hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Minnesota had a pair of two-run innings and was ahead going into the ninth, when the offense erupted. The top six batters in the Twins lineup all collected RBIs in the win. The Royals' Brad Keller tossed seven innings and gave up four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. In the sixth inning, Keller notched his 400th career strikeout.

Four-run ninth seals 9-2 win for Twins over Royals

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With just three games remaining on the regular-season calendar the Salina Liberty will head north for a Saturday rematch against the Sioux City Bandits.

The Bandits lead the CIF as the only undefeated team left standing at 7-0 while Salina comes in at 4-3, fresh off a tough loss to the Omaha Beef.

“I thought that was a great defensive ballgame,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “Our offense didn’t play as well as it needed to across the board and that was our worst offensive output since I’ve been here. That was an eye-opener and we’ll be looking to shake things up and maybe bring some new people in. We know what we need to do moving forward.”

Any future Salina success will hinge on new quarterback Vincent Espinoza, who still has the full confidence of the coaching staff despite a few recent lackluster performances.

“I think he's is settling in nicely,” O’Neal said. “This is his first real live-action with the indoor game and we’ve put a lot on him but he’s been about where we hoped he would be. He has to be better but we have to be better around him to fix this offense.”

The Liberty will need to look sharp this week against a Bandits team that boasts the top scoring offense (51.1 ppg) and the second-best scoring defense (31 ppga) in the CIF.

“They have a very physical defense and they’ve got Dajon Emory who’s one of the top three defensive linemen in this league,” he said. “Offensively quarterback Lorenzo Brown sat out last week but he should be ready to go and he’s a front runner for MVP in my opinion as a dual-threat who’s won five national titles.”

Despite missing a game Brown remains third in the league in almost every passing category, completing 60% of his passes for just shy of 800 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.

“We have to make plays when we have opportunities,” O’Neal said. “We can’t drop interceptions or miss chances to strip a ball and we have to be sound up front and in our linebacker core to stop the run.”

While the Salina offense has struggled at times this season, the defense has remained as steady as ever and enters this week as the most dominant in the league, holding opponents to just 26 points per game on average.

“I’ve been impressed with how our defense has stood by our offense in practices and in games despite the low output,” he said. “They could easily be pointing the finger but we haven’t had that at all and that togetherness has been great to see.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is set for 7:05 pm in Sioux City and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>With just three games remaining on the regular-season calendar the Salina Liberty will head north for a Saturday rematch against the Sioux City Bandits.The Bandits lead the CIF as the only undefeated team left standing at 7-0 while Salina comes in at 4-3, fresh off a tough loss to the Omaha Beef.“I thought that was a great defensive ballgame,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “Our offense didn’t play as well as it needed to across the board and that was our worst offensive output since I’ve been here. That was an eye-opener and we’ll be looking to shake things up and maybe bring some new people in. We know what we need to do moving forward.”Any future Salina success will hinge on new quarterback Vincent Espinoza, who still has the full confidence of the coaching staff despite a few recent lackluster performances.“I think he's is settling in nicely,” O’Neal said. “This is his first real live-action with the indoor game and we’ve put a lot on him but he’s been about where we hoped he would be. He has to be better but we have to be better around him to fix this offense.”The Liberty will need to look sharp this week against a Bandits team that boasts the top scoring offense (51.1 ppg) and the second-best scoring defense (31 ppga) in the CIF.“They have a very physical defense and they’ve got Dajon Emory who’s one of the top three defensive linemen in this league,” he said. “Offensively quarterback Lorenzo Brown sat out last week but he should be ready to go and he’s a front runner for MVP in my opinion as a dual-threat who’s won five national titles.”Despite missing a game Brown remains third in the league in almost every passing category, completing 60% of his passes for just shy of 800 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.“We have to make plays when we have opportunities,” O’Neal said. “We can’t drop interceptions or miss chances to strip a ball and we have to be sound up front and in our linebacker core to stop the run.”While the Salina offense has struggled at times this season, the defense has remained as steady as ever and enters this week as the most dominant in the league, holding opponents to just 26 points per game on average.“I’ve been impressed with how our defense has stood by our offense in practices and in games despite the low output,” he said. “They could easily be pointing the finger but we haven’t had that at all and that togetherness has been great to see.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is set for 7:05 pm in Sioux City and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Top-two defenses collide as Liberty travel to Sioux City

By GABRIEL LOPEZ Kansas City Monarchs

KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;— A high-powered second inning from the Kansas City Monarchs (4-3) helped the team secure a 4-3 win in the series opener against the Chicago Dogs (3-4) on Friday night.&nbsp;

On Wyandotte County Appreciation Night at Legends Field, the Dogs were able to scrape across one run in the second inning after Charlie Tilson grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Grant Kay. That would be the only run Akeem Bostick (1-1) would give up on the night. After surrendering the lead, the right-hander settled in and delivered three scoreless innings including retiring the last 10 batters he faced.&nbsp;

The Monarchs offense quickly responded with four runs of their own in the home half of the second off Chicago starter Shane Barringer (1-1). Casey Gillaspie led the charge, hitting a fielder’s choice that would score Jan Hernandez for the Monarchs’ first run of the game. After Alexis Olmeda worked a walk, Joel Booker roped a double down the left field line to score Gillaspie. Darnell Sweeney got involved in the action, driving a single to right to score Olmeda.&nbsp; Pete Kozma brought home Booker on a fielder’s choice to short, giving the Monarchs a 4-1 lead entering the third.

Both teams were quiet for the next three innings. This changed in the sixth as K.C. Dobson scored Danny Mars on a fielder’s choice and Grant Kay belted a solo home run to pull the Dogs to within one.

It was still a one run game entering the ninth inning, but Brandon Koch struck out the side to shut the door on the Dogs and earn his first save of the season.

The Monarchs will play Game 2 against Chicago Saturday at 6 p.m. with the gates opening at 4 p.m.&nbsp; The game can be heard on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/kansas-city-monarchs-baseball" target="_blank">Monarchs Broadcast Network</a>&nbsp;with the pre-game beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the video stream airing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aabaseball.tv/" target="_blank">aabaseball.tv.</a>

By GABRIEL LOPEZ Kansas City MonarchsKANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;— A high-powered second inning from the Kansas City Monarchs (4-3) helped the team secure a 4-3 win in the series opener against the Chicago Dogs (3-4) on Friday night.&nbsp;On Wyandotte County Appreciation Night at Legends Field, the Dogs were able to scrape across one run in the second inning after Charlie Tilson grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Grant Kay. That would be the only run Akeem Bostick (1-1) would give up on the night. After surrendering the lead, the right-hander settled in and delivered three scoreless innings including retiring the last 10 batters he faced.&nbsp;The Monarchs offense quickly responded with four runs of their own in the home half of the second off Chicago starter Shane Barringer (1-1). Casey Gillaspie led the charge, hitting a fielder’s choice that would score Jan Hernandez for the Monarchs’ first run of the game. After Alexis Olmeda worked a walk, Joel Booker roped a double down the left field line to score Gillaspie. Darnell Sweeney got involved in the action, driving a single to right to score Olmeda.&nbsp; Pete Kozma brought home Booker on a fielder’s choice to short, giving the Monarchs a 4-1 lead entering the third.Both teams were quiet for the next three innings. This changed in the sixth as K.C. Dobson scored Danny Mars on a fielder’s choice and Grant Kay belted a solo home run to pull the Dogs to within one.It was still a one run game entering the ninth inning, but Brandon Koch struck out the side to shut the door on the Dogs and earn his first save of the season.The Monarchs will play Game 2 against Chicago Saturday at 6 p.m. with the gates opening at 4 p.m.&nbsp; The game can be heard on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/kansas-city-monarchs-baseball" target="_blank">Monarchs Broadcast Network</a>&nbsp;with the pre-game beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the video stream airing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aabaseball.tv/" target="_blank">aabaseball.tv.</a>

Monarchs take series opener against Chicago Dogs

WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Wind Surge fell short to the Springfield Cardinals 5-3 on Friday in front of 4,148 fans.&nbsp; The Wind Surge held the lead in the seventh inning but failed to hold the lead and ended their four-game winning streak.

The Surge trailed 2-1 in the seventh inning and rallied as Austin Martin hit an RBI single to tie the game 2-2. Wichita went on to take a 3-2 lead from a wild pitch by Springfield reliever Michael Brettell.

The Cardinals scored three runs in the eighth inning from a Jordan Walker RBI-double and a two-run homer from Todd Lott that gave Springfield a 5-3 lead.

Wichita struck first on back-to-back doubles from Michael Helman and Dennis Ortega that gave the Surge an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Helman recorded three of Wichita’s six hits in the ballgame and finished the day three for four.

Trevor Larnach on a rehab assignment had no hits in three at bats with a walk.

Notes: Austin Martin tallied his 18th&nbsp;stolen base and is second in the Texas League in stolen bases…Michael Helman extended his hit streak to eleven games…Wichita remains in first place in the Texas League…Wichita is 0-1 when wearing Tumba Vacas uniforms.&nbsp; The Surge fall to 17-2 after scoring the first run.

Coming up: The Wind Surge will resume action Saturday. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m. Chris Vallimont will get the start for Wichita and Kyle Leahy will get the start for the Cardinals. Catch the game on&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,PO5HPKmMP6RznPPnLLgv6PN4qQ4jwvYUC4S6_7d6filfmrMWN-DOTzbWfYLjCAqmNXpDZIpTVbTNG1J5jeqc98rmHuljAwoKhRVkytz6-Lrc&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,iTacQLJUfeBBBUw_jJp5dvsP0fPulJaz6BA3P2jP39X64j_NBFlDu3YxuxEUApwoW8YQnqSHkjdi7TRVaC_tGcm0B3tBEcIJutteSZbjkA,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>.

Wichita Wind SurgeWICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Wind Surge fell short to the Springfield Cardinals 5-3 on Friday in front of 4,148 fans.&nbsp; The Wind Surge held the lead in the seventh inning but failed to hold the lead and ended their four-game winning streak.The Surge trailed 2-1 in the seventh inning and rallied as Austin Martin hit an RBI single to tie the game 2-2. Wichita went on to take a 3-2 lead from a wild pitch by Springfield reliever Michael Brettell.The Cardinals scored three runs in the eighth inning from a Jordan Walker RBI-double and a two-run homer from Todd Lott that gave Springfield a 5-3 lead.Wichita struck first on back-to-back doubles from Michael Helman and Dennis Ortega that gave the Surge an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Helman recorded three of Wichita’s six hits in the ballgame and finished the day three for four.Trevor Larnach on a rehab assignment had no hits in three at bats with a walk.Notes: Austin Martin tallied his 18th&nbsp;stolen base and is second in the Texas League in stolen bases…Michael Helman extended his hit streak to eleven games…Wichita remains in first place in the Texas League…Wichita is 0-1 when wearing Tumba Vacas uniforms.&nbsp; The Surge fall to 17-2 after scoring the first run.Coming up: The Wind Surge will resume action Saturday. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m. Chris Vallimont will get the start for Wichita and Kyle Leahy will get the start for the Cardinals. Catch the game on&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,PO5HPKmMP6RznPPnLLgv6PN4qQ4jwvYUC4S6_7d6filfmrMWN-DOTzbWfYLjCAqmNXpDZIpTVbTNG1J5jeqc98rmHuljAwoKhRVkytz6-Lrc&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,iTacQLJUfeBBBUw_jJp5dvsP0fPulJaz6BA3P2jP39X64j_NBFlDu3YxuxEUApwoW8YQnqSHkjdi7TRVaC_tGcm0B3tBEcIJutteSZbjkA,,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>.

Springfield ends Wind Surge's win streak Friday night

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Kyle Garlick and Jose Miranda each drove in two runs, leading Devin Smeltzer and the Minnesota Twins past the Kansas City Royals 6-4. 

Garlick put Minnesota on the scoreboard with an RBI single in a three-run first inning and added a sacrifice fly in the second. Miranda had two hits, including a two-run double with two outs in the eighth that made it 6-3. 

Smeltzer allowed one run and five hits over 5 1/3 innings in his second major league start this season. He walked one and did not record a strikeout. Jhoan Duran worked 1 2/3 hitless innings to set up Emilio Pagán for his sixth save.

 Carlos Santana and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Kyle Garlick and Jose Miranda each drove in two runs, leading Devin Smeltzer and the Minnesota Twins past the Kansas City Royals 6-4. Garlick put Minnesota on the scoreboard with an RBI single in a three-run first inning and added a sacrifice fly in the second. Miranda had two hits, including a two-run double with two outs in the eighth that made it 6-3. Smeltzer allowed one run and five hits over 5 1/3 innings in his second major league start this season. He walked one and did not record a strikeout. Jhoan Duran worked 1 2/3 hitless innings to set up Emilio Pagán for his sixth save. Carlos Santana and Emmanuel Rivera homered for the Royals.

Smeltzer backed by Garlick, Miranda as Twins beat Royals 6-4

MANHATTAN - A fourth elimination game for the Cloud County Community College baseball team in the 2022 postseason proved to be the one that would put an end to the season for the T-Birds following a 14-5, eight-inning defeat to Johnson County Community College at the 2022 Plains District Baseball Tournament at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan on Thursday. Finishing their season with an overall record of 42-18, Cloud County finishes the 2022 postseason with three victories and three defeats with all three losses coming against Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference foes. Johnson County improved to 45-16 with the win before knocking out Hutchinson Community College later on Thursday evening to advance to Friday's loser's bracket final against Kansas City Kansas Community College. With both teams coming off games on Wednesday, day three of the tournament would be one that would get off to a slow start offensively for both squads to set up a scoreless first inning of action. After two strikeouts by the T-Birds in the top of the second, CCCC would appear to have a two-out rally started when sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6f990cd8-a2b0-40c0-938b-2b8630d738f6?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Ian Riley</a>&nbsp;would find the left-center field gap to hit a double and put a runner in scoring position before taking third base on a wild pitch third strike on&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2a3eb74e-a415-4c50-a3af-4a9e88afb9f8?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Ty Wevers</a>&nbsp;that would see the Cavaliers attempt to throw out Riley. The runners on first and third situation would set up a stolen base attempt for Wevers to draw a throw from JCCC, with Johnson County making the throw to second before throwing back home to get Riley and end the inning on a close play at the plate. The final out of the top of the second would prove to be the first momentum shift of the game as the Cavaliers would take advantage of a throwing error with one out before seeing a second error on the h T-Birds lead to the first run of the game. JCCC would manage to push across one more run later in the inning with a two-out RBI single before stranding two runners on base with a strikeout looking for&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e0322612-8b6b-46b9-aa9b-9e94a1ca39bd?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Giordano Mezzomo</a>. Looking to respond to the two runs by Johnson County, Cloud County's&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/bb3c8c5a-bfaf-483b-9944-13b7a5fcf4d0?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Alexander Diaz</a>&nbsp;would hit a leadoff single before having&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/997d38f4-d2ad-4637-b1c6-36f3b18f7a19?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Willie Ponce</a>&nbsp;hit a groundout that would move the Brooklyn, New York native into scoring position. Back-to-back hit batters would allow both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3fd88f63-e99f-499c-800c-195dd66ab06a?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c5c0122b-95d9-43eb-955f-a11d473f38e3?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Tom Poole</a>&nbsp;to reach base and load the bases, setting up a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c1df9c61-d4d8-4ba5-81c8-404abd5e7f71?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;RBI single into right field to get CCCC back within a run. Following a strikeout that would put a second out on the board, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5530867d-3db7-4e12-84dc-8c24bc87e7e6?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Adler Pierson</a>&nbsp;would come up with a clutch two-out hit as a ground-rule double would one hop over the left-field fence and allow the T-Birds to bring home two runners to take their first lead of the game. Following the double, the Cavaliers would elect to go to the bullpen as a pitching change would lead to an inning-ending strikeout to get JCCC out of trouble. Facing the minimum in the bottom of the third, Cloud County would look to add to their one-run lead in the top of the fourth as a two-out double by Ponce would put another runner in scoring position before being stranded on a groundout. Issuing a leadoff walk, the T-Birds would see the free pass lead to a run after a sacrifice bunt and two-out RBI single tie the game at three all heading into the fifth. Cloud County would be held scoreless again in the fifth as a one-two-three inning would not see a ball leave the infield with the Cavaliers starting to build momentum. Erasing a leadoff single on a pick-off play, Mezzomo would then issue a one-out single that would be followed by a double to put runners on the corners for the Cavaliers. Things would become problematic in the next at-bat as Collin Brueggemann would turn on a pitch from Mezzomo that would clear the left-field fence and end up in the Johnson County bullpen as a three-run home run would give JCCC the lead at 6-3. Battling back from the home run, Mezzomo would induce an infield popup before getting a strikeout to end the inning as the damage would be limited to just the three runs. Trying to find another response to the offensive output of Johnson County, Cloud County would get two walks to start the top of the sixth, but see a groundout be followed by a strikeout and fly out to center field that would strand a pair of runners in scoring position. Having been able to get out of the jam in the top of the inning, the Cavaliers would add to their lead in the bottom of the inning as two more costly errors by the T-Birds would help set up a three-run inning to turn things into a 9-3 contest. With things beginning to get into the latter stages of the game, CCCC would get a one-out solo home run from Poole in the top of the seventh to go along with a solo home run from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9e42c996-273c-452c-a072-ab1a087b6bfa?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;with two outs in the inning to get two runs back and move back within four at 9-5. Turning to reliever&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/4aa1d509-61c9-4781-afc8-f18de6d865a0?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Conner Woods</a>&nbsp;out of the bullpen after seeing the Winfield, Kansas native start Tuesday's contest, Johnson County would be retired in order with two ground outs and a flyout keeping the deficit at four. The Cavaliers would respond by making a move to the bullpen of their own, working around a leadoff walk drawn by Riley to keep the T-Birds off the scoreboard in what would prove to be a pivotal moment for CCCC. Needing to keep the deficit where it was at to try and give themselves a chance in the ninth, Things would fall apart for Cloud County in the bottom of the eighth as a hit batter and walk to start the inning would set up a three-run home run to put JCCC one run away from ending the game. After a pair of ground outs, Johnson County would extend the inning with an infield single before their third home run of the game would end the season for the T-Birds while giving the Cavaliers a 2-1 season series victory over Cloud County. CCCC's five runs would come on seven hits with seven different players recording one hit each. Pierson would be the only T-Bird to drive in more than one run as seven strikeouts would offset four walks and two hit batters for Cloud County with seven runners winding up stranded to end innings. A seven-strikeout performance from Mezzomo on the mound would be hindered by allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits and three walks as defensive miscues would be one of the bigger stories for the T-Birds. In total, Cloud County would commit six errors which would lead to three unearned runs for Johnson County.

MANHATTAN - A fourth elimination game for the Cloud County Community College baseball team in the 2022 postseason proved to be the one that would put an end to the season for the T-Birds following a 14-5, eight-inning defeat to Johnson County Community College at the 2022 Plains District Baseball Tournament at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan on Thursday. Finishing their season with an overall record of 42-18, Cloud County finishes the 2022 postseason with three victories and three defeats with all three losses coming against Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference foes. Johnson County improved to 45-16 with the win before knocking out Hutchinson Community College later on Thursday evening to advance to Friday's loser's bracket final against Kansas City Kansas Community College. With both teams coming off games on Wednesday, day three of the tournament would be one that would get off to a slow start offensively for both squads to set up a scoreless first inning of action. After two strikeouts by the T-Birds in the top of the second, CCCC would appear to have a two-out rally started when sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6f990cd8-a2b0-40c0-938b-2b8630d738f6?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Ian Riley</a>&nbsp;would find the left-center field gap to hit a double and put a runner in scoring position before taking third base on a wild pitch third strike on&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2a3eb74e-a415-4c50-a3af-4a9e88afb9f8?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Ty Wevers</a>&nbsp;that would see the Cavaliers attempt to throw out Riley. The runners on first and third situation would set up a stolen base attempt for Wevers to draw a throw from JCCC, with Johnson County making the throw to second before throwing back home to get Riley and end the inning on a close play at the plate. The final out of the top of the second would prove to be the first momentum shift of the game as the Cavaliers would take advantage of a throwing error with one out before seeing a second error on the h T-Birds lead to the first run of the game. JCCC would manage to push across one more run later in the inning with a two-out RBI single before stranding two runners on base with a strikeout looking for&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e0322612-8b6b-46b9-aa9b-9e94a1ca39bd?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Giordano Mezzomo</a>. Looking to respond to the two runs by Johnson County, Cloud County's&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/bb3c8c5a-bfaf-483b-9944-13b7a5fcf4d0?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Alexander Diaz</a>&nbsp;would hit a leadoff single before having&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/997d38f4-d2ad-4637-b1c6-36f3b18f7a19?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Willie Ponce</a>&nbsp;hit a groundout that would move the Brooklyn, New York native into scoring position. Back-to-back hit batters would allow both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3fd88f63-e99f-499c-800c-195dd66ab06a?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c5c0122b-95d9-43eb-955f-a11d473f38e3?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Tom Poole</a>&nbsp;to reach base and load the bases, setting up a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c1df9c61-d4d8-4ba5-81c8-404abd5e7f71?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;RBI single into right field to get CCCC back within a run. Following a strikeout that would put a second out on the board, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5530867d-3db7-4e12-84dc-8c24bc87e7e6?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Adler Pierson</a>&nbsp;would come up with a clutch two-out hit as a ground-rule double would one hop over the left-field fence and allow the T-Birds to bring home two runners to take their first lead of the game. Following the double, the Cavaliers would elect to go to the bullpen as a pitching change would lead to an inning-ending strikeout to get JCCC out of trouble. Facing the minimum in the bottom of the third, Cloud County would look to add to their one-run lead in the top of the fourth as a two-out double by Ponce would put another runner in scoring position before being stranded on a groundout. Issuing a leadoff walk, the T-Birds would see the free pass lead to a run after a sacrifice bunt and two-out RBI single tie the game at three all heading into the fifth. Cloud County would be held scoreless again in the fifth as a one-two-three inning would not see a ball leave the infield with the Cavaliers starting to build momentum. Erasing a leadoff single on a pick-off play, Mezzomo would then issue a one-out single that would be followed by a double to put runners on the corners for the Cavaliers. Things would become problematic in the next at-bat as Collin Brueggemann would turn on a pitch from Mezzomo that would clear the left-field fence and end up in the Johnson County bullpen as a three-run home run would give JCCC the lead at 6-3. Battling back from the home run, Mezzomo would induce an infield popup before getting a strikeout to end the inning as the damage would be limited to just the three runs. Trying to find another response to the offensive output of Johnson County, Cloud County would get two walks to start the top of the sixth, but see a groundout be followed by a strikeout and fly out to center field that would strand a pair of runners in scoring position. Having been able to get out of the jam in the top of the inning, the Cavaliers would add to their lead in the bottom of the inning as two more costly errors by the T-Birds would help set up a three-run inning to turn things into a 9-3 contest. With things beginning to get into the latter stages of the game, CCCC would get a one-out solo home run from Poole in the top of the seventh to go along with a solo home run from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9e42c996-273c-452c-a072-ab1a087b6bfa?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;with two outs in the inning to get two runs back and move back within four at 9-5. Turning to reliever&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/4aa1d509-61c9-4781-afc8-f18de6d865a0?elinkdata=27404" target="_blank">Conner Woods</a>&nbsp;out of the bullpen after seeing the Winfield, Kansas native start Tuesday's contest, Johnson County would be retired in order with two ground outs and a flyout keeping the deficit at four. The Cavaliers would respond by making a move to the bullpen of their own, working around a leadoff walk drawn by Riley to keep the T-Birds off the scoreboard in what would prove to be a pivotal moment for CCCC. Needing to keep the deficit where it was at to try and give themselves a chance in the ninth, Things would fall apart for Cloud County in the bottom of the eighth as a hit batter and walk to start the inning would set up a three-run home run to put JCCC one run away from ending the game. After a pair of ground outs, Johnson County would extend the inning with an infield single before their third home run of the game would end the season for the T-Birds while giving the Cavaliers a 2-1 season series victory over Cloud County. CCCC's five runs would come on seven hits with seven different players recording one hit each. Pierson would be the only T-Bird to drive in more than one run as seven strikeouts would offset four walks and two hit batters for Cloud County with seven runners winding up stranded to end innings. A seven-strikeout performance from Mezzomo on the mound would be hindered by allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits and three walks as defensive miscues would be one of the bigger stories for the T-Birds. In total, Cloud County would commit six errors which would lead to three unearned runs for Johnson County.

T-Bird baseball's season ends with loss to Johnson County

The Southeast of Saline track and field teams qualified 17 athletes for this year’s state meet as the boys rolled to back-to-back regional victories in Phillipsburg.

Despite a loaded field on both sides, the Trojans won 11 events, taking a spot on the podium in nine more.

On the boy’s side, Dylan Sprecker and Chase Poague showed out once again as Poague swept the 110 and 300m hurdles and Sprecker dominated the 800, 1600, and 3200.

Sprecker also helped the Trojans to a win in the 4x400m relay while Poague added a silver medal in the 100m dash, finishing second only to teammate Michael Murray.

Murray went on to take the top spot in the 200m dash as well, and with the speedster back at full strength, SES looks formidable in the sprints going into state.

Nakari Morrical-Palmer rounded out the winners on the boy's side placing first in the 400 and finishing second to Murray in the 200 for a second 1-2 Trojan finish.

Tate Nurnberg posted another strong performance collecting silver in the high and triple jumps while Damion Jackson took the second step in the 1600 for a 1-2 finish with Sprecker.

Levi Allen qualified for state in both the 3200 and 1600 finishing third and fourth respectively, with Cayden Walker rounding out the individual qualifiers coming home fourth in the 3200.

After the first place finish Drake Augustine, Nakari Morrical-Palmer and Omar Calzada will join Sprecker one final time on the state 4x400m relay team.

On the girl’s side, the Lady Trojans qualified seven athletes for state, anchored by two first-place finishes for Jentrie Alderson in the 1600 and 3200.

Ashley Prochazka became a double-qualifier as well, taking third in the 3200 and fourth in the 1600, with Abby Commerford qualifying in the 3200 as well.

Finally, Southeast was able to qualify their 4x800 meter relay team in a fourth-place finish to send four more Lady Trojans to state.

This year’s state meet will take place from May 27-28 at Cessna Stadium in Wichita as the Southeast of Saline boys’ team looks for a second consecutive state title next week.

For coverage of both teams at state stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES track and field is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES track and field is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline track and field teams qualified 17 athletes for this year’s state meet as the boys rolled to back-to-back regional victories in Phillipsburg.Despite a loaded field on both sides, the Trojans won 11 events, taking a spot on the podium in nine more.On the boy’s side, Dylan Sprecker and Chase Poague showed out once again as Poague swept the 110 and 300m hurdles and Sprecker dominated the 800, 1600, and 3200.Sprecker also helped the Trojans to a win in the 4x400m relay while Poague added a silver medal in the 100m dash, finishing second only to teammate Michael Murray.Murray went on to take the top spot in the 200m dash as well, and with the speedster back at full strength, SES looks formidable in the sprints going into state.Nakari Morrical-Palmer rounded out the winners on the boy's side placing first in the 400 and finishing second to Murray in the 200 for a second 1-2 Trojan finish.Tate Nurnberg posted another strong performance collecting silver in the high and triple jumps while Damion Jackson took the second step in the 1600 for a 1-2 finish with Sprecker.Levi Allen qualified for state in both the 3200 and 1600 finishing third and fourth respectively, with Cayden Walker rounding out the individual qualifiers coming home fourth in the 3200.After the first place finish Drake Augustine, Nakari Morrical-Palmer and Omar Calzada will join Sprecker one final time on the state 4x400m relay team.On the girl’s side, the Lady Trojans qualified seven athletes for state, anchored by two first-place finishes for Jentrie Alderson in the 1600 and 3200.Ashley Prochazka became a double-qualifier as well, taking third in the 3200 and fourth in the 1600, with Abby Commerford qualifying in the 3200 as well.Finally, Southeast was able to qualify their 4x800 meter relay team in a fourth-place finish to send four more Lady Trojans to state.This year’s state meet will take place from May 27-28 at Cessna Stadium in Wichita as the Southeast of Saline boys’ team looks for a second consecutive state title next week.For coverage of both teams at state stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Trojans track rolls through regionals, qualifies 17 athletes for state

HUTCHINSON - National Championship performances from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/107d1e8a-fb16-46aa-9040-69cd8b518429?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Mohamed Ahmed</a>&nbsp;in the hammer throw and the 4x800 meter relay team consisting of&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d4123631-9819-49dd-88a3-34c58a35f38e?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Ludjenie Mondesir</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6384e2b9-81dc-459a-918d-95f650c8fa55?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/fb85997a-486b-409c-83f3-045ba8c28ed0?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Abigail Fisher</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/52b9dba6-e45c-4e30-b7b5-5fbb65de8de1?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Pamela Milano</a>&nbsp;would highlight day one of the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson on Thursday. Five total events would be scored on Thursday out of the 22 total events throughout the weekend, with the Cloud County women holding down second place after scoring 27 total points while the T-Bird men sit in fourth after day one with a total of 19 points. Entering the weekend with the top overall mark in the NJCAA and a large lead over the rest of the field, Ahmed would cap off his freshman campaign by recording a mark of 62.78 meters (205 ft. - 11 in.) to best the field of 18 throwers by over 20 feet. CCCC would also get a fourth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ff063cac-9fd8-42f0-8e7f-dc340a50b2f2?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Timothy Nyinguan</a>&nbsp;in the long jump (7.47 meters, 24 ft. - 6.25 in.) and eighth-place finish from Brad Davies-Pughe (7.28 meters, 23 ft. - 10.75 in.) to go along with a sixth-place finish from the 4x800 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6f5701e7-916f-4e93-90c0-5c1d6b0be4b6?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Michael Iyali</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6bf7707b-ef9d-4fcf-bb54-4895545e4a06?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Quwayne Reid</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/580de1af-416e-4f82-a399-17c56224df30?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Rylan Cheney</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1a373867-d6a3-4a17-bb16-ca39c8a5fa46?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Hassan Abidi</a>) to close out day one scoring for the T-Bird men. In the preliminary races,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e2a1c146-8f50-4679-a9f6-c4c71a8c9f60?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Ephraim Lerkin</a>&nbsp;would post a time of 52.88 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles to qualify for Saturday's final by posting the seventh-fastest time among a 30-runner field. As for the Cloud County women, the National Title performance in the 4x800 meter relay (9:22.08) would be one of three results for CCCC that would see either first or second-place finishes for the T-Birds. National Runner-up performances would come from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f4d56a2d-41ab-482d-8787-dc097659ce08?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Maggie Armstrong</a>&nbsp;in the pole vault (3.16 meters, 10 ft. - 4.25 in.) while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a3666938-73fa-4016-a788-5fb04cf9a420?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;would make a big final lap move in the 10,000 meters to run a time of 38:44.75 and take second in her first event of the weekend. The final scoring for the T-Birds would come in the pole vault with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/edc9b069-1254-40ee-858d-d013615ec799?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Mia Manley</a>&nbsp;clearing 3.01 meters (9 ft. - 10.5 in.) to take sixth overall to give Cloud County two top-eight finishers in the event. As for preliminary races, freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8e64ac2b-30bc-4831-9286-e09c4438b37c?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>&nbsp;would put on another show in the 400 meters by running the fastest qualifying time at 52.82 seconds which would set a new Zimbabwe National Record before going on to anchor the 4x100 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8e106450-0e4f-4781-a15d-59d18870f891?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ea0bd93b-d566-4817-8814-d66c5c1d31ab?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Leonie Beu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/cf209687-1e2a-4d4a-8d40-4490bc17f545?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Isila Apkup</a>, and Maisvorewa) to break the school record with a time of 45.55 seconds and qualify in fourth for Saturday's finals. Friday action will see the completion of the multi-events with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8674509c-26fd-4985-8557-c0afdf08ba00?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>&nbsp;competing in the heptathlon while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/b420a475-9a08-4b01-9594-a74cfef42c29?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Andrew Betton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f6d18c18-54ee-4a3a-90d7-de89ca3a328c?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Anson Moses</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c4013cab-a3dd-4a11-a2cb-fcf933dda635?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Deandre Elliot</a>&nbsp;compete in the decathlon. Other events where CCCC will look to score points on Friday will be the men's shot put (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/dc0d9654-23f7-423e-885a-66ba28a92a41?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Vincent Ugwoke</a>) and the 3,000-meter steeplechase (Mondesir,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/46e7cdb4-ae4d-4ed1-bd00-f404b27f69e3?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Melody Ochana</a>) with other preliminary races also taking place throughout the day.

Cloud County AthleticsHUTCHINSON - National Championship performances from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/107d1e8a-fb16-46aa-9040-69cd8b518429?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Mohamed Ahmed</a>&nbsp;in the hammer throw and the 4x800 meter relay team consisting of&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d4123631-9819-49dd-88a3-34c58a35f38e?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Ludjenie Mondesir</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6384e2b9-81dc-459a-918d-95f650c8fa55?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/fb85997a-486b-409c-83f3-045ba8c28ed0?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Abigail Fisher</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/52b9dba6-e45c-4e30-b7b5-5fbb65de8de1?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Pamela Milano</a>&nbsp;would highlight day one of the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson on Thursday. Five total events would be scored on Thursday out of the 22 total events throughout the weekend, with the Cloud County women holding down second place after scoring 27 total points while the T-Bird men sit in fourth after day one with a total of 19 points. Entering the weekend with the top overall mark in the NJCAA and a large lead over the rest of the field, Ahmed would cap off his freshman campaign by recording a mark of 62.78 meters (205 ft. - 11 in.) to best the field of 18 throwers by over 20 feet. CCCC would also get a fourth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ff063cac-9fd8-42f0-8e7f-dc340a50b2f2?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Timothy Nyinguan</a>&nbsp;in the long jump (7.47 meters, 24 ft. - 6.25 in.) and eighth-place finish from Brad Davies-Pughe (7.28 meters, 23 ft. - 10.75 in.) to go along with a sixth-place finish from the 4x800 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6f5701e7-916f-4e93-90c0-5c1d6b0be4b6?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Michael Iyali</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6bf7707b-ef9d-4fcf-bb54-4895545e4a06?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Quwayne Reid</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/580de1af-416e-4f82-a399-17c56224df30?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Rylan Cheney</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1a373867-d6a3-4a17-bb16-ca39c8a5fa46?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Hassan Abidi</a>) to close out day one scoring for the T-Bird men. In the preliminary races,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e2a1c146-8f50-4679-a9f6-c4c71a8c9f60?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Ephraim Lerkin</a>&nbsp;would post a time of 52.88 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles to qualify for Saturday's final by posting the seventh-fastest time among a 30-runner field. As for the Cloud County women, the National Title performance in the 4x800 meter relay (9:22.08) would be one of three results for CCCC that would see either first or second-place finishes for the T-Birds. National Runner-up performances would come from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f4d56a2d-41ab-482d-8787-dc097659ce08?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Maggie Armstrong</a>&nbsp;in the pole vault (3.16 meters, 10 ft. - 4.25 in.) while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a3666938-73fa-4016-a788-5fb04cf9a420?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;would make a big final lap move in the 10,000 meters to run a time of 38:44.75 and take second in her first event of the weekend. The final scoring for the T-Birds would come in the pole vault with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/edc9b069-1254-40ee-858d-d013615ec799?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Mia Manley</a>&nbsp;clearing 3.01 meters (9 ft. - 10.5 in.) to take sixth overall to give Cloud County two top-eight finishers in the event. As for preliminary races, freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8e64ac2b-30bc-4831-9286-e09c4438b37c?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>&nbsp;would put on another show in the 400 meters by running the fastest qualifying time at 52.82 seconds which would set a new Zimbabwe National Record before going on to anchor the 4x100 meter relay team (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8e106450-0e4f-4781-a15d-59d18870f891?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/ea0bd93b-d566-4817-8814-d66c5c1d31ab?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Leonie Beu</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/cf209687-1e2a-4d4a-8d40-4490bc17f545?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Isila Apkup</a>, and Maisvorewa) to break the school record with a time of 45.55 seconds and qualify in fourth for Saturday's finals. Friday action will see the completion of the multi-events with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8674509c-26fd-4985-8557-c0afdf08ba00?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>&nbsp;competing in the heptathlon while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/b420a475-9a08-4b01-9594-a74cfef42c29?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Andrew Betton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f6d18c18-54ee-4a3a-90d7-de89ca3a328c?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Anson Moses</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c4013cab-a3dd-4a11-a2cb-fcf933dda635?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Deandre Elliot</a>&nbsp;compete in the decathlon. Other events where CCCC will look to score points on Friday will be the men's shot put (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/dc0d9654-23f7-423e-885a-66ba28a92a41?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Vincent Ugwoke</a>) and the 3,000-meter steeplechase (Mondesir,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/46e7cdb4-ae4d-4ed1-bd00-f404b27f69e3?elinkdata=27300" target="_blank">Melody Ochana</a>) with other preliminary races also taking place throughout the day.

T-Birds: Two national champions highlight Day 1 of NJCAA meet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Robert homered and drove in four runs as the Chicago White Sox rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-4 to win the five-game series. 

Robert delivered a pair of RBI singles before hitting a two-run homer into the left-field stands in the eighth. His sixth home run of the season capped Chicago's sixth come-from-behind win. 

Pinch-hitter Adam Engel gave the White Sox their first lead with an RBI single in the seventh off Gabe Speier that broke a 4-all tie. Tim Anderson had two hits, two walks and two RBIs, recording his 10th multi-hit outing in his last 18 games for the White Sox. 

Chicago took three of five from the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luis Robert homered and drove in four runs as the Chicago White Sox rallied past the Kansas City Royals 7-4 to win the five-game series. Robert delivered a pair of RBI singles before hitting a two-run homer into the left-field stands in the eighth. His sixth home run of the season capped Chicago's sixth come-from-behind win. Pinch-hitter Adam Engel gave the White Sox their first lead with an RBI single in the seventh off Gabe Speier that broke a 4-all tie. Tim Anderson had two hits, two walks and two RBIs, recording his 10th multi-hit outing in his last 18 games for the White Sox. Chicago took three of five from the Royals.

Robert homers, drives in 4 as White Sox beat Royals 7-4

MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;An exclusive fraternity of K-State Football greats will grow by six members later this year, as K-State Athletics has announced the Ring of Honor Class of 2022.

The class, which will be officially inducted the weekend of the season opener against South Dakota, includes linebacker&nbsp;Arthur Brown&nbsp;(2011-12), running back&nbsp;Larry Brown&nbsp;(1967-68), defensive end&nbsp;Darren Howard&nbsp;(1996-99), quarterback&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;(2009-12), wide receiver&nbsp;Tyler Lockett&nbsp;(2011-14) and quarterback&nbsp;Ell Roberson&nbsp;(2000-03).

“Each of these men hold a special place in the history of our program, and it will be an honor to be a part of their induction into our Ring of Honor,” head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;said. “Their hard work and achievements on the field are well-documented, and we are excited to welcome them back to Manhattan for a special induction weekend.”

The Class of 2022 accumulated 31 total All-America citations during their careers, including 11 first-team honors. They have combined to reside in the top 10 of K-State game, single-season or career records on 209 occasions, which includes 48 total school records. The group also includes four Big 12 Champions with Roberson leading the Wildcats to a 35-7 win over No. 1 Oklahoma in the 2003 Big 12 Championship game, while Arthur Brown, Klein and Lockett were members of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team.

“As with past classes, I am truly honored to have coached five of these special young men who continue to represent Kansas State University in a special manner,”&nbsp;Bill Snyder&nbsp;said. “They are men of character, great leaders, talented football players and great representatives of their highly successful football program and the 16 Goals for Success.”

K-State’s Ring of Honor will now include 20 individuals, and this is the fourth class since the establishment of the honor in 2002, joining the 2008 and 2015 classes. Recognition into the Ring of Honor includes a permanent display of each individual’s name on the façade of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the ring display just inside Gate B on the West Stadium Center concourse and inside the main lobby of the Vanier Family Football Complex.

“This is a tremendous group of players and young men,” Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “I would like to thank Coach Snyder and Coach Klieman for their involvement in the selection of these new inductees, but more importantly, each individual for all they have done for Kansas State football, our athletics program and our university. It will be a memorable weekend to celebrate their accomplishments.”

The six-member Class of 2022 will join 2002 honorees&nbsp;Lynn Dickey&nbsp;(QB – 1968-70),&nbsp;Steve Grogan&nbsp;(QB – 1972-74),&nbsp;Jaime Mendez&nbsp;(DB – 1990-93),&nbsp;Sean Snyder&nbsp;(P – 1991-92),&nbsp;Gary Spani&nbsp;(LB – 1974-77) and&nbsp;Veryl Switzer&nbsp;(RB – 1951-53); Class of 2008 members&nbsp;David Allen&nbsp;(RB/PR – 1997-2000),&nbsp;Martin Gramatica&nbsp;(PK – 1994-98),&nbsp;Terence Newman&nbsp;(DB – 1999-2002) and&nbsp;Mark Simoneau&nbsp;(LB – 1996-99); and Class of 2015 inductees&nbsp;Michael Bishop&nbsp;(QB – 1997-98),&nbsp;Jordy Nelson&nbsp;(WR – 2005-07),&nbsp;Clarence Scott&nbsp;(DB – 1968-70) and&nbsp;Darren Sproles&nbsp;(RB – 2000-04).

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652979436692.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;An exclusive fraternity of K-State Football greats will grow by six members later this year, as K-State Athletics has announced the Ring of Honor Class of 2022.The class, which will be officially inducted the weekend of the season opener against South Dakota, includes linebacker&nbsp;Arthur Brown&nbsp;(2011-12), running back&nbsp;Larry Brown&nbsp;(1967-68), defensive end&nbsp;Darren Howard&nbsp;(1996-99), quarterback&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;(2009-12), wide receiver&nbsp;Tyler Lockett&nbsp;(2011-14) and quarterback&nbsp;Ell Roberson&nbsp;(2000-03).“Each of these men hold a special place in the history of our program, and it will be an honor to be a part of their induction into our Ring of Honor,” head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;said. “Their hard work and achievements on the field are well-documented, and we are excited to welcome them back to Manhattan for a special induction weekend.”The Class of 2022 accumulated 31 total All-America citations during their careers, including 11 first-team honors. They have combined to reside in the top 10 of K-State game, single-season or career records on 209 occasions, which includes 48 total school records. The group also includes four Big 12 Champions with Roberson leading the Wildcats to a 35-7 win over No. 1 Oklahoma in the 2003 Big 12 Championship game, while Arthur Brown, Klein and Lockett were members of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team.“As with past classes, I am truly honored to have coached five of these special young men who continue to represent Kansas State University in a special manner,”&nbsp;Bill Snyder&nbsp;said. “They are men of character, great leaders, talented football players and great representatives of their highly successful football program and the 16 Goals for Success.”K-State’s Ring of Honor will now include 20 individuals, and this is the fourth class since the establishment of the honor in 2002, joining the 2008 and 2015 classes. Recognition into the Ring of Honor includes a permanent display of each individual’s name on the façade of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the ring display just inside Gate B on the West Stadium Center concourse and inside the main lobby of the Vanier Family Football Complex.“This is a tremendous group of players and young men,” Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “I would like to thank Coach Snyder and Coach Klieman for their involvement in the selection of these new inductees, but more importantly, each individual for all they have done for Kansas State football, our athletics program and our university. It will be a memorable weekend to celebrate their accomplishments.”The six-member Class of 2022 will join 2002 honorees&nbsp;Lynn Dickey&nbsp;(QB – 1968-70),&nbsp;Steve Grogan&nbsp;(QB – 1972-74),&nbsp;Jaime Mendez&nbsp;(DB – 1990-93),&nbsp;Sean Snyder&nbsp;(P – 1991-92),&nbsp;Gary Spani&nbsp;(LB – 1974-77) and&nbsp;Veryl Switzer&nbsp;(RB – 1951-53); Class of 2008 members&nbsp;David Allen&nbsp;(RB/PR – 1997-2000),&nbsp;Martin Gramatica&nbsp;(PK – 1994-98),&nbsp;Terence Newman&nbsp;(DB – 1999-2002) and&nbsp;Mark Simoneau&nbsp;(LB – 1996-99); and Class of 2015 inductees&nbsp;Michael Bishop&nbsp;(QB – 1997-98),&nbsp;Jordy Nelson&nbsp;(WR – 2005-07),&nbsp;Clarence Scott&nbsp;(DB – 1968-70) and&nbsp;Darren Sproles&nbsp;(RB – 2000-04).

K-State: Six-member Ring of Honor Class of 2022

WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;Spencer Steer delivered an eleventh inning pinch Hit walk off home run giving the Wichita Wind Surge &nbsp;a 7-6 win over the Springfield Cardinals.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wichita struck first, scoring two runs in the first inning as Andrew Bechtold singled that scored Austin Martin and Michael Helman followed by grounding out, allowing Alex Isola to advance home to take a 2-0 lead.

Louie Varland took the hill for the Surge and pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs, and tallied eight strikeouts. Jordan Walker hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to tie the game 2-2.

Matt Wallner hit a two-run RBI single that scored Chris Williams and Kennie Taylor to give the Surge a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning. Wallner finished the night going two for three with a walk and two RBIs.

Springfield scored two runs in the top of the ninth as Alex Scherff hit one batter and walked another with the bases loaded to tie the game 4-4. Ben Gross took the mound for the Surge in the eleventh inning and allowed two runs to score that would go on to give Springfield a 6-4 advantage. Spencer Steer hit a three-run homer to end the game to give Wichita a 7-6 victory.

Notes: Andrew Bechtold and Michael Helman both extend their hit streaks to nine games… The pinch hit home run is the first ever for the Wind Surge.&nbsp; The Surge improve to 4-1 in extra innings.&nbsp; The 11 inning game was the most innings Wichita has played.

Coming Up: The Wind Surge will resume action Thursday with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. Simeon Woods-Richardson will take the mound for the Wind Surge and Dalton Roach will be on the hill for the Cardinals. Catch the game on&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,PAtNxf0oqN6juRXKUNobKdLEKt81WhF2yJhsk4UgWX0a58X8xrFBWgyS1aupn2LfuCDikpfmfpllDLRuWXFXsWMuYRAHJ0y56F1f2bLpJR4,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,wR_knZRJqCHttkhCB6Ca-xwPRESG5P_Ntqx-YL7D4EjWVfYCa1SHkeYQs8HY2dbAHT4bSo-1QZUba7i_80GuAOjrbr3xq7Xstl18ETT8ySA,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652977646931.jpeg" alt="Spencer Steer is greeted by jubilant teammates as he heads for home after hitting an 11th-inning walk-off home run. Photo courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Spencer Steer is greeted by jubilant teammates as he heads for home after hitting an 11th-inning walk-off home run. Photo courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;Spencer Steer delivered an eleventh inning pinch Hit walk off home run giving the Wichita Wind Surge &nbsp;a 7-6 win over the Springfield Cardinals.&nbsp; &nbsp;Wichita struck first, scoring two runs in the first inning as Andrew Bechtold singled that scored Austin Martin and Michael Helman followed by grounding out, allowing Alex Isola to advance home to take a 2-0 lead.Louie Varland took the hill for the Surge and pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs, and tallied eight strikeouts. Jordan Walker hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to tie the game 2-2.Matt Wallner hit a two-run RBI single that scored Chris Williams and Kennie Taylor to give the Surge a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning. Wallner finished the night going two for three with a walk and two RBIs.Springfield scored two runs in the top of the ninth as Alex Scherff hit one batter and walked another with the bases loaded to tie the game 4-4. Ben Gross took the mound for the Surge in the eleventh inning and allowed two runs to score that would go on to give Springfield a 6-4 advantage. Spencer Steer hit a three-run homer to end the game to give Wichita a 7-6 victory.Notes: Andrew Bechtold and Michael Helman both extend their hit streaks to nine games… The pinch hit home run is the first ever for the Wind Surge.&nbsp; The Surge improve to 4-1 in extra innings.&nbsp; The 11 inning game was the most innings Wichita has played.Coming Up: The Wind Surge will resume action Thursday with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. Simeon Woods-Richardson will take the mound for the Wind Surge and Dalton Roach will be on the hill for the Cardinals. Catch the game on&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,PAtNxf0oqN6juRXKUNobKdLEKt81WhF2yJhsk4UgWX0a58X8xrFBWgyS1aupn2LfuCDikpfmfpllDLRuWXFXsWMuYRAHJ0y56F1f2bLpJR4,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,wR_knZRJqCHttkhCB6Ca-xwPRESG5P_Ntqx-YL7D4EjWVfYCa1SHkeYQs8HY2dbAHT4bSo-1QZUba7i_80GuAOjrbr3xq7Xstl18ETT8ySA,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>.

Steer gets walk off homer in 11th for Wind Surge win

KANSAS CITY,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas City Monarchs (2-3) had a quiet night at the plate as they dropped the second game of the series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (3-2) by a score of 2-1 Wednesday night.

A pitching duel between Nick Beltzer (0-1) and Kevin McGovern (1-0) kept the game scoreless through the first three innings. The RedHawks broke the tie in the fourth inning when Drew Ward roped a double down the right field line to score Manuel Boscan from second base. Leobaldo Pina immediately followed this up with a double of his own down the left field line to bring in Ward, making the score 2-0.

The Monarchs offense was held at bay until the sixth inning when Darnell Sweeney hit a solo home run over the “home run patio” in left field, cutting the lead in half. Sweeney’s long ball marked back-to-back nights with a home run for the veteran.

Kevin McGovern had an excellent start for the RedHawks. The former Winnipeg Goldeyes’ starter and the all time American Association strikeout leader finished his night allowing one run and three hits, fanning 11 Monarchs through seven innings pitched.

In the eighth inning, the Monarchs offense started to show some life. David Thompson reached on an error made by shortstop Sam Dexter. Casey Gillaspie followed by walking on four straight balls. Darnell Sweeney singled on a hard ground ball off the pitcher loading the bases. However, the Monarchs weren’t able to cash in any runs.

Game three against Fargo-Moorhead is Thursday at 7 p.m.&nbsp;The game can be heard on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/kansas-city-monarchs-baseball" target="_blank">Monarchs Broadcast Network</a>&nbsp;with the pre-game beginning at 6:30&nbsp;p.m. and the video stream airing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aabaseball.tv/" target="_blank">aabaseball.tv.</a>

By GABRIEL LOPEZ Kansas City MonarchsKANSAS CITY,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas City Monarchs (2-3) had a quiet night at the plate as they dropped the second game of the series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (3-2) by a score of 2-1 Wednesday night.A pitching duel between Nick Beltzer (0-1) and Kevin McGovern (1-0) kept the game scoreless through the first three innings. The RedHawks broke the tie in the fourth inning when Drew Ward roped a double down the right field line to score Manuel Boscan from second base. Leobaldo Pina immediately followed this up with a double of his own down the left field line to bring in Ward, making the score 2-0.The Monarchs offense was held at bay until the sixth inning when Darnell Sweeney hit a solo home run over the “home run patio” in left field, cutting the lead in half. Sweeney’s long ball marked back-to-back nights with a home run for the veteran.Kevin McGovern had an excellent start for the RedHawks. The former Winnipeg Goldeyes’ starter and the all time American Association strikeout leader finished his night allowing one run and three hits, fanning 11 Monarchs through seven innings pitched.In the eighth inning, the Monarchs offense started to show some life. David Thompson reached on an error made by shortstop Sam Dexter. Casey Gillaspie followed by walking on four straight balls. Darnell Sweeney singled on a hard ground ball off the pitcher loading the bases. However, the Monarchs weren’t able to cash in any runs.Game three against Fargo-Moorhead is Thursday at 7 p.m.&nbsp;The game can be heard on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/kansas-city-monarchs-baseball" target="_blank">Monarchs Broadcast Network</a>&nbsp;with the pre-game beginning at 6:30&nbsp;p.m. and the video stream airing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aabaseball.tv/" target="_blank">aabaseball.tv.</a>

KC Monarchs' pitching shines, but bats stay quiet

OKLAHOMA CITY –&nbsp;Freed-Hardeman scored 10 runs over the first three innings of Tuesday's game with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes, and despite a late push by the Coyotes, FHU came away with a 17-9 win at Jim Wade Stadium.

The loss ends Kansas Wesleyan's season at 35-29 overall, while Freed-Hardeman will face top-seeded in an elimination contest on Wednesday. OCU was beaten by MidAmerica Nazarene earlier on Tuesday.

Freed-Hardeman scored four times in the first inning, twice in the second and four more in the third before the Coyotes could get on the board.

The Coyote broke through in the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12253">William Dryburgh</a>&nbsp;(SR/St. Joseph, Mo.) led off the inning with a single, and the Coyotes loaded the bases with walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12903">Kevin Esquilin Cruz</a>&nbsp;(JR/Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12865">Haydn Brown</a>&nbsp;(SR/Gardnerville, Nev.). A wild pitch brought in the first run of the frame, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12896">Dustin Sipe</a>&nbsp;(JR/Aztec, N.M.) drove in a run on a ground out and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12894">Jarrett Gable</a>&nbsp;(JR/Colleyville, Texas) also drove in a run with a single.

FHU added five more runs in the sixth and two in the eighth, but the Coyotes tried to rally, scoring single runs in the bottom of the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.

Dryburgh singled in the sixth and scored on Esquilin Cruz's double. Sipe doubled in the seventh and scored on Gable's double.

In the eighth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/13153">Diego Fisher</a>&nbsp;(JR/Hollister, Calif.) led off the inning with a single, and Esquilin Cruz walked. After a wild pitch, Brown drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Coyotes tried to rally. Pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12230">Aaron Gardner</a>&nbsp;(SR/Tucson, Ariz.) reached on an error, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12897">Brandon Zwiener</a>&nbsp;(JR/Norfolk, Neb.) singled, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12269">Reece Bishop</a>&nbsp;(SO/Colorado Springs, Colo.) reached on a fielder's choice that allowed pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12271">Trent Dewyer</a>&nbsp;(JR/Albuquerque, N.M.) to score on an error.

The Coyotes then got back-to-back triples by pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12869">Robbie Keener</a>&nbsp;(FR/Abilene) and Dryburgh, but the rally fell short.

Dryburgh had three hits of the Coyotes, while Esquilin Cruz, Gable, and Fisher had two each.

-<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>-

KWU AthleticsOKLAHOMA CITY –&nbsp;Freed-Hardeman scored 10 runs over the first three innings of Tuesday's game with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes, and despite a late push by the Coyotes, FHU came away with a 17-9 win at Jim Wade Stadium.The loss ends Kansas Wesleyan's season at 35-29 overall, while Freed-Hardeman will face top-seeded in an elimination contest on Wednesday. OCU was beaten by MidAmerica Nazarene earlier on Tuesday.Freed-Hardeman scored four times in the first inning, twice in the second and four more in the third before the Coyotes could get on the board.The Coyote broke through in the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12253">William Dryburgh</a>&nbsp;(SR/St. Joseph, Mo.) led off the inning with a single, and the Coyotes loaded the bases with walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12903">Kevin Esquilin Cruz</a>&nbsp;(JR/Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12865">Haydn Brown</a>&nbsp;(SR/Gardnerville, Nev.). A wild pitch brought in the first run of the frame, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12896">Dustin Sipe</a>&nbsp;(JR/Aztec, N.M.) drove in a run on a ground out and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12894">Jarrett Gable</a>&nbsp;(JR/Colleyville, Texas) also drove in a run with a single.FHU added five more runs in the sixth and two in the eighth, but the Coyotes tried to rally, scoring single runs in the bottom of the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings.Dryburgh singled in the sixth and scored on Esquilin Cruz's double. Sipe doubled in the seventh and scored on Gable's double.In the eighth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/13153">Diego Fisher</a>&nbsp;(JR/Hollister, Calif.) led off the inning with a single, and Esquilin Cruz walked. After a wild pitch, Brown drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.In the bottom of the ninth, the Coyotes tried to rally. Pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12230">Aaron Gardner</a>&nbsp;(SR/Tucson, Ariz.) reached on an error, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12897">Brandon Zwiener</a>&nbsp;(JR/Norfolk, Neb.) singled, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12269">Reece Bishop</a>&nbsp;(SO/Colorado Springs, Colo.) reached on a fielder's choice that allowed pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12271">Trent Dewyer</a>&nbsp;(JR/Albuquerque, N.M.) to score on an error.The Coyotes then got back-to-back triples by pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/3/12869">Robbie Keener</a>&nbsp;(FR/Abilene) and Dryburgh, but the rally fell short.Dryburgh had three hits of the Coyotes, while Esquilin Cruz, Gable, and Fisher had two each.-<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>-

KWU baseball falls to Freed-Hardeman in NAIA opening round

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez homered and fellow rookie Emmanuel Rivera hit a go-ahead triple to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Chicago White Sox 6-2. 

Witt, Melendez and Rivera each had two hits. Rivera's sinking liner escaped a diving Adam Engel for a triple that drove in Melendez with the tiebreaking run in the sixth. 

In his return from the COVID-19-related injured list, Giolito labored early, needing 54 pitches to complete the first two innings, allowing four hits and two walks. After Witt's leadoff homer in the third, Giolito struck out six of the next seven batters and permitted only a pair of singles before being lifted after five innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez homered and fellow rookie Emmanuel Rivera hit a go-ahead triple to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Chicago White Sox 6-2. Witt, Melendez and Rivera each had two hits. Rivera's sinking liner escaped a diving Adam Engel for a triple that drove in Melendez with the tiebreaking run in the sixth. In his return from the COVID-19-related injured list, Giolito labored early, needing 54 pitches to complete the first two innings, allowing four hits and two walks. After Witt's leadoff homer in the third, Giolito struck out six of the next seven batters and permitted only a pair of singles before being lifted after five innings.

Witt homers off Giolito, Melendez connects as KC tops Chisox

MANHATTAN - The 2022 season for the Cloud County Community College has been extended for another day following a third elimination-game victory for the T-Birds by knocking out second-seeded Barton Community College with an 11-6 win at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan on Wednesday. Picking up win 42 on the year, Cloud County is now 42-17 overall ahead of their fourth-elimination game in an eight-day span while the Cougars see their season come to an end at 41-18 with both losses coming to Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference West Division foes at the Plains District Tournament. "We get to play another day of baseball and that's the goal every day now" said head coach&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d10ca35c-ac5e-4963-98a2-2eb4b134f557?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Eric Gilliland</a>&nbsp;in a post-game interview. "We just competed today and put together competitive at-bats throughout the day." "On the mound, it wasn't beautiful, but we pieced together three guys that really came in and competed and minimized Barton all the way to the end." Unable to produce a base runner until the top of the seventh on Tuesday, Cloud County would make sure that the wait would not be nearly as long on Wednesday morning following a two-hour delay to the original start with games being moved from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning. Hit batters for both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f560264d-049e-4a05-a4cc-cd205b3deb73?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Willie Ponce</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/528c4e0d-fc7e-4882-b076-9d2faee8f80b?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;would put a pair of runners on for CCCC before seeing a strikeout and groundout put two outs on the board with the runners at second and third. Coming through with a clutch two-out, two-RBI triple would be freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f5282989-dedd-4a5b-962f-7d6a6be66cf9?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;to bring the T-Bird dugout alive and get out to an early lead on the Cougars. With sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/daa7a7da-53bb-4341-a4e8-e5061d270cb5?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Christian Womble</a>&nbsp;on the mound, Cloud County would get two quick outs in the bottom of the first before finding trouble as a single, and two walks would load the bases and allow BCC to threaten to answer the early scoring from CCCC. Inducing a second ground ball in the inning would prove to be the key to getting out of the inning however as the T-Birds would force a fielder's choice to strand three Barton runners and maintain their lead heading to the second. Two quick outs for Cloud County in the second would be followed by a second walk issued to Ponce on the day to put a base runner on before a lined shot to the third baseman would be caught and take away a potential extra-base hit from Wollin to end the inning. The Cougars would then turn a one-out error into a run as a two-out single would bring home the first run of the game for BCC before Womble would escape more trouble by stranding Barton's Alex Rodgers at third. Barton would then add single runs in the third and fourth while stranding runners for Cloud County in each of the two innings as the T-Birds would see a once two-run lead turn into a 3-2 deficit heading into the fifth. Set down in order for the first time all-game, CCCC would see momentum starting to shift over to Barton as the Cougars would be back up at the plate working with a lead before deciding to make a call to the bullpen and bring in sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/65d0adea-45f0-4dbb-bdf0-bd4d0392b889?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Joel Benes</a>. A one-out single would be all that BCC would be able to string together in the fifth as things would remain a one-run deficit for Cloud County with the T-Birds having the bottom of the order due up. A quick out on a fly ball by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c1d094fc-4685-4ff4-8ddb-5a5a87c6411d?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Ian Riley</a>&nbsp;would make way for an&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/198063d6-85ac-438a-9559-57a0389000e1?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Adler Pierson</a>&nbsp;double into the left-center field gap as the Wamego, Kansas native would see teammate&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/59e8b22d-c54f-4423-8d05-0e19c4910759?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Ty Wevers</a>&nbsp;rope an RBI double into the left-field corner to tie things at 3-3. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/7489d981-fdbe-4fcc-8bcf-f1887a5e2ef7?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Alexander Diaz</a>&nbsp;would then leg out an infield single to put runners on the corners before seeing a passed ball bring home Wevers to put Cloud County back on top and be followed by a pop-out to put two outs on the board. Turning to their bullpen to get a left-handed pitcher to face left-handed hitting Wollin, the Cougars would see move backfire as Wollin would hit an RBI single to set off a string of three-straight two-out RBI hits with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/60ebbd43-f041-4df4-8737-a68f5363e4ff?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Tom Poole</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/71983600-b340-4d2c-93f2-b5c125589c63?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>, and Howerton all driving in runs to cap off a six-run inning to put CCCC up 8-3. With the shift in momentum swung clearly back in the favor of the T-Birds, Benes would work a one-two-three inning against the Barton and allow Cloud County to get back up to the plate to try and add to their lead. A leadoff walk for CCCC would be eliminated on a stolen base attempt and be followed by a two-out hit batter, but the Cougars would get out of the inning unscathed to send things to the seventh-inning stretch. The scoring would be far from over for either team as back-to-back singles from BCC would put runners on first and third with no outs before a wild pitch that would allow the runner at first to move into scoring position. After a strikeout for a big first out of the inning, the Cougars would manage to get a two-RBI double to cut into the Cloud County lead. A groundout to move the runner to third would be followed by a pinch-hit situation for Barton that would turn into an RBI infield single that would see the five-run T-Bird lead cut down to two at 8-6 when the inning ended on a one-hop groundout to the Benes. Needing an insurance run to set things up for closer&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/eff40ee0-0362-44dd-813a-e95289a425b9?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Rans Sanders</a>&nbsp;to enter in the bottom of the eighth, Cloud County would get their call answered when Poole would step to the plate and launch a one-out solo home run off the center-field batter's eye for his single-season record-extending 22nd home run of the year and give CCCC a three-run lead to work with to get the six necessary outs to advance. The biggest test for Sanders would come in the bottom of the eighth as the Cougars would have the top of their lineup due up which included two of the top three hitters in batting average in the KJCCC in Rodgers and Ricardo Sanchez, but the Grand Island, Nebraska native would not be fazed and work a perfect one-two-three inning on just five total pitches. Pierson would then draw a leadoff walk to give Cloud County their fifth leadoff base runner of the game before seeing Wevers draw a second walk to put a runner in scoring position. A sacrifice bunt by Diaz would take a potential double-play out of the options in play for Barton as both runners would advance 90 feet as the pressure would now be clearly on the Cougars. Coming up for his sixth plate appearance of the day, Ponce would hit a slow ground ball to second base that would be mishandled by the BCC infielder and allow all runners to safely advance and bring home what would become an unearned run. After having a pop-up behind home plate put Barton an out away from getting out of the inning, Poole would extend the inning and drive home Wevers with a base hit into right field as the error for Barton proved costly to give the T-Birds an 11-6 lead. Matching his outing from the bottom of the eighth, Sanders would once again be lights-out for CCCC by needing just 11 pitches to induce two ground outs and an infield pop out to end the game and keep Cloud County around for at least one more day. In addition to a five-for-nine performance from their leadoff hitters each inning, the T-Birds would see seven of their 11 hits come with two outs on the scoreboard which included four of their 11 runs scoring with two-out base hits. Leading the charge would be a three-for-five effort and two RBIs from Poole while Howerton would collect two hits and drive in a pair of runs. A day after not drawing a single walk, Cloud County would get six free passes and six hit batters for 12 free base runners as part of their offensive performance. A strong four-inning outing from Womble would lead to a no-decision for the Pittsfield, Massachusetts native after allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three strikeouts before seeing Benes throw the following two innings and strike out two to improve to 6-0. Picking up his 13th career save would be Sanders to break the career record that he had tied last Friday while also tying the single-season save record set by Tommy Smoot (2003) and Alex Miller (2011) with seven saves. The outing also ran the season earned run average for Sanders down to 2.45 in 18 outings on the year. What's Next? The waiting game begins as Cloud County is currently scheduled to play in game eight of the Plains District Tournament on Thursday, May 18th at 1 PM against the loser of either fifth-seeded Johnson County or top-seeded Cowley. Johnson County defeated Colby by a score of 11-1 in five innings in a game that was moved from Tuesday night to 8 AM on Wednesday while Cowley had their game against Butler suspended in the bottom of the eighth on Tuesday before walking off the Grizzlies in the 11th. The Cowley/Johnson County game is scheduled to be the final game of the day on Wednesday, with the Colby/Butler elimination game and Kansas City Kansas/Hutchinson winner's bracket game to take place prior to their game.

MANHATTAN - The 2022 season for the Cloud County Community College has been extended for another day following a third elimination-game victory for the T-Birds by knocking out second-seeded Barton Community College with an 11-6 win at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan on Wednesday. Picking up win 42 on the year, Cloud County is now 42-17 overall ahead of their fourth-elimination game in an eight-day span while the Cougars see their season come to an end at 41-18 with both losses coming to Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference West Division foes at the Plains District Tournament. "We get to play another day of baseball and that's the goal every day now" said head coach&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/d10ca35c-ac5e-4963-98a2-2eb4b134f557?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Eric Gilliland</a>&nbsp;in a post-game interview. "We just competed today and put together competitive at-bats throughout the day." "On the mound, it wasn't beautiful, but we pieced together three guys that really came in and competed and minimized Barton all the way to the end." Unable to produce a base runner until the top of the seventh on Tuesday, Cloud County would make sure that the wait would not be nearly as long on Wednesday morning following a two-hour delay to the original start with games being moved from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning. Hit batters for both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f560264d-049e-4a05-a4cc-cd205b3deb73?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Willie Ponce</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/528c4e0d-fc7e-4882-b076-9d2faee8f80b?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;would put a pair of runners on for CCCC before seeing a strikeout and groundout put two outs on the board with the runners at second and third. Coming through with a clutch two-out, two-RBI triple would be freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f5282989-dedd-4a5b-962f-7d6a6be66cf9?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;to bring the T-Bird dugout alive and get out to an early lead on the Cougars. With sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/daa7a7da-53bb-4341-a4e8-e5061d270cb5?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Christian Womble</a>&nbsp;on the mound, Cloud County would get two quick outs in the bottom of the first before finding trouble as a single, and two walks would load the bases and allow BCC to threaten to answer the early scoring from CCCC. Inducing a second ground ball in the inning would prove to be the key to getting out of the inning however as the T-Birds would force a fielder's choice to strand three Barton runners and maintain their lead heading to the second. Two quick outs for Cloud County in the second would be followed by a second walk issued to Ponce on the day to put a base runner on before a lined shot to the third baseman would be caught and take away a potential extra-base hit from Wollin to end the inning. The Cougars would then turn a one-out error into a run as a two-out single would bring home the first run of the game for BCC before Womble would escape more trouble by stranding Barton's Alex Rodgers at third. Barton would then add single runs in the third and fourth while stranding runners for Cloud County in each of the two innings as the T-Birds would see a once two-run lead turn into a 3-2 deficit heading into the fifth. Set down in order for the first time all-game, CCCC would see momentum starting to shift over to Barton as the Cougars would be back up at the plate working with a lead before deciding to make a call to the bullpen and bring in sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/65d0adea-45f0-4dbb-bdf0-bd4d0392b889?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Joel Benes</a>. A one-out single would be all that BCC would be able to string together in the fifth as things would remain a one-run deficit for Cloud County with the T-Birds having the bottom of the order due up. A quick out on a fly ball by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c1d094fc-4685-4ff4-8ddb-5a5a87c6411d?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Ian Riley</a>&nbsp;would make way for an&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/198063d6-85ac-438a-9559-57a0389000e1?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Adler Pierson</a>&nbsp;double into the left-center field gap as the Wamego, Kansas native would see teammate&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/59e8b22d-c54f-4423-8d05-0e19c4910759?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Ty Wevers</a>&nbsp;rope an RBI double into the left-field corner to tie things at 3-3. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/7489d981-fdbe-4fcc-8bcf-f1887a5e2ef7?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Alexander Diaz</a>&nbsp;would then leg out an infield single to put runners on the corners before seeing a passed ball bring home Wevers to put Cloud County back on top and be followed by a pop-out to put two outs on the board. Turning to their bullpen to get a left-handed pitcher to face left-handed hitting Wollin, the Cougars would see move backfire as Wollin would hit an RBI single to set off a string of three-straight two-out RBI hits with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/60ebbd43-f041-4df4-8737-a68f5363e4ff?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Tom Poole</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/71983600-b340-4d2c-93f2-b5c125589c63?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>, and Howerton all driving in runs to cap off a six-run inning to put CCCC up 8-3. With the shift in momentum swung clearly back in the favor of the T-Birds, Benes would work a one-two-three inning against the Barton and allow Cloud County to get back up to the plate to try and add to their lead. A leadoff walk for CCCC would be eliminated on a stolen base attempt and be followed by a two-out hit batter, but the Cougars would get out of the inning unscathed to send things to the seventh-inning stretch. The scoring would be far from over for either team as back-to-back singles from BCC would put runners on first and third with no outs before a wild pitch that would allow the runner at first to move into scoring position. After a strikeout for a big first out of the inning, the Cougars would manage to get a two-RBI double to cut into the Cloud County lead. A groundout to move the runner to third would be followed by a pinch-hit situation for Barton that would turn into an RBI infield single that would see the five-run T-Bird lead cut down to two at 8-6 when the inning ended on a one-hop groundout to the Benes. Needing an insurance run to set things up for closer&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/eff40ee0-0362-44dd-813a-e95289a425b9?elinkdata=27092" target="_blank">Rans Sanders</a>&nbsp;to enter in the bottom of the eighth, Cloud County would get their call answered when Poole would step to the plate and launch a one-out solo home run off the center-field batter's eye for his single-season record-extending 22nd home run of the year and give CCCC a three-run lead to work with to get the six necessary outs to advance. The biggest test for Sanders would come in the bottom of the eighth as the Cougars would have the top of their lineup due up which included two of the top three hitters in batting average in the KJCCC in Rodgers and Ricardo Sanchez, but the Grand Island, Nebraska native would not be fazed and work a perfect one-two-three inning on just five total pitches. Pierson would then draw a leadoff walk to give Cloud County their fifth leadoff base runner of the game before seeing Wevers draw a second walk to put a runner in scoring position. A sacrifice bunt by Diaz would take a potential double-play out of the options in play for Barton as both runners would advance 90 feet as the pressure would now be clearly on the Cougars. Coming up for his sixth plate appearance of the day, Ponce would hit a slow ground ball to second base that would be mishandled by the BCC infielder and allow all runners to safely advance and bring home what would become an unearned run. After having a pop-up behind home plate put Barton an out away from getting out of the inning, Poole would extend the inning and drive home Wevers with a base hit into right field as the error for Barton proved costly to give the T-Birds an 11-6 lead. Matching his outing from the bottom of the eighth, Sanders would once again be lights-out for CCCC by needing just 11 pitches to induce two ground outs and an infield pop out to end the game and keep Cloud County around for at least one more day. In addition to a five-for-nine performance from their leadoff hitters each inning, the T-Birds would see seven of their 11 hits come with two outs on the scoreboard which included four of their 11 runs scoring with two-out base hits. Leading the charge would be a three-for-five effort and two RBIs from Poole while Howerton would collect two hits and drive in a pair of runs. A day after not drawing a single walk, Cloud County would get six free passes and six hit batters for 12 free base runners as part of their offensive performance. A strong four-inning outing from Womble would lead to a no-decision for the Pittsfield, Massachusetts native after allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three strikeouts before seeing Benes throw the following two innings and strike out two to improve to 6-0. Picking up his 13th career save would be Sanders to break the career record that he had tied last Friday while also tying the single-season save record set by Tommy Smoot (2003) and Alex Miller (2011) with seven saves. The outing also ran the season earned run average for Sanders down to 2.45 in 18 outings on the year. What's Next? The waiting game begins as Cloud County is currently scheduled to play in game eight of the Plains District Tournament on Thursday, May 18th at 1 PM against the loser of either fifth-seeded Johnson County or top-seeded Cowley. Johnson County defeated Colby by a score of 11-1 in five innings in a game that was moved from Tuesday night to 8 AM on Wednesday while Cowley had their game against Butler suspended in the bottom of the eighth on Tuesday before walking off the Grizzlies in the 11th. The Cowley/Johnson County game is scheduled to be the final game of the day on Wednesday, with the Colby/Butler elimination game and Kansas City Kansas/Hutchinson winner's bracket game to take place prior to their game.

T-Bird baseball extends season with win over Barton

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Daniel Salloi scored two goals to spark Sporting Kansas City to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids. 

Salloi gave Sporting KC (3-7-3) a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Lucas Esteves pulled the Rapids (4-5-3) even with a goal in the 29th minute.

 Salloi's game-winner came five minutes into the second half.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Daniel Salloi scored two goals to spark Sporting Kansas City to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Salloi gave Sporting KC (3-7-3) a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Lucas Esteves pulled the Rapids (4-5-3) even with a goal in the 29th minute. Salloi's game-winner came five minutes into the second half.

Salloi propels Sporting KC to 2-1 victory over Colorado

The Southeast of Saline track and field teams will head to Phillipsburg on Thursday for this year’s regional meet, hoping to set themselves up well for state later this month.

The boy’s team will enter this regional as favorites, following their first back-to-back league championships in program history.

“We were very excited about that finish,” SES head coach Wade Caselman said. “We knew that our seniors and juniors would lead the way but our underclassmen really stepped up and got us some points in events where we weren’t expecting to score a ton and we were really pleased with them.”

On the boy’s side, Southeast will have to contend with the likes of Hoisington, Smoky Valley, Scott City, and Beloit for a limited number of tickets to state in a loaded Phillipsburg regional.

All eyes will be on Chase Poague and Dylan Sprecker, who have dominated every event that they have entered this season. Poague will appear in both hurdle events and the 100m dash while Sprecker looks to sweep the 800, 1600, and 3200.

SES should see the likes of Michael Murray, Nakari Morrical-Palmer, Omar Calzada, and the distance trio of Levi Allen, Cayden Walker, and Damion Jackson punch their tickets to the season finale as well.

While those upperclassmen have stolen the show all season long, the Trojans are also looking forward to an opportunity for some of their rising stars to steal some entries after a strong showing at league.

“The depth that we’ve found this year will be huge in a regional like this,” Caselman said. “Those younger kids like Tate Nurnberg have been coming on strong in these last few weeks and we’re hoping to see more good things from them.”

On the girl’s side, a strong core of distance runners anchored by Jentrie Alderson, Ashley Prochazka, and Abby Commerford will look to make an appearance in Wichita as well after strong seasons on the track.

“We’re taking nine girls to regionals and we’re hoping to get as many individuals qualified as we can,” he said. “We feel strong about our distance runners, our 4x8, and Ivie Douglas in the discus.”

The top four finishers in each event will be sent through to the state meet in Wichita on May 27-28, a meet that the SES boy’s team hopes will give them an opportunity to repeat as state champions.

For continuing coverage of SES track and field all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES track and field is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES track and field is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline track and field teams will head to Phillipsburg on Thursday for this year’s regional meet, hoping to set themselves up well for state later this month.The boy’s team will enter this regional as favorites, following their first back-to-back league championships in program history.“We were very excited about that finish,” SES head coach Wade Caselman said. “We knew that our seniors and juniors would lead the way but our underclassmen really stepped up and got us some points in events where we weren’t expecting to score a ton and we were really pleased with them.”On the boy’s side, Southeast will have to contend with the likes of Hoisington, Smoky Valley, Scott City, and Beloit for a limited number of tickets to state in a loaded Phillipsburg regional.All eyes will be on Chase Poague and Dylan Sprecker, who have dominated every event that they have entered this season. Poague will appear in both hurdle events and the 100m dash while Sprecker looks to sweep the 800, 1600, and 3200.SES should see the likes of Michael Murray, Nakari Morrical-Palmer, Omar Calzada, and the distance trio of Levi Allen, Cayden Walker, and Damion Jackson punch their tickets to the season finale as well.While those upperclassmen have stolen the show all season long, the Trojans are also looking forward to an opportunity for some of their rising stars to steal some entries after a strong showing at league.“The depth that we’ve found this year will be huge in a regional like this,” Caselman said. “Those younger kids like Tate Nurnberg have been coming on strong in these last few weeks and we’re hoping to see more good things from them.”On the girl’s side, a strong core of distance runners anchored by Jentrie Alderson, Ashley Prochazka, and Abby Commerford will look to make an appearance in Wichita as well after strong seasons on the track.“We’re taking nine girls to regionals and we’re hoping to get as many individuals qualified as we can,” he said. “We feel strong about our distance runners, our 4x8, and Ivie Douglas in the discus.”The top four finishers in each event will be sent through to the state meet in Wichita on May 27-28, a meet that the SES boy’s team hopes will give them an opportunity to repeat as state champions.For continuing coverage of SES track and field all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Trojan track prepares for loaded Phillipsburg regional

The Southeast of Saline softball season came to a close on Tuesday as the Lady Trojans fell to the hosts of this year’s Halstead regional.

The Dragons jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but SES was able to trim the deficit to one with a big run in the fourth and two more in the fifth.

Unfortunately for Southeast, a five-spot for the Dragons in the top of the sixth proved too much to overcome as Halstead hung onto a 9-3 semifinal victory before falling to Council Grove in the regional final.

“We were disappointed in the outcome but hopefully this makes us even hungrier next year,” SES head coach Pesha Ptacek said.

The Lady Trojan season concludes at a very respectable 16-6, extending a streak of eight consecutive winning seasons.

Southeast should be a force to be reckoned with again next year as the youthful squad retains almost all of their heavy hitters, including 100% of one of the most formidable pitching staffs in 3A.

“We are sad to lose our seniors but we’re excited to have nine starters, including all three pitchers in Brenna, Carly, and Lexi, back next year,” Ptacek said.

In the offseason, SES will say goodbye to graduating seniors Morgan Albrecht, Erica Francis, Meaghan Roths, Lydia Friesen, and Hannah Trimble, but should be primed to retool and run it back in 2023.

For continuing coverage of Southeast of Saline athletics stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline softball season came to a close on Tuesday as the Lady Trojans fell to the hosts of this year’s Halstead regional.The Dragons jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but SES was able to trim the deficit to one with a big run in the fourth and two more in the fifth.Unfortunately for Southeast, a five-spot for the Dragons in the top of the sixth proved too much to overcome as Halstead hung onto a 9-3 semifinal victory before falling to Council Grove in the regional final.“We were disappointed in the outcome but hopefully this makes us even hungrier next year,” SES head coach Pesha Ptacek said.The Lady Trojan season concludes at a very respectable 16-6, extending a streak of eight consecutive winning seasons.Southeast should be a force to be reckoned with again next year as the youthful squad retains almost all of their heavy hitters, including 100% of one of the most formidable pitching staffs in 3A.“We are sad to lose our seniors but we’re excited to have nine starters, including all three pitchers in Brenna, Carly, and Lexi, back next year,” Ptacek said. In the offseason, SES will say goodbye to graduating seniors Morgan Albrecht, Erica Francis, Meaghan Roths, Lydia Friesen, and Hannah Trimble, but should be primed to retool and run it back in 2023.For continuing coverage of Southeast of Saline athletics stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Lady Trojan playoff push comes to a close at the hands of Halstead

The Southeast of Saline baseball season met an unfortunate end on Tuesday at the hands of Halstead as the eventual regional champs eliminated the Trojans 8-3 before finishing off Haven 11-2 to punch their ticket to state.

SES wraps up their 2022 campaign at a still impressive 17-5, including an 8-2 league record to earn a share of a fifth straight NCAA title.

“Halstead played outstanding baseball and we just couldn’t get anything going in this one,” SES head coach Mike Garretson said.

The Dragons spread their attack throughout the seven-inning affair, scoring two in the first, one in the second, two in the third, and three in the fourth.

Timely hitting was the name of the game for Halstead, who scored seven of their eight runs with two away in the frame.

Jase Mueller put together a fantastic effort on the mound, allowing just three runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts in a complete-game showing.

The Trojans started to rally in the seventh with two runs of their own, but the effort fell short as the Dragons took the semifinal 8-3.

“It’s certainly hard to lose and end the year but it was another fun and enjoyable season,” Garretson said. “Our five seniors gave it their all and we have a tremendous group of juniors that will be rock-solid next year.”

SES will say goodbye to Clayton Meier, Hart Nurnberg, Bryce Cooper, Jaython Mathis, and Evan Nickelson this offseason, a senior core that undoubtedly made their mark on Trojan baseball over the last four years.

Despite heavy losses, Southeast will still return a ton of talent next year, and will look to reload and run it back in 2023.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline baseball season met an unfortunate end on Tuesday at the hands of Halstead as the eventual regional champs eliminated the Trojans 8-3 before finishing off Haven 11-2 to punch their ticket to state.SES wraps up their 2022 campaign at a still impressive 17-5, including an 8-2 league record to earn a share of a fifth straight NCAA title.“Halstead played outstanding baseball and we just couldn’t get anything going in this one,” SES head coach Mike Garretson said.The Dragons spread their attack throughout the seven-inning affair, scoring two in the first, one in the second, two in the third, and three in the fourth.Timely hitting was the name of the game for Halstead, who scored seven of their eight runs with two away in the frame.Jase Mueller put together a fantastic effort on the mound, allowing just three runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts in a complete-game showing.The Trojans started to rally in the seventh with two runs of their own, but the effort fell short as the Dragons took the semifinal 8-3.“It’s certainly hard to lose and end the year but it was another fun and enjoyable season,” Garretson said. “Our five seniors gave it their all and we have a tremendous group of juniors that will be rock-solid next year.”SES will say goodbye to Clayton Meier, Hart Nurnberg, Bryce Cooper, Jaython Mathis, and Evan Nickelson this offseason, a senior core that undoubtedly made their mark on Trojan baseball over the last four years.Despite heavy losses, Southeast will still return a ton of talent next year, and will look to reload and run it back in 2023.

Regional run halted in Halstead for Trojan baseball

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas City Monarchs (2-2) came back from a three-run deficit in the third inning to win the first game of the series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (2-2) with a score of 6-4 late Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

The first inning was a pitcher’s duel, but the RedHawks were the first to break the tie in the top of the second inning all thanks to a big fly from John Silviano (1-0). Sam Dexter tacked on one more run a few batters later with a scorching single (2-0).

Kansas City has trailed at one point in three out of the first four games, so this early deficit did not rattle the Monarchs one bit. Veteran Darnell Sweeney stepped up to the plate and sent his first home run of the season out to the “home run patio” in left field, bringing his team to within one (3-2). Fast forward two innings later and David Thompson played copycat by launching another Monarch home run to the patio to tie the game (3-3).&nbsp;

Both pitchers tossed a clean inning in the fourth, this inning being the last for Jon Harris. Harris would finish his first career start as a Monarch with 4IP, 3H, 3R, 3BB, and 3 K’s. His counterpart, Ryan Flores, fanned six Kansas City hitters, and did not allow any free passes. Flores exited after 5IP, 3H, and 3R.&nbsp;

C.J. Carter served as the first man in relief for starter Jon Harris. Carter made his first appearance for the club and battled adversity. After surrendering a double and two walks, the bases were loaded for the RedHawks. Carter refocused and dialed it in by getting two flyouts, and a ground ball to the first baseman to escape the jam.&nbsp;

The sixth inning is where the Monarchs made their move. Manager Joe Calfapietra’s lineup rallied to put up three runs off of a double from Gabby Guerrero and a single by Matt Adams (6-3).

The RedHawks would make a run at a comeback, but came up short due to the stout bullpen of the Monarchs. Fargo got their fourth run of the game in the eighth inning from a Peter Maris double (6-4). After that the pitching for Kansas City tightened down to close out the game.&nbsp;

Jameson McGrane came in to work the final inning to earn his first save of the year. The lengthy righty faced four batters, only one reaching by way of error.&nbsp;

Game two against Fargo-Moorhead is Thursday at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/kansas-city-monarchs-baseball" target="_blank">Monarchs Broadcast Network</a>&nbsp;with the pre-game beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the video stream airing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aabaseball.tv/" target="_blank">aabaseball.tv.</a>

Tickets&nbsp;to&nbsp;all&nbsp;Monarchs&nbsp;games&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;by&nbsp;calling&nbsp;913-328-5618&nbsp;or&nbsp;by&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://monarchsbaseball.com/" target="_blank">monarchsbaseball.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652848362049.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Monarchs' Darnell Sweeny goes deep. Photo courtesy Kansas City Monarchs" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Monarchs' Darnell Sweeny goes deep. Photo courtesy Kansas City Monarchs</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City MonarchsKANSAS CITY, Kan. —&nbsp;The Kansas City Monarchs (2-2) came back from a three-run deficit in the third inning to win the first game of the series against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (2-2) with a score of 6-4 late Tuesday evening.&nbsp;The first inning was a pitcher’s duel, but the RedHawks were the first to break the tie in the top of the second inning all thanks to a big fly from John Silviano (1-0). Sam Dexter tacked on one more run a few batters later with a scorching single (2-0).Kansas City has trailed at one point in three out of the first four games, so this early deficit did not rattle the Monarchs one bit. Veteran Darnell Sweeney stepped up to the plate and sent his first home run of the season out to the “home run patio” in left field, bringing his team to within one (3-2). Fast forward two innings later and David Thompson played copycat by launching another Monarch home run to the patio to tie the game (3-3).&nbsp;Both pitchers tossed a clean inning in the fourth, this inning being the last for Jon Harris. Harris would finish his first career start as a Monarch with 4IP, 3H, 3R, 3BB, and 3 K’s. His counterpart, Ryan Flores, fanned six Kansas City hitters, and did not allow any free passes. Flores exited after 5IP, 3H, and 3R.&nbsp;C.J. Carter served as the first man in relief for starter Jon Harris. Carter made his first appearance for the club and battled adversity. After surrendering a double and two walks, the bases were loaded for the RedHawks. Carter refocused and dialed it in by getting two flyouts, and a ground ball to the first baseman to escape the jam.&nbsp;The sixth inning is where the Monarchs made their move. Manager Joe Calfapietra’s lineup rallied to put up three runs off of a double from Gabby Guerrero and a single by Matt Adams (6-3).The RedHawks would make a run at a comeback, but came up short due to the stout bullpen of the Monarchs. Fargo got their fourth run of the game in the eighth inning from a Peter Maris double (6-4). After that the pitching for Kansas City tightened down to close out the game.&nbsp;Jameson McGrane came in to work the final inning to earn his first save of the year. The lengthy righty faced four batters, only one reaching by way of error.&nbsp;Game two against Fargo-Moorhead is Thursday at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on the&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/kansas-city-monarchs-baseball" target="_blank">Monarchs Broadcast Network</a>&nbsp;with the pre-game beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the video stream airing on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aabaseball.tv/" target="_blank">aabaseball.tv.</a>Tickets&nbsp;to&nbsp;all&nbsp;Monarchs&nbsp;games&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;by&nbsp;calling&nbsp;913-328-5618&nbsp;or&nbsp;by&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://monarchsbaseball.com/" target="_blank">monarchsbaseball.com</a>.

Monarchs defeat RedHawks 6-4

WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Wichita Wind Surge defeated the Springfield Cardinals 11-9 in a wild come from behind game.&nbsp;

The Cardinals took an early lead at the top of the second off a Nick Dunn two-run bomb. They continued to pile up three more runs though the fifth.

Alex Isola hammered a grand slam home run in the fourth inning to tie the game at five.&nbsp; Isola had three hits and five RBI in the game.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Springfield rebuilt their lead with a 3-run RBI double by Pedro Pages in the sixth inning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652847957417.jpeg" alt="Alex Isola hit a grand slam in the fourth. Photo courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Alex Isola hit a grand slam in the fourth. Photo courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Wichita Wind Surge defeated the Springfield Cardinals 11-9 in a wild come from behind game.&nbsp;The Cardinals took an early lead at the top of the second off a Nick Dunn two-run bomb. They continued to pile up three more runs though the fifth.Alex Isola hammered a grand slam home run in the fourth inning to tie the game at five.&nbsp; Isola had three hits and five RBI in the game.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Springfield rebuilt their lead with a 3-run RBI double by Pedro Pages in the sixth inning.The Surge offense responded with a 6-run rally in the seventh inning, sending ten batters to the plate.Kody Funderburk extended his record 3-0, while Steven Cruz is credited with the save. Funderburk worked 1.2 innings allowing only 2 hits, no runs and 2 strikeouts.Notes: Matt Canterino allowed his first earned runs in five games… Alex Isola hit his fifth home run of the season… DaShawn Keirsey stole his eleventh base…The 17 hits is a season high for the Wind Surge.&nbsp;Coming Up: The Wind Surge and Cardinals will resume play tomorrow (5/18). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Louie Varland will start for the Surge against Edgar Escobar. Catch the game on<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,CRG5XB1YgL1NTDh3qEJzEgV0qEUw9ORhGnxKf5V7Bzu2sNCpkycMKSZx1dlcJ2O4k3TKW-fqT-G4XrqNnEVrKcyXNvvjNRzSijJ_KuTsp7R6UCBv&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fMiLB.com&amp;c=E,1,CRG5XB1YgL1NTDh3qEJzEgV0qEUw9ORhGnxKf5V7Bzu2sNCpkycMKSZx1dlcJ2O4k3TKW-fqT-G4XrqNnEVrKcyXNvvjNRzSijJ_KuTsp7R6UCBv&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">MiLB.com</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://Windsurge.com">Windsurge.com</a>.

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