WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ab59c5d-d9e0-415a-94a9-b63a809a0869?elinkdata=23576" target="_blank">Chihiro Iwata</a>&nbsp;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 24-30 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c0947d63-223a-4558-b548-ecfac72f9471?elinkdata=23576" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Iwata was phenomenal for the Coyotes in two blowout wins, 57-0 over Bethel and 46-0 over Graceland.

Against Bethel, Iwata was 10-of-11 for 125 yards and five touchdowns. She also ran once for 10 yards. KWU started its drives on average at the Bethel 27 yard line, so there just wasn't yards to gain in the game.

Against Graceland, she was 24-of-31 passing for 269 yards and six touchdowns and she rushed four times for 21 yards. For the week, she was 34-of-42 for 394 yards and 11 touchdowns, completing 81 percent of her passes. She also had five rushes for 31 yards on the week.

This marks the second time this season Iwata has been named the KCAC Women's Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ab59c5d-d9e0-415a-94a9-b63a809a0869?elinkdata=23576" target="_blank">Chihiro Iwata</a>&nbsp;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 24-30 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c0947d63-223a-4558-b548-ecfac72f9471?elinkdata=23576" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Iwata was phenomenal for the Coyotes in two blowout wins, 57-0 over Bethel and 46-0 over Graceland.Against Bethel, Iwata was 10-of-11 for 125 yards and five touchdowns. She also ran once for 10 yards. KWU started its drives on average at the Bethel 27 yard line, so there just wasn't yards to gain in the game.Against Graceland, she was 24-of-31 passing for 269 yards and six touchdowns and she rushed four times for 21 yards. For the week, she was 34-of-42 for 394 yards and 11 touchdowns, completing 81 percent of her passes. She also had five rushes for 31 yards on the week.This marks the second time this season Iwata has been named the KCAC Women's Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week.

Iwata earns KCAC Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week honor

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba1ea923-44d0-4a27-9b86-62876960f7fc?elinkdata=23545" target="_blank">Ryan Wagner</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the Heart of America Conference Men's Volleyball Defender of the Week, presented by Molten, as announced by the Heart Conference office on Monday.

Playing in only two of three matches this week was huge on the defensive side for the Coyotes. He averaged 2.17 blocks per match on the week.

He had seven blocks against No. 3 ranked Missouri Valley as the Coyotes played easily their best match of the season against the Vikings.Against Culver-Stockton he added six blocks while only playing in two of three sets in the match.

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba1ea923-44d0-4a27-9b86-62876960f7fc?elinkdata=23545" target="_blank">Ryan Wagner</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the Heart of America Conference Men's Volleyball Defender of the Week, presented by Molten, as announced by the Heart Conference office on Monday.Playing in only two of three matches this week was huge on the defensive side for the Coyotes. He averaged 2.17 blocks per match on the week.He had seven blocks against No. 3 ranked Missouri Valley as the Coyotes played easily their best match of the season against the Vikings.Against Culver-Stockton he added six blocks while only playing in two of three sets in the match.

Ryan Wagner named HEART Men's Volleyball Defender of the Week

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jonathan-india-21ca211a9ceab0a802ad3e0161c98cd7">he was struck</a>&nbsp;on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.

Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-0901437988ea02e1d63792b0b8fcbcb7">April 15, 2023.</a>&nbsp;The 27-year-old left-hander had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kris-bubic-e784a60aeb5aa900ac518966b0a6446b">Tommy John surgery</a>&nbsp;later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.

The two-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-brewers-984ada478789a7727c5f1333df7afddd">defending NL Central champion</a>&nbsp;Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.

Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.

Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.

After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.

The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

Right-hander Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals as the three-game series continues Tuesday. The Brewers haven't announced their starting pitcher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743508996698.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, March 31, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, March 31, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jonathan-india-21ca211a9ceab0a802ad3e0161c98cd7">he was struck</a>&nbsp;on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-0901437988ea02e1d63792b0b8fcbcb7">April 15, 2023.</a>&nbsp;The 27-year-old left-hander had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kris-bubic-e784a60aeb5aa900ac518966b0a6446b">Tommy John surgery</a>&nbsp;later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.The two-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-brewers-984ada478789a7727c5f1333df7afddd">defending NL Central champion</a>&nbsp;Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.<h2>Key moment</h2>After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>Right-hander Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals as the three-game series continues Tuesday. The Brewers haven't announced their starting pitcher.

⚾ Bubic sparkles in first start since April 2023 as Royals trounce Brewers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Football League announced today that the Kansas City Chiefs have been awarded marketing and commercialization rights for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. These three new markets add to the Chiefs existing rights in Mexico, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, bringing the team’s total to seven, among the highest in the NFL.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Chiefs football to fans in the UK, Ireland and Spain,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “As the game grows globally, more and more fans from around the world are becoming a part of Chiefs Kingdom. Kansas City has certainly made a name for itself in the global sports landscape, and we are proud to showcase our town and our team on the international stage.”

“We are deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for and connections with our growing global fanbase,” said Lara Krug, Chiefs Executive Vice President of Marketing and Chief Media and Marketing Officer. “The passion we see from our international fans inspires us and drives us to build Chiefs Kingdom into a truly global community. We are particularly pleased to now have six European countries, allowing us to service many more fans on the continent and bring the energy of the NFL and Chiefs traditions there.”

Beginning April 1, 2025, the club can begin activating elements of its marketing and commercial plans in all three new markets, including hosting events in the countries to engage fans locally, unveiling market/language-specific digital properties (Chiefs.com and Chiefs Mobile app), launching advertising campaigns, signing local sponsorship deals, extending domestic sponsors internationally, and aligning with local agencies with on-the-ground knowledge and expertise.

Looking ahead, the club will invest in its fanbase in all three markets through on-site activations, fan events, and local NFL FLAG Football initiatives. The club will also focus on growing community engagement through social programs, expanding both long- and short-form media content series, and exploring opportunities to play regular season games in these markets as part of the NFL's rotation of International Series games.

The organization also looks to continue growing Chiefs Kingdom in the markets where they already have global market rights. Some examples:

Additionally, the Chiefs are bringing back Chiefs House to all international markets where they have marketing rights and NFL games are being played this season. This immersive, Chiefs-branded destination offers Chiefs fans and football enthusiasts alike a fun, engaging environment around the international games being played in each location. The 2025 season games:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Football League announced today that the Kansas City Chiefs have been awarded marketing and commercialization rights for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. These three new markets add to the Chiefs existing rights in Mexico, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, bringing the team’s total to seven, among the highest in the NFL.“We are incredibly excited to bring Chiefs football to fans in the UK, Ireland and Spain,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “As the game grows globally, more and more fans from around the world are becoming a part of Chiefs Kingdom. Kansas City has certainly made a name for itself in the global sports landscape, and we are proud to showcase our town and our team on the international stage.”“We are deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for and connections with our growing global fanbase,” said Lara Krug, Chiefs Executive Vice President of Marketing and Chief Media and Marketing Officer. “The passion we see from our international fans inspires us and drives us to build Chiefs Kingdom into a truly global community. We are particularly pleased to now have six European countries, allowing us to service many more fans on the continent and bring the energy of the NFL and Chiefs traditions there.”Beginning April 1, 2025, the club can begin activating elements of its marketing and commercial plans in all three new markets, including hosting events in the countries to engage fans locally, unveiling market/language-specific digital properties (Chiefs.com and Chiefs Mobile app), launching advertising campaigns, signing local sponsorship deals, extending domestic sponsors internationally, and aligning with local agencies with on-the-ground knowledge and expertise.Looking ahead, the club will invest in its fanbase in all three markets through on-site activations, fan events, and local NFL FLAG Football initiatives. The club will also focus on growing community engagement through social programs, expanding both long- and short-form media content series, and exploring opportunities to play regular season games in these markets as part of the NFL's rotation of International Series games.The organization also looks to continue growing Chiefs Kingdom in the markets where they already have global market rights. Some examples:<ul>
 <li>In Mexico, the club is launching season two of Viva Chiefs Kingdom, deepening its connection with the fan base through the exciting docuseries.</li><li>The Chiefs International Fan of the Year nominee from Germany will be making a Day 3 NFL Draft pick at the 2025 NFL Draft.</li>
 </ul>Additionally, the Chiefs are bringing back Chiefs House to all international markets where they have marketing rights and NFL games are being played this season. This immersive, Chiefs-branded destination offers Chiefs fans and football enthusiasts alike a fun, engaging environment around the international games being played in each location. The 2025 season games:<ul>
 <li>Two games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – featuring the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns as the designated teams.</li><li>One game in Berlin, Germany at the Olympic Stadium Berlin – featuring the Indianapolis Colts as the designated team.</li><li>One game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium, Home to Real Madrid C.F. – featuring the Miami Dolphins as the designated team.</li><li>One game in Dublin, Ireland – featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers as the designated team.</li><li>One game in London at Wembley Stadium – featuring the Jacksonville Jaguars as the designated team.</li>
 </ul>

Chiefs secure additional international marketing and commercialization rights via NFL's Global Markets Program

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.

The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.

Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.

Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.

He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.

“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.

Vermes' final game was Saturday, when Sporting KC fell 2–1 to FC Dallas for a fifth loss in their first six games of the 2025 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677119648732.png" alt="Peter Vermes courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Peter Vermes courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.Vermes' final game was Saturday, when Sporting KC fell 2–1 to FC Dallas for a fifth loss in their first six games of the 2025 season.

Peter Vermes is out as Sporting Kansas City manager after 16 years

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday.

Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The right-hander bounced back after he was scheduled to make the opening day start for Cleveland on Thursday, but was scratched because of an illness.

Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-1) threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City's starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game during the three-game season-opening series.

Mazardo's home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.

Arias' homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.

Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias' sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.

Schneemann's homer in the eighth extended the Guardians' lead to 6-0.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.

The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.

Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.

The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743417602662.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday.Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The right-hander bounced back after he was scheduled to make the opening day start for Cleveland on Thursday, but was scratched because of an illness.Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-1) threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City's starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game during the three-game season-opening series.Mazardo's home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.Arias' homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias' sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.Schneemann's homer in the eighth extended the Guardians' lead to 6-0.Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.<h2>Key stat</h2>Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

⚾ Bibee throws shutout ball into the 7th as Guardians defeat Royals

LAMONI, Iowa - Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football tossed its second straight shutout on Saturday as the Coyotes blanked the Graceland Yellowjackets 46-0 in the first-ever meeting between the teams.

The Coyotes opened with the ball and drove the distance in eight plays, capping the drive with a 33-yard pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac8098c1-6d19-4aab-aed5-dc25f9c3b2d0?elinkdata=23452">Chihiro Iwata</a> to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7990a6b6-2149-479f-b59b-8f13f319f0bc?elinkdata=23452">Ciaran DeCuir</a> with 7:40 to go in the first.

After a failed Graceland drive, the Coyotes scored again, this time Iwata finding <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a9b04c26-a085-4132-80b7-072230ad9f2a?elinkdata=23452">Ava Duerr</a> for a 7-yard pass with 2:15 left in the first.

The Coyotes scored again on the next drive, going 29 yards in three plays, Iwata hitting <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f436414c-fff2-4eec-9f41-3a22331fa0a4?elinkdata=23452">Jazmine Whitfield</a> for a 15-yard touchdown pass.

Wesleyan added one more score before the half, using a 42-yard pass to Whitfield to set up a 12-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee4a1ea3-c8c0-4da5-a312-b7c9a76e6b83?elinkdata=23452">Aliyah Wood</a> just before the end of the half to make it 25-0 at the break.

Graceland gave the Coyotes two points on the first drive of the second half as a wild pass from center went over the quarterbacks head into the endzone for a safety.

The Coyotes scored on the ensuing drive as Iwata hit Wood for a 21-yard scoring play to make it 34-0.

The Coyotes scored again as Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d34eb2ac-eabc-409b-a59b-a4794614bd97?elinkdata=23452">Addison Cadwell</a> for an 11-yard scoring play to make it 40-0.

Wesleyan turned the ball over on downs on its next drive, but the ensuing Graceland drive, which had made it all the way to the KWU-8 was stopped with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47e472a7-9801-4444-bd3f-261301058958?elinkdata=23452">Alexa Mansur</a> stepped in front of a pass and it was off to the races the other way, Mansur with a 51-yard return to set up KWU's final score of the game as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/322a3773-eef0-4997-83c8-8b26b4ef878a?elinkdata=23452">Shanya Murape</a> hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43aa4b84-1a3d-4591-ab5f-befbf49a880f?elinkdata=23452">Jenise Washington</a> for an 18-yard touchdown as time expired.

The Coyotes racked up 330 yards of total offense in the game, while holding Graceland to 154. Iwata was 24 of 31 for 269 yards and six touchdowns in the game. Wood had seven catches for 88 yards and Whitfield had five for 67.

LAMONI, Iowa - Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football tossed its second straight shutout on Saturday as the Coyotes blanked the Graceland Yellowjackets 46-0 in the first-ever meeting between the teams.The Coyotes opened with the ball and drove the distance in eight plays, capping the drive with a 33-yard pass from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac8098c1-6d19-4aab-aed5-dc25f9c3b2d0?elinkdata=23452">Chihiro Iwata</a> to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7990a6b6-2149-479f-b59b-8f13f319f0bc?elinkdata=23452">Ciaran DeCuir</a> with 7:40 to go in the first.After a failed Graceland drive, the Coyotes scored again, this time Iwata finding <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a9b04c26-a085-4132-80b7-072230ad9f2a?elinkdata=23452">Ava Duerr</a> for a 7-yard pass with 2:15 left in the first.The Coyotes scored again on the next drive, going 29 yards in three plays, Iwata hitting <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f436414c-fff2-4eec-9f41-3a22331fa0a4?elinkdata=23452">Jazmine Whitfield</a> for a 15-yard touchdown pass.Wesleyan added one more score before the half, using a 42-yard pass to Whitfield to set up a 12-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ee4a1ea3-c8c0-4da5-a312-b7c9a76e6b83?elinkdata=23452">Aliyah Wood</a> just before the end of the half to make it 25-0 at the break.Graceland gave the Coyotes two points on the first drive of the second half as a wild pass from center went over the quarterbacks head into the endzone for a safety.The Coyotes scored on the ensuing drive as Iwata hit Wood for a 21-yard scoring play to make it 34-0.The Coyotes scored again as Iwata hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d34eb2ac-eabc-409b-a59b-a4794614bd97?elinkdata=23452">Addison Cadwell</a> for an 11-yard scoring play to make it 40-0.Wesleyan turned the ball over on downs on its next drive, but the ensuing Graceland drive, which had made it all the way to the KWU-8 was stopped with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47e472a7-9801-4444-bd3f-261301058958?elinkdata=23452">Alexa Mansur</a> stepped in front of a pass and it was off to the races the other way, Mansur with a 51-yard return to set up KWU's final score of the game as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/322a3773-eef0-4997-83c8-8b26b4ef878a?elinkdata=23452">Shanya Murape</a> hit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43aa4b84-1a3d-4591-ab5f-befbf49a880f?elinkdata=23452">Jenise Washington</a> for an 18-yard touchdown as time expired.The Coyotes racked up 330 yards of total offense in the game, while holding Graceland to 154. Iwata was 24 of 31 for 269 yards and six touchdowns in the game. Wood had seven catches for 88 yards and Whitfield had five for 67.

KWU Flag Football stomps Graceland 46-0

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball completed a three-game sweep of the Bethany Swedes on Saturday at Dean Evans Stadium picking up two wins as13-3 in seven innings, and then capping the series with a 15-4 win.

It took until the third inning of the first game for the Coyotes to get the bats going. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7fdd321e-90cb-4f78-8457-c38b976b3577?elinkdata=23421">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> led off the inning with a double and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a80a46c-1d05-4199-8de9-a525396d8d09?elinkdata=23421">Carter Allen</a> walked setting up <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc789964-8b43-4e41-9dbb-2000d5ddc34b?elinkdata=23421">Drew Wardell's</a> 3-run homer.

Bethany got within a run at 3-2 in the fourth, but in the bottom of the inning the Coyotes started to pull away. Homers by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56f76655-a50e-4164-8088-d89abc45d08a?elinkdata=23421">Tyler Favretto</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/faf8305d-2861-49d3-98c1-51248afa2457?elinkdata=23421">Joe Finder</a> in the inning made it 6-2.

The Swedes got their final run of the game in the fifth, meanwhile the Coyotes were just getting going. Walks to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c93ed264-7975-45fb-aa9b-beb8f2f63f72?elinkdata=23421">Eric Romero</a> and Favretto around a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c46b8294-f3c6-4570-bd70-36b06aec127b?elinkdata=23421">Jacob Williamson</a> double loaded the bases and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa7c708a-97e4-4989-badf-9e0ade6a3674?elinkdata=23421">Garrett Garfield</a> would walk to bring in a run. Ruvalcaba then stepped up and uncorked a grand slam to make it 11-3 Coyotes.

Favretto brought in a run in the sixth reaching on a fielder's choice making it 12-3 and in the seventh the Coyotes ended it as Ruvalcaba singled and then Allen doubled to bring in pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56260d40-bc0d-4c12-8838-5c05bc3fc65d?elinkdata=23421">Michael Rago</a> to close it out.

Ruvalcaba had a game, going 3 of 4 with four RBI to pace the KWU offense. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2620562a-5602-4081-b24f-9fc59a593e72?elinkdata=23421">Nathan Righi</a> went five innings allowing three runs on three hits with five strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/369b353b-09fd-45a0-8111-22bc5d2b1e12?elinkdata=23421">Riley Gwin</a> allowed two hits in two innings of relief.

The Coyotes wasted no time in getting the bats going in the second game. Favretto and Garfield homered in the first inning and after Ruvalcaba walked, Allen hit a 2-run homer and it was 4-0 after an inning.

Bethany got a run in the second, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes added four more. Romero walked, and Williamson followed with a 2-run homer. Two batters later, Garfield and Ruvalcaba went back-to-back for the Coyotes to make it 8-1.

The Swedes got two runs in the third, but the Coyotes got one back on Favretto's RBI double in the bottom of the inning.

After another Bethany run in the fourth, the Coyotes added two more, the first coming as Allen stole third and then scored on a throwing error by the catcher, and pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32a7cb03-8862-4ba2-a612-77b6bde48c77?elinkdata=23421">Jackson Harriger</a> followed with an RBI double to make it 11-4.

Wesleyan loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth on walks to Wardell and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40cf50a9-c78c-4f95-9ce3-390fb2915ba5?elinkdata=23421">Blake Dale</a>. Romero singled to pack the bags and the first run of the inning came on a wild pitch. Favretto drove in a run with an RBI groundout, and later in the inning after loading the bases again, Allen walked in a run and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3732e216-2b15-41bd-bf3a-37790099d967?elinkdata=23421">Alex Garcia</a> did as well.

Favretto, Garfield and Allen had two hits each for the Coyotes. Favretto and Allen drove in three each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23627b0d-3fe6-42a4-b235-c618d1b9b6b5?elinkdata=23421">Nathan Galusha</a> got the win, going four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57b03709-3b2d-4db4-9e06-270da5f9ff9d?elinkdata=23421">Ritter Steinmann</a> pitched two innings and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5c8af4a-b31e-488f-a303-c91e8161f304?elinkdata=23421">Hunter Blea</a> got an inning of work.

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball completed a three-game sweep of the Bethany Swedes on Saturday at Dean Evans Stadium picking up two wins as13-3 in seven innings, and then capping the series with a 15-4 win.It took until the third inning of the first game for the Coyotes to get the bats going. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7fdd321e-90cb-4f78-8457-c38b976b3577?elinkdata=23421">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> led off the inning with a double and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a80a46c-1d05-4199-8de9-a525396d8d09?elinkdata=23421">Carter Allen</a> walked setting up <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc789964-8b43-4e41-9dbb-2000d5ddc34b?elinkdata=23421">Drew Wardell's</a> 3-run homer.Bethany got within a run at 3-2 in the fourth, but in the bottom of the inning the Coyotes started to pull away. Homers by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56f76655-a50e-4164-8088-d89abc45d08a?elinkdata=23421">Tyler Favretto</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/faf8305d-2861-49d3-98c1-51248afa2457?elinkdata=23421">Joe Finder</a> in the inning made it 6-2.The Swedes got their final run of the game in the fifth, meanwhile the Coyotes were just getting going. Walks to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c93ed264-7975-45fb-aa9b-beb8f2f63f72?elinkdata=23421">Eric Romero</a> and Favretto around a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c46b8294-f3c6-4570-bd70-36b06aec127b?elinkdata=23421">Jacob Williamson</a> double loaded the bases and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa7c708a-97e4-4989-badf-9e0ade6a3674?elinkdata=23421">Garrett Garfield</a> would walk to bring in a run. Ruvalcaba then stepped up and uncorked a grand slam to make it 11-3 Coyotes.Favretto brought in a run in the sixth reaching on a fielder's choice making it 12-3 and in the seventh the Coyotes ended it as Ruvalcaba singled and then Allen doubled to bring in pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56260d40-bc0d-4c12-8838-5c05bc3fc65d?elinkdata=23421">Michael Rago</a> to close it out.Ruvalcaba had a game, going 3 of 4 with four RBI to pace the KWU offense. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2620562a-5602-4081-b24f-9fc59a593e72?elinkdata=23421">Nathan Righi</a> went five innings allowing three runs on three hits with five strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/369b353b-09fd-45a0-8111-22bc5d2b1e12?elinkdata=23421">Riley Gwin</a> allowed two hits in two innings of relief.The Coyotes wasted no time in getting the bats going in the second game. Favretto and Garfield homered in the first inning and after Ruvalcaba walked, Allen hit a 2-run homer and it was 4-0 after an inning.Bethany got a run in the second, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes added four more. Romero walked, and Williamson followed with a 2-run homer. Two batters later, Garfield and Ruvalcaba went back-to-back for the Coyotes to make it 8-1.The Swedes got two runs in the third, but the Coyotes got one back on Favretto's RBI double in the bottom of the inning.After another Bethany run in the fourth, the Coyotes added two more, the first coming as Allen stole third and then scored on a throwing error by the catcher, and pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32a7cb03-8862-4ba2-a612-77b6bde48c77?elinkdata=23421">Jackson Harriger</a> followed with an RBI double to make it 11-4.Wesleyan loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth on walks to Wardell and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40cf50a9-c78c-4f95-9ce3-390fb2915ba5?elinkdata=23421">Blake Dale</a>. Romero singled to pack the bags and the first run of the inning came on a wild pitch. Favretto drove in a run with an RBI groundout, and later in the inning after loading the bases again, Allen walked in a run and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3732e216-2b15-41bd-bf3a-37790099d967?elinkdata=23421">Alex Garcia</a> did as well.Favretto, Garfield and Allen had two hits each for the Coyotes. Favretto and Allen drove in three each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23627b0d-3fe6-42a4-b235-c618d1b9b6b5?elinkdata=23421">Nathan Galusha</a> got the win, going four innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57b03709-3b2d-4db4-9e06-270da5f9ff9d?elinkdata=23421">Ritter Steinmann</a> pitched two innings and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5c8af4a-b31e-488f-a303-c91e8161f304?elinkdata=23421">Hunter Blea</a> got an inning of work.

Coyote baseball sweeps the Swedes

The Kansas Wesleyan men are playing their best volleyball at the right time.

Following a hard-fought 3-1 loss to No. 3-ranked Missouri Valley on Friday the Coyotes quickly bounced back with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-20) Senior Day victory over Culver-Stockton in a Heart of America Conference match Saturday afternoon inside Mabee Arena.

KWU improved to 4-11 in the conference and 8-14 overall; Culver-Stockton fell to 1-13 and 2-23.

"That's a sign of maturity and growth," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5c3c04f-79db-48f9-876c-4e0055fb002a?elinkdata=23297">Dustin Sahlmann</a> said. "Young guys learning how to bounce back the next day after things don't go exactly how you want them and we're still able to do the job that we were trying to do."

Sahlmann said a meeting earlier in the week paid dividends.

"We had a pretty extensive team meeting on Monday before practice and that was part of it," he said. "Some guys got to express some things that hadn't been expressed before. They also know we have an opportunity to still make the conference tournament if we can win X amount of matches and that's what they're trying to accomplish."

Tied 14-14 in the first set the Coyotes took control with a 10-3 run and finished it on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b687a9d-8f88-40e1-a001-327243d023cc?elinkdata=23297">Ryan Wagner</a>.

A 10-4 burst in the second set extended KWU's 10-9 lead to 20-13. Culver-Stockton used a 5-1 surge to get within 24-21 but an attack error gave the Coyotes victory and a 2-0 lead in the match.

Culver-Stockton led the third set 8-6 when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1de142d8-a39d-4342-abe2-ed704cb44717?elinkdata=23297">Justin Burras</a> took the serve. Eight consecutive points followed, and the Coyotes led 14-8. The Wildcats got within 19-18 before three straight KWU points extended the advantage to 22-18. CSC narrowed the gap to 22-20 before consecutive kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6a5fc153-a8a9-4d5d-8c00-374b829b25e6?elinkdata=23297">Jaron Lindsay</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bca5dd35-590f-4f9b-b991-b59a60b237fa?elinkdata=23297">Colin Lindo</a> ended the set and match.

"I was really happy for the focus we had today coming off a pretty emotional hard fought match last night," Sahlmann said. "We're more together. Even on Tuesday night against Grand View we weren't a hundred percent together but were more so than we had been. That sign of growth and where we're trying to get to."

The Coyotes hit .182 percent and were led by Lindsay's 11 kills while Burras had eight and Lindo six. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b83f6a66-f5b8-4ddc-b27e-c87d8d0fbbba?elinkdata=23297">Ethan Ricketts</a> had 22 assists and Burras four service aces. Defensively, Burras led the way with 10 digs and Wagner six block assists.

Culver-Stockton hit .103 percent and was led by Henry Reeves' 13 kills.

Wesleyan's two seniors, Lindo and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4338b368-1c3e-430e-9ed9-11990c9beb31?elinkdata=23297">Angel Diaz</a>, were recognized during a pregame ceremony.

The Kansas Wesleyan men are playing their best volleyball at the right time.Following a hard-fought 3-1 loss to No. 3-ranked Missouri Valley on Friday the Coyotes quickly bounced back with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-20) Senior Day victory over Culver-Stockton in a Heart of America Conference match Saturday afternoon inside Mabee Arena.KWU improved to 4-11 in the conference and 8-14 overall; Culver-Stockton fell to 1-13 and 2-23."That's a sign of maturity and growth," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5c3c04f-79db-48f9-876c-4e0055fb002a?elinkdata=23297">Dustin Sahlmann</a> said. "Young guys learning how to bounce back the next day after things don't go exactly how you want them and we're still able to do the job that we were trying to do."Sahlmann said a meeting earlier in the week paid dividends."We had a pretty extensive team meeting on Monday before practice and that was part of it," he said. "Some guys got to express some things that hadn't been expressed before. They also know we have an opportunity to still make the conference tournament if we can win X amount of matches and that's what they're trying to accomplish."Tied 14-14 in the first set the Coyotes took control with a 10-3 run and finished it on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b687a9d-8f88-40e1-a001-327243d023cc?elinkdata=23297">Ryan Wagner</a>.A 10-4 burst in the second set extended KWU's 10-9 lead to 20-13. Culver-Stockton used a 5-1 surge to get within 24-21 but an attack error gave the Coyotes victory and a 2-0 lead in the match.Culver-Stockton led the third set 8-6 when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1de142d8-a39d-4342-abe2-ed704cb44717?elinkdata=23297">Justin Burras</a> took the serve. Eight consecutive points followed, and the Coyotes led 14-8. The Wildcats got within 19-18 before three straight KWU points extended the advantage to 22-18. CSC narrowed the gap to 22-20 before consecutive kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6a5fc153-a8a9-4d5d-8c00-374b829b25e6?elinkdata=23297">Jaron Lindsay</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bca5dd35-590f-4f9b-b991-b59a60b237fa?elinkdata=23297">Colin Lindo</a> ended the set and match."I was really happy for the focus we had today coming off a pretty emotional hard fought match last night," Sahlmann said. "We're more together. Even on Tuesday night against Grand View we weren't a hundred percent together but were more so than we had been. That sign of growth and where we're trying to get to."The Coyotes hit .182 percent and were led by Lindsay's 11 kills while Burras had eight and Lindo six. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b83f6a66-f5b8-4ddc-b27e-c87d8d0fbbba?elinkdata=23297">Ethan Ricketts</a> had 22 assists and Burras four service aces. Defensively, Burras led the way with 10 digs and Wagner six block assists.Culver-Stockton hit .103 percent and was led by Henry Reeves' 13 kills.Wesleyan's two seniors, Lindo and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4338b368-1c3e-430e-9ed9-11990c9beb31?elinkdata=23297">Angel Diaz</a>, were recognized during a pregame ceremony.

KWU MVB stops skid, sweeps Culver-Stockton on Senior Day

SALINA KS. - Kansas Wesleyan University's Softball team hosted the University of Saint Mary Spires for a KCAC match up. The teams would spit the double header with KWU stealing game one with late offense and USM taking game two by run rule. The scores would be 7-4 Coyotes in game one, and 10-2 Spires in game two.

Starting in the circle for the Coyotes to start the day was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f9d893b0-2e60-43c6-8684-438437f31733?elinkdata=23328">Caitlyn Collier</a>. Game one the Coyotes put themselves in a tough position with a two errors in the top in the first and one error in the top of the second. The Spires capitalized scoring three runs to make it 3-0 after three innings of play. The fourth inning is when the Coyotes stared playing ball, only allowing one hit, and getting out of the inning with no harm done. Then three runs on three hits making a tied ball game at 3-3. The Coyotes then put another great inning together with allowing no runs in the top of fifth off of one hit. Then KWU would go to the bottom of the fifth to score two runs off of a deep sacrifice fly to center field by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0fcf1e3e-50d0-4912-ac33-e3e909da90cc?elinkdata=23328">Keira Hammen</a>. Her hit would score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1e16f688-70a8-40e3-aed7-9b48f420f636?elinkdata=23328">Josie Buhr</a> from third and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b2fdc3f-7f85-4979-ada5-696ff29e8508?elinkdata=23328">Kylar Smith</a> from third. Trinity Miller then hit a two run homer scoring Jenna Soul who reached on a single. KWU would go on to win game one 4-7.

Game two was a slow start for both teams. No runs for either side after two innings of play. The third inning the Spires cashed in two runs off of two hits and two errors. The Coyotes would respond by scoring two runs themselves off of a RBI double by Keira Hamman. Then an RBI single by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a02404bd-e34d-4275-8b28-f73ee7441a3c?elinkdata=23328">Hailey Summers</a> to even things at 2-2 after three innings. The fourth inning was another scoreless one for both teams. Then the 5th inning saw the Spires having timely hits to score three runs off of two singles and a double and one error by the Coyotes. KWU was not able to answer back in the 5th scoring no runs with only one hit. USM then kept the momentum in their favor scoring five runs off of four hits in the top of the 6th to make it 10-2. KWU could not get anything on the board in the bottom of 6th and would lose due to the run rule of being down by 8 or more after five innings or more of play.

The Coyotes now sit at a record of 13-17 overall and 4-8 in KCAC play.

SALINA KS. - Kansas Wesleyan University's Softball team hosted the University of Saint Mary Spires for a KCAC match up. The teams would spit the double header with KWU stealing game one with late offense and USM taking game two by run rule. The scores would be 7-4 Coyotes in game one, and 10-2 Spires in game two.Starting in the circle for the Coyotes to start the day was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f9d893b0-2e60-43c6-8684-438437f31733?elinkdata=23328">Caitlyn Collier</a>. Game one the Coyotes put themselves in a tough position with a two errors in the top in the first and one error in the top of the second. The Spires capitalized scoring three runs to make it 3-0 after three innings of play. The fourth inning is when the Coyotes stared playing ball, only allowing one hit, and getting out of the inning with no harm done. Then three runs on three hits making a tied ball game at 3-3. The Coyotes then put another great inning together with allowing no runs in the top of fifth off of one hit. Then KWU would go to the bottom of the fifth to score two runs off of a deep sacrifice fly to center field by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0fcf1e3e-50d0-4912-ac33-e3e909da90cc?elinkdata=23328">Keira Hammen</a>. Her hit would score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1e16f688-70a8-40e3-aed7-9b48f420f636?elinkdata=23328">Josie Buhr</a> from third and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b2fdc3f-7f85-4979-ada5-696ff29e8508?elinkdata=23328">Kylar Smith</a> from third. Trinity Miller then hit a two run homer scoring Jenna Soul who reached on a single. KWU would go on to win game one 4-7.Game two was a slow start for both teams. No runs for either side after two innings of play. The third inning the Spires cashed in two runs off of two hits and two errors. The Coyotes would respond by scoring two runs themselves off of a RBI double by Keira Hamman. Then an RBI single by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a02404bd-e34d-4275-8b28-f73ee7441a3c?elinkdata=23328">Hailey Summers</a> to even things at 2-2 after three innings. The fourth inning was another scoreless one for both teams. Then the 5th inning saw the Spires having timely hits to score three runs off of two singles and a double and one error by the Coyotes. KWU was not able to answer back in the 5th scoring no runs with only one hit. USM then kept the momentum in their favor scoring five runs off of four hits in the top of the 6th to make it 10-2. KWU could not get anything on the board in the bottom of 6th and would lose due to the run rule of being down by 8 or more after five innings or more of play.The Coyotes now sit at a record of 13-17 overall and 4-8 in KCAC play.

Coyote softball splits with Saint Mary

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.

Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.

Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.

A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.

Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.

Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.

The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.

Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.

USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.

Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.

A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”

Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, K-State Family. 💜 <a href="https://t.co/A0E4LQqvZe">pic.twitter.com/A0E4LQqvZe</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1906166043267207186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From all of us, thank you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAWBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCAAWBB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/4UB4ezbRP2">pic.twitter.com/4UB4ezbRP2</a>&mdash; NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1906167071911575761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.<h2>Honoring JuJu</h2>USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.___

🏀 K-State women's basketball season ends in Sweet 16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.

Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.

Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.

Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.

Kwan's solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.

Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.

Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.

Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.

The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia's homer and Witt's double.

The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.

The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743297600088.png" alt="Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia circles the bases after hitting a game-tying home run against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas City Royals photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia circles the bases after hitting a game-tying home run against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas City Royals photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.Kwan's solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia's homer and Witt's double.<h2>Key stat</h2>The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.—

⚾ Garcia's homer and Witt’s go-ahead RBI double lead Royals past Guardians 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Opening day was a resounding success for the Salina South baseball team, who swept a battle of top-four baseball teams from a season ago, collecting victories of 6-1 and 7-6 over the Abilene Cowboys.

Game One: Salina South 6, Abilene 1

It didn’t take the Cougars long to collect their first runs of the season as in the top of the first Wyatt Breeden brought home Caden Stauffer on a fielder’s choice, and a sac fly by Aiden Spielman scored Jace Humphrey to deliver the Cougars an early 2-0 lead.

Spielman continued an impressive day at the plate, bringing in two more runs on an RBI single in the third, and came in to score a run himself as part of a two-run sixth inning for South.

While the bats were impressive, the star of game one was undoubtedly Jace Humphrey, who silenced the Abilene bats from the mound.

In six innings of work on just 86 pitches, Humphrey held the Cowboys to just one hit, walking just two while fanning six batters in a shutout effort.

Abilene would score a late run in the seventh on a pair of Cougar errors, but it was too little too late for the Cowboys, who dropped the season opener.

Game Two: Salina South 7, Abilene 6

The nightcap of this doubleheader had a similar feel to it, as the Cougars picked up right where they left off, scoring two runs in the first, two more in the second, and another in the third to take a sizable 6-0 lead after three.

With their backs to the wall, the Cowboys responded, rattling off five unanswered runs in the home half of the third to make this a ballgame once again.

It looked like the Cougars would earn some breathing room in the fourth, but a batter's interference call wiped a run off the board and set the scene for an inning-ending double play.

With the momentum of that play, the Cowboys managed to get the tying run to the plate on an RBI double from Landyn Rogers.

Abilene had the go-ahead run 90 feet away and loaded the bases, but three strikeouts from Caden Stauffer ensured the game would go to the final inning on level footing.

South led off the seventh with a Landon Putnam single, and the right fielder advanced to second on a wild pitch, then to third on a textbook bunt single from pinch hitter Lawson Rassette.

The Cougars wouldn’t get another hit in the seventh, but they wouldn’t need to, as a wild pitch got away from the Cowboy catcher, allowing Putnam to scamper home and score the deciding run.

Salina South begins their season at 2-0 while Abilene will look to rebound next week at 0-2.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOpening day was a resounding success for the Salina South baseball team, who swept a battle of top-four baseball teams from a season ago, collecting victories of 6-1 and 7-6 over the Abilene Cowboys.<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>Game One: Salina South 6, Abilene 1It didn’t take the Cougars long to collect their first runs of the season as in the top of the first Wyatt Breeden brought home Caden Stauffer on a fielder’s choice, and a sac fly by Aiden Spielman scored Jace Humphrey to deliver the Cougars an early 2-0 lead.Spielman continued an impressive day at the plate, bringing in two more runs on an RBI single in the third, and came in to score a run himself as part of a two-run sixth inning for South.While the bats were impressive, the star of game one was undoubtedly Jace Humphrey, who silenced the Abilene bats from the mound.In six innings of work on just 86 pitches, Humphrey held the Cowboys to just one hit, walking just two while fanning six batters in a shutout effort.Abilene would score a late run in the seventh on a pair of Cougar errors, but it was too little too late for the Cowboys, who dropped the season opener.Game Two: Salina South 7, Abilene 6The nightcap of this doubleheader had a similar feel to it, as the Cougars picked up right where they left off, scoring two runs in the first, two more in the second, and another in the third to take a sizable 6-0 lead after three.With their backs to the wall, the Cowboys responded, rattling off five unanswered runs in the home half of the third to make this a ballgame once again.It looked like the Cougars would earn some breathing room in the fourth, but a batter's interference call wiped a run off the board and set the scene for an inning-ending double play.With the momentum of that play, the Cowboys managed to get the tying run to the plate on an RBI double from Landyn Rogers.Abilene had the go-ahead run 90 feet away and loaded the bases, but three strikeouts from Caden Stauffer ensured the game would go to the final inning on level footing.South led off the seventh with a Landon Putnam single, and the right fielder advanced to second on a wild pitch, then to third on a textbook bunt single from pinch hitter Lawson Rassette.The Cougars wouldn’t get another hit in the seventh, but they wouldn’t need to, as a wild pitch got away from the Cowboy catcher, allowing Putnam to scamper home and score the deciding run.Salina South begins their season at 2-0 while Abilene will look to rebound next week at 0-2.

⚾️ Cougars take two from Abilene on opening day

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dbd13d7e-acec-4d9d-a4da-4de6d4462171?elinkdata=23266">Carter Allen</a> hit two home runs, including the game-ending 2-run shot to propel the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes to an 11-0 run-rule win over the Bethany Swedes on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.

The game was played at 10 a.m. Friday due to high school games being played at the field in the afternoon, and the threat of inclement weather on Sunday forcing the teams to play early.

Wesleyan got out of a bases loaded jam by the Swedes in the top of the first and immediately responded as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3bcfdebf-a058-436c-80a3-a05935faf5db?elinkdata=23266">Jacob Williamson</a> was hit by a pitch and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8e7ae3e1-e751-44f4-bd90-b42c7b451e50?elinkdata=23266">Tyler Favretto</a> walked setting up <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8251152d-cf5a-43a0-af94-2b751f418b0b?elinkdata=23266">Garrett Garfield's</a> 3-run homer to start the scoring.

The Coyotes left the bases loaded in the second on three walks, but could not score.

Allen got the scoring started in the third leading off the inning with a homer followed by a triple by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2286dc01-1f69-4274-8880-f194f83d7be8?elinkdata=23266">Joe Finder</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/500d5eee-6089-451b-b1a2-fe98e79aeb19?elinkdata=23266">Frank Kelch</a>, making his season debut, walked and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66922a8e-7519-4bf1-8ec4-067f870a4d68?elinkdata=23266">Blake Dale</a> drove in the second run of the inning with a fielder's choice. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1121b717-42ca-40fc-a04f-a6c7f0d9884c?elinkdata=23266">Eric Romero</a> followed with an RBI triple to make it 6-0 Coyotes.

Finder reached on a Bethany error in the fifth and then scored on Kelch's groundout.

In the sixth the Coyotes added two more as Williams and Favretto walked to start the inning and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/652ed46c-be00-4150-ad67-fb8d315ccefb?elinkdata=23266">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> hit a 2-run double down the line in left field to make it 9-0 Coyotes.

Wesleyan nearly ended it in the seventh. Pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245e5c7a-ecba-42c3-b423-49f1c6c4a80d?elinkdata=23266">Jackson Harriger</a> stepped up and launched a ball down the line in left that easily cleared the fence, but was called foul by the umpire. Romero later singled in the inning, but the Coyotes could not push the game-ender across.

The Coyotes did end it in the eighth. Favretto led off the inning with a walk, his fifth walk of the day. Allen stepped up three spots later and launched a ball out to left center for a 2-run shot to end the game.

Meanwhile on the other side, the Coyote pitching staff was phenomenal. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/691e0bb2-1e64-41e2-9ddd-36c26a719e2e?elinkdata=23266">Brett Maddock</a> went five innings to get the win, holding Bethany to four hits and struck out 10, against four walks. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90393d60-69e1-4cad-ab82-aaa5511e51a9?elinkdata=23266">Riley Gwin</a> pitched two hitless innings with three strikeouts and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d14ba91c-41b0-495b-8144-7e8694fa3a72?elinkdata=23266">Thalen Wright</a> pitched an inning with two strikeouts.

Allen and Romero were the only two Coyotes with multiple hits. Allen and Garfield drove in three each.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dbd13d7e-acec-4d9d-a4da-4de6d4462171?elinkdata=23266">Carter Allen</a> hit two home runs, including the game-ending 2-run shot to propel the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes to an 11-0 run-rule win over the Bethany Swedes on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.The game was played at 10 a.m. Friday due to high school games being played at the field in the afternoon, and the threat of inclement weather on Sunday forcing the teams to play early.Wesleyan got out of a bases loaded jam by the Swedes in the top of the first and immediately responded as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3bcfdebf-a058-436c-80a3-a05935faf5db?elinkdata=23266">Jacob Williamson</a> was hit by a pitch and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8e7ae3e1-e751-44f4-bd90-b42c7b451e50?elinkdata=23266">Tyler Favretto</a> walked setting up <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8251152d-cf5a-43a0-af94-2b751f418b0b?elinkdata=23266">Garrett Garfield's</a> 3-run homer to start the scoring.The Coyotes left the bases loaded in the second on three walks, but could not score.Allen got the scoring started in the third leading off the inning with a homer followed by a triple by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2286dc01-1f69-4274-8880-f194f83d7be8?elinkdata=23266">Joe Finder</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/500d5eee-6089-451b-b1a2-fe98e79aeb19?elinkdata=23266">Frank Kelch</a>, making his season debut, walked and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66922a8e-7519-4bf1-8ec4-067f870a4d68?elinkdata=23266">Blake Dale</a> drove in the second run of the inning with a fielder's choice. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1121b717-42ca-40fc-a04f-a6c7f0d9884c?elinkdata=23266">Eric Romero</a> followed with an RBI triple to make it 6-0 Coyotes.Finder reached on a Bethany error in the fifth and then scored on Kelch's groundout.In the sixth the Coyotes added two more as Williams and Favretto walked to start the inning and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/652ed46c-be00-4150-ad67-fb8d315ccefb?elinkdata=23266">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> hit a 2-run double down the line in left field to make it 9-0 Coyotes.Wesleyan nearly ended it in the seventh. Pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245e5c7a-ecba-42c3-b423-49f1c6c4a80d?elinkdata=23266">Jackson Harriger</a> stepped up and launched a ball down the line in left that easily cleared the fence, but was called foul by the umpire. Romero later singled in the inning, but the Coyotes could not push the game-ender across.The Coyotes did end it in the eighth. Favretto led off the inning with a walk, his fifth walk of the day. Allen stepped up three spots later and launched a ball out to left center for a 2-run shot to end the game.Meanwhile on the other side, the Coyote pitching staff was phenomenal. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/691e0bb2-1e64-41e2-9ddd-36c26a719e2e?elinkdata=23266">Brett Maddock</a> went five innings to get the win, holding Bethany to four hits and struck out 10, against four walks. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90393d60-69e1-4cad-ab82-aaa5511e51a9?elinkdata=23266">Riley Gwin</a> pitched two hitless innings with three strikeouts and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d14ba91c-41b0-495b-8144-7e8694fa3a72?elinkdata=23266">Thalen Wright</a> pitched an inning with two strikeouts.Allen and Romero were the only two Coyotes with multiple hits. Allen and Garfield drove in three each.

KWU baseball blasts by Bethany 11-0

SPOKANE, Wash. -&nbsp;K-State (28-7, 13-5 Big 12), the 5-seed in the Spokane 4 Region, will face the top-seed, USC (30-3, 16-1 Big Ten), in the regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 7 p.m. (CT), in Spokane, Washington, at Spokane Arena.

• With a win on Saturday, K-State would secure the second Elite 8 appearance in program history and the first since 1982.

• Saturday’s game will air on ESPN, as Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline) will have the call.

Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball

1. Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament

• K-State is making its 19th NCAA Tournament appearance and the sixth under head coach Jeff Mittie. The Wildcats own a record of 17-18 in its 19 bids and has reached the Sweet 16 four times (1982, 1983, 2002, 2025).

• K-State women’s basketball is the only team in the nation this season with 300 or more steals and 200 or more blocks. This is the first time in program history has reached 300 or more steals and 200 or more blocks in the same season.

• K-State’s 28 wins this season have tied for the second-most wins in program history. With a win, K-State would tie the school record for wins in a season (29; 2002-03).

• In addition to setting the school record for points in a season (See Number to Know pt. 1), K-State has established new school records for a single season for assists (753) and blocks (200).

5. Sundell Sets Career Assist Record

• Serena Sundell became the program’s career assist leader (805), passing Shalee Lehning (2005-09; 800) for the school record for career assists. Her total ranks fourth in Big 12 history for a career.

• K-State has scored 2,781 points this season (79.5 ppg).

• The 2,781 points is a new school record for points in a season. This broke the previous mark of 2,635 set in the 1979-80 season.

• The Wildcats’ scoring average of 79.5 would rank second in school history behind the school record of 81.3 in the 1982-83 season.

• K-State’s 54 wins ranks tied for second in school history for wins in a two-season span.

• Aiding its win total are consecutive seasons with 25 or more wins. This is the first time since the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons that K-State has won 25 or more games in consecutive seasons.

2024-25 K-State Player Milestones to Watch

• Needs two double-doubles to move into sole possession of second in Big 12 history for career double-doubles

• Needs 11 made free throws to set the school record for career free throws made

• Needs 4 assists to move into 14th on K-State career assists list

• Needs 13 rebounds for sole possession of 18th on the K-State career rebounds list

• Needs 35 points for sole possession of 26th on the K-State career points list

• USC (30-3, 16-1 Big Ten), the top-seed in the Spokane 4 Region, enters Saturday’s regional semifinal game following a 96-59 win over Mississippi State in Los Angeles on Monday night.

• On the sideline, the Trojans are led by fourth-year head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. A 1999 graduate of Brown, Gottlieb owns a record of 92-35 (.724) at USC, and guided the program to the 2025 Big Ten regular season crown and three NCAA Tournament appearances.

• On the floor, USC is led by JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen.

• Watkins, a sophomore from Los Angeles, leads the squad in scoring at 23.9 points per game and 3.4 assists per game. Watkins is a 2025 All-American, a candidate for numerous Player of the Year honors by a number of organizations and the 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year.

• Iriafen, a graduate student from Los Angeles, is second on the team in scoring at 18.6 points on a .506 field goal percentage and a team-best 8.5 rebounds. In the absence of Watkins against Mississippi State, Iriafen paced the Trojans with 36 points on 16-of-22 shooting, nine rebounds and two blocks.

K-State’s NCAA First Weekend in Review

• 4 - This is the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history and the first since 2002 (1982, 1983, 2002, 2025)

• 80+ - K-State tallied 80 or more points in both its games last weekend; this marked the second time in program history and first time since the 2002 season that K-State scored 80 or more points in consecutive NCAA Tournament games

• 62 - Total rebounds by Ayoka Lee in her NCAA Tournament career, a school record

• 48 - Second half points by K-State over Fairfield in its first round win; tied school record for points in a half in an NCAA Tournament game

• 44 - margin of victory by K-State over Fairfield in its first round win; largest margin of victory in an NCAA Tournament game in program history

• 43 - Total assists by Serena Sundell in her NCAA Tournament career, a school record

• 29 - Points scored in the third quarter by K-State over Fairfield in its first round win; school record for points in any quarter of an NCAA Tournament game

• 23 - Total assists by Sundell in the first two games; most by any player in the first weekend of the 2025 NCAA Tournament

• 14 - Assists by Sundell against Kentucky in K-State’s second round win; this set a school record for assists in an NCAA Tournament game and were the most assists by any player in opening weekend of the 2025 NCAA Tournament

• Sundell carded the first K-State double-double in an NCAA Tournament game involving points (19) and assists (14) against Kentucky

• 14 - Three-point field goals made by K-State against Kentucky; this set the school record for 3-point field goals made in an NCAA Tournament game