Fourteen practices into his first season as Kansas Wesleyan's football coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3924ecc0-64f5-4f2e-bc64-045bbe272046?elinkdata=25715">Matt Middleton</a> is pleased. Not satisfied by any means but happy with the initial steps in the lengthy building process of his program.

Middleton, his staff and a sizable crowd got a glimpse of what the Coyotes have accomplished the past month during an approximately 80-play intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. It was the final practice of the spring session for the 82-man squad.

"The biggest thing for us was to see what we had," said Middleton who came to KWU in December after two seasons as an assistant at Division II powerhouse Harding. "We don't know the personnel because we haven't been here, we need see who we have, what they're capable of, what they can do with holes we need to fill."

Middleton, who coached quarterbacks and fullbacks at Harding, unveiled a balanced and fast-paced attack. Transfer quarterbacks <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a30fc1a-c8c7-4e9f-ab1b-881d9081466f?elinkdata=25715">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6bcbc75-52a2-4faf-b8e6-fcf559da82a1?elinkdata=25715">Caden Middleton</a>, the coach's son, alternated the early series and were impressive.

Running backs <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6ba011c-ef2a-48bd-8088-37b6b088316b?elinkdata=25715">Luke Armstrong</a>, a returning NAIA First-Team All-American, and veteran <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f237137-1cee-43fe-bec6-bb3dd95d621c?elinkdata=25715">D'Heaven Domena</a> excelled as did freshman wide receivers <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e79d91a-e05f-48cb-9b8e-a2c2adb04b72?elinkdata=25715">Will Wilcox</a>, veteran <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7e99a6d-18f6-4ac8-847b-3a09d82da9f1?elinkdata=25715">Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey</a> who sat out last season and sophomore <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d1386b1-fd18-4a8a-b068-f41215dbcccf?elinkdata=25715">Dejaylon Beal</a>. Beal caught touchdown passes of 65 and 55 yards from quarterback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a0617163-e158-47c5-88b7-8cc29b9214d0?elinkdata=25715">Kai Wilkinson</a> late in the scrimmage.

"When you watch film, it's never as bad as you think it is or never as good as you think it is - somewhere in the middle," coach Middleton said. "We've got some playmakers, and I know we busted (big plays) all over the place today but what I was proud of was when we didn't bust plays, we still made plays and extended plays and that was the biggest thing.

"The two touchdowns at the end were extended plays so I think we're learning to play through the whistle and if things don't go our way, finding a way to make something happen. It's a new system; it took a few practices, I think probably seven is when it started to click a little bit. Today you were seeing us in it."

Injuries played a big role much of the spring; the defense impacted most.

"The first group we've got some talent, but I'll be honest we've been beat up defensive line-wise and you can see that today," Middleton said. "We just don't have our guys right now and have had to play some guys on limited reps. We'll get those things fixed and get some depth in here and get some stuff corrected. But they gave great effort and they're getting after it."

Linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66196645-e6a2-4abb-b519-943f5c67b8ab?elinkdata=25715">Freronnta Allen</a> had the defensive play of the day intercepting a Wilkinson pass and returning it for a touchdown.

Shoring up depth on both sides of the ball will be the primary focus until fall camp begins August 8.

"We've got to go get some immediate help, we've got to go get some people to come in and be in the two-deep right now and help us," Middleton said. "Anytime you have a team that loses 33 seniors and a lot of others you're in a situation where you're replacing a whole lot of production. We've got a lot of spots that we can fill in."

Fourteen practices into his first season as Kansas Wesleyan's football coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3924ecc0-64f5-4f2e-bc64-045bbe272046?elinkdata=25715">Matt Middleton</a> is pleased. Not satisfied by any means but happy with the initial steps in the lengthy building process of his program.Middleton, his staff and a sizable crowd got a glimpse of what the Coyotes have accomplished the past month during an approximately 80-play intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. It was the final practice of the spring session for the 82-man squad."The biggest thing for us was to see what we had," said Middleton who came to KWU in December after two seasons as an assistant at Division II powerhouse Harding. "We don't know the personnel because we haven't been here, we need see who we have, what they're capable of, what they can do with holes we need to fill."Middleton, who coached quarterbacks and fullbacks at Harding, unveiled a balanced and fast-paced attack. Transfer quarterbacks <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a30fc1a-c8c7-4e9f-ab1b-881d9081466f?elinkdata=25715">Henry Austad</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c6bcbc75-52a2-4faf-b8e6-fcf559da82a1?elinkdata=25715">Caden Middleton</a>, the coach's son, alternated the early series and were impressive.Running backs <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6ba011c-ef2a-48bd-8088-37b6b088316b?elinkdata=25715">Luke Armstrong</a>, a returning NAIA First-Team All-American, and veteran <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f237137-1cee-43fe-bec6-bb3dd95d621c?elinkdata=25715">D'Heaven Domena</a> excelled as did freshman wide receivers <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e79d91a-e05f-48cb-9b8e-a2c2adb04b72?elinkdata=25715">Will Wilcox</a>, veteran <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7e99a6d-18f6-4ac8-847b-3a09d82da9f1?elinkdata=25715">Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey</a> who sat out last season and sophomore <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d1386b1-fd18-4a8a-b068-f41215dbcccf?elinkdata=25715">Dejaylon Beal</a>. Beal caught touchdown passes of 65 and 55 yards from quarterback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a0617163-e158-47c5-88b7-8cc29b9214d0?elinkdata=25715">Kai Wilkinson</a> late in the scrimmage."When you watch film, it's never as bad as you think it is or never as good as you think it is - somewhere in the middle," coach Middleton said. "We've got some playmakers, and I know we busted (big plays) all over the place today but what I was proud of was when we didn't bust plays, we still made plays and extended plays and that was the biggest thing."The two touchdowns at the end were extended plays so I think we're learning to play through the whistle and if things don't go our way, finding a way to make something happen. It's a new system; it took a few practices, I think probably seven is when it started to click a little bit. Today you were seeing us in it."Injuries played a big role much of the spring; the defense impacted most."The first group we've got some talent, but I'll be honest we've been beat up defensive line-wise and you can see that today," Middleton said. "We just don't have our guys right now and have had to play some guys on limited reps. We'll get those things fixed and get some depth in here and get some stuff corrected. But they gave great effort and they're getting after it."Linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66196645-e6a2-4abb-b519-943f5c67b8ab?elinkdata=25715">Freronnta Allen</a> had the defensive play of the day intercepting a Wilkinson pass and returning it for a touchdown.Shoring up depth on both sides of the ball will be the primary focus until fall camp begins August 8."We've got to go get some immediate help, we've got to go get some people to come in and be in the two-deep right now and help us," Middleton said. "Anytime you have a team that loses 33 seniors and a lot of others you're in a situation where you're replacing a whole lot of production. We've got a lot of spots that we can fill in."

Offense stands out in KWU Football's spring scrimmage

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha scattered four hits over six innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 2-0 for the second straight night Saturday to run their winning streak to six.

Wacha (1-3) once again received little run support, but the veteran right-hander made the meager production stand up on chilly evening at Kauffman Stadium. He struck out six while walking two and never allowed a runner past second base.

Steven Cruz worked the seventh for Kansas City, his seventh appearance this season without allowing a run. John Schreiber left runners on the corners in the eighth, and Carlos Estévez had a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored in the first inning for the Royals, extending his career-best hitting streak to 18 games.

Framber Valdez (1-3) gave up a sacrifice fly to Mark Canha in the first inning and Pasquantino's shot down the right-field line in the fifth. Otherwise, the Astros left-hander kept Kansas City in check, allowing three hits and two walks over eight innings.

Valdez had tossed seven shutout innings against the Royals last August in a 3-2 victory.

The Astros, who have lost five straight at the K, have managed just nine hits while getting shut out over the first two games of the series. They had rolled into Kansas City having won three straight and five of their last six games.

Isaac Parades hit a two-out double and Jeremy Peña followed with a single to give Houston runners on the corners in the eighth inning. Schreiber bounced back to strike out Christian Walker with a four-seam fastball to end the threat.

The Royals have only scored seven runs in the 32 innings that Wacha has pitched this season.

RHP Hunter Brown (3-1, 1.16) tries to extend a 24-inning scoreless streak for Houston in the series finale Sunday. LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.45) gets the start for Kansas City after tossing seven shutout innings against the Rockies his last time out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745720098244.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha scattered four hits over six innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 2-0 for the second straight night Saturday to run their winning streak to six.Wacha (1-3) once again received little run support, but the veteran right-hander made the meager production stand up on chilly evening at Kauffman Stadium. He struck out six while walking two and never allowed a runner past second base.Steven Cruz worked the seventh for Kansas City, his seventh appearance this season without allowing a run. John Schreiber left runners on the corners in the eighth, and Carlos Estévez had a perfect ninth for his seventh save.Bobby Witt Jr. doubled and scored in the first inning for the Royals, extending his career-best hitting streak to 18 games.Framber Valdez (1-3) gave up a sacrifice fly to Mark Canha in the first inning and Pasquantino's shot down the right-field line in the fifth. Otherwise, the Astros left-hander kept Kansas City in check, allowing three hits and two walks over eight innings.Valdez had tossed seven shutout innings against the Royals last August in a 3-2 victory.The Astros, who have lost five straight at the K, have managed just nine hits while getting shut out over the first two games of the series. They had rolled into Kansas City having won three straight and five of their last six games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isaac Parades hit a two-out double and Jeremy Peña followed with a single to give Houston runners on the corners in the eighth inning. Schreiber bounced back to strike out Christian Walker with a four-seam fastball to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have only scored seven runs in the 32 innings that Wacha has pitched this season.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Hunter Brown (3-1, 1.16) tries to extend a 24-inning scoreless streak for Houston in the series finale Sunday. LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 1.45) gets the start for Kansas City after tossing seven shutout innings against the Rockies his last time out.

⚾ Pasquantino homers as KC beats Astros for the second straight night

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline softball team split their mid-season tournament games on Friday, falling to Wamego 11-0 but bouncing back to defeat El Dorado 5-4 on a walk-off Abby Wyatt single.

Game One: Wamego 11, SE of Saline 0

The opener of this two-game set would be one to forget for SES, whose bats went truly cold for the first time all season.

Southeast would be blanked for the first time in the campaign, finding just five hits and a pair of walks against the Wamego starter, and striking out eight times.

The Lady Raiders scored four runs in the first and third, adding another in the fourth and two more in the fifth to win by mercy rule.

Game Two: SE of Saline 5, El Dorado 4

Not discouraged by a rough start, the Lady Trojans bounced back in a game two pitchers duel that saw the teams even at 2 apiece going into the fifth.

El Dorado added a run in the fifth and Southeast responded with one of their own in the sixth, but with another in the seventh, the Wildcats put Southeast down to their final three outs.

With their backs to the wall, SES went to work, tying the game on a Kyiah Samuelson RBI single, and walking it off when Abby Wyatt did the same in the very next at bat.

In the circle, Karlee Zurfluh and Carlee Dye combined to allow just four earned runs, walking just two batters while striking out six.

With this split, SES moves to 11-3, good enough to lead the Osage City regional standings with two weeks left to go in the regular season.

The Lady Trojans will return to league play on Tuesday when they travel to Minneapolis for a date with the Lady Lions.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline softball team split their mid-season tournament games on Friday, falling to Wamego 11-0 but bouncing back to defeat El Dorado 5-4 on a walk-off Abby Wyatt single.<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: Wamego 11, SE of Saline 0The opener of this two-game set would be one to forget for SES, whose bats went truly cold for the first time all season.Southeast would be blanked for the first time in the campaign, finding just five hits and a pair of walks against the Wamego starter, and striking out eight times.The Lady Raiders scored four runs in the first and third, adding another in the fourth and two more in the fifth to win by mercy rule.Game Two: SE of Saline 5, El Dorado 4Not discouraged by a rough start, the Lady Trojans bounced back in a game two pitchers duel that saw the teams even at 2 apiece going into the fifth.El Dorado added a run in the fifth and Southeast responded with one of their own in the sixth, but with another in the seventh, the Wildcats put Southeast down to their final three outs.With their backs to the wall, SES went to work, tying the game on a Kyiah Samuelson RBI single, and walking it off when Abby Wyatt did the same in the very next at bat.In the circle, Karlee Zurfluh and Carlee Dye combined to allow just four earned runs, walking just two batters while striking out six.With this split, SES moves to 11-3, good enough to lead the Osage City regional standings with two weeks left to go in the regular season.The Lady Trojans will return to league play on Tuesday when they travel to Minneapolis for a date with the Lady Lions.

🥎 Southeast splits midseason tournament with Wamego and El Dorado

The Salina South softball team handled their business on Friday night, sweeping the Lady Salthawks of Hutchinson in victories of 15-5 and 9-8.

Game One: Salina South 15, Hutch 5

The Lady Salthawk bats looked ready to compete in the opener, scoring a run in the first, two more in the second, and two in the third, marking their best offensive output in nearly two weeks.

Unfortunately for Hutch, it didn’t take long for South to capitalize on a few miscues, and in the home half of the second, the Lady Cougars sent nine straight batters to the plate, each of whom would reach first safely.

That led to a seven-run outburst that put South in front 8-3, and with three more runs in the third and four in the fourth this game would conclude in just five innings.

Every single member of the Salina South lineup scored or drove in at least one run, led by Paityn Fritz who went 3-3 with a two-run home run, a walk and an RBI single.

In the circle, Macy Yost settled down after the third, allowing just three earned runs in her seventh win of the season.

The nightcap of this two-game set was much closer, with Hutch nearly tying things up in the final frame.

Once again it was the Lady Salthawks who struck first, and actually held a 3-1 lead going into the bottom of the third.

Macy Yost and Chloe Helsel quickly flipped that script, driving in three runs on a pair of singles to flip a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead.

South would add another in the fourth and fifth, and three more in the sixth, holding a 9-5 advantage into the final inning.

Hutch kept battling, plating three and putting the tying run on third, but a strikeout of Jayanna Cornejo would seal the deal and secure the win for the Lady Cougars.

With this sweep, South improves to 14-4 while Hutch drops to 3-15 on the year.

These wins also vault the green and gold into fourth place in the regional standings, up two spots from the 6-seed they held going into Friday.

The Lady Cougars will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Valley Center.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Salina South softball team handled their business on Friday night, sweeping the Lady Salthawks of Hutchinson in victories of 15-5 and 9-8.<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 15, Hutch 5The Lady Salthawk bats looked ready to compete in the opener, scoring a run in the first, two more in the second, and two in the third, marking their best offensive output in nearly two weeks.Unfortunately for Hutch, it didn’t take long for South to capitalize on a few miscues, and in the home half of the second, the Lady Cougars sent nine straight batters to the plate, each of whom would reach first safely.That led to a seven-run outburst that put South in front 8-3, and with three more runs in the third and four in the fourth this game would conclude in just five innings.Every single member of the Salina South lineup scored or drove in at least one run, led by Paityn Fritz who went 3-3 with a two-run home run, a walk and an RBI single.In the circle, Macy Yost settled down after the third, allowing just three earned runs in her seventh win of the season.Game Two: Salina South 9, Hutch 8The nightcap of this two-game set was much closer, with Hutch nearly tying things up in the final frame.Once again it was the Lady Salthawks who struck first, and actually held a 3-1 lead going into the bottom of the third.Macy Yost and Chloe Helsel quickly flipped that script, driving in three runs on a pair of singles to flip a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead.South would add another in the fourth and fifth, and three more in the sixth, holding a 9-5 advantage into the final inning.Hutch kept battling, plating three and putting the tying run on third, but a strikeout of Jayanna Cornejo would seal the deal and secure the win for the Lady Cougars.With this sweep, South improves to 14-4 while Hutch drops to 3-15 on the year.These wins also vault the green and gold into fourth place in the regional standings, up two spots from the 6-seed they held going into Friday.The Lady Cougars will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Valley Center.

🥎 Lady Cougars hold off Hutch in Friday sweep 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Second-seeded Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football cruised past the seventh-seeded Cottey College Comets 45-6 in the quarterfinals of the KCAC Flag Football Tournament on Friday at the KC Current Training Center.

The Coyotes were in control from the opening snap. Cottey started with the ball but the Coyotes turned it into points quickly as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76383d6b-b620-4092-815d-9fda42de059a?elinkdata=25653">Angel Roman</a> picked off a pass and then lateralled to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4f1a6743-6b78-41cc-8aa4-6c6ba7a59cd2?elinkdata=25653">Alexa Mansur</a> who took it to the Cottey 2-yard line. From there, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e2fde1d7-7d08-4dbd-bd36-69a418952716?elinkdata=25653">Chihiro Iwata</a> dropped a pass to Sofia Tafua and KWU led 6-0 with 8:50 left in the first.

After a failed Cottey drive, the Coyotes were right back to work, this time capping the scoring drive with an eight yard pass from Iwata to Tafua to make it 12-0 with 1:47 left in the first.

KWU only needed two plays on the next drive as Iwata dropped a pass to Roman for a 24-yard scoring play with 10:35 left in the second to put the Coyotes up 18-0.

The Coyotes added another score in the second, as Iwata again found Roman, this time from five yards out and it was 25-0 with 4:32 left in the first half.

KWU started the second half with the ball and scoring out of the gates. Tafua led the scoring drive dropping a perfectly placed lass to Roman from 24 yards out and the PAT was good making it 32-0 with 8:47 left in the third.

The Coyotes scored again in the fourth as Tafua found <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/425fafe4-1bfa-4ad7-993d-cc01064e087a?elinkdata=25653">Yui Watanabe</a> for four yards out to make it 38-0 with 10:14 to go in the game.

Cottey got its only score of the game when the Comets saw Alyssa Hollis break free for a 66-yard touchdown pass with 9:23 to go in the game.

The Coyotes would score one more time, as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c111ac01-ad70-42cb-b882-12fa3c36411e?elinkdata=25653">Angelina Briano</a> led the final scoring drive, hitting <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a568676-3de4-4b69-b1ab-b95b2873c088?elinkdata=25653">Ashley Hawthorne</a> for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to make it 45-6.

Iwata was 13 of 15 passing for 197 yards and two scores. Tafua was 9 of 13 for 127 yards and two scores and Briano was 5 of 6 for 47 yards and one touchdown as the top three passers for the Coyotes in the game. Tafua added 10 yards rushing.

Tafua had 103 yards receiving in the game as well on three catches, Roman caught four passes for 55 yards and three scores.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Second-seeded Kansas Wesleyan Flag Football cruised past the seventh-seeded Cottey College Comets 45-6 in the quarterfinals of the KCAC Flag Football Tournament on Friday at the KC Current Training Center.The Coyotes were in control from the opening snap. Cottey started with the ball but the Coyotes turned it into points quickly as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76383d6b-b620-4092-815d-9fda42de059a?elinkdata=25653">Angel Roman</a> picked off a pass and then lateralled to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4f1a6743-6b78-41cc-8aa4-6c6ba7a59cd2?elinkdata=25653">Alexa Mansur</a> who took it to the Cottey 2-yard line. From there, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e2fde1d7-7d08-4dbd-bd36-69a418952716?elinkdata=25653">Chihiro Iwata</a> dropped a pass to Sofia Tafua and KWU led 6-0 with 8:50 left in the first.After a failed Cottey drive, the Coyotes were right back to work, this time capping the scoring drive with an eight yard pass from Iwata to Tafua to make it 12-0 with 1:47 left in the first.KWU only needed two plays on the next drive as Iwata dropped a pass to Roman for a 24-yard scoring play with 10:35 left in the second to put the Coyotes up 18-0.The Coyotes added another score in the second, as Iwata again found Roman, this time from five yards out and it was 25-0 with 4:32 left in the first half.KWU started the second half with the ball and scoring out of the gates. Tafua led the scoring drive dropping a perfectly placed lass to Roman from 24 yards out and the PAT was good making it 32-0 with 8:47 left in the third.The Coyotes scored again in the fourth as Tafua found <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/425fafe4-1bfa-4ad7-993d-cc01064e087a?elinkdata=25653">Yui Watanabe</a> for four yards out to make it 38-0 with 10:14 to go in the game.Cottey got its only score of the game when the Comets saw Alyssa Hollis break free for a 66-yard touchdown pass with 9:23 to go in the game.The Coyotes would score one more time, as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c111ac01-ad70-42cb-b882-12fa3c36411e?elinkdata=25653">Angelina Briano</a> led the final scoring drive, hitting <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a568676-3de4-4b69-b1ab-b95b2873c088?elinkdata=25653">Ashley Hawthorne</a> for a 1-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to make it 45-6.Iwata was 13 of 15 passing for 197 yards and two scores. Tafua was 9 of 13 for 127 yards and two scores and Briano was 5 of 6 for 47 yards and one touchdown as the top three passers for the Coyotes in the game. Tafua added 10 yards rushing.Tafua had 103 yards receiving in the game as well on three catches, Roman caught four passes for 55 yards and three scores.

🏈 Coyote Flag blows by Comets 45-6 in KCAC Quarterfinals

LINDSBORG - It took three days longer than scheduled, but the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team completed the task at hand. The Coyotes completed the sweep of the Bethany College Swedes on Friday afternoon, winning the suspended second game 3-0 to finish the regular season.

KWU won the first game 8-7 on Tuesday, and had gotten to the fifth inning of the second game when inclement weather hit the area and forced the suspension of the second game to Friday afternoon.

Way back on Tuesday, the Coyotes fell behind early in the opening game as Bethany scored twice in the bottom of the first. The Coyotes then got right back to work scoring five in the top of the second to pull ahead.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dace8451-c09b-4e5f-883e-9a37d7e960f0?elinkdata=25684">Trenity Miller</a> led off the inning with a walk and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/532fe962-4846-4884-8e02-1cf4e5f698ba?elinkdata=25684">Briannah Kutschkau</a> followed with a walk. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7933c69-c817-4bc6-85fd-eac091bac9b9?elinkdata=25684">Elli Han</a> then drove in a run with a single, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a8ee4bb-a874-4e09-b1b7-6c730ed72076?elinkdata=25684">Brooklyn Lange</a> followed with a 2-run double. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f1e594f4-d91f-403e-b708-ae917b50069e?elinkdata=25684">Shiloh Johnson</a> then brought in a run with a groundout, and later in the inning <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25cfccbd-0444-43c0-bd4e-d7cfbbe33559?elinkdata=25684">Jenna Soule</a> doubled to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a4e14ea-e222-44d4-a914-c0adccb57ee5?elinkdata=25684">Josie Buhr</a>.

Bethany got one back in the bottom of the frame, and scored twice in the third to even things at 5-5.

The Swedes took a 6-5 lead in the fourth, but the Coyotes bounced right back. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03dcd1ee-44ed-4478-88a4-9b24b05c73fb?elinkdata=25684">Keira Hammen</a> singled to start the inning, Kutschkau was hit by a pitch and Han followed with a 2-run double to put the Coyotes up 7-6. Lange added a run with an RBI groundout.

Bethany got within a run at 8-7 in the bottom of the fifth.

The Swedes put the leadoff batter on base in the bottom of the seventh, but could not push the run across as a bad bunt attempt on a sacrifice try went for an out, a fielder's choice erased the base runner going to second and a strikeout ended it in favor of the Coyotes.

Han led the Coyotes with three hits and drove in three runs. Lange drove in three as well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/338b7802-935a-4440-9d9a-f20f5d3689d7?elinkdata=25684">Bella Allen</a> got the win for the Coyotes, tossing a complete game allowing five earned runs on nine hits.

The second game started on Tuesday, but ended on Friday after being suspended in the fifth.

It was a pitchers duel between the teams as the Coyotes sent <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5664e88-7e03-4f98-9b2c-00330f173666?elinkdata=25684">Alli Mickelsen</a> into the circle for the game.

It was scoreless in the bottom of the fifth when the weather came, stopping the game as Bethany had a runner on with no one out. When things resumed the Coyotes got a quick out on a sacrifice bunt, then a pop out and a strikeout ended the inning.

The Coyotes popped into the lead in the sixth. Soule walked, and Miller followed with a walk. Kutschkau knocked both in with a double to make it 2-0 Coyotes.

Wesleyan added a much needed insurance run in the seventh. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0c9afd6f-ae74-4e83-ba11-77e789acf742?elinkdata=25684">Grace Pierce</a> led off the inning with a walk and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09510eab-14e4-417a-a6dc-90a16c5e99ee?elinkdata=25684">Kylar Smith</a> scored on Lange's pinch hit single.

Bethany put two on in the bottom of the seventh, gut the Coyotes came through as Mickelsen got a strikeout to end it.

Mickelsen was again phenomenal in the circle, scattering three hits while striking out 10 in the complete game performance. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72e76ab0-3492-46f1-acde-628d6ff9505a?elinkdata=25684">Hailey Summers</a> had two hits for the Coyotes in the game.

LINDSBORG - It took three days longer than scheduled, but the Kansas Wesleyan Softball team completed the task at hand. The Coyotes completed the sweep of the Bethany College Swedes on Friday afternoon, winning the suspended second game 3-0 to finish the regular season.KWU won the first game 8-7 on Tuesday, and had gotten to the fifth inning of the second game when inclement weather hit the area and forced the suspension of the second game to Friday afternoon.Way back on Tuesday, the Coyotes fell behind early in the opening game as Bethany scored twice in the bottom of the first. The Coyotes then got right back to work scoring five in the top of the second to pull ahead.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dace8451-c09b-4e5f-883e-9a37d7e960f0?elinkdata=25684">Trenity Miller</a> led off the inning with a walk and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/532fe962-4846-4884-8e02-1cf4e5f698ba?elinkdata=25684">Briannah Kutschkau</a> followed with a walk. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b7933c69-c817-4bc6-85fd-eac091bac9b9?elinkdata=25684">Elli Han</a> then drove in a run with a single, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a8ee4bb-a874-4e09-b1b7-6c730ed72076?elinkdata=25684">Brooklyn Lange</a> followed with a 2-run double. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f1e594f4-d91f-403e-b708-ae917b50069e?elinkdata=25684">Shiloh Johnson</a> then brought in a run with a groundout, and later in the inning <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25cfccbd-0444-43c0-bd4e-d7cfbbe33559?elinkdata=25684">Jenna Soule</a> doubled to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a4e14ea-e222-44d4-a914-c0adccb57ee5?elinkdata=25684">Josie Buhr</a>.Bethany got one back in the bottom of the frame, and scored twice in the third to even things at 5-5.The Swedes took a 6-5 lead in the fourth, but the Coyotes bounced right back. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/03dcd1ee-44ed-4478-88a4-9b24b05c73fb?elinkdata=25684">Keira Hammen</a> singled to start the inning, Kutschkau was hit by a pitch and Han followed with a 2-run double to put the Coyotes up 7-6. Lange added a run with an RBI groundout.Bethany got within a run at 8-7 in the bottom of the fifth.The Swedes put the leadoff batter on base in the bottom of the seventh, but could not push the run across as a bad bunt attempt on a sacrifice try went for an out, a fielder's choice erased the base runner going to second and a strikeout ended it in favor of the Coyotes.Han led the Coyotes with three hits and drove in three runs. Lange drove in three as well. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/338b7802-935a-4440-9d9a-f20f5d3689d7?elinkdata=25684">Bella Allen</a> got the win for the Coyotes, tossing a complete game allowing five earned runs on nine hits.The second game started on Tuesday, but ended on Friday after being suspended in the fifth.It was a pitchers duel between the teams as the Coyotes sent <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5664e88-7e03-4f98-9b2c-00330f173666?elinkdata=25684">Alli Mickelsen</a> into the circle for the game.It was scoreless in the bottom of the fifth when the weather came, stopping the game as Bethany had a runner on with no one out. When things resumed the Coyotes got a quick out on a sacrifice bunt, then a pop out and a strikeout ended the inning.The Coyotes popped into the lead in the sixth. Soule walked, and Miller followed with a walk. Kutschkau knocked both in with a double to make it 2-0 Coyotes.Wesleyan added a much needed insurance run in the seventh. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0c9afd6f-ae74-4e83-ba11-77e789acf742?elinkdata=25684">Grace Pierce</a> led off the inning with a walk and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09510eab-14e4-417a-a6dc-90a16c5e99ee?elinkdata=25684">Kylar Smith</a> scored on Lange's pinch hit single.Bethany put two on in the bottom of the seventh, gut the Coyotes came through as Mickelsen got a strikeout to end it.Mickelsen was again phenomenal in the circle, scattering three hits while striking out 10 in the complete game performance. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72e76ab0-3492-46f1-acde-628d6ff9505a?elinkdata=25684">Hailey Summers</a> had two hits for the Coyotes in the game.

🥎 KWU completes sweep of the Swedes

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball opened its regular season concluding series with the Avila University Eagles on Friday morning with a 7-2 win over the Eagles at Dean Evans Stadium.

The Coyotes got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39ab4552-b2dd-4754-a557-307d2c7884f1?elinkdata=25622">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the frame with a double down the line in left and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3817a1aa-b9de-4255-afd7-92b816e1bffb?elinkdata=25622">Garrett Garfield's</a> single in the gap in left center.

Avila tied it up in the top of the second inning with a leadoff single and then the run scoring on a single and an error in right field. A double play would keep the Eagles from adding additional runs in the inning.

Wesleyan put five on the board in the bottom of the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97041451-3249-46b3-99be-4765140b2986?elinkdata=25622">Joe Finder</a> led off with a walk followed by singles by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/425c6279-88a1-42b9-93e6-1273c02df9b5?elinkdata=25622">Blake Dale</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/412fe9fa-400e-416b-ac97-1b48baba0c59?elinkdata=25622">Coulson Riggs</a> to load the bases. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89e20027-943e-4eff-8869-9a6e4e69f44f?elinkdata=25622">Eric Romero</a> drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly. Williamson reached on an error to load the bases again and then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d57f2a86-62cc-4b62-89de-5fb8021f5c1e?elinkdata=25622">Tyler Favretto</a> walked to bring in a run. Another sacrifice fly, this time by Garfield yielded a run. A wild pitch allowed Williamson to score and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/771e2864-ba9e-4b4d-9bc3-1045a34e7c40?elinkdata=25622">Fernando Ruvalcaba's</a> RBI single capped the scoring for the Coyotes making it 6-1.

In the third, an incredible diving catch by Garfield at third stopped Avila from putting another run on the board

Avila got a homer in the fourth to make it 6-2, and the score stayed there until the Coyotes added a run in the sixth.

Romero led off the inning with a walk. Favretto walked and Ruvalcaba was intentionally walked to load the bases, but a passed ball would bring in the run for the Coyotes.

The Coyotes only needed five hits to generate the seven runs led by Riggs with two. Favretto walked twice for his KCAC-leading 54th walk of the year, and just sits one off the NAIA lead.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c6adfe8-cf4d-4f06-9626-46e0f0023774?elinkdata=25622">Brett Maddock</a> notched his ninth win of the season, going five innings, allowing two runs, one earned on eight hits with a strikeout. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df9afe1c-1610-4cd6-ba1d-30f658abe382?elinkdata=25622">Riley Gwin</a> pitched two hitless innings, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b02461f-1477-4c2e-bb49-67a1aadb42e5?elinkdata=25622">Thalen Wright</a> tossed an inning, allowing two hits and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4188651d-3afc-476f-a4fd-eb5d987640d0?elinkdata=25622">Ritter Steinmann</a> went an inning allowing one hit and notching two strikeouts.

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball opened its regular season concluding series with the Avila University Eagles on Friday morning with a 7-2 win over the Eagles at Dean Evans Stadium.The Coyotes got on the board first in the bottom of the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39ab4552-b2dd-4754-a557-307d2c7884f1?elinkdata=25622">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the frame with a double down the line in left and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3817a1aa-b9de-4255-afd7-92b816e1bffb?elinkdata=25622">Garrett Garfield's</a> single in the gap in left center.Avila tied it up in the top of the second inning with a leadoff single and then the run scoring on a single and an error in right field. A double play would keep the Eagles from adding additional runs in the inning.Wesleyan put five on the board in the bottom of the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97041451-3249-46b3-99be-4765140b2986?elinkdata=25622">Joe Finder</a> led off with a walk followed by singles by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/425c6279-88a1-42b9-93e6-1273c02df9b5?elinkdata=25622">Blake Dale</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/412fe9fa-400e-416b-ac97-1b48baba0c59?elinkdata=25622">Coulson Riggs</a> to load the bases. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89e20027-943e-4eff-8869-9a6e4e69f44f?elinkdata=25622">Eric Romero</a> drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly. Williamson reached on an error to load the bases again and then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d57f2a86-62cc-4b62-89de-5fb8021f5c1e?elinkdata=25622">Tyler Favretto</a> walked to bring in a run. Another sacrifice fly, this time by Garfield yielded a run. A wild pitch allowed Williamson to score and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/771e2864-ba9e-4b4d-9bc3-1045a34e7c40?elinkdata=25622">Fernando Ruvalcaba's</a> RBI single capped the scoring for the Coyotes making it 6-1.In the third, an incredible diving catch by Garfield at third stopped Avila from putting another run on the boardAvila got a homer in the fourth to make it 6-2, and the score stayed there until the Coyotes added a run in the sixth.Romero led off the inning with a walk. Favretto walked and Ruvalcaba was intentionally walked to load the bases, but a passed ball would bring in the run for the Coyotes.The Coyotes only needed five hits to generate the seven runs led by Riggs with two. Favretto walked twice for his KCAC-leading 54th walk of the year, and just sits one off the NAIA lead.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c6adfe8-cf4d-4f06-9626-46e0f0023774?elinkdata=25622">Brett Maddock</a> notched his ninth win of the season, going five innings, allowing two runs, one earned on eight hits with a strikeout. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df9afe1c-1610-4cd6-ba1d-30f658abe382?elinkdata=25622">Riley Gwin</a> pitched two hitless innings, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b02461f-1477-4c2e-bb49-67a1aadb42e5?elinkdata=25622">Thalen Wright</a> tossed an inning, allowing two hits and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4188651d-3afc-476f-a4fd-eb5d987640d0?elinkdata=25622">Ritter Steinmann</a> went an inning allowing one hit and notching two strikeouts.

⚾️ Coyotes open Avila series with 7-2 win over Eagles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced that former Chiefs nose tackle Bill Maas will be the 2025 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Maas is the 54th&nbsp;individual and 50th&nbsp;player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.

“My family and I are excited to welcome Bill Maas as the newest member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Bill was a first-round draft pick who immediately made an impact, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team during his first season. Over the next nine years, Bill helped lead the Chiefs defense to four playoff berths and started more games at nose tackle than any player in Chiefs history. He has remained connected to the game and to the Kansas City community through his time as a broadcaster and as a KC Ambassador, and we are thrilled to be able to honor him at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.”

Maas spent nine years of his 10-year career in Kansas City (1984-92), appearing in 116 games (111 starts), which is the most by any nose tackle in franchise history. He helped the Chiefs clinch the playoffs in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1992. Maas was named to the PFW/PFWA All-Rookie Team and was selected as the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1984 after recording 43 tackles (29 solo), 5.0 sacks and four passes defensed. The two-time NFL Pro Bowler (1986-87) tallied 409 tackles (261 solo), 40.0 sacks, 13 passes defensed and eight fumble recoveries throughout his career, including the one season that he played in Green Bay (1993).

Maas entered the NFL as the fifth overall selection by Kansas City in the 1984 NFL Draft following a collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned first-team All-American honors in 1982 despite not playing organized football until his freshman year of high school. Over the course of his collegiate career, he was a two-time All-American defensive end and also received Academic All-American recognition. In Kansas City, Maas took the field with a plethora of Chiefs Hall of Famers including Art Still, Gary Spani, Neil Smith and the all-time Chiefs sack leader Derrick Thomas. Maas was a part of a Chiefs defense that ranked among the top eight in the NFL from 1989 and 1991 alongside fellow Chiefs Hall of Famers Deron Cherry, Albert Lewis and Kevin Ross. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced that former Chiefs nose tackle Bill Maas will be the 2025 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Maas is the 54th&nbsp;individual and 50th&nbsp;player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.“My family and I are excited to welcome Bill Maas as the newest member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Bill was a first-round draft pick who immediately made an impact, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team during his first season. Over the next nine years, Bill helped lead the Chiefs defense to four playoff berths and started more games at nose tackle than any player in Chiefs history. He has remained connected to the game and to the Kansas City community through his time as a broadcaster and as a KC Ambassador, and we are thrilled to be able to honor him at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.”Maas spent nine years of his 10-year career in Kansas City (1984-92), appearing in 116 games (111 starts), which is the most by any nose tackle in franchise history. He helped the Chiefs clinch the playoffs in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1992. Maas was named to the PFW/PFWA All-Rookie Team and was selected as the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1984 after recording 43 tackles (29 solo), 5.0 sacks and four passes defensed. The two-time NFL Pro Bowler (1986-87) tallied 409 tackles (261 solo), 40.0 sacks, 13 passes defensed and eight fumble recoveries throughout his career, including the one season that he played in Green Bay (1993).Maas entered the NFL as the fifth overall selection by Kansas City in the 1984 NFL Draft following a collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned first-team All-American honors in 1982 despite not playing organized football until his freshman year of high school. Over the course of his collegiate career, he was a two-time All-American defensive end and also received Academic All-American recognition. In Kansas City, Maas took the field with a plethora of Chiefs Hall of Famers including Art Still, Gary Spani, Neil Smith and the all-time Chiefs sack leader Derrick Thomas. Maas was a part of a Chiefs defense that ranked among the top eight in the NFL from 1989 and 1991 alongside fellow Chiefs Hall of Famers Deron Cherry, Albert Lewis and Kevin Ross. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Bill Maas to be inducted into Chiefs Hall of Fame

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State cornerback&nbsp;Jacob Parrish&nbsp;became the latest Wildcat to hear his name called in the NFL Draft as he was selected in the third round of the 2025 edition on Friday night.

Parrish was selected with the 20th&nbsp;pick of the round – No. 84 overall – by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. K-State has now had five players selected in the top three rounds over the last three years, its most in a three-year stretch since 2001-03.

A native of Olathe, Kansas, Parrish is the ninth Wildcat all time to be selected by Tampa Bay, including the second in the last three years. He joins fellow defensive back Josh Hayes in Tampa, who was taken by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2023 draft.

Parrish was a two-time All-Big 12 performer who tallied 108 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, five interceptions and 24 total passes defended over his 38 career games, which included 24 starts. The Olathe, Kansas, native had arguably his best season as a sophomore in 2023 when he tallied four interceptions and 13 passes defended, tying for fourth and sixth in the Big 12, respectively. His four interceptions that season also tied for 19th in the nation, which included a two-interception game at Texas. He had a career-high 50 tackles last season as a junior, including a career-high eight against Arizona.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State cornerback&nbsp;Jacob Parrish&nbsp;became the latest Wildcat to hear his name called in the NFL Draft as he was selected in the third round of the 2025 edition on Friday night.Parrish was selected with the 20th&nbsp;pick of the round – No. 84 overall – by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. K-State has now had five players selected in the top three rounds over the last three years, its most in a three-year stretch since 2001-03.A native of Olathe, Kansas, Parrish is the ninth Wildcat all time to be selected by Tampa Bay, including the second in the last three years. He joins fellow defensive back Josh Hayes in Tampa, who was taken by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2023 draft.Parrish was a two-time All-Big 12 performer who tallied 108 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, five interceptions and 24 total passes defended over his 38 career games, which included 24 starts. The Olathe, Kansas, native had arguably his best season as a sophomore in 2023 when he tallied four interceptions and 13 passes defended, tying for fourth and sixth in the Big 12, respectively. His four interceptions that season also tied for 19th in the nation, which included a two-interception game at Texas. He had a career-high 50 tackles last season as a junior, including a career-high eight against Arizona.

K-State's Parrish Selected by Tampa Bay in Third Round of 2025 NFL Draft

TOPEKA, Kan. – The state volleyball and basketball formats will look different starting next school year, and the shot clock is officially in the postseason. Those items were approved during the KSHSAA Executive Board and Board of Director Meetings on Thursday.

Volleyball&nbsp;- The traditional two-day format for state volleyball will now be played across three days for classes 6A, 5A, 4 A, 3A, 2A and 1A DI. There will still be two days of competition for each classification, but of the three sites with two classifications, the teams there will alternate days of pool play, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to all play the semifinals, consolation and finals on Saturday. The 1A DII state volleyball format will remain the same.

“This decision is really centered around what is best for the student-athlete,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Sarah Smith. “The traditional two-day format put students in a situation where we were competing well into the night, sometimes at midnight. This allows for teams to be well rested before their most important match of the year.”

Even-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play on Thursday during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will play on Thursday during odd-numbered years. Whoever does not play Thursday will play the same time schedule/format on Friday.

Even-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play bracket play in the morning during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will bracket play in the morning during odd-numbered years. 1A Div II will keep their current schedule/format.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even Numbered Classes (assuming this is an even-numbered year)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 am: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10:30 am: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Odd Numbered Classes (assuming this is an odd-numbered year)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2:30 pm: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match

Basketball&nbsp;– In June of 2024 the KSHSAA Executive Board approved the plan to move state basketball to four sites to align with the membership’s desire to combine championship venues as the association did with football and soccer this school year.&nbsp;On Thursday, the board approved the next step of the plan to move the quarterfinal round to a select group of neutral sites. While sites are not fully finalized, the general premise will be to place the higher seeds playing their opening round game closer to home so far as possible. There will be cases when the travel distance for the opponent is too great so a neutral site in the middle of the two schools will be selected. This could include multiple classes playing at the same site.&nbsp; There will be a total of four sites around the state for semifinals and finals.&nbsp;The quarterfinal sites and the semifinal and final sites have not been selected at this time. More information will be available soon.

Also approved Thursday was the next step for the shot clock. The KSHSAA Executive Board approved the following for mandatory adoption during the postseason:

Class 6A, 5A and 4A - 2025-26Class 3A and 2A – 2026-27Class 1A DI and Class 1ADII – 2027-28

The KSHSAA collected data throughout the year from those schools who chose to use the shot clock and sent a survey after the basketball season to every school asking for their opinion on the future of the shot clock.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Basketball/pdf/ShotClockData.pdf" target="_blank">Results of the data from the season and the survey are linked here.</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. – The state volleyball and basketball formats will look different starting next school year, and the shot clock is officially in the postseason. Those items were approved during the KSHSAA Executive Board and Board of Director Meetings on Thursday.Volleyball&nbsp;- The traditional two-day format for state volleyball will now be played across three days for classes 6A, 5A, 4 A, 3A, 2A and 1A DI. There will still be two days of competition for each classification, but of the three sites with two classifications, the teams there will alternate days of pool play, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to all play the semifinals, consolation and finals on Saturday. The 1A DII state volleyball format will remain the same.“This decision is really centered around what is best for the student-athlete,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Sarah Smith. “The traditional two-day format put students in a situation where we were competing well into the night, sometimes at midnight. This allows for teams to be well rested before their most important match of the year.”Thursday &amp; Friday Schedule/FormatEven-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play on Thursday during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will play on Thursday during odd-numbered years. Whoever does not play Thursday will play the same time schedule/format on Friday.10:00 am: 4 vs 5; 3 vs 611:00 am: 1 vs 8; 2 vs 712:00 pm: 4 vs 8; 3 vs 71:00 pm: 1 vs 5; 2 vs 62:00 pm: 5 vs 8; 6 vs 73:00 pm: 1 vs 4; 2 vs 3Saturday Schedule/FormatEven-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play bracket play in the morning during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will bracket play in the morning during odd-numbered years. 1A Div II will keep their current schedule/format.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even Numbered Classes (assuming this is an even-numbered year)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 am: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10:30 am: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Odd Numbered Classes (assuming this is an odd-numbered year)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1:00 pm: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2:30 pm: 3rd Place Match; Championship MatchBasketball&nbsp;– In June of 2024 the KSHSAA Executive Board approved the plan to move state basketball to four sites to align with the membership’s desire to combine championship venues as the association did with football and soccer this school year.&nbsp;On Thursday, the board approved the next step of the plan to move the quarterfinal round to a select group of neutral sites. While sites are not fully finalized, the general premise will be to place the higher seeds playing their opening round game closer to home so far as possible. There will be cases when the travel distance for the opponent is too great so a neutral site in the middle of the two schools will be selected. This could include multiple classes playing at the same site.&nbsp; There will be a total of four sites around the state for semifinals and finals.&nbsp;The quarterfinal sites and the semifinal and final sites have not been selected at this time. More information will be available soon.Also approved Thursday was the next step for the shot clock. The KSHSAA Executive Board approved the following for mandatory adoption during the postseason:Class 6A, 5A and 4A - 2025-26Class 3A and 2A – 2026-27Class 1A DI and Class 1ADII – 2027-28The KSHSAA collected data throughout the year from those schools who chose to use the shot clock and sent a survey after the basketball season to every school asking for their opinion on the future of the shot clock.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Basketball/pdf/ShotClockData.pdf" target="_blank">Results of the data from the season and the survey are linked here.</a>

KSHSAA Legislative Boards Approve Several Changes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo threw eight scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 Friday night.

The Royals have now won five straight games after snapping a six-game losing streak.

Coming off a double-header on Thursday, the Royals needed Lugo to go deep in the game, and he delivered. Lugo (2-3) yielded three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Lucas Erceg, who got his first save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

Hayden Wesneski (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.

Bobby Witt had three hits for Kansas City.

Both starters were on point early on. Lugo needed only 53 pitches to get through five one-hit innings, even with six strikeouts. Wesneski was nearly as good, allowing just one run on six hits through five innings.

Drew Waters led off the fifth with his second double of the game, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Freddy Fermin and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.

The Royals added another run in the sixth on another sacrifice fly. Vinnie Pasquantino led off with a bloop single and went to second on another bloop hit by Maikel Garcia. Michael Massey sacrificed the runners to second and third. Pasquantino scored on a flyout to center by Hunter Renfroe.

The Astros got a lead-off hit from Victor Caratini in the eighth inning, bringing up the tying run with no outs. But Lugo got Cam Smith to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, squashing the rally.

Witt extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to a career-high 17 games and is batting .371 (23 of 62) in that span.

The Astros and Royals will play Game 2 of a three-game series Saturday evening. Houston will send LHP Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City's RHP Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.15 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745632912416.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Lugo threw eight scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 2-0 Friday night.The Royals have now won five straight games after snapping a six-game losing streak.Coming off a double-header on Thursday, the Royals needed Lugo to go deep in the game, and he delivered. Lugo (2-3) yielded three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Lucas Erceg, who got his first save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.Hayden Wesneski (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.Bobby Witt had three hits for Kansas City.Both starters were on point early on. Lugo needed only 53 pitches to get through five one-hit innings, even with six strikeouts. Wesneski was nearly as good, allowing just one run on six hits through five innings.Drew Waters led off the fifth with his second double of the game, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Freddy Fermin and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Isbel.The Royals added another run in the sixth on another sacrifice fly. Vinnie Pasquantino led off with a bloop single and went to second on another bloop hit by Maikel Garcia. Michael Massey sacrificed the runners to second and third. Pasquantino scored on a flyout to center by Hunter Renfroe.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Astros got a lead-off hit from Victor Caratini in the eighth inning, bringing up the tying run with no outs. But Lugo got Cam Smith to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, squashing the rally.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors to a career-high 17 games and is batting .371 (23 of 62) in that span.<h2>Up next</h2>The Astros and Royals will play Game 2 of a three-game series Saturday evening. Houston will send LHP Framber Valdez (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City's RHP Michael Wacha (0-3, 4.15 ERA).

⚾  Seth Lugo shuts down Astros to lead Royals to fifth straight win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.

Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.

“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you’ll find out he’s a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That’s where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”

Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745559178455.jpeg" alt="FILE - Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons blocks against Western Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)(Jay LaPrete | AP)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons blocks against Western Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)(Jay LaPrete | AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you’ll find out he’s a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That’s where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.

🏈 Chiefs draft Ohio State OT Josh Simmons with 2025 first-round pick

The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals featured 57 of the top senior wrestlers across the state, competing together for one great cause, to benefit Shriners Children’s. Team West came away victorious on the mat, with a 113-36 team dual win. Together, the 57 wrestlers, coaches, family, friends &amp; supporters teamed up to help raise $25,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. On the mat, Team West won 23 of the 30 matches at Fugate Gymnasium on the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. In addition to the competition on the mat, the wrestlers had the opportunity to meet eight Patient Ambassadors for Shriners Children’s from Kansas and take part in the Shriners Children’s Hospital Experience. This interactive experience helps the participants understand the significant impact their participation has on the lives of children across the state and beyond.

“The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals was another amazing event that helped raise significant funds, as well as a great amount of awareness for Shriners Children’s,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Shrine Bowl of Kanas, Inc. “A special thank you to everyone who was involved in any aspect of this event, whether you gave of your time and efforts or financial support as a donor or sponsor, you helped change lives for the better!”

The full match results from the 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, along with the archived broadcast and opportunities to continue contributing towards the cause can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrineduals.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineDuals.com</a>. The 2026 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will return to Newman University on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Prospective wrestler applications and event information will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrineduals.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineDuals.com</a>&nbsp;later this fall.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s.&nbsp;Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across North America, dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

The 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is coming up on June 21st, 2025 in Dodge City, Kansas. In addition to the annual East vs. West all-star football game on Saturday night, the weekend of the Kansas Shrine Bowl includes many other events and activities. Additional events include the Shriners Children’s Hospital Experience, the Kansas Shrine Bowl golf tournament, the largest annual Shrine Parade in Kansas, the Friday Night Charity Carnival, the Fan Fest tailgate party presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and more. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/Events" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Events</a>&nbsp;for a full lineup of events and details, along with ticketing information. The annual All-Star Cheer Camp and Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp will also be held in conjunction with the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Final Results – 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine DualsWest 113 – East 36138 - Destiny Gonzalez (West/Goodland) over Daijah Preston (East/Free State) TF 17-0

141 - Shane Todd (West/St. Francis) over Blake Slavin (East/Santa Fe Trail) Dec 7-3

103 - Canyon Burtis (East/Baldwin) over Keirsie Carlile (West/Liberal) Fall 3:31

165 - Jace Schartz (West/Great Bend) over Aidan Carmack (East/Shawnee Mission North) Fall 0:54

110 - Camila Martinez (West/Whitewater-Remington) over Molly Spader (East/Washburn Rural) Fall 1:43

125 - Scott Leandro (East/Burlingame) over Tate Blackwill (West/Quinter) Dec 9-6

117 - Isabella Garrity (West/Norton) over Stella Bradley (East/Tonganoxie) Dec 9-6

133 - Clayton Considine (West/Halstead) over Bryce Combes (East/Santa Fe Trail) Fall 1:58

207 - Emma Hahn (West/Ellinwood) over Ryan Bretthauer (East/Eudora) Fall 0:41

149 - Romiz Monaco (West/Kapaun Mt. Carmel) over Seth Welch (East/Erie) Dec 13-7

124 - Kenzlie Crain (West/Smoky Valley) over Olivia Lyons (East/Burlington) Fall 1:25

149 - Brennen Pfannenstiel (West/Norton) over Logan Lagerman (East/Manhattan) Fall 5:07

131 - Ashlyn Hahn (West/Stockton) over Isabel Reyes (East/Shawnee Heights) Fall 3:41

157 - Blake Winsor (West/Pratt) over Braiden Frey (East/Olathe North) TF 19-3

131 - Kahlyn Davis (West/Halstead) over Ellie Ruffin (East/Spring Hill) Fall 4:47

157 - Brady Duling (West/Bishop Carroll) over Casey Bowlin (East/De Soto) Maj 18-4

145 - Lily Pendergrass (West/Arkansas City) over Haylei Potter (East/Burlington) Fall 3:00

174 - Easton Nickelson (West/Hoxie) over Samson Tootle (East/Seaman) Fall 3:43&nbsp;

160 - Kaylen McAtee (East/Girard) over Zoe Brown (West/Plainville) Fall 3:22

184 - Teron Kraft (West/Hoisington) over Ty Hammers (East/Gardner Edgerton) Dec 8-4

160 - Malia Martin (East/Piper) over Ashlyn Rose (West/Scott City) Fall 1:13

197 - Sam Watkins (West/Hoxie) over Landon Dobson (East/Manhattan) Fall 2:33

160 - Ashley Schwarz (East/Washburn Rural) over Taryn Meek (West/Chaparral) Fall 0:53

197 - Colton Stover (West/Norton) over Cole Mathes (East/Humboldt) Dec 10-5

180 - Grace Stean (East/Tonganoxie) over Atavia Cain (West/Oakley) SV-1 4-1

285 - Tracer Murdock (West/Concordia) over Gage Wingerter (East/Spring Hill) Fall 0:42

117 - Stella Bradley (East/Tonganoxie) over Karley Holmes (West/Silver Lake) Fall 1:32

141 - Carter Krier (West/Oakley) over Jacob Garner (East/Lansing) TF 17-2

145 - Destiny Gonzalez (West/Goodland) over Campbell Mermis (East/Spring Hill) Maj 20-8

The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals featured 57 of the top senior wrestlers across the state, competing together for one great cause, to benefit Shriners Children’s. Team West came away victorious on the mat, with a 113-36 team dual win. Together, the 57 wrestlers, coaches, family, friends &amp; supporters teamed up to help raise $25,000 to benefit Shriners Children’s. On the mat, Team West won 23 of the 30 matches at Fugate Gymnasium on the campus of Newman University in Wichita, Kansas. In addition to the competition on the mat, the wrestlers had the opportunity to meet eight Patient Ambassadors for Shriners Children’s from Kansas and take part in the Shriners Children’s Hospital Experience. This interactive experience helps the participants understand the significant impact their participation has on the lives of children across the state and beyond.“The 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals was another amazing event that helped raise significant funds, as well as a great amount of awareness for Shriners Children’s,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Shrine Bowl of Kanas, Inc. “A special thank you to everyone who was involved in any aspect of this event, whether you gave of your time and efforts or financial support as a donor or sponsor, you helped change lives for the better!”The full match results from the 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, along with the archived broadcast and opportunities to continue contributing towards the cause can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrineduals.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineDuals.com</a>. The 2026 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals will return to Newman University on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Prospective wrestler applications and event information will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrineduals.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineDuals.com</a>&nbsp;later this fall.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s.&nbsp;Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across North America, dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.The 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is coming up on June 21st, 2025 in Dodge City, Kansas. In addition to the annual East vs. West all-star football game on Saturday night, the weekend of the Kansas Shrine Bowl includes many other events and activities. Additional events include the Shriners Children’s Hospital Experience, the Kansas Shrine Bowl golf tournament, the largest annual Shrine Parade in Kansas, the Friday Night Charity Carnival, the Fan Fest tailgate party presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and more. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/Events" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Events</a>&nbsp;for a full lineup of events and details, along with ticketing information. The annual All-Star Cheer Camp and Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp will also be held in conjunction with the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl.Final Results – 2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine DualsWest 113 – East 36138 - Destiny Gonzalez (West/Goodland) over Daijah Preston (East/Free State) TF 17-0141 - Shane Todd (West/St. Francis) over Blake Slavin (East/Santa Fe Trail) Dec 7-3103 - Canyon Burtis (East/Baldwin) over Keirsie Carlile (West/Liberal) Fall 3:31165 - Jace Schartz (West/Great Bend) over Aidan Carmack (East/Shawnee Mission North) Fall 0:54110 - Camila Martinez (West/Whitewater-Remington) over Molly Spader (East/Washburn Rural) Fall 1:43125 - Scott Leandro (East/Burlingame) over Tate Blackwill (West/Quinter) Dec 9-6117 - Isabella Garrity (West/Norton) over Stella Bradley (East/Tonganoxie) Dec 9-6133 - Clayton Considine (West/Halstead) over Bryce Combes (East/Santa Fe Trail) Fall 1:58207 - Emma Hahn (West/Ellinwood) over Ryan Bretthauer (East/Eudora) Fall 0:41149 - Romiz Monaco (West/Kapaun Mt. Carmel) over Seth Welch (East/Erie) Dec 13-7124 - Kenzlie Crain (West/Smoky Valley) over Olivia Lyons (East/Burlington) Fall 1:25149 - Brennen Pfannenstiel (West/Norton) over Logan Lagerman (East/Manhattan) Fall 5:07131 - Ashlyn Hahn (West/Stockton) over Isabel Reyes (East/Shawnee Heights) Fall 3:41157 - Blake Winsor (West/Pratt) over Braiden Frey (East/Olathe North) TF 19-3131 - Kahlyn Davis (West/Halstead) over Ellie Ruffin (East/Spring Hill) Fall 4:47157 - Brady Duling (West/Bishop Carroll) over Casey Bowlin (East/De Soto) Maj 18-4145 - Lily Pendergrass (West/Arkansas City) over Haylei Potter (East/Burlington) Fall 3:00174 - Easton Nickelson (West/Hoxie) over Samson Tootle (East/Seaman) Fall 3:43&nbsp;160 - Kaylen McAtee (East/Girard) over Zoe Brown (West/Plainville) Fall 3:22184 - Teron Kraft (West/Hoisington) over Ty Hammers (East/Gardner Edgerton) Dec 8-4160 - Malia Martin (East/Piper) over Ashlyn Rose (West/Scott City) Fall 1:13197 - Sam Watkins (West/Hoxie) over Landon Dobson (East/Manhattan) Fall 2:33160 - Ashley Schwarz (East/Washburn Rural) over Taryn Meek (West/Chaparral) Fall 0:53197 - Colton Stover (West/Norton) over Cole Mathes (East/Humboldt) Dec 10-5180 - Grace Stean (East/Tonganoxie) over Atavia Cain (West/Oakley) SV-1 4-1285 - Tracer Murdock (West/Concordia) over Gage Wingerter (East/Spring Hill) Fall 0:42117 - Stella Bradley (East/Tonganoxie) over Karley Holmes (West/Silver Lake) Fall 1:32141 - Carter Krier (West/Oakley) over Jacob Garner (East/Lansing) TF 17-2145 - Destiny Gonzalez (West/Goodland) over Campbell Mermis (East/Spring Hill) Maj 20-8

2025 KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals Raises $25,000 for Shriners Children’s

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.

Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.

Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.

Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.

Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.

Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.

Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.

The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.

The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.

Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745542882382.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.<h2>Up next</h2>Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

⚾ Royals wrap up doubleheader, series sweep of Rockies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in three runs, two on a go-ahead single in the fifth, and the Kansas City bullpen threw six shutout innings to help the Royals rally for a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday.

Salvador Perez also drove in a pair of runs for Kansas City, which beat the Rockies in extra innings on Tuesday night.

Their game Wednesday was rained out, resulting in the traditional doubleheader.

Cole Ragans lasted only three innings and 62 pitches for Kansas City before leaving with groin tightness. But the All-Star left-hander’s bullpen picked him up. Angel Zerpa (1-0) and Steven Cruz threw two scoreless innings apiece, Lucas Erceg breezed past the eighth, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his sixth save.

Germán Márquez (0-4) allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings for Colorado. He has lost his last four starts, allowing 18 earned runs in the past three, and has only made it through the sixth inning once this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745530393637.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Kyle Isbel after scoring on a single by Drew Waters during the third inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey (19) celebrates with Kyle Isbel after scoring on a single by Drew Waters during the third inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in three runs, two on a go-ahead single in the fifth, and the Kansas City bullpen threw six shutout innings to help the Royals rally for a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday.Salvador Perez also drove in a pair of runs for Kansas City, which beat the Rockies in extra innings on Tuesday night.Their game Wednesday was rained out, resulting in the traditional doubleheader.Cole Ragans lasted only three innings and 62 pitches for Kansas City before leaving with groin tightness. But the All-Star left-hander’s bullpen picked him up. Angel Zerpa (1-0) and Steven Cruz threw two scoreless innings apiece, Lucas Erceg breezed past the eighth, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his sixth save.Germán Márquez (0-4) allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings for Colorado. He has lost his last four starts, allowing 18 earned runs in the past three, and has only made it through the sixth inning once this season.Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman homered for the struggling Rockies, but they were the only real bright spots. Colorado (4-19) is off to the worst start in franchise history, and it has lost 12 consecutive road games — one shy of the club record — since beating the Rays on March 29 in its opening series of the season.<h2>Key moment</h2>Isbel’s slap down the first-base line with two outs in the fifth bounced out of Michael Toglia’s glove and all the way to the dugout fence. That allowed Perez and Cavan Biggio to score, breaking a 4-all tie.<h2>Key stat</h2>Márquez struck out Vinnie Pasquantino to end the fourth inning, becoming the first Rockies pitcher with 1,000 career strikeouts. It was the last out Márquez recorded in the game.<h2>Up next</h2>The Rockies send RHP Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36) against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57) in Game 2 on Thursday.