WICHITA, Kan. - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/876e3a05-499e-4098-9cea-a2edcca87d2b?elinkdata=21592">Chihiro Iwata</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from March 3-9 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a033ca9d-50b9-4b13-9ebe-23bbecfb7d3c?elinkdata=21592">Equity Bank</a>.

Iwata was exceptional in a three game week for the Coyotes, who went 3-0, outscoring opponents 137-18. Iwata completed 75 percent of passes, throwing for 777 yards and 14 touchdowns on the week. She also ran for 59 yards on six carries and scored twice. She threw for 299 yards and five touchdowns against Southwestern, 302 yards and five touchdowns against Pratt, and 176 yards and four touchdowns against Cottey College.

She was able to accomplish all these offensive superlatives without playing a full game in any of the three contests.

WICHITA, Kan. - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/876e3a05-499e-4098-9cea-a2edcca87d2b?elinkdata=21592">Chihiro Iwata</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from March 3-9 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a033ca9d-50b9-4b13-9ebe-23bbecfb7d3c?elinkdata=21592">Equity Bank</a>.Iwata was exceptional in a three game week for the Coyotes, who went 3-0, outscoring opponents 137-18. Iwata completed 75 percent of passes, throwing for 777 yards and 14 touchdowns on the week. She also ran for 59 yards on six carries and scored twice. She threw for 299 yards and five touchdowns against Southwestern, 302 yards and five touchdowns against Pratt, and 176 yards and four touchdowns against Cottey College.She was able to accomplish all these offensive superlatives without playing a full game in any of the three contests.

Chihiro Iwata named KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seniors Coleman Hawkins and David N’Guessan were each honored for their respective seasons, as Hawkins was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team and N’Guessan to the Honorable Mention team in announcement by the conference office on Sunday (March 9).

It marked the first career Big 12 awards for Hawkins and N’Guessan, while they were the fifth and sixth Wildcats to be selected to the All-Big 12 teams under head coach Jerome Tang. Hawkins was named the Preseason Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year and to the Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team.

Hawkins is the first Wildcat to earn recognition to one of the three All-Big 12 teams since Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were elected to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2023.

The all-conference honors were the fourth in Hawkins’s career after he was named to the Big Ten Honorable Mention team at Illinois in 2023-24. He was also a Second Team pick by the AP and a Third Team honoree by the league media.

Big 12 regular-season champion Houston headlined the individual awards, as Cougars’ Joseph Tugler and LJ Cryer were selected as the Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, respectively, while head coach Kelvin Sampson was the league’s Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. Runner-up Texas Tech had both the Player and Newcomer of the Year in JT Toppin, while Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was Freshman of the Year, Iowa State’s Curtis Jones was the Sixth Man Award winner and BYU’s Richie Saunders was league’s Most Improved Player.

The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 16 coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

A 6-foot-10, 255-pound wing from Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins is the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He is averaging 10.4 points on 39.6 percent (108-of-273) shooting, including 29.8 percent (31-of-104) from 3-point range, to go with 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists. 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. He is the team leader in steals and blocks, while he is second in rebounding and assists and fourth in scoring. He has scored in double figures in 15 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he has tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.

A 6-foot-9, 220-pound wing from De Lier, The Netherlands, N’Guessan has been the Wildcats’ leading scorer and rebounder for most of the season, as he is averaging 13.3 points on a Big 12-best 63.8 percent (169-of-265) shooting from the field with 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures in a team-best 25 games, including a team-best five 20-point performance. He has also collected a team-best 6 double-doubles, including 5 in Big 12 play. In addition to being the league’s leader in field goal percentage, he ranks in the top 20 in both scoring and rebounding.

K-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) is the No. 10 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship and will face 15-seed Arizona State (13-18, 4-16 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The winner will get No. 7 seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday.

Player of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech

Defensive Player of the Year: Joseph Tugler, Houston

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: LJ Cryer, Houston

Freshman of the Year: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Newcomer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech

Sixth Man Award: Curtis Jones, Iowa State

Coach of the Year: Kelvin Sampson, Houston

Honorable Mention: Arizona: Tobe Awaka, Henri Veesaar; Baylor: Robert Wright; BYU: Egor Demin; UCF: Darius Johnson; Cincinnati: Jizzle James; Colorado: Julian Hammond III; Houston: Emanuel Sharp; Kansas: Dajuan Harris Jr.; Kansas State: David N’Guessan; Oklahoma State: Bryce Thompson; TCU: Noah Reynolds, Ernest Udeh Jr.; Utah: Gabe Madsen

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seniors Coleman Hawkins and David N’Guessan were each honored for their respective seasons, as Hawkins was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team and N’Guessan to the Honorable Mention team in announcement by the conference office on Sunday (March 9).It marked the first career Big 12 awards for Hawkins and N’Guessan, while they were the fifth and sixth Wildcats to be selected to the All-Big 12 teams under head coach Jerome Tang. Hawkins was named the Preseason Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year and to the Preseason All-Big 12 Second Team.Hawkins is the first Wildcat to earn recognition to one of the three All-Big 12 teams since Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell were elected to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2023.The all-conference honors were the fourth in Hawkins’s career after he was named to the Big Ten Honorable Mention team at Illinois in 2023-24. He was also a Second Team pick by the AP and a Third Team honoree by the league media.Big 12 regular-season champion Houston headlined the individual awards, as Cougars’ Joseph Tugler and LJ Cryer were selected as the Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, respectively, while head coach Kelvin Sampson was the league’s Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season. Runner-up Texas Tech had both the Player and Newcomer of the Year in JT Toppin, while Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was Freshman of the Year, Iowa State’s Curtis Jones was the Sixth Man Award winner and BYU’s Richie Saunders was league’s Most Improved Player.The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 16 coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.A 6-foot-10, 255-pound wing from Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins is the only Division I player in the country to average at least 10 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He is averaging 10.4 points on 39.6 percent (108-of-273) shooting, including 29.8 percent (31-of-104) from 3-point range, to go with 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists. 1.9 steals and 1.3 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. He is the team leader in steals and blocks, while he is second in rebounding and assists and fourth in scoring. He has scored in double figures in 15 games, including 10 times in Big 12 play, while he has tallied 3 double-doubles, including a points/assists double-double at Kansas on Jan. 18.A 6-foot-9, 220-pound wing from De Lier, The Netherlands, N’Guessan has been the Wildcats’ leading scorer and rebounder for most of the season, as he is averaging 13.3 points on a Big 12-best 63.8 percent (169-of-265) shooting from the field with 7.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures in a team-best 25 games, including a team-best five 20-point performance. He has also collected a team-best 6 double-doubles, including 5 in Big 12 play. In addition to being the league’s leader in field goal percentage, he ranks in the top 20 in both scoring and rebounding.K-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) is the No. 10 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship and will face 15-seed Arizona State (13-18, 4-16 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Tuesday at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The winner will get No. 7 seed Baylor (18-13, 10-10 Big 12) at 6 p.m., CT on Wednesday.Phillips 66 All-Big 12 AwardsPlayer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas TechDefensive Player of the Year: Joseph Tugler, HoustonScholar-Athlete of the Year: LJ Cryer, HoustonFreshman of the Year: VJ Edgecombe, BaylorNewcomer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas TechSixth Man Award: Curtis Jones, Iowa StateMost Improved: Richie Saunders, BYUCoach of the Year: Kelvin Sampson, HoustonAll-Big 12 First TeamCaleb Love, ArizonaNorchad Omier, BaylorRichie Saunders, BYULJ Cryer, HoustonJ’Wan Roberts, HoustonCurtis Jones, Iowa StateHunter Dickinson, KansasJT Toppin, Texas Tech*Darrion Williams, Texas TechJavon Small, West VirginiaAll-Big 12 Second TeamVJ Edgecombe, BaylorKeyshawn Hall, UCFMilos Uzan, HoustonJoshua Jefferson, Iowa StateChance McMillian, Texas TechAll-Big 12 Third TeamJoseph Tugler, HoustonZeke Mayo, KansasColeman Hawkins, Kansas StateKeshon Gilbert, Iowa StateTamin Lipsey, Iowa StateHonorable Mention: Arizona: Tobe Awaka, Henri Veesaar; Baylor: Robert Wright; BYU: Egor Demin; UCF: Darius Johnson; Cincinnati: Jizzle James; Colorado: Julian Hammond III; Houston: Emanuel Sharp; Kansas: Dajuan Harris Jr.; Kansas State: David N’Guessan; Oklahoma State: Bryce Thompson; TCU: Noah Reynolds, Ernest Udeh Jr.; Utah: Gabe MadsenAll-Defensive TeamJayden Quaintance, Arizona StateJ’Wan Roberts, HoustonJoseph Tugler, HoustonTamin Lipsey, Iowa StateSencire Harris, West VirginiaAll-Freshman TeamJayden Quaintance, Arizona StateVJ Edgecombe, BaylorRobert Wright, BaylorEgor Demin, BYUChristian Anderson, Texas TechAll-Newcomer TeamNorchad Omier, BaylorKeyshawn Hall, UCFJoshua Jefferson, Iowa StateZeke Mayo, Kansas

Hawkins, N’Guessan Honored by Big 12

McPHERSON, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball took Sunday's match-up with the McPherson College Bulldogs 12-5, earning the series win over the Bulldogs at Bulldog Park.

The Coyotes improved to 14-9 overall and 9-3 with the win and are third in the KCAC currently, just two games behind first place Ottawa.

The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf91076e-b760-4fce-a58a-c63ef84f8906?elinkdata=21561">Jacob Williamson</a> led off with a single, followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3367fd4f-f695-4474-9e70-b424affd1b75?elinkdata=21561">Tyler Favretto</a> reaching on an error. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc1347f2-6c57-447f-b269-b2faa05de408?elinkdata=21561">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> knocked in the run with a single to left.

McPherson scored twice in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead, but in the top of the second the Coyotes reclaimed the lead. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03857f85-e40b-489e-bbd2-54683374e0cb?elinkdata=21561">Coulson Riggs</a> led off the inning with a single and then scored on Williamson's ground out. Favretto walked and the go-ahead run came across on a wild pitch as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eeea19f7-cc6e-4b78-9168-3925adcde26e?elinkdata=21561">Blake Dale</a> scored after doubling earlier in the inning.

The Bulldogs tied in the bottom of the inning on a catcher's interference with the bases loaded, but KWU had a response again.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85813d88-f1eb-411d-9632-ea1c43f0ed67?elinkdata=21561">Garrett Garfield</a> led off the third with a single and Ruvalcaba followed with a double. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee611266-0fd1-42e6-87e4-abaf8dc3155b?elinkdata=21561">Carter Allen's</a> sacrifice fly brought in the go-ahead run and Riggs also brought in a run with a sacrifice fly making it 5-3.

Garfield doubled in the fourth to score Williamson in the fourth to extend the Coyote lead.

The Coyotes added two more in the fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bd1cf216-5b06-4c1a-9249-90aef27352d7?elinkdata=21561">Joe Finder</a> led off the inning with a walk, but was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice. Dale then doubled to bring in two runs and give the Coyotes an 8-3 lead.

The score stayed the same until the eighth when Allen homered and in the bottom of the inning McPherson pushed two runs across to make it 9-5.

Wesleyan added three in the ninth as Dale led off reaching on an error then scored on Favretto's single. Three spots later, Allen doubled to bring in two runs.

Wesleyan's offensive attack was very balanced as seven different players had two hits each. Allen drove in four runs.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/608504fe-f4b7-4ff0-b9f2-f3e69e01d3ef?elinkdata=21561">Nathan Galusha</a> went six innings for the Coyotes, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits while striking out eight.

McPHERSON, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball took Sunday's match-up with the McPherson College Bulldogs 12-5, earning the series win over the Bulldogs at Bulldog Park.The Coyotes improved to 14-9 overall and 9-3 with the win and are third in the KCAC currently, just two games behind first place Ottawa.The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cf91076e-b760-4fce-a58a-c63ef84f8906?elinkdata=21561">Jacob Williamson</a> led off with a single, followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3367fd4f-f695-4474-9e70-b424affd1b75?elinkdata=21561">Tyler Favretto</a> reaching on an error. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc1347f2-6c57-447f-b269-b2faa05de408?elinkdata=21561">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> knocked in the run with a single to left.McPherson scored twice in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead, but in the top of the second the Coyotes reclaimed the lead. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03857f85-e40b-489e-bbd2-54683374e0cb?elinkdata=21561">Coulson Riggs</a> led off the inning with a single and then scored on Williamson's ground out. Favretto walked and the go-ahead run came across on a wild pitch as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eeea19f7-cc6e-4b78-9168-3925adcde26e?elinkdata=21561">Blake Dale</a> scored after doubling earlier in the inning.The Bulldogs tied in the bottom of the inning on a catcher's interference with the bases loaded, but KWU had a response again.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85813d88-f1eb-411d-9632-ea1c43f0ed67?elinkdata=21561">Garrett Garfield</a> led off the third with a single and Ruvalcaba followed with a double. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee611266-0fd1-42e6-87e4-abaf8dc3155b?elinkdata=21561">Carter Allen's</a> sacrifice fly brought in the go-ahead run and Riggs also brought in a run with a sacrifice fly making it 5-3.Garfield doubled in the fourth to score Williamson in the fourth to extend the Coyote lead.The Coyotes added two more in the fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bd1cf216-5b06-4c1a-9249-90aef27352d7?elinkdata=21561">Joe Finder</a> led off the inning with a walk, but was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice. Dale then doubled to bring in two runs and give the Coyotes an 8-3 lead.The score stayed the same until the eighth when Allen homered and in the bottom of the inning McPherson pushed two runs across to make it 9-5.Wesleyan added three in the ninth as Dale led off reaching on an error then scored on Favretto's single. Three spots later, Allen doubled to bring in two runs.Wesleyan's offensive attack was very balanced as seven different players had two hits each. Allen drove in four runs.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/608504fe-f4b7-4ff0-b9f2-f3e69e01d3ef?elinkdata=21561">Nathan Galusha</a> went six innings for the Coyotes, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits while striking out eight.

KWU Baseball takes series with McPherson with 12-5 win over Bulldogs

Sub-State basketball tournaments have officially concluded across the state of Kansas, after 20 of our area teams battled it out for spots in this year's state tournaments.

Two teams from our area succeeded in their task, and next week, Abilene's boys (4A) and Ell-Saline's boys (2A) will both have an opportunity to contend for a state title.

Below you can find results from the week for boys and girls teams from Salina Central, Salina South, Abilene, Chapman, Southeast of Saline, Ellsworth, Minneapolis, Sacred Heart, Ell-Saline, Bennington and Solomon.

Saturday Girls Championships Inman 61, Bennington 44

Friday Boys Championships Abilene 48, Wellington 43 Ell-Saline 69, Bennington 68

Thursday Results Goodland girls 45, Ellsworth 26

Girls matchups Bennington 49, Wichita Classical 36 Clay Center 65, Chapman 36 Buhler 62, Abilene 41

Boys matchups Andover 61, Salina Central 44 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 66, Salina South 43

Girls matchups Riley County 39, SE of Saline 18 Hesston 51, Minneapolis 39 Bishop Carroll 49, Salina South 23 Maize South 64, Salina Central 29

Boys Matchups Bennington 67, Sacred Heart 56 Ell-Saline 70, Hutch Trinity 42 Abilene 69, Mulvane 54

Girls matchups Bennington 55, Hutch Trinity 19 Hillsboro 34, Sacred Heart 23 Moundridge 64, Ell-Saline 26

Boys matchups Garden Plain 58, SE of Saline 41 Beloit 55, Ellsworth 36 Cheney 88, Minneapolis 36

Girls matchups SE of Saline 60, Wichita Collegiate 38 Minneapolis 47, Garden Plain 25 Ellsworth 54, Kingman 38

Boys matchups Ell-Saline 57, Sedgwick 35 Bennington 52, Solomon 41 Sacred Heart 58, Inman 43

Sub-State basketball tournaments have officially concluded across the state of Kansas, after 20 of our area teams battled it out for spots in this year's state tournaments.Two teams from our area succeeded in their task, and next week, Abilene's boys (4A) and Ell-Saline's boys (2A) will both have an opportunity to contend for a state title.Below you can find results from the week for boys and girls teams from Salina Central, Salina South, Abilene, Chapman, Southeast of Saline, Ellsworth, Minneapolis, Sacred Heart, Ell-Saline, Bennington and Solomon.Sub-State Championship ScheduleSaturday Girls Championships Inman 61, Bennington 44Friday Boys Championships Abilene 48, Wellington 43 Ell-Saline 69, Bennington 68 Thursday Results Goodland girls 45, Ellsworth 26 Wednesday ResultsGirls matchups Bennington 49, Wichita Classical 36 Clay Center 65, Chapman 36 Buhler 62, Abilene 41Boys matchups Andover 61, Salina Central 44 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 66, Salina South 43 Tuesday ResultsGirls matchups Riley County 39, SE of Saline 18 Hesston 51, Minneapolis 39 Bishop Carroll 49, Salina South 23 Maize South 64, Salina Central 29Boys Matchups Bennington 67, Sacred Heart 56 Ell-Saline 70, Hutch Trinity 42 Abilene 69, Mulvane 54 Friday ResultsGirls matchups Bennington 55, Hutch Trinity 19 Hillsboro 34, Sacred Heart 23 Moundridge 64, Ell-Saline 26Boys matchups Garden Plain 58, SE of Saline 41 Beloit 55, Ellsworth 36 Cheney 88, Minneapolis 36 Thursday ResultsGirls matchups SE of Saline 60, Wichita Collegiate 38 Minneapolis 47, Garden Plain 25 Ellsworth 54, Kingman 38Boys matchups Ell-Saline 57, Sedgwick 35 Bennington 52, Solomon 41 Sacred Heart 58, Inman 43

🏀 Area High School Sub-State Scoreboard

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Bennington girl’s basketball season met an unfortunate end on Saturday 61-44 at the hands of Inman in the sub-state championship game.

The Lady Bulldogs showed real fight early, but foul trouble and a lack of size proved too much for Bennington to overcome down the stretch.

In the first half, Bennington was able to wreck havoc on the Lady Teutons, forcing 12 first-half turnovers and cashing several of those in for easy transition buckets on the other end.

Thanks to Taleigh Watson in the first quarter and Khloe Dossett in the second, the Lady Bulldogs led by a point after one, and trailed by just six at the half.

Unfortunately, early in the third quarter, Jordan Bartlett would collect her third foul, and Rori Miles would do the same shortly after, sticking Bennington’s two best players on the bench for a majority of the frame.

Without that duo on the floor, the well dried up for the Lady Bulldogs, who scored just two points for the first seven minutes of the third quarter, watching a six-point deficit balloon to 22.

Miles and Bartlett returned to the floor in the fourth quarter but the damage was done and Inman punched their ticket to the 2A state tournament with a 61-44 win.

Miles led the charge in the loss with 12 points, joined in double figures by Taleigh Watson (10).

In the win, three different Lady Teutons scored ten or more points, including Suttyn Harris (15) Ellie Thimmesch (14) and Morgan Froese (13).

While this loss will sting for Bennington, the Lady Bulldogs can hold their heads high as they conclude a stellar campaign at 19-4.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Bennington girl’s basketball season met an unfortunate end on Saturday 61-44 at the hands of Inman in the sub-state championship game.The Lady Bulldogs showed real fight early, but foul trouble and a lack of size proved too much for Bennington to overcome down the stretch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the first half, Bennington was able to wreck havoc on the Lady Teutons, forcing 12 first-half turnovers and cashing several of those in for easy transition buckets on the other end.Thanks to Taleigh Watson in the first quarter and Khloe Dossett in the second, the Lady Bulldogs led by a point after one, and trailed by just six at the half.Unfortunately, early in the third quarter, Jordan Bartlett would collect her third foul, and Rori Miles would do the same shortly after, sticking Bennington’s two best players on the bench for a majority of the frame.Without that duo on the floor, the well dried up for the Lady Bulldogs, who scored just two points for the first seven minutes of the third quarter, watching a six-point deficit balloon to 22.Miles and Bartlett returned to the floor in the fourth quarter but the damage was done and Inman punched their ticket to the 2A state tournament with a 61-44 win.Miles led the charge in the loss with 12 points, joined in double figures by Taleigh Watson (10).In the win, three different Lady Teutons scored ten or more points, including Suttyn Harris (15) Ellie Thimmesch (14) and Morgan Froese (13).While this loss will sting for Bennington, the Lady Bulldogs can hold their heads high as they conclude a stellar campaign at 19-4.

Lady Bulldog season halted by Inman in sub-state championship

Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football appears to be hitting its stride. The Coyotes outscored Pratt Community College and Cottey College by a combined score of 99-6 on Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex.

Since flag football is still an emerging sport at the NAIA level, varsity competitions against junior college opponents are considered countable.

KWU beat Pratt 64-6 and followed with a 35-0 KCAC win over Cottey College. It was the fourth straight win for the Coyotes who improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the KCAC.

The Coyotes rocketed out to a 36-0 lead in the first quarter against Pratt and never looked back.

KWU took the ball first and used a 60-yard pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0779f386-0a4b-40c8-b8c6-2880eea53f64?elinkdata=21468">Chihiro Iwata</a> to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c036fc7-9f70-489f-b86a-caa5701b1cb6?elinkdata=21468">Ciaran DeCuir</a> to put the Coyotes on the board with 9:31 left in the first. The Coyotes intercepted Pratt on its first drive and two plays later the Coyotes were in the endzone again as Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b73a099-de07-466e-93e4-873a3c6cbe14?elinkdata=21468">Ava Duerr</a> from 14 yards out and the 2-point PAT made it 14-0 with 8:06 left in the first.

The Coyotes were just getting started. After a failed Pratt drive, Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd2cf0b8-480d-428e-aada-a36cb75dcf2c?elinkdata=21468">Angel Roman</a> for a 27-yard touchdown pass and the Coyotes extended the lead to 22-0 with 4:36 left in the first.

Another stalled Pratt drive led to more points for the Coyotes as Iwata took it 14 yards on the ground for the score making it 29-0 with 57 seconds left in the quarter.

Roman scored again in the quarter, picking off a Pratt pass and taking it back 15 yards for a Pick 6 with 49 seconds left in the half.

Pratt scored with 7:06 left in the second as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f4291d94-64a4-4a2e-a826-c0463d3b4ab6?elinkdata=21468">Soriah Tafua's</a> attempted halfback pass was picked off as the Pratt defender jumped up and volleyball-style blocked the ball down, grabbing and going 60 yards for the score.

The Coyotes answered right back as Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffd4e72f-3c8e-43b9-91cf-28df2824c696?elinkdata=21468">Jenise Washington</a> for a 60-yard scoring play and it was 43-6 with 6:23 left in the second.

The Coyotes would score on their first drive of the second half as Iwata ran it in again, this time from three yards out to make it 50-6 with 5:24 in the third.

Wesleyan added another score as Iwata hit Roman for a 7-yard score with 11:12 left in the fourth, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/49626ca0-7314-4cd9-b9e0-d16878c5f73c?elinkdata=21468">Emilee Buhl</a> hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fcadfd74-a031-41fa-a20a-cb158b35ab42?elinkdata=21468">Addison Cadwell</a> for a 21-yard touchdown pass with 5:36 left to make it 64-6.

The Coyotes outgained Pratt 388-125 in the game. Iwata was 18 of 24 passing for 302 yards and five touchdowns. She added four carries for 37 yards and two more scores. Buhl was 2 of 6 for 25 yards and a touchdown and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/42bdb907-7d9b-4054-93f0-b92d94a10aac?elinkdata=21468">Angelina Briano</a> was 2 of 3 for 11 yards.

Ten different receivers caught a pass. Roman had four catches for 59 yards and two scores. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b561e33e-03fa-4168-bd17-00852c44ce13?elinkdata=21468">Aliyah Wood</a> had six catches for 73 yards.

Defensively the Coyotes were very balanced as five different players had three flag pulls each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a2a2b97-c7cf-41bd-84f6-38962fb48d86?elinkdata=21468">Khylie Douglas</a> had two sacks, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c59286b9-9bb6-477f-a3e9-45cbb530142d?elinkdata=21468">Leila Casillan</a> had one. Roman, Washington and Wood had interceptions.

KWU then matched up with Cottey College in a Kansas Conference game. The Coyotes would toss the shutout, winning 35-0.

It took a bit for the Coyotes to get going.

KWU didn't score until the 1:02 mark in the first quarter as an interception by Wood set up a short field for the Coyotes and Iwata found Roman for another touchdown, this from 11 yards putting KWU up 7-0.

The Coyotes picked off Cottey again on the next drive and needed only one play for Iwata to find Roman again for a 21-yard score to make it 14-0 with 11:00 to go in the second.

Cottey drove to the KWU-24 but the drive stalled then and back went the Coyotes capping a four-play drive with Iwata's 8-yard pass to Wood to make it 20-0 with 1:58 left in the half.

Pinned deep in their own territory, a 15-yard punt by Cottey gave the Coyotes great field position at the Comets' 23-yard line and it was one play and in as KWU used a little trickery. Iwata handed off to Roman who rolled out and tossed a perfect strike to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee4f1822-8409-4c45-b642-c480549092cf?elinkdata=21468">Ciaran DeCuir</a> for the score with 13 seconds left before the half.

Wesleyan scored the last points of the day with 8:14 left in the third as the Coyotes went 66 yards in six plays with Iwata finding DeCuir from two yards out to make it 35-0.

The Coyotes again controlled the numbers, outgaining Cottey 292 to 131 in the game despite running 11 less plays. KWU averaged 12.2 yards per play.

Iwata was again stellar for the Coyotes going 12 of 17 for 176 yards and four scores. Buhl was 3 of 4 for 25 yards, and Briano was 4 of 5 for 29 yards.

Roman had six catches for 80 yards and two scores. DeCuir had four catches for 49 yards and two scores and Wood had two grabs for 32 yards.

Roman also led the defense with five flag pulls and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/927a4d5c-c119-4ce4-8e7b-f9c3a69b475c?elinkdata=21468">Alexa Mansur</a> had four.

Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football appears to be hitting its stride. The Coyotes outscored Pratt Community College and Cottey College by a combined score of 99-6 on Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium at Graves Family Sports Complex.Since flag football is still an emerging sport at the NAIA level, varsity competitions against junior college opponents are considered countable.KWU beat Pratt 64-6 and followed with a 35-0 KCAC win over Cottey College. It was the fourth straight win for the Coyotes who improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the KCAC.The Coyotes rocketed out to a 36-0 lead in the first quarter against Pratt and never looked back.KWU took the ball first and used a 60-yard pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0779f386-0a4b-40c8-b8c6-2880eea53f64?elinkdata=21468">Chihiro Iwata</a> to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c036fc7-9f70-489f-b86a-caa5701b1cb6?elinkdata=21468">Ciaran DeCuir</a> to put the Coyotes on the board with 9:31 left in the first. The Coyotes intercepted Pratt on its first drive and two plays later the Coyotes were in the endzone again as Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b73a099-de07-466e-93e4-873a3c6cbe14?elinkdata=21468">Ava Duerr</a> from 14 yards out and the 2-point PAT made it 14-0 with 8:06 left in the first.The Coyotes were just getting started. After a failed Pratt drive, Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd2cf0b8-480d-428e-aada-a36cb75dcf2c?elinkdata=21468">Angel Roman</a> for a 27-yard touchdown pass and the Coyotes extended the lead to 22-0 with 4:36 left in the first.Another stalled Pratt drive led to more points for the Coyotes as Iwata took it 14 yards on the ground for the score making it 29-0 with 57 seconds left in the quarter.Roman scored again in the quarter, picking off a Pratt pass and taking it back 15 yards for a Pick 6 with 49 seconds left in the half.Pratt scored with 7:06 left in the second as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f4291d94-64a4-4a2e-a826-c0463d3b4ab6?elinkdata=21468">Soriah Tafua's</a> attempted halfback pass was picked off as the Pratt defender jumped up and volleyball-style blocked the ball down, grabbing and going 60 yards for the score.The Coyotes answered right back as Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffd4e72f-3c8e-43b9-91cf-28df2824c696?elinkdata=21468">Jenise Washington</a> for a 60-yard scoring play and it was 43-6 with 6:23 left in the second.KWU would lead 43-6 at the break.The Coyotes would score on their first drive of the second half as Iwata ran it in again, this time from three yards out to make it 50-6 with 5:24 in the third.Wesleyan added another score as Iwata hit Roman for a 7-yard score with 11:12 left in the fourth, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/49626ca0-7314-4cd9-b9e0-d16878c5f73c?elinkdata=21468">Emilee Buhl</a> hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fcadfd74-a031-41fa-a20a-cb158b35ab42?elinkdata=21468">Addison Cadwell</a> for a 21-yard touchdown pass with 5:36 left to make it 64-6.The Coyotes outgained Pratt 388-125 in the game. Iwata was 18 of 24 passing for 302 yards and five touchdowns. She added four carries for 37 yards and two more scores. Buhl was 2 of 6 for 25 yards and a touchdown and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/42bdb907-7d9b-4054-93f0-b92d94a10aac?elinkdata=21468">Angelina Briano</a> was 2 of 3 for 11 yards.Ten different receivers caught a pass. Roman had four catches for 59 yards and two scores. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b561e33e-03fa-4168-bd17-00852c44ce13?elinkdata=21468">Aliyah Wood</a> had six catches for 73 yards.Defensively the Coyotes were very balanced as five different players had three flag pulls each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a2a2b97-c7cf-41bd-84f6-38962fb48d86?elinkdata=21468">Khylie Douglas</a> had two sacks, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c59286b9-9bb6-477f-a3e9-45cbb530142d?elinkdata=21468">Leila Casillan</a> had one. Roman, Washington and Wood had interceptions.KWU then matched up with Cottey College in a Kansas Conference game. The Coyotes would toss the shutout, winning 35-0.It took a bit for the Coyotes to get going.KWU didn't score until the 1:02 mark in the first quarter as an interception by Wood set up a short field for the Coyotes and Iwata found Roman for another touchdown, this from 11 yards putting KWU up 7-0.The Coyotes picked off Cottey again on the next drive and needed only one play for Iwata to find Roman again for a 21-yard score to make it 14-0 with 11:00 to go in the second.Cottey drove to the KWU-24 but the drive stalled then and back went the Coyotes capping a four-play drive with Iwata's 8-yard pass to Wood to make it 20-0 with 1:58 left in the half.Pinned deep in their own territory, a 15-yard punt by Cottey gave the Coyotes great field position at the Comets' 23-yard line and it was one play and in as KWU used a little trickery. Iwata handed off to Roman who rolled out and tossed a perfect strike to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee4f1822-8409-4c45-b642-c480549092cf?elinkdata=21468">Ciaran DeCuir</a> for the score with 13 seconds left before the half.Wesleyan scored the last points of the day with 8:14 left in the third as the Coyotes went 66 yards in six plays with Iwata finding DeCuir from two yards out to make it 35-0.The Coyotes again controlled the numbers, outgaining Cottey 292 to 131 in the game despite running 11 less plays. KWU averaged 12.2 yards per play.Iwata was again stellar for the Coyotes going 12 of 17 for 176 yards and four scores. Buhl was 3 of 4 for 25 yards, and Briano was 4 of 5 for 29 yards.Roman had six catches for 80 yards and two scores. DeCuir had four catches for 49 yards and two scores and Wood had two grabs for 32 yards.Roman also led the defense with five flag pulls and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/927a4d5c-c119-4ce4-8e7b-f9c3a69b475c?elinkdata=21468">Alexa Mansur</a> had four.

Coyote Flag Football cruises to two wins on Saturday

BRANSON, Mo. - For the first time in the last six two-game days, the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team did not split the games. The Coyotes got a 12-1 run-rule win over Mission and a 4-0 win over Mount Marty to sweep the second day of games at the Branson Grand Slam Classic at the Branson RecPlex on Saturday.

Against Mission, the Coyotes plated four runs in the top of the second inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/088c56c1-b857-455a-a776-d70469056da1?elinkdata=21437">Briannah Kutschkau</a> led off the inning with a single and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f541903-bc9e-4427-96a6-72795da39d3b?elinkdata=21437">Deja Rubio's</a> ground out. The Coyotes loaded the bases and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9775dab5-aad0-4b01-a0f0-e4a7b6c9a309?elinkdata=21437">Cadence Mallet</a> would reach on an error that would led two runs score. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af28fc20-3e8b-4a9d-aaa8-9b63be5a30b1?elinkdata=21437">Keira Hammen</a> added a RBI single in the inning.

The Coyotes added four more in the third. Kutschkau led off with a double, followed by a hit by Rubio. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23a82f98-b081-45a6-a462-74e0d79ba3ae?elinkdata=21437">Elli Han</a> was hit by a pitch to load the bases before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3e1985ba-e7e7-43c3-8ff3-7601c277dbdb?elinkdata=21437">Brooklyn Lange</a> single home two runs, Mallet reached on an error that yielded a run and Hammen singled to bring in the fourth tally of the frame.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97261ea9-df41-41aa-854d-b1208e2600ab?elinkdata=21437">Krista Yackeyonny</a> singled home Kutschkau, who led off the inning for a third straight frame in the fourth.

In the fifth the Coyotes got hits by Lange and Mallet and a walk to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/452f8a21-f8a5-4b18-89e7-94a7e10566ff?elinkdata=21437">Hailey Summers</a> to load the bases. Lange scored on a wild pitch and Kutschkau drove in two with a single.

Kutschkau was 4-for-4 in the game and Rubio added three hits and three others had two each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a803a435-9f04-4dbc-8d42-da0d9b51dcae?elinkdata=21437">Alli Mickelsen</a> got the win allowing one run on four hits.

Against Mount Marty, the Coyotes got on the board in the second when Kutschkau walked and then scored on a throwing error after stealing third base.

The Coyotes blew the game open in the fourth with three runs. Hammen singled, and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b0c7179-013c-4b8b-948d-018957926811?elinkdata=21437">Josie Buhr</a> would score later in the inning on a wild pitch. Rubio drove in a run on a squeeze bunt play and Han drove in the third run of the frame with a single to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64326be4-b745-47b7-a0a6-2c910c46a09d?elinkdata=21437">Cristabelle Alvarado</a>.

Wesleyan avoided danger twice late, getting Mount Marty to leave the bases loaded in the sixth and leaving two on in the seventh.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/448b8585-a383-4e0e-98d8-4e5f6f436af5?elinkdata=21437">Caitlyn Collier</a> scattered seven hits to pick up her second shutout win of the weekend. Four different players had hits.

BRANSON, Mo. - For the first time in the last six two-game days, the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team did not split the games. The Coyotes got a 12-1 run-rule win over Mission and a 4-0 win over Mount Marty to sweep the second day of games at the Branson Grand Slam Classic at the Branson RecPlex on Saturday.Against Mission, the Coyotes plated four runs in the top of the second inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/088c56c1-b857-455a-a776-d70469056da1?elinkdata=21437">Briannah Kutschkau</a> led off the inning with a single and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f541903-bc9e-4427-96a6-72795da39d3b?elinkdata=21437">Deja Rubio's</a> ground out. The Coyotes loaded the bases and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9775dab5-aad0-4b01-a0f0-e4a7b6c9a309?elinkdata=21437">Cadence Mallet</a> would reach on an error that would led two runs score. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af28fc20-3e8b-4a9d-aaa8-9b63be5a30b1?elinkdata=21437">Keira Hammen</a> added a RBI single in the inning.The Coyotes added four more in the third. Kutschkau led off with a double, followed by a hit by Rubio. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23a82f98-b081-45a6-a462-74e0d79ba3ae?elinkdata=21437">Elli Han</a> was hit by a pitch to load the bases before <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3e1985ba-e7e7-43c3-8ff3-7601c277dbdb?elinkdata=21437">Brooklyn Lange</a> single home two runs, Mallet reached on an error that yielded a run and Hammen singled to bring in the fourth tally of the frame.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97261ea9-df41-41aa-854d-b1208e2600ab?elinkdata=21437">Krista Yackeyonny</a> singled home Kutschkau, who led off the inning for a third straight frame in the fourth.In the fifth the Coyotes got hits by Lange and Mallet and a walk to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/452f8a21-f8a5-4b18-89e7-94a7e10566ff?elinkdata=21437">Hailey Summers</a> to load the bases. Lange scored on a wild pitch and Kutschkau drove in two with a single.Kutschkau was 4-for-4 in the game and Rubio added three hits and three others had two each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a803a435-9f04-4dbc-8d42-da0d9b51dcae?elinkdata=21437">Alli Mickelsen</a> got the win allowing one run on four hits.Against Mount Marty, the Coyotes got on the board in the second when Kutschkau walked and then scored on a throwing error after stealing third base.The Coyotes blew the game open in the fourth with three runs. Hammen singled, and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b0c7179-013c-4b8b-948d-018957926811?elinkdata=21437">Josie Buhr</a> would score later in the inning on a wild pitch. Rubio drove in a run on a squeeze bunt play and Han drove in the third run of the frame with a single to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64326be4-b745-47b7-a0a6-2c910c46a09d?elinkdata=21437">Cristabelle Alvarado</a>.Wesleyan avoided danger twice late, getting Mount Marty to leave the bases loaded in the sixth and leaving two on in the seventh.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/448b8585-a383-4e0e-98d8-4e5f6f436af5?elinkdata=21437">Caitlyn Collier</a> scattered seven hits to pick up her second shutout win of the weekend. Four different players had hits.

KWU Softball wins twice at Branson Grand Slam Classic

McPHERSON - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball split its doubleheader with the McPherson College Bulldogs on Saturday at Bulldog Park. KWU won the first game 8-3, but lost the second 6-5.

In the opener, the Coyotes broke a scoreless tie with six runs in the top of the second inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e48af7e4-e702-4df1-a4dd-2b30870bb12e?elinkdata=21406">Carter Allen</a> reached on an error to start the inning, then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6cfed26-210c-4380-bfde-ea665d5f4d05?elinkdata=21406">Jesse Conrad's</a> sacrifice fly. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/511f3117-4056-42ca-a1e6-308a069844f8?elinkdata=21406">Blake Dale</a> drove in two runs with a triple, and three batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f66522d-7ffe-4dc2-bd14-44dc509edcc1?elinkdata=21406">Garrett Garfield</a> hit a 3-run homer.

The Coyotes added two more runs in the fifth. Allen reached on an error and then scored on another error in the inning. After a single by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6141071-702f-4150-a04d-d5935fe83522?elinkdata=21406">Coulson Riggs</a>, Conrad drove in the second run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.

McPherson put two on the board in the seventh inning, and then in the ninth made things a little interesting. The Bulldogs had two on with no outs, but two strikeouts by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5de81a86-1e23-4d3a-8b9c-8b0fb3356885?elinkdata=21406">Hunter Blea</a> got the Coyotes an out away. Two hit batters later, McPherson had a run on the board making it 8-3, but a ground out would end it.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21bda308-ef44-45dd-bff7-27118c46db75?elinkdata=21406">Joe Finder</a>, Riggs and Dale had two hits each for the Coyotes. Garfield drove in three, Conrad and Dale two each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a2053c0-94c5-4c0d-a844-51947b4d37a6?elinkdata=21406">Tyler Favretto</a> walked three times in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f2d3497a-1179-4f21-b686-7ce20a9f0336?elinkdata=21406">Brett Maddock</a> went seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six. Blea went two innings allowing a run on two hits with two strikeouts.

In the second game, the Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d3b476a1-8083-440c-85b4-d98a951bc175?elinkdata=21406">Jacob Williamson</a> reached on an error and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/217b15ee-dc84-48bc-b912-fe0fbe5a5b90?elinkdata=21406">Fernando Ruvalcaba's</a> RBI ground out. Allen walked and two batters later, Riggs was issued a free pass with the bases loaded to bring in another run.

In the bottom of the inning, McPherson got three runs to take a 3-2 lead.

The Coyotes tied it in the fifth when Finder walked and then scored on a triple by Riggs. Riggs then scored on Conrad's sacrifice fly.

Wesleyan pushed ahead in the sixth as Williamson walked and then scored on Ruvalcaba's sacrifice fly.

McPherson grabbed the lead back on Peyton Starr's 2-run homer.

The Coyotes were limited to only four hits, two from Favretto. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e02a64c2-49a5-422d-90cf-c341ee373b0e?elinkdata=21406">Ritter Steinmann</a> took the loss allowing two runs in an inning of work. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/99045154-a23e-4038-b314-7b5444795ef9?elinkdata=21406">Nathan Righi</a> went three innings allowing four runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72ed12a2-9b88-4f0b-92d2-99e6ec6a8261?elinkdata=21406">Riley Gwin</a> went two innings allowing a hit.

McPHERSON - Kansas Wesleyan Baseball split its doubleheader with the McPherson College Bulldogs on Saturday at Bulldog Park. KWU won the first game 8-3, but lost the second 6-5.In the opener, the Coyotes broke a scoreless tie with six runs in the top of the second inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e48af7e4-e702-4df1-a4dd-2b30870bb12e?elinkdata=21406">Carter Allen</a> reached on an error to start the inning, then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6cfed26-210c-4380-bfde-ea665d5f4d05?elinkdata=21406">Jesse Conrad's</a> sacrifice fly. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/511f3117-4056-42ca-a1e6-308a069844f8?elinkdata=21406">Blake Dale</a> drove in two runs with a triple, and three batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f66522d-7ffe-4dc2-bd14-44dc509edcc1?elinkdata=21406">Garrett Garfield</a> hit a 3-run homer.The Coyotes added two more runs in the fifth. Allen reached on an error and then scored on another error in the inning. After a single by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6141071-702f-4150-a04d-d5935fe83522?elinkdata=21406">Coulson Riggs</a>, Conrad drove in the second run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.McPherson put two on the board in the seventh inning, and then in the ninth made things a little interesting. The Bulldogs had two on with no outs, but two strikeouts by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5de81a86-1e23-4d3a-8b9c-8b0fb3356885?elinkdata=21406">Hunter Blea</a> got the Coyotes an out away. Two hit batters later, McPherson had a run on the board making it 8-3, but a ground out would end it.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21bda308-ef44-45dd-bff7-27118c46db75?elinkdata=21406">Joe Finder</a>, Riggs and Dale had two hits each for the Coyotes. Garfield drove in three, Conrad and Dale two each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a2053c0-94c5-4c0d-a844-51947b4d37a6?elinkdata=21406">Tyler Favretto</a> walked three times in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f2d3497a-1179-4f21-b686-7ce20a9f0336?elinkdata=21406">Brett Maddock</a> went seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six. Blea went two innings allowing a run on two hits with two strikeouts.In the second game, the Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d3b476a1-8083-440c-85b4-d98a951bc175?elinkdata=21406">Jacob Williamson</a> reached on an error and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/217b15ee-dc84-48bc-b912-fe0fbe5a5b90?elinkdata=21406">Fernando Ruvalcaba's</a> RBI ground out. Allen walked and two batters later, Riggs was issued a free pass with the bases loaded to bring in another run.In the bottom of the inning, McPherson got three runs to take a 3-2 lead.The Coyotes tied it in the fifth when Finder walked and then scored on a triple by Riggs. Riggs then scored on Conrad's sacrifice fly.Wesleyan pushed ahead in the sixth as Williamson walked and then scored on Ruvalcaba's sacrifice fly.McPherson grabbed the lead back on Peyton Starr's 2-run homer.The Coyotes were limited to only four hits, two from Favretto. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e02a64c2-49a5-422d-90cf-c341ee373b0e?elinkdata=21406">Ritter Steinmann</a> took the loss allowing two runs in an inning of work. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/99045154-a23e-4038-b314-7b5444795ef9?elinkdata=21406">Nathan Righi</a> went three innings allowing four runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72ed12a2-9b88-4f0b-92d2-99e6ec6a8261?elinkdata=21406">Riley Gwin</a> went two innings allowing a hit.

Coyote baseball splits with McPherson

The Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball team is on a roll.

The Coyotes won their third consecutive match with a sweep of Graceland 25-18, 25-13, 25-16 on Saturday afternoon inside Mabee Arena. KWU improved to 7-7, 3-4 in the Heart of America Conference. Graceland fell to 2-13 and 0-8.

"That would be a nice way to play every match, but we know they aren't all like that," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94ab0d38-1c63-4d19-a0ed-902e31bad973?elinkdata=21375">Dustin Sahlmann</a> said. "But today was a good day."

The Coyotes hit at a sizzling .413 percentage while Graceland hit minus-.012 percent. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/68649b7f-d37f-44e2-a43e-76b4d7fb7657?elinkdata=21375">Ryan Wagner</a>, a sophomore opposite side hitter, had 10 kills with a scorching .917 hitting percentage. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a7518416-5901-413d-923f-41df23d6c8b5?elinkdata=21375">Zayin Martinez</a> added nine kills on a .538 hitting percentage,

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ec18963-59bd-45f4-af65-5a4caa25a0c1?elinkdata=21375">Justin Burras</a> had seven and freshman setter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/260ccc1f-8790-4a43-8205-57c24027529c?elinkdata=21375">Ethan Ricketts</a> had 29 assists.

Defensively Burras had nine digs and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/878c20f8-85e9-4505-a371-6fd470041b6b?elinkdata=21375">Jeremy Lapeze</a> seven.

"I thought that the energy could have been better but the intensity level and the ability to continue to do what we train during practice translated over really well today," Sahlmann said. "And I thought we were pretty efficient."

The Coyotes took control of the opening set with an 8-2 run that gave them an 18-11 lead. They closed it out on a Wagner kill.

Leading 7-6 in the second set KWU pulled away with another long run, this one 16-3, and led 23-9.

Graceland got within 16-12 in the third set, but the Coyotes scored seven of the next nine points and ended the set and match on Wagner's final kill.

"He had a huge change of mentality when he showed up in the fall and that's stayed pretty consistent," Sahlmann said of Wagner, "and as many 6-9 guys as you can put on the court is a benefit. It's nice to have him out there."

The Coyotes play Ottawa on Tuesday at Ottawa before home matches against No. 4-ranked Missouri Baptist on Friday and University Health Science and Pharmacy on Saturday - both in Mabee Arena.

The Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball team is on a roll.The Coyotes won their third consecutive match with a sweep of Graceland 25-18, 25-13, 25-16 on Saturday afternoon inside Mabee Arena. KWU improved to 7-7, 3-4 in the Heart of America Conference. Graceland fell to 2-13 and 0-8."That would be a nice way to play every match, but we know they aren't all like that," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94ab0d38-1c63-4d19-a0ed-902e31bad973?elinkdata=21375">Dustin Sahlmann</a> said. "But today was a good day."The Coyotes hit at a sizzling .413 percentage while Graceland hit minus-.012 percent. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/68649b7f-d37f-44e2-a43e-76b4d7fb7657?elinkdata=21375">Ryan Wagner</a>, a sophomore opposite side hitter, had 10 kills with a scorching .917 hitting percentage. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a7518416-5901-413d-923f-41df23d6c8b5?elinkdata=21375">Zayin Martinez</a> added nine kills on a .538 hitting percentage,<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ec18963-59bd-45f4-af65-5a4caa25a0c1?elinkdata=21375">Justin Burras</a> had seven and freshman setter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/260ccc1f-8790-4a43-8205-57c24027529c?elinkdata=21375">Ethan Ricketts</a> had 29 assists.Defensively Burras had nine digs and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/878c20f8-85e9-4505-a371-6fd470041b6b?elinkdata=21375">Jeremy Lapeze</a> seven."I thought that the energy could have been better but the intensity level and the ability to continue to do what we train during practice translated over really well today," Sahlmann said. "And I thought we were pretty efficient."The Coyotes took control of the opening set with an 8-2 run that gave them an 18-11 lead. They closed it out on a Wagner kill.Leading 7-6 in the second set KWU pulled away with another long run, this one 16-3, and led 23-9.Graceland got within 16-12 in the third set, but the Coyotes scored seven of the next nine points and ended the set and match on Wagner's final kill."He had a huge change of mentality when he showed up in the fall and that's stayed pretty consistent," Sahlmann said of Wagner, "and as many 6-9 guys as you can put on the court is a benefit. It's nice to have him out there."The Coyotes play Ottawa on Tuesday at Ottawa before home matches against No. 4-ranked Missouri Baptist on Friday and University Health Science and Pharmacy on Saturday - both in Mabee Arena.

KWU Men's Volleyball gets third straight win in sweep of Graceland

LAWRENCE, Ks. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson matched a career high with 33 points to lead Kansas past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 24</a>&nbsp;Arizona 83-76 on Saturday.

Zeke Mayo drilled five three-pointers and had 20 points while KJ Adams Jr. scored 12, including three dunks while the Jayhawks (20-11, 11-9 Big 12) built a 14-point first-half lead.

The Wildcats (20-11, 14-6) rallied for a brief lead before Dickinson took over, scoring 16 in the first half on 8-of-9 shooting, giving the Jayhawks a 39-30 halftime advantage.

Dickinson grabbed 10 rebounds for his 15th double-double of the year. He was 15 of 23 from the floor.

Jaden Bradley led Arizona with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting and made all seven of his free-throw attempts. Caleb Love had 16 points and Trey Townsend scored 13 off the bench.

As Bradley and Love traded baskets, Arizona erased Kansas’ halftime advantage, taking a short-lived two-point lead at 68-66 with 6:02 to play. The pair combined for 26 second-half points.

Kansas has won 42 consecutive home finales and reached the 20-win mark for the 36th straight year.

Arizona has lost 5 of 8 since a six-game winning streak.

Adams tipped a rebound of Dickinson’s 3-point miss, then dunked an alley-oop pass for a 79-72 lead with 1:22. Adams had four dunks.

Kansas recorded 14 assists against one first-half turnover.

Arizona: Begins Big 12 Tournament play Thursday as the No. 2 or 3 seed.

Kansas: Begins Big 12 Tournament play Tuesday as No. 9 seed or Wednesday as No. 7 or 8 seed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741477678993.png" alt="Photo Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Ks. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson matched a career high with 33 points to lead Kansas past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 24</a>&nbsp;Arizona 83-76 on Saturday.Zeke Mayo drilled five three-pointers and had 20 points while KJ Adams Jr. scored 12, including three dunks while the Jayhawks (20-11, 11-9 Big 12) built a 14-point first-half lead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741477727642.png" alt="photo Kansas athletics" />
 <figcaption>photo Kansas athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wildcats (20-11, 14-6) rallied for a brief lead before Dickinson took over, scoring 16 in the first half on 8-of-9 shooting, giving the Jayhawks a 39-30 halftime advantage.Dickinson grabbed 10 rebounds for his 15th double-double of the year. He was 15 of 23 from the floor.Jaden Bradley led Arizona with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting and made all seven of his free-throw attempts. Caleb Love had 16 points and Trey Townsend scored 13 off the bench.As Bradley and Love traded baskets, Arizona erased Kansas’ halftime advantage, taking a short-lived two-point lead at 68-66 with 6:02 to play. The pair combined for 26 second-half points.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas has won 42 consecutive home finales and reached the 20-win mark for the 36th straight year.Arizona has lost 5 of 8 since a six-game winning streak.<h2>Key moment</h2>Adams tipped a rebound of Dickinson’s 3-point miss, then dunked an alley-oop pass for a 79-72 lead with 1:22. Adams had four dunks.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas recorded 14 assists against one first-half turnover.<h2>Up next</h2>Arizona: Begins Big 12 Tournament play Thursday as the No. 2 or 3 seed.Kansas: Begins Big 12 Tournament play Tuesday as No. 9 seed or Wednesday as No. 7 or 8 seed.

🏀 Dickinson's 33 points leads Kansas over Arizona 

A rising star in the regional coaching ranks, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec5dd940-7112-4152-9ebb-994c18f6c74f?elinkdata=21344">Jordan Murdock</a> has accepted Kansas Wesleyan's men's basketball coaching position. The decision was announced Saturday afternoon by the university.

Murdock will be the 30th Head Coach for a program whose history dates back to 1901-02.

"I want to thank President Thompson, Ken Oliver, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/65357971-6cd1-48fd-beba-433c7bdc2a84?elinkdata=21344">Miguel Paredes</a> for the opportunity to return and lead the KWU men's basketball program," Murdock said. "Kansas Wesleyan has a special place in my heart and for my family, as well. When I came there four years ago, the university welcomed me and my brother with open arms. KWU has always been good to us."

Murdock spent the 2024-25 season at NCAA Division II Pittsburg State University, working on staff for Jeff Boschee, helping to lead the Gorillas to a second-place finish in the premiere MIAA Conference, tying with Rogers State University. Murdock helped coach three All-MIAA players including the conference Player of the Year in sophomore Jordan Frison.

He is no stranger to Kansas Wesleyan, having served on the Coyote staff for four years, most recently as the associate head coach in 2023-24. Murdock was a key recruiter for the team and was responsible for player evaluation and training.

He was integral in helping the Coyotes earn three trips to the NAIA National Championships during his time on staff."Having <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9bc0339-39a0-4b58-b478-f905a27671b9?elinkdata=21344">Jordan Murdock</a> return to the program was a no-brainer," Paredes said. "During his first tenure, he did an excellent job for our program. He was a top-notch recruiter and was able to relate to the players on the team, using his experiences to help the student-athletes grow both on and off the court."

"My teams are going to play hard, we are going to represent the school in a first-class way," Murdock said. "Our goal is to win the KCAC Championship, and get back to the NAIA National Tournament. Those are our biggest goals and we will compete for a national championship. That's a goal not only for the team but also for the entire university. We want to host the KCAC championship game every year, and we want to bring the national tournament (first and second rounds) back to Salina too, that was such an exciting moment for not only the team, but the entire community."

Before his first tenure at KWU, Murdock was a two-time NAIA All-America performer for Friends University. He was a first-team All-America selection and was named the KCAC Player of the Year in 2018, leading the NAIA in scoring that season and followed with a second-team NAIA All-America performance in 2019. He scored nearly 2500 points in 93 career games at Friends, and is the Falcons' all-time scoring leader, averaging 26.7 points per game.

Prior to Friends, Murdock spent one season at Hutchinson Community College, playing for coach Steve Eck, helping the Blue Dragons to a 32-5 overall record, a Jayhawk Conference championship and a NJCAA Division I National Runners-Up finish.

"This is a slam-dunk hire for our program and for KWU as a whole," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. "Jordan's experience as both a player and coach, across three different levels, helps him relate well to his players, and his strong ties to the regional basketball community will only be a positive for KWU. His focus on academics and attention to detail will help take our program to the next level. We can't wait for him to get started!"

Murdock comes from a strong basketball pedigree. His grandfather Mitch was a standout high school player and played at Friends. His father Johnny and uncle Jeff were standout high school players in Wichita, and Johnny continued onto a storied career at Missouri State where he was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference player and was inducted into the Bears' Hall of Fame.

Jordan and his brother Jun were standouts at Wichita Southeast and continued to have successful careers. Jun played one season at Friends where he was the KCAC Freshman of the Year before transferring to KWU, playing three seasons, twice earning NAIA All-America honors.

Murdock has a degree in liberal studies from Friends University and a MBA degree with emphasis in Sports Management from Kansas Wesleyan, earning the degree in 2022 while serving as a graduate assistant coach for the Coyotes.

A rising star in the regional coaching ranks, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec5dd940-7112-4152-9ebb-994c18f6c74f?elinkdata=21344">Jordan Murdock</a> has accepted Kansas Wesleyan's men's basketball coaching position. The decision was announced Saturday afternoon by the university.Murdock will be the 30th Head Coach for a program whose history dates back to 1901-02."I want to thank President Thompson, Ken Oliver, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/65357971-6cd1-48fd-beba-433c7bdc2a84?elinkdata=21344">Miguel Paredes</a> for the opportunity to return and lead the KWU men's basketball program," Murdock said. "Kansas Wesleyan has a special place in my heart and for my family, as well. When I came there four years ago, the university welcomed me and my brother with open arms. KWU has always been good to us."Murdock spent the 2024-25 season at NCAA Division II Pittsburg State University, working on staff for Jeff Boschee, helping to lead the Gorillas to a second-place finish in the premiere MIAA Conference, tying with Rogers State University. Murdock helped coach three All-MIAA players including the conference Player of the Year in sophomore Jordan Frison.He is no stranger to Kansas Wesleyan, having served on the Coyote staff for four years, most recently as the associate head coach in 2023-24. Murdock was a key recruiter for the team and was responsible for player evaluation and training.He was integral in helping the Coyotes earn three trips to the NAIA National Championships during his time on staff."Having <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9bc0339-39a0-4b58-b478-f905a27671b9?elinkdata=21344">Jordan Murdock</a> return to the program was a no-brainer," Paredes said. "During his first tenure, he did an excellent job for our program. He was a top-notch recruiter and was able to relate to the players on the team, using his experiences to help the student-athletes grow both on and off the court.""My teams are going to play hard, we are going to represent the school in a first-class way," Murdock said. "Our goal is to win the KCAC Championship, and get back to the NAIA National Tournament. Those are our biggest goals and we will compete for a national championship. That's a goal not only for the team but also for the entire university. We want to host the KCAC championship game every year, and we want to bring the national tournament (first and second rounds) back to Salina too, that was such an exciting moment for not only the team, but the entire community."Before his first tenure at KWU, Murdock was a two-time NAIA All-America performer for Friends University. He was a first-team All-America selection and was named the KCAC Player of the Year in 2018, leading the NAIA in scoring that season and followed with a second-team NAIA All-America performance in 2019. He scored nearly 2500 points in 93 career games at Friends, and is the Falcons' all-time scoring leader, averaging 26.7 points per game.Prior to Friends, Murdock spent one season at Hutchinson Community College, playing for coach Steve Eck, helping the Blue Dragons to a 32-5 overall record, a Jayhawk Conference championship and a NJCAA Division I National Runners-Up finish."This is a slam-dunk hire for our program and for KWU as a whole," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. "Jordan's experience as both a player and coach, across three different levels, helps him relate well to his players, and his strong ties to the regional basketball community will only be a positive for KWU. His focus on academics and attention to detail will help take our program to the next level. We can't wait for him to get started!"Murdock comes from a strong basketball pedigree. His grandfather Mitch was a standout high school player and played at Friends. His father Johnny and uncle Jeff were standout high school players in Wichita, and Johnny continued onto a storied career at Missouri State where he was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference player and was inducted into the Bears' Hall of Fame.Jordan and his brother Jun were standouts at Wichita Southeast and continued to have successful careers. Jun played one season at Friends where he was the KCAC Freshman of the Year before transferring to KWU, playing three seasons, twice earning NAIA All-America honors.Murdock has a degree in liberal studies from Friends University and a MBA degree with emphasis in Sports Management from Kansas Wesleyan, earning the degree in 2022 while serving as a graduate assistant coach for the Coyotes.

Kansas Wesleyan names Jordan Murdock Men’s Basketball Coach

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Curtis Jones scored 24 points to lead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 10</a>&nbsp;Iowa State past Kansas State 73-57 on Saturday.

The Cyclones (23-8, 13-7 Big 12) led wire-to-wire. They got 14 points from Joshua Jefferson and 11 points from Dishon Jackson.

Kansas State (15-16, 9-11) was led by senior David N'Guessan with 19 points. Dug McDaniel had 14 points.

The Wildcats shot just 37.7% from the field and 9.5% from 3-point range.

Iowa State: The Cyclones remembered the first meeting between the two teams, when they jumped out to an early lead only to see the Wildcats take an 80-61 win, snapping the Cyclones' 29-game home winning streak. The Cyclones led by 11 early in the first half and never allowed the Wildcats back in the game.

Kansas State: The Wildcats need to find consistency to even have a chance at postseason play.

Kansas State closed the first half on an 8-0 run to trim the halftime deficit to 34-26. But the Wildcats couldn't carry the momentum into the second half. After K-State got within 6 points, the Cyclones went on an 11-0 run to grab their largest lead to that point in the game.

The Cyclones took advantage of their opponent's mistakes, earning a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers.

Both teams will appear in the Big 12 Tournament, with the pairings announced later Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741470965409.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Curtis Jones scored 24 points to lead&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">No. 10</a>&nbsp;Iowa State past Kansas State 73-57 on Saturday.The Cyclones (23-8, 13-7 Big 12) led wire-to-wire. They got 14 points from Joshua Jefferson and 11 points from Dishon Jackson.Kansas State (15-16, 9-11) was led by senior David N'Guessan with 19 points. Dug McDaniel had 14 points.The Wildcats shot just 37.7% from the field and 9.5% from 3-point range.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Iowa State: The Cyclones remembered the first meeting between the two teams, when they jumped out to an early lead only to see the Wildcats take an 80-61 win, snapping the Cyclones' 29-game home winning streak. The Cyclones led by 11 early in the first half and never allowed the Wildcats back in the game.Kansas State: The Wildcats need to find consistency to even have a chance at postseason play.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas State closed the first half on an 8-0 run to trim the halftime deficit to 34-26. But the Wildcats couldn't carry the momentum into the second half. After K-State got within 6 points, the Cyclones went on an 11-0 run to grab their largest lead to that point in the game.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cyclones took advantage of their opponent's mistakes, earning a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers.<h2>Up next</h2>Both teams will appear in the Big 12 Tournament, with the pairings announced later Saturday.

🏀 Jones scores 24 to lead Iowa State past Kansas State

Kansas Wesleyan volleyball coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/673f6790-ac03-4a50-9503-3339ee586691?elinkdata=21313">Dustin Sahlmann</a> was looking for an opportunity to give his younger players a chance to show what they can do.

He chose the non-conference match against Central Christian on Friday night as the time to do it and was not disappointed. After a sluggish start KWU rolled the rest of the way enroute to a 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-15) victory inside Mabee Arena.

With the regulars cheering on their teammates from the sidelines the youngsters showed plenty of ability.

"We're trying to get guys to all be on the same page and when you're dealing with an entire group of freshmen for the most part it's difficult when they don't get live action," Sahlmann said. "We were able to get those guys in a real situation and see how they responded."

Wesleyan improved to 6-7 on the season while Central Christian fell to 0-10.

The opening set was a challenge. Leading 19-17 the Tigers went on a 6-2 run and led 23-21 but KWU responded with the last four points - the final three with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5442fa23-0f7c-45ed-bc68-61d7d7fdc4d9?elinkdata=21313">Jeremy Lapeze</a> on the serve that included two aces.

Leading 5-4 in the second set the Coyotes took control outscoring the Tigers 20-6 the rest of the way - Lapeze on the serve for five of the first six points.

Clinging to a 7-6 lead in the third set, Wesleyan scored 12 of the next 16 points. The Tigers got no closer than eight points the rest of the way.

"There was a little more communication," Sahlmann said. "It took us getting on them a little bit in the first set, but I felt the communication level was better. We did a better job blocking than we've done in practice so that was pretty good. I moved a couple of guys around in sets two and three and it was good to see them respond."

Sahlmann said the biggest benefit from the match will manifest itself later.

"Practices will be even better and more competitive because the younger guys are getting more experience and getting those opportunities," he said. "I think it helps the entire program."

KWU hit at a .171 percentage and limited Central Christian to minus-.119 percent.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1d40bb60-1178-4741-a34f-238a6693ecdd?elinkdata=21313">Bradley Neff</a> had a team-best eight kills for the Coyotes while Lapeze and Wagner each had six. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/99bd0b74-30c1-430f-a503-4822c0745d0f?elinkdata=21313">Angel Diaz</a> finished with 18 assists; Lapeze and Daveion contributed three service aces each. Neff led the defense with six digs and Lapeze, Barry Neff and Diaz five apiece. KWU had 10 block assists led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69e1196f-fb97-45e0-989d-f20a0b97707b?elinkdata=21313">Tilman Nolker</a> with three.

Kansas Wesleyan volleyball coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/673f6790-ac03-4a50-9503-3339ee586691?elinkdata=21313">Dustin Sahlmann</a> was looking for an opportunity to give his younger players a chance to show what they can do.He chose the non-conference match against Central Christian on Friday night as the time to do it and was not disappointed. After a sluggish start KWU rolled the rest of the way enroute to a 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-15) victory inside Mabee Arena.With the regulars cheering on their teammates from the sidelines the youngsters showed plenty of ability."We're trying to get guys to all be on the same page and when you're dealing with an entire group of freshmen for the most part it's difficult when they don't get live action," Sahlmann said. "We were able to get those guys in a real situation and see how they responded."Wesleyan improved to 6-7 on the season while Central Christian fell to 0-10.The opening set was a challenge. Leading 19-17 the Tigers went on a 6-2 run and led 23-21 but KWU responded with the last four points - the final three with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5442fa23-0f7c-45ed-bc68-61d7d7fdc4d9?elinkdata=21313">Jeremy Lapeze</a> on the serve that included two aces.Leading 5-4 in the second set the Coyotes took control outscoring the Tigers 20-6 the rest of the way - Lapeze on the serve for five of the first six points.Clinging to a 7-6 lead in the third set, Wesleyan scored 12 of the next 16 points. The Tigers got no closer than eight points the rest of the way."There was a little more communication," Sahlmann said. "It took us getting on them a little bit in the first set, but I felt the communication level was better. We did a better job blocking than we've done in practice so that was pretty good. I moved a couple of guys around in sets two and three and it was good to see them respond."Sahlmann said the biggest benefit from the match will manifest itself later."Practices will be even better and more competitive because the younger guys are getting more experience and getting those opportunities," he said. "I think it helps the entire program."KWU hit at a .171 percentage and limited Central Christian to minus-.119 percent.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1d40bb60-1178-4741-a34f-238a6693ecdd?elinkdata=21313">Bradley Neff</a> had a team-best eight kills for the Coyotes while Lapeze and Wagner each had six. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/99bd0b74-30c1-430f-a503-4822c0745d0f?elinkdata=21313">Angel Diaz</a> finished with 18 assists; Lapeze and Daveion contributed three service aces each. Neff led the defense with six digs and Lapeze, Barry Neff and Diaz five apiece. KWU had 10 block assists led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69e1196f-fb97-45e0-989d-f20a0b97707b?elinkdata=21313">Tilman Nolker</a> with three.

KWU MBV sweeps Central Christian

BRANSON, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball split its two games on Friday at the Branson Grand Slam Tournament. KWU lost to No. 9 ranked Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) 5-2 in the first game, then bounced back to defeat Doane 4-0 at the Branson RecPlex.

The Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning as walks to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b8696cb-dd51-4ccb-a97e-364e3f5a2a74?elinkdata=21282">Cadence Mallet</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2f54ea6f-893a-428d-9647-24b3aeb66613?elinkdata=21282">Brooklyn Lange</a> started the Coyote rally. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd2c3134-ee5f-4353-907a-26a2dbde1d4a?elinkdata=21282">Jenna Soule</a> used a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2961681-1560-4e6d-953a-87bd6b83e796?elinkdata=21282">Trenity Miller</a> drove in the first run with a single. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b790e99d-a15a-4ada-a839-65bf0287cc12?elinkdata=21282">Hailey Summers</a> followed with a single to bring in the second run of the inning.

OLLU capitalized on a KWU error in the bottom of the second inning to score four unearned runs and grab the lead.

The Saints extended the lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning to 5-2.

The Coyotes had four hits in the game, two by Miller. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3f593472-15d8-4326-baab-52885a5295b3?elinkdata=21282">Bella Allen</a> took the loss in the circle, allowing five runs, only one earned, on five hits in six innings.

Against Doane, the Coyotes took advantage of a Tiger error in the bottom of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9920383d-b3ec-498d-a9c5-6c7003e1768d?elinkdata=21282">Elli Han</a> led off the frame reaching on an error and then scored on Mallet's single.

The score stayed the same until the bottom of the fifth when the Coyotes plated three more runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/392e30a6-c732-4386-8143-ccc2ed022b53?elinkdata=21282">Takara Kolterman</a> led off the inning with a single and three batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3a6cbbc-9d87-4061-81d8-df078bac8fb3?elinkdata=21282">Briannah Kutschkau</a> singled to score pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac1a8e13-b0f4-4fa9-abd6-8483f2fb5d6b?elinkdata=21282">Josie Buhr</a>. Mallet followed with an RBI double and Miller drove in a run with a single.

The Coyotes had 10 hits in the game, with two each from Kutschkau, Mallet and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/52d4e8f5-6441-444e-be17-971ade85703d?elinkdata=21282">Grace Pierce</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3a0cc5a-346e-40bf-a15c-2d044a94e03b?elinkdata=21282">Caitlyn Collier</a> picked up the win in the circle, holding Doane to only four hits in the shut out.

KWU is back in action on Saturday, facing Mission (Mo.) at 2 p.m. and Mount Marty at 4 p.m.

BRANSON, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball split its two games on Friday at the Branson Grand Slam Tournament. KWU lost to No. 9 ranked Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) 5-2 in the first game, then bounced back to defeat Doane 4-0 at the Branson RecPlex.The Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning as walks to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b8696cb-dd51-4ccb-a97e-364e3f5a2a74?elinkdata=21282">Cadence Mallet</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2f54ea6f-893a-428d-9647-24b3aeb66613?elinkdata=21282">Brooklyn Lange</a> started the Coyote rally. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fd2c3134-ee5f-4353-907a-26a2dbde1d4a?elinkdata=21282">Jenna Soule</a> used a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2961681-1560-4e6d-953a-87bd6b83e796?elinkdata=21282">Trenity Miller</a> drove in the first run with a single. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b790e99d-a15a-4ada-a839-65bf0287cc12?elinkdata=21282">Hailey Summers</a> followed with a single to bring in the second run of the inning.OLLU capitalized on a KWU error in the bottom of the second inning to score four unearned runs and grab the lead.The Saints extended the lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning to 5-2.The Coyotes had four hits in the game, two by Miller. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3f593472-15d8-4326-baab-52885a5295b3?elinkdata=21282">Bella Allen</a> took the loss in the circle, allowing five runs, only one earned, on five hits in six innings.Against Doane, the Coyotes took advantage of a Tiger error in the bottom of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9920383d-b3ec-498d-a9c5-6c7003e1768d?elinkdata=21282">Elli Han</a> led off the frame reaching on an error and then scored on Mallet's single.The score stayed the same until the bottom of the fifth when the Coyotes plated three more runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/392e30a6-c732-4386-8143-ccc2ed022b53?elinkdata=21282">Takara Kolterman</a> led off the inning with a single and three batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3a6cbbc-9d87-4061-81d8-df078bac8fb3?elinkdata=21282">Briannah Kutschkau</a> singled to score pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac1a8e13-b0f4-4fa9-abd6-8483f2fb5d6b?elinkdata=21282">Josie Buhr</a>. Mallet followed with an RBI double and Miller drove in a run with a single.The Coyotes had 10 hits in the game, with two each from Kutschkau, Mallet and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/52d4e8f5-6441-444e-be17-971ade85703d?elinkdata=21282">Grace Pierce</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3a0cc5a-346e-40bf-a15c-2d044a94e03b?elinkdata=21282">Caitlyn Collier</a> picked up the win in the circle, holding Doane to only four hits in the shut out.KWU is back in action on Saturday, facing Mission (Mo.) at 2 p.m. and Mount Marty at 4 p.m.

KWU softball splits games at Branson Grand Slam tournament

Few words can adequately describe what happened in the final two minutes of Friday’s sub-state boys championship game between Bennington and Ell-Saline.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFew words can adequately describe what happened in the final two minutes of Friday’s sub-state boys championship game between Bennington and Ell-Saline.Maybe it was a miracle, maybe it was an anomaly, maybe it was just good old-fashioned March Madness.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Down 10 with 1:50 remaining, completely dead in the water, the Ell-Saline boy's basketball team pulled off an unthinkable comeback, outscoring Bennington 14-3 in just 120 seconds to win 69-68 and punch the team's first ticket to the 2A state tournament in recent memory.Brogan Rowley started the party with 1:38 to go, knocking down a tough jumper and sinking the and-one free throw to cut the lead to seven.On the ensuing possession, Bennington threw the ball away, leading to a transition foul on Kas Kramer, who sunk both free throws to cut the lead to five.Isaiah Garrett extended the edge by one with a free throw, but Rowley got right back to work with another old-fashioned three-point play to trim the advantage to three.Needing to play the foul game, Ell-Saline once again sent Garrett to the line, and the veteran delivered for Bennington, sinking both free throws to give his team a five-point lead with 25 seconds to go.The Bulldogs wouldn’t score again.On the very next possession, Trey Williams, who had been silenced for nearly 32 minutes, caught a pass on the perimeter and buried a three to get the Cards back within two.With just 15 seconds on the clock, Bennington inbounded, but their pass out of a trap was deflected and Garrison Zerger took the carom straight to the cup to tie the game at 68-68 with 10 seconds remaining.Not content to play for overtime, the Cardinals flocked to the ball once more and successfully wrestled the ball away from Garrett, but before they could take a potential game-winning shot, Coach Wendel called timeout to reset.The designed play got the ball to Reese Krone, who appeared to be stripped of the ball with a fourth of a second remaining, but instead, a foul was called and Krone went to the line with a chance to be the hero.As if any doubt of what might come next remained, Krone buried the first free throw for the lead, and purposefully left the second short, sealing Bennington’s fate, and completing the unlikeliest of comebacks.Despite the loss, Isaiah Garrett (22) and Thayne Trout (16) were excellent for a heartbroken Bennington team that will end it’s season, and sub-state run, at 15-8.Meanwhile, Ell-Saline was led to victory by Garrison Zerger (21) Reese Krone (18) and Brogan Rowley (15), avenging one of their only three losses on the year.The Cardinals will enter the 2A state tournament at 20-3 overall and will have a chance to play for their first state title since 1980 next week at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan.