Kansas Wesleyan track and field coach <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/coaches/kyle-hiser/803">Kyle Hiser</a> has a nickname for <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/keegan-lott/9609">Keegan Lott</a>: Mr. Consistency.

Lott placed second in the shot put and discus Saturday while competing in the Coyote Challenge. He threw 46.07 meters in the discus and 15.08 in the shot put.

The effort came after winning the javelin and competing in the hammer throw on Friday night. Lott qualified for the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in the javelin earlier this season.

"He's been Mr. Consistent for us in those events," Hiser said. "He did all four throws this week, there's no other thrower in our conference let alone the country doing that. He's going to get a little rest going into next week and he's going to come back and do the same thing at (Kansas) Conference (in two weeks) in the same rings."

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/dylan-worrell/9617">Dylan Worrell</a> finished seventh in the shot put (13.81m) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/austin-baird/10374">Austin Baird</a> 34th (9.50m) while Keyon Baccus took 10th in the discus (42.48m) and Baird 29th (34.64m).

Saturday also was big for KWU's hurdlers as well. <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/brenden-ellis/9598">Brenden Ellis</a> placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (58.25) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tristan-howard/10576">Tristan Howard</a> fifth (58.34) and was fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.55).

"<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/brenden-ellis/9598">Brenden Ellis</a> is a steeplechaser who always has good hurdle form, so we threw him into the 400 hurdles, and he looked like a seasoned veteran out there," Hiser said. "<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tristan-howard/10576">Tristan Howard</a> had a huge PR (personal record) in the 110 hurdles and then came back and PR'd in the 400 hurdles, so it was a hurdle type of day out there for our group."

Brennan Allen was seventh in the 400 hurdles (1:0.59).

The 4x100-meter relay team crossed the finish line in fourth place in 42.64 seconds. The team consisted of <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tyler-fontenot/9602">Tyler Fontenot</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kean-dinkel/10378">Kean Dinkel</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/andrew-smith/10382">Andrew Smith</a> and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/lorenzo-vaccari/10665">Lorenzo Vaccari</a> – a recent and valuable addition.

"They ran their fastest time of the year and that's like our fourth iteration of that relay," Hiser said. "We've been plugging and moving things around and one athlete that stands out is <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/lorenzo-vaccari/10665">Lorenzo Vaccari</a>. Former soccer player has only run for about a month with us. He had a huge anchor leg and ran lights out so that was really cool to see."

Dinkel, a freshman, ran a sub-50 second leg in the 4x400 relay. He was joined by <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/wyatt-johnson/9608">Wyatt Johnson</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/ty-davidson/9596">Ty Davidson</a> and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/triston-cottone/9594">Triston Cottone</a>.

"<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kean-dinkel/10378">Kean Dinkel</a> was big for us and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/wyatt-johnson/9608">Wyatt Johnson</a> ran 48 seconds," Hiser said. "That's the fastest time we've run in about three years on that. Really cool to capitalize and end the day on that event."

A second KWU team of <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/ruben-rivera-agosto/10666">Ruben Rivera Agosto</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/andrew-smith/10382">Andrew Smith</a>, Allen and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/trevor-peal/10392">Trevor Peal</a> were fifth in the 4x400 relay (3:26.67).

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/zamari-burrell/9591">Zamari Burrell</a> sped to a 10.90 second time in the 100 meters. Dinkel was seventh (11.18), Vaccari ninth (11.25) and Fontenot 11th (11.39).

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/nate-chavez/10360">Nate Chavez</a> placed fifth in the 400 meters (50.53), Smith was ninth (51.18), Rivero Agosto 11th (52.00), Peal 15th (52.34), <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/riley-garcia/9603">Riley Garcia</a> 18th (52.66) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/sidney-washington/10384">Sidney Washington</a> 24th (53.42).

Fontenot was the fourth-place finisher in the 200 meters (22.19) and Vaccari was 11th (22.54).

<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/darius-archuleta/9586">Darius Archuleta</a> took fourth in the triple jump (13.26m) while <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kamal-murphy/9612">Kamal Murphy</a> was fifth (12.75m).

Archuleta also was 10th in the long jump (6.66m), Allen 22nd (5.76m) and Murphy 23rd (5.60m).

Hiser was thrilled with the way the inaugural Coyote Challenge went.

"I can't thank our administration enough for giving us the facilities, the resources, the coaching staff to do what we were able to do over these last two days," he said. "Had a lot of coaches coming up and saying you guys are doing a really good job. When it's the first time ever it's always nerve wracking but I think it went about as smooth as possible."

Kansas Wesleyan track and field coach <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/coaches/kyle-hiser/803">Kyle Hiser</a> has a nickname for <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/keegan-lott/9609">Keegan Lott</a>: Mr. Consistency.Lott placed second in the shot put and discus Saturday while competing in the Coyote Challenge. He threw 46.07 meters in the discus and 15.08 in the shot put.The effort came after winning the javelin and competing in the hammer throw on Friday night. Lott qualified for the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in the javelin earlier this season."He's been Mr. Consistent for us in those events," Hiser said. "He did all four throws this week, there's no other thrower in our conference let alone the country doing that. He's going to get a little rest going into next week and he's going to come back and do the same thing at (Kansas) Conference (in two weeks) in the same rings."<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/dylan-worrell/9617">Dylan Worrell</a> finished seventh in the shot put (13.81m) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/austin-baird/10374">Austin Baird</a> 34th (9.50m) while Keyon Baccus took 10th in the discus (42.48m) and Baird 29th (34.64m).Saturday also was big for KWU's hurdlers as well. <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/brenden-ellis/9598">Brenden Ellis</a> placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (58.25) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tristan-howard/10576">Tristan Howard</a> fifth (58.34) and was fourth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.55)."<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/brenden-ellis/9598">Brenden Ellis</a> is a steeplechaser who always has good hurdle form, so we threw him into the 400 hurdles, and he looked like a seasoned veteran out there," Hiser said. "<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tristan-howard/10576">Tristan Howard</a> had a huge PR (personal record) in the 110 hurdles and then came back and PR'd in the 400 hurdles, so it was a hurdle type of day out there for our group."Brennan Allen was seventh in the 400 hurdles (1:0.59).The 4x100-meter relay team crossed the finish line in fourth place in 42.64 seconds. The team consisted of <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/tyler-fontenot/9602">Tyler Fontenot</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kean-dinkel/10378">Kean Dinkel</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/andrew-smith/10382">Andrew Smith</a> and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/lorenzo-vaccari/10665">Lorenzo Vaccari</a> – a recent and valuable addition."They ran their fastest time of the year and that's like our fourth iteration of that relay," Hiser said. "We've been plugging and moving things around and one athlete that stands out is <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/lorenzo-vaccari/10665">Lorenzo Vaccari</a>. Former soccer player has only run for about a month with us. He had a huge anchor leg and ran lights out so that was really cool to see."Dinkel, a freshman, ran a sub-50 second leg in the 4x400 relay. He was joined by <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/wyatt-johnson/9608">Wyatt Johnson</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/ty-davidson/9596">Ty Davidson</a> and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/triston-cottone/9594">Triston Cottone</a>."<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kean-dinkel/10378">Kean Dinkel</a> was big for us and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/wyatt-johnson/9608">Wyatt Johnson</a> ran 48 seconds," Hiser said. "That's the fastest time we've run in about three years on that. Really cool to capitalize and end the day on that event."A second KWU team of <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/ruben-rivera-agosto/10666">Ruben Rivera Agosto</a>, <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/andrew-smith/10382">Andrew Smith</a>, Allen and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/trevor-peal/10392">Trevor Peal</a> were fifth in the 4x400 relay (3:26.67).<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/zamari-burrell/9591">Zamari Burrell</a> sped to a 10.90 second time in the 100 meters. Dinkel was seventh (11.18), Vaccari ninth (11.25) and Fontenot 11th (11.39).<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/nate-chavez/10360">Nate Chavez</a> placed fifth in the 400 meters (50.53), Smith was ninth (51.18), Rivero Agosto 11th (52.00), Peal 15th (52.34), <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/riley-garcia/9603">Riley Garcia</a> 18th (52.66) and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/sidney-washington/10384">Sidney Washington</a> 24th (53.42).Fontenot was the fourth-place finisher in the 200 meters (22.19) and Vaccari was 11th (22.54).<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/darius-archuleta/9586">Darius Archuleta</a> took fourth in the triple jump (13.26m) while <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/mens-outdoor-track/roster/kamal-murphy/9612">Kamal Murphy</a> was fifth (12.75m).Archuleta also was 10th in the long jump (6.66m), Allen 22nd (5.76m) and Murphy 23rd (5.60m).Hiser was thrilled with the way the inaugural Coyote Challenge went."I can't thank our administration enough for giving us the facilities, the resources, the coaching staff to do what we were able to do over these last two days," he said. "Had a lot of coaches coming up and saying you guys are doing a really good job. When it's the first time ever it's always nerve wracking but I think it went about as smooth as possible."

'Mr. Consistency' leads KWU Men's Track on sescond day of Coyote Challnege

Competing at their home venues seemed to suit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2b26bc6-ce6f-49ec-9839-c2d19392211e?elinkdata=25281">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b72e9138-9704-4b65-b661-c56abee714bb?elinkdata=25281">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> and Chloe Grusing.

Each produced standout efforts during the second day of Kansas Wesleyan's Coyote Challenge track and field event Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex and the throws venue west of campus on Coronado Avenue.

Rottinghaus set a PR (personal record) and moved into second on the school's all-time list in the triple jump with a distance of 10.71 meters. She placed seventh in the event and was followed by teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ec472b9-c3c0-4a6e-bbe1-1ac22c64a785?elinkdata=25281">Dahn Hanlon</a> who was eighth (10.11m).

"We only gave her three attempts because she had to go run the (4x400 meter relay) after that and then split 60 seconds flat on that," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85e5f5b3-84c7-4ede-bed0-26505e46114f?elinkdata=25281">Kyle Hiser</a> said of Rottinghaus.

Rottinghaus ran the first leg on the 4x4 relay team that took second with a time of 4:05.69. She was joined by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0bd13abd-b4f3-4e47-b1cb-b2bc8909cdf9?elinkdata=25281">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd62a568-9ac7-4836-9750-22cb87095bb3?elinkdata=25281">Brionna Floyd</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9825a490-a2a9-45d2-8bfe-98e880864a38?elinkdata=25281">Hailey Nordhus</a>.

Not to be outdone, the 4x100-meter relay team placed third (49.61) and was comprised of Rottinghaus, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d56b35-3d08-4869-a6c7-f6ec4bae5136?elinkdata=25281">Markyla Shaw</a>, Mikkelson and Floyd.

"Our women's 4 by 4 ran the second fastest time in school history and then the 4 by 1 ran the second fastest time in school history as well," Hiser said. "Those sprinters really stepped up and showed out. We had a blend of athletes that ran last night, came back and ran today so really fun to see."

Mikkelson was perhaps the most at ease having competed in JRI Stadium before coming to KWU. She placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles with a PR (1:10.48) on Saturday.

"This is her track that she trained at in high school (Sacred Heart) and now in college," Hiser said. "She got to come in here and compete at home. Looked really strong and was just running confident through the first part of the race which is what we've been really been working on over the last week."

Grusing set a PR in the shot put with a throw of 11.6 meters and placed fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/143e4640-d606-49c1-8149-8d448bf1cafb?elinkdata=25281">Elizabeth Stout</a> was 11th (10.65m), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbae1619-85c3-493c-89ee-a71b56672649?elinkdata=25281">Aunisty McNeal</a> 14th (10.03m) and Roselyn Torres 26th (6.95m).

Rottinghaus also placed eight in the long jump (5.02m), Hanlon 11th (4.86) and Shaw 16th (4.57m).

In the discus McNeal finished 15th (31.71m), Grusing 17th (31.40m), Torres 23rd (27.53m) and Stout 26th (25.64m).

Floyd finished fifth in the 400 meters (1:01.48) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a9c58d32-0a1a-47c2-96ee-4a65fc66fc3b?elinkdata=25281">Ava Kenyon</a> 13th (1:03.40).

Shaw placed 14th in the 200 meters (27.05).

Hiser was thrilled with how things transpired in KWU's first home meet since 2019.

"I can't thank our administration enough for giving us the facilities, the resources, the coaching staff, to do what we were able to do over these last two days," he said. "Had a lot of coaches coming up and saying you guys are doing a really good job. It's always nerve wracking but I think it went about as smooth as possible."

Competing at their home venues seemed to suit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2b26bc6-ce6f-49ec-9839-c2d19392211e?elinkdata=25281">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b72e9138-9704-4b65-b661-c56abee714bb?elinkdata=25281">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> and Chloe Grusing.Each produced standout efforts during the second day of Kansas Wesleyan's Coyote Challenge track and field event Saturday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex and the throws venue west of campus on Coronado Avenue.Rottinghaus set a PR (personal record) and moved into second on the school's all-time list in the triple jump with a distance of 10.71 meters. She placed seventh in the event and was followed by teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ec472b9-c3c0-4a6e-bbe1-1ac22c64a785?elinkdata=25281">Dahn Hanlon</a> who was eighth (10.11m)."We only gave her three attempts because she had to go run the (4x400 meter relay) after that and then split 60 seconds flat on that," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/85e5f5b3-84c7-4ede-bed0-26505e46114f?elinkdata=25281">Kyle Hiser</a> said of Rottinghaus.Rottinghaus ran the first leg on the 4x4 relay team that took second with a time of 4:05.69. She was joined by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0bd13abd-b4f3-4e47-b1cb-b2bc8909cdf9?elinkdata=25281">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd62a568-9ac7-4836-9750-22cb87095bb3?elinkdata=25281">Brionna Floyd</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9825a490-a2a9-45d2-8bfe-98e880864a38?elinkdata=25281">Hailey Nordhus</a>.Not to be outdone, the 4x100-meter relay team placed third (49.61) and was comprised of Rottinghaus, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d56b35-3d08-4869-a6c7-f6ec4bae5136?elinkdata=25281">Markyla Shaw</a>, Mikkelson and Floyd."Our women's 4 by 4 ran the second fastest time in school history and then the 4 by 1 ran the second fastest time in school history as well," Hiser said. "Those sprinters really stepped up and showed out. We had a blend of athletes that ran last night, came back and ran today so really fun to see."Mikkelson was perhaps the most at ease having competed in JRI Stadium before coming to KWU. She placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles with a PR (1:10.48) on Saturday."This is her track that she trained at in high school (Sacred Heart) and now in college," Hiser said. "She got to come in here and compete at home. Looked really strong and was just running confident through the first part of the race which is what we've been really been working on over the last week."Grusing set a PR in the shot put with a throw of 11.6 meters and placed fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/143e4640-d606-49c1-8149-8d448bf1cafb?elinkdata=25281">Elizabeth Stout</a> was 11th (10.65m), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbae1619-85c3-493c-89ee-a71b56672649?elinkdata=25281">Aunisty McNeal</a> 14th (10.03m) and Roselyn Torres 26th (6.95m).Rottinghaus also placed eight in the long jump (5.02m), Hanlon 11th (4.86) and Shaw 16th (4.57m).In the discus McNeal finished 15th (31.71m), Grusing 17th (31.40m), Torres 23rd (27.53m) and Stout 26th (25.64m).Floyd finished fifth in the 400 meters (1:01.48) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a9c58d32-0a1a-47c2-96ee-4a65fc66fc3b?elinkdata=25281">Ava Kenyon</a> 13th (1:03.40).Shaw placed 14th in the 200 meters (27.05).Hiser was thrilled with how things transpired in KWU's first home meet since 2019."I can't thank our administration enough for giving us the facilities, the resources, the coaching staff, to do what we were able to do over these last two days," he said. "Had a lot of coaches coming up and saying you guys are doing a really good job. It's always nerve wracking but I think it went about as smooth as possible."

Coyote women's Track and Field successful on second day of Coyote Challenge

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Kansas Wesleyan University women's tennis team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2024-25 season. Champions of Character award winners from each institution have also been chosen. The KCAC Team of Character and Champions of Character awards are sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdef9c81-c484-48cc-a0f8-da9649d42dcb?elinkdata=25250" target="_blank">IMA Financial Group</a>, and both were based on the NAIA Champions of Character award. A team is recognized in each sport, as voted on by their peer coaches.

The Coyotes serve and volunteer on campus and in the community in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:

Committed to advancing character-driven athletics, the NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. By keeping the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership at the heart of the athletics experience, the Champions of Character program empowers participants to change the culture of sport.

The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions of Character awards are presented by IMA Financial Group, and are awarded to the student-athletes and team who best represent the mission of the Champions of Character Program.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Kansas Wesleyan University women's tennis team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2024-25 season. Champions of Character award winners from each institution have also been chosen. The KCAC Team of Character and Champions of Character awards are sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdef9c81-c484-48cc-a0f8-da9649d42dcb?elinkdata=25250" target="_blank">IMA Financial Group</a>, and both were based on the NAIA Champions of Character award. A team is recognized in each sport, as voted on by their peer coaches.The Coyotes serve and volunteer on campus and in the community in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Several students on the team serve in leadership positions in the Multicultural Student Union, a campus advocacy group for those with diverse backgrounds.</li><li>Several students on the team founded and serve in leadership roles in KWU Students for Life, an advocacy group for women's health and infant health rights.</li><li>Put on a summer tennis camp, where over 30 local children took part in a week-long training camp.</li><li>Volunteering at a local church in a child care role.</li>
 </ul>Committed to advancing character-driven athletics, the NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. By keeping the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership at the heart of the athletics experience, the Champions of Character program empowers participants to change the culture of sport.The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions of Character awards are presented by IMA Financial Group, and are awarded to the student-athletes and team who best represent the mission of the Champions of Character Program.

KWU named KCAC Women's Tennis Team of Character

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.

Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.

Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.

Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.

Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

DETROIT (AP) — Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking home run in the second inning to back rookie Jackson Jobe and lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over Kansas City on Friday night that extended the Royals’ losing streak to five.Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.Kansas City dropped to 1-7 on a 10-game trip. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double for a 1-0 lead.Tomás Nido, who had three hits, hit a tying single in the second and Ibáñez’s drive leading off the fourth put Detroit ahead for good.Jobe (2-0) allowed one run and five hits in five inning.Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs and six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino’s single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got two outs for his fourth save.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only Colorado. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Ibáñez hits tiebreaking homer to lead Tigers over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added a strong backcourt presence to the 2025-26 roster, as Izela Arenas has signed with the Wildcats.

Arenas, a product of Porter Ranch, California, played her first collegiate season in 2024-25 at Louisville. She saw action in 29 games and logged 343 minutes of playing time (11.8 mpg). She carded 121 points (4.2 ppg) on a 41.8 field goal percentage (46-of-110), including a 38.5 three-point field goal percentage (20-of-52). In ACC play, Arenas tallied 62 points (4.1 ppg) on a 45.3 percent effort (24-of-53) from the field including 41.7 percent (10-of-24) from long distance.

Arenas registered five games, including three in ACC games, with 10 or more points and achieving a career-high 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting against Clemson on February 27.

A four-star prospect and ranked number 88 overall by ESPNHoopGurlz for the class of 2024, Arenas helped Sierra Canyon High School to a 62-4 overall record in her final two seasons on the squad including a 31-1 record in her junior season in 2023 and a number one national ranking for the majority of the 2023 campaign. In her senior year in 2024, Arenas helped Sierra Canyon to a 31-3 record and a final national ranking of ninth.

In May of 2023, Arenas won the Queen of the Court event in Atlanta during the Overtime Elite Takeover. This event is a one-on-one showcase with some of the top female basketball players in the country.

Arenas is the daughter of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who played 12 seasons in the NBA.

K-State concluded the 2024-25 season with its 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The Wildcats registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). K-State was ranked in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls for the entirety of the season.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added a strong backcourt presence to the 2025-26 roster, as Izela Arenas has signed with the Wildcats.Arenas, a product of Porter Ranch, California, played her first collegiate season in 2024-25 at Louisville. She saw action in 29 games and logged 343 minutes of playing time (11.8 mpg). She carded 121 points (4.2 ppg) on a 41.8 field goal percentage (46-of-110), including a 38.5 three-point field goal percentage (20-of-52). In ACC play, Arenas tallied 62 points (4.1 ppg) on a 45.3 percent effort (24-of-53) from the field including 41.7 percent (10-of-24) from long distance.Arenas registered five games, including three in ACC games, with 10 or more points and achieving a career-high 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting against Clemson on February 27.A four-star prospect and ranked number 88 overall by ESPNHoopGurlz for the class of 2024, Arenas helped Sierra Canyon High School to a 62-4 overall record in her final two seasons on the squad including a 31-1 record in her junior season in 2023 and a number one national ranking for the majority of the 2023 campaign. In her senior year in 2024, Arenas helped Sierra Canyon to a 31-3 record and a final national ranking of ninth.In May of 2023, Arenas won the Queen of the Court event in Atlanta during the Overtime Elite Takeover. This event is a one-on-one showcase with some of the top female basketball players in the country.Arenas is the daughter of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who played 12 seasons in the NBA.K-State concluded the 2024-25 season with its 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The Wildcats registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). K-State was ranked in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls for the entirety of the season.

K-State WBB Signs Arenas to 2025-26 Roster

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Mayor’s Cup softball crown still belongs to the Lady Cougars following a two-game sweep that saw Salina South stave off two late Central comebacks to earn wins of 4-2 and 6-3.

Game One: Salina South 4, Salina Central 2

The opener of this two-game set was a pitchers duel throughout, with South’s Paityn Fritz and Central’s Valerie VanZant dealing for seven innings.

Offensively, VanZant would be the one to get the Lady Mustangs on the board, coming around to score on a passed ball in the second inning for the game's first run.

In the circle, VanZant would record 13 strikeouts, and looked unhittable the first time through the order, but in the fourth, Salina South straightened out the bats, tying the game on a Chloe Helsel single before stranding the bases loaded.

Neither team scored in the fifth, but in the sixth, Helsel struck again, this time scoring two on an RBI double to the fence before coming in to score herself on an RBI triple from Brylee Moss.

The Lady Mustangs would plate a second run in the seventh but left the tying run at second as South claimed game one.

Paityn Fritz picked up her fifth win of the season in the circle, allowing just one earned run, striking out eight while walking just three.

Game Two: Salina South 6, Salina Central 3

South was quicker to get on the board in game number two, scoring two runs in just four batters to lead off the home half of the first.

Breckon Webb would follow that up with a solo home run in the second inning to put the Lady Cougars up 3-0, but in the visitors’ third, Central finally broke through on another RBI single by VanZant.

Paityn Fritz’s second hit of the game, this time an RBI double to bring in Mackenzie Langer, pushed the lead back out to three where it would sit until the top of the fifth.

Another pair of RBI knocks for Macy Yost and Brylee Moss would help put this game out of reach as the Lady Mustangs stranded the bases loaded in the seventh, ending the game 6-3.

Macy Yost claimed the win in the circle, allowing just three runs on four hits and adding three strikeouts to her total.

With this sweep, Salina South improves to 11-3 while Central slides to 9-3.

The Lady Mustangs return to Salina to host Hutch on Tuesday while the Lady Cougars travel to Maize to battle the Eagles.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Mayor’s Cup softball crown still belongs to the Lady Cougars following a two-game sweep that saw Salina South stave off two late Central comebacks to earn wins of 4-2 and 6-3.<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 4, Salina Central 2The opener of this two-game set was a pitchers duel throughout, with South’s Paityn Fritz and Central’s Valerie VanZant dealing for seven innings.Offensively, VanZant would be the one to get the Lady Mustangs on the board, coming around to score on a passed ball in the second inning for the game's first run.In the circle, VanZant would record 13 strikeouts, and looked unhittable the first time through the order, but in the fourth, Salina South straightened out the bats, tying the game on a Chloe Helsel single before stranding the bases loaded.Neither team scored in the fifth, but in the sixth, Helsel struck again, this time scoring two on an RBI double to the fence before coming in to score herself on an RBI triple from Brylee Moss.The Lady Mustangs would plate a second run in the seventh but left the tying run at second as South claimed game one.Paityn Fritz picked up her fifth win of the season in the circle, allowing just one earned run, striking out eight while walking just three.Game Two: Salina South 6, Salina Central 3South was quicker to get on the board in game number two, scoring two runs in just four batters to lead off the home half of the first.Breckon Webb would follow that up with a solo home run in the second inning to put the Lady Cougars up 3-0, but in the visitors’ third, Central finally broke through on another RBI single by VanZant.Paityn Fritz’s second hit of the game, this time an RBI double to bring in Mackenzie Langer, pushed the lead back out to three where it would sit until the top of the fifth.Another pair of RBI knocks for Macy Yost and Brylee Moss would help put this game out of reach as the Lady Mustangs stranded the bases loaded in the seventh, ending the game 6-3.Macy Yost claimed the win in the circle, allowing just three runs on four hits and adding three strikeouts to her total.With this sweep, Salina South improves to 11-3 while Central slides to 9-3.The Lady Mustangs return to Salina to host Hutch on Tuesday while the Lady Cougars travel to Maize to battle the Eagles.

🥎 Salina South sweeps Central to win fourth straight

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball picked up a big doubleheader split with the Evangel Valor on Friday.

After dropping the first game 3-0, the Coyotes got a 2-1 win in the second game for the split.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06455f8d-8a00-4a31-ab63-d6dfcf25b5d7?elinkdata=25219">Briannah Kutschkau's</a> diving catch in the bottom of the seventh of the second game was the play of the day, keeping the game-tying run from scoring and ending the game .

The first game was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth when Evangel got a run on the board on a double. The Valor added two more runs in the fifth on a triple and sacrifice fly.

The Coyotes were limited to two hits in the game, one by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/793f81ad-360e-4083-97dc-42397ce746d6?elinkdata=25219">Hailey Summers</a> and the other by Kutschka.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35c74d29-3db0-4939-bf87-132b4be9945a?elinkdata=25219">Keira Hammen</a> led off the third inning of the second game with a double, and then pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/564fca31-0643-41d0-bfe5-1dcaaa0357e9?elinkdata=25219">Krista Yackeyonny</a> scored on a double by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/204d67e2-7f90-4ff3-b1b1-85e532ca57d1?elinkdata=25219">Trenity Miller</a>.

Evangel tied it up in the bottom of the fourth with a run.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/150d0a07-948e-4530-bf93-7691913febe3?elinkdata=25219">Grace Pierce</a> homered in the sixth to put the Coyotes up 2-1.

Evangel had a leadoff walk to start the bottom of the seventh, but a pop out on a bunt, a ground out and then the line out to end it would strand the runner and give the Coyotes the win.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc2146b8-c7bc-4350-b0e7-12879a6b12a9?elinkdata=25219">Alli Mickelsen</a> had another outstanding performance in the game with a complete game, allowing the one unearned run on five hits with six strikeouts.

Hammen and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ce1a5955-0253-47d0-adcd-3fccee2d1947?elinkdata=25219">Josie Buhr</a> had two hits each.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball picked up a big doubleheader split with the Evangel Valor on Friday.After dropping the first game 3-0, the Coyotes got a 2-1 win in the second game for the split.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06455f8d-8a00-4a31-ab63-d6dfcf25b5d7?elinkdata=25219">Briannah Kutschkau's</a> diving catch in the bottom of the seventh of the second game was the play of the day, keeping the game-tying run from scoring and ending the game .The first game was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth when Evangel got a run on the board on a double. The Valor added two more runs in the fifth on a triple and sacrifice fly.The Coyotes were limited to two hits in the game, one by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/793f81ad-360e-4083-97dc-42397ce746d6?elinkdata=25219">Hailey Summers</a> and the other by Kutschka.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35c74d29-3db0-4939-bf87-132b4be9945a?elinkdata=25219">Keira Hammen</a> led off the third inning of the second game with a double, and then pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/564fca31-0643-41d0-bfe5-1dcaaa0357e9?elinkdata=25219">Krista Yackeyonny</a> scored on a double by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/204d67e2-7f90-4ff3-b1b1-85e532ca57d1?elinkdata=25219">Trenity Miller</a>.Evangel tied it up in the bottom of the fourth with a run.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/150d0a07-948e-4530-bf93-7691913febe3?elinkdata=25219">Grace Pierce</a> homered in the sixth to put the Coyotes up 2-1.Evangel had a leadoff walk to start the bottom of the seventh, but a pop out on a bunt, a ground out and then the line out to end it would strand the runner and give the Coyotes the win.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cc2146b8-c7bc-4350-b0e7-12879a6b12a9?elinkdata=25219">Alli Mickelsen</a> had another outstanding performance in the game with a complete game, allowing the one unearned run on five hits with six strikeouts.Hammen and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ce1a5955-0253-47d0-adcd-3fccee2d1947?elinkdata=25219">Josie Buhr</a> had two hits each.

Coyote softball gets big split with Evangel

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Kansas Wesleyan and Oklahoma Wesleyan split Friday's doubleheader between the top two teams in the Kansas Conference. KWU won the first game 6-1, but lost the second 10-6.

OKWU ends up with the series win after the Eagles won on Thursday.

The Coyotes put single tallies on the board in six different innings to get the win.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef9d2f0d-365f-464a-a837-6aadb031ac94?elinkdata=25188">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> homered in the second, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57d853b0-0d48-48b1-ba50-e1274964ba90?elinkdata=25188">Garrett Garfield</a> singled home a run in the third to make it 2-0 Coyotes.

In the fifth, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/467878dc-8338-469a-9af4-8d497cd83de1?elinkdata=25188">Eric Romero</a> scores when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00e42d1c-326e-44e7-9f4f-36ab3229c891?elinkdata=25188">Tyler Favretto</a> reached on an error in the inning.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82c624bc-feec-492a-b7bd-6013ffe78c85?elinkdata=25188">Carter Allen</a> added a run with a homer in the sixth.

OKWU answered back with a homer of its own in the bottom of the sixth, but the Coyotes got two more runs on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b272c9a7-1822-45e4-8e7e-1581bd51cbf3?elinkdata=25188">Blake Dale</a> sacrifice fly in the eighth and a homer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/350fc14a-fa2f-4899-ab8e-83b6031b4fca?elinkdata=25188">Jacob Williamson</a> in the ninth.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3cc379ce-16b8-4b2a-b95d-00ff930c49ba?elinkdata=25188">Brett Maddock</a> got the win in a complete game performance.

OKWU jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and added single runs in the second and third before putting four on the board in the fifth.

The Coyote bats awakened late as KWU put four up in the sixth as Ruvalcaba knocked in a run with a hit, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a58a434-8b45-49a1-8c38-249b8b84c88c?elinkdata=25188">Alex Garcia</a> scored on a wild pitch, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1842a4e-4457-4205-a613-08b569fa823d?elinkdata=25188">Joe Finder</a> had an RBI ground out and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1582aa1-b6f3-4e9e-9fa0-a1ea89ca44e3?elinkdata=25188">Coulson Riggs</a> had a single to bring in a run.

After OKWU got one back in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes got two more in the last on Garfield's RBI double and Finder drove in one with a sacrifice fly.

Garfield and Allen had two hits each for the Coyotes.

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Kansas Wesleyan and Oklahoma Wesleyan split Friday's doubleheader between the top two teams in the Kansas Conference. KWU won the first game 6-1, but lost the second 10-6.OKWU ends up with the series win after the Eagles won on Thursday.The Coyotes put single tallies on the board in six different innings to get the win.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef9d2f0d-365f-464a-a837-6aadb031ac94?elinkdata=25188">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> homered in the second, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57d853b0-0d48-48b1-ba50-e1274964ba90?elinkdata=25188">Garrett Garfield</a> singled home a run in the third to make it 2-0 Coyotes.In the fifth, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/467878dc-8338-469a-9af4-8d497cd83de1?elinkdata=25188">Eric Romero</a> scores when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00e42d1c-326e-44e7-9f4f-36ab3229c891?elinkdata=25188">Tyler Favretto</a> reached on an error in the inning.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82c624bc-feec-492a-b7bd-6013ffe78c85?elinkdata=25188">Carter Allen</a> added a run with a homer in the sixth.OKWU answered back with a homer of its own in the bottom of the sixth, but the Coyotes got two more runs on a <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b272c9a7-1822-45e4-8e7e-1581bd51cbf3?elinkdata=25188">Blake Dale</a> sacrifice fly in the eighth and a homer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/350fc14a-fa2f-4899-ab8e-83b6031b4fca?elinkdata=25188">Jacob Williamson</a> in the ninth.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3cc379ce-16b8-4b2a-b95d-00ff930c49ba?elinkdata=25188">Brett Maddock</a> got the win in a complete game performance.OKWU jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and added single runs in the second and third before putting four on the board in the fifth.The Coyote bats awakened late as KWU put four up in the sixth as Ruvalcaba knocked in a run with a hit, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a58a434-8b45-49a1-8c38-249b8b84c88c?elinkdata=25188">Alex Garcia</a> scored on a wild pitch, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1842a4e-4457-4205-a613-08b569fa823d?elinkdata=25188">Joe Finder</a> had an RBI ground out and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1582aa1-b6f3-4e9e-9fa0-a1ea89ca44e3?elinkdata=25188">Coulson Riggs</a> had a single to bring in a run.After OKWU got one back in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes got two more in the last on Garfield's RBI double and Finder drove in one with a sacrifice fly.Garfield and Allen had two hits each for the Coyotes.

KWU baseball splits with Oklahoma Wesleyan, drops series

It figured to be a battle to the end between two of Kansas Wesleyan's top middle-distance runners and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dcc1dc6d-3836-4782-8212-15f59fa88f27?elinkdata=25095">Wyatt Johnson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3d66d9b-ac43-4a29-9044-594259ca11d0?elinkdata=25095">Julian Avila</a> certainly did not disappoint.

Johnson edged Avila at the finish line in winning the men's 800 meters in the Coyote Challenge on Friday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex. Johnson's winning time was 1:53.67 while Avila was a close second in 1:54.22 on cold and blustery night.

"Julian was an individual qualifier and (NAIA) All-American indoors and Wyatt was an All-American on the relays so anytime you put those guys on the track it's going to be fast," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/801cdd35-7bdd-489b-9b2d-4aa2d587c445?elinkdata=25095">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "And you throw <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fed7994f-53ea-4fae-aa1d-2213c91b530e?elinkdata=25095">Triston Cottone</a> (sixth in 1:55.59) and Ty (Davidson, seventh in 1:56.58) putting their noses in it too and having some fun too."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a8100d5-cbb7-4e92-a668-f9a30cd5c05a?elinkdata=25095">Giovanni Rios</a> took ninth (1:57.87) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1816e691-8f98-4507-a204-70ad40254021?elinkdata=25095">Nate Chavez</a> 10th (1:59.04) giving KWU six of the top 10 finishers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1773754-4c59-4a54-9152-8070561bd464?elinkdata=25095">Austin Schaeffer</a> was 26th (2:02.15), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/198d0dfc-d231-4291-8605-bf73a2467977?elinkdata=25095">Nicolas Martinez</a> 28th (2:02.31), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8451472d-842c-4db5-acb5-ed0b96947fa7?elinkdata=25095">Ian Doss</a> 35th (2:04.16) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77c3b9d3-fe18-45d8-b807-a7f0c0a830af?elinkdata=25095">Will Childers</a> 50th (2:19.61).

The event is the first home track meet for KWU since the Kansas Conference championships in 2019.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e01dad7-945b-42a8-b499-f894db7824b6?elinkdata=25095">Keegan Lott</a>, who has qualified for the NAIA National Championships in the javelin, won Friday's event on his home turf with a throw of 50.01 meters. Matthew Lucas was fifth (49.45) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a5fcb79-49c4-42ed-b547-f6f53bf4209a?elinkdata=25095">Riley Garcia</a> 25th (30.25).

Freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e9c9ecfb-562e-4aac-9e3d-5409f5d24ff2?elinkdata=25095">Evan Pearce</a> placed second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:43.02) and looked like a seasoned veteran in the process. Brendan Ellis took fourth (9:58.79).

"Evan was making his debut and looked really strong," Hiser said. "Really, really good race for him as a freshman and looked really confident throughout the race. He's a tall kid so getting over those barriers is pretty easy."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b571adb-6de0-487a-9b13-3e33b61b4741?elinkdata=25095">Damion Jackson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbd34895-897b-4648-b59d-d48b58f70923?elinkdata=25095">Austin Hess</a> were magnificent in the 5,000 meters, Jackson placing third (15:07.10) and Hess fourth (15:24.13). Teammates <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/496b2949-ede0-4a67-b8bd-f437a16f9077?elinkdata=25095">Cisco Alvarez</a> took eighth (16:13.79) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9f3cf3c7-a1e0-4d4f-9c37-5cb29d269279?elinkdata=25095">Brodie Bradshaw</a> ninth (16:18.73).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b9825a8-45db-49c3-9360-7ccac96a6df4?elinkdata=25095">Giovanni Rios</a> was the Coyotes' top finisher in the 1,500 meters crossing the finish line in sixth place (4:00.38).

"Gio looked really strong and ran a really good race," Hiser said.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b24cb86-1a33-4c84-bda0-998c1a7146d5?elinkdata=25095">Tytus Reed</a> was 11th (4:10.97), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94a35573-6ae8-431d-ac92-49ea8670cc86?elinkdata=25095">Austin Schaeffer</a> 14th (4:15.12), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ad224e8-2ec0-4ce5-bd65-8646048eb028?elinkdata=25095">Ian Doss</a> 15th (4:15.52), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d6d0bab-d123-411b-a2c3-3483ad58b054?elinkdata=25095">Jack Horacek</a> 27th (4:32.37), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5d111d8-ece7-43ff-9019-563f5ccb85b8?elinkdata=25095">Tim Parish</a> 34th (4:38.16) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/29fdb2c0-8b43-4286-b304-ec8fb83ce6c5?elinkdata=25095">Will Childers</a> 35th (4:40.60).

In the hammer throw Keyon Baccus placed 35th (29.56) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/efce68bf-0c42-49a4-818f-d66e49caf6c2?elinkdata=25095">Dylan Worrell</a> 36th (28.33).

It figured to be a battle to the end between two of Kansas Wesleyan's top middle-distance runners and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dcc1dc6d-3836-4782-8212-15f59fa88f27?elinkdata=25095">Wyatt Johnson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3d66d9b-ac43-4a29-9044-594259ca11d0?elinkdata=25095">Julian Avila</a> certainly did not disappoint.Johnson edged Avila at the finish line in winning the men's 800 meters in the Coyote Challenge on Friday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex. Johnson's winning time was 1:53.67 while Avila was a close second in 1:54.22 on cold and blustery night."Julian was an individual qualifier and (NAIA) All-American indoors and Wyatt was an All-American on the relays so anytime you put those guys on the track it's going to be fast," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/801cdd35-7bdd-489b-9b2d-4aa2d587c445?elinkdata=25095">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "And you throw <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fed7994f-53ea-4fae-aa1d-2213c91b530e?elinkdata=25095">Triston Cottone</a> (sixth in 1:55.59) and Ty (Davidson, seventh in 1:56.58) putting their noses in it too and having some fun too."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a8100d5-cbb7-4e92-a668-f9a30cd5c05a?elinkdata=25095">Giovanni Rios</a> took ninth (1:57.87) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1816e691-8f98-4507-a204-70ad40254021?elinkdata=25095">Nate Chavez</a> 10th (1:59.04) giving KWU six of the top 10 finishers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1773754-4c59-4a54-9152-8070561bd464?elinkdata=25095">Austin Schaeffer</a> was 26th (2:02.15), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/198d0dfc-d231-4291-8605-bf73a2467977?elinkdata=25095">Nicolas Martinez</a> 28th (2:02.31), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8451472d-842c-4db5-acb5-ed0b96947fa7?elinkdata=25095">Ian Doss</a> 35th (2:04.16) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/77c3b9d3-fe18-45d8-b807-a7f0c0a830af?elinkdata=25095">Will Childers</a> 50th (2:19.61).The event is the first home track meet for KWU since the Kansas Conference championships in 2019.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e01dad7-945b-42a8-b499-f894db7824b6?elinkdata=25095">Keegan Lott</a>, who has qualified for the NAIA National Championships in the javelin, won Friday's event on his home turf with a throw of 50.01 meters. Matthew Lucas was fifth (49.45) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a5fcb79-49c4-42ed-b547-f6f53bf4209a?elinkdata=25095">Riley Garcia</a> 25th (30.25).Freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e9c9ecfb-562e-4aac-9e3d-5409f5d24ff2?elinkdata=25095">Evan Pearce</a> placed second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:43.02) and looked like a seasoned veteran in the process. Brendan Ellis took fourth (9:58.79)."Evan was making his debut and looked really strong," Hiser said. "Really, really good race for him as a freshman and looked really confident throughout the race. He's a tall kid so getting over those barriers is pretty easy."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b571adb-6de0-487a-9b13-3e33b61b4741?elinkdata=25095">Damion Jackson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbd34895-897b-4648-b59d-d48b58f70923?elinkdata=25095">Austin Hess</a> were magnificent in the 5,000 meters, Jackson placing third (15:07.10) and Hess fourth (15:24.13). Teammates <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/496b2949-ede0-4a67-b8bd-f437a16f9077?elinkdata=25095">Cisco Alvarez</a> took eighth (16:13.79) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9f3cf3c7-a1e0-4d4f-9c37-5cb29d269279?elinkdata=25095">Brodie Bradshaw</a> ninth (16:18.73).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b9825a8-45db-49c3-9360-7ccac96a6df4?elinkdata=25095">Giovanni Rios</a> was the Coyotes' top finisher in the 1,500 meters crossing the finish line in sixth place (4:00.38)."Gio looked really strong and ran a really good race," Hiser said.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b24cb86-1a33-4c84-bda0-998c1a7146d5?elinkdata=25095">Tytus Reed</a> was 11th (4:10.97), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94a35573-6ae8-431d-ac92-49ea8670cc86?elinkdata=25095">Austin Schaeffer</a> 14th (4:15.12), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ad224e8-2ec0-4ce5-bd65-8646048eb028?elinkdata=25095">Ian Doss</a> 15th (4:15.52), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4d6d0bab-d123-411b-a2c3-3483ad58b054?elinkdata=25095">Jack Horacek</a> 27th (4:32.37), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5d111d8-ece7-43ff-9019-563f5ccb85b8?elinkdata=25095">Tim Parish</a> 34th (4:38.16) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/29fdb2c0-8b43-4286-b304-ec8fb83ce6c5?elinkdata=25095">Will Childers</a> 35th (4:40.60).In the hammer throw Keyon Baccus placed 35th (29.56) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/efce68bf-0c42-49a4-818f-d66e49caf6c2?elinkdata=25095">Dylan Worrell</a> 36th (28.33).

Johnson, Avila 800m duel highlights first day of Coyote Challenge

Maddy Wolf is on a roll for the Kansas Wesleyan women's track and field team.

Wolf, a freshman, was named the Kansas Conference's Field Athlete of the Week on Tuesday after a fourth-place finish in the javelin at the prestigious KT Woodman Classic last weekend in Wichita. Her throw of 44.04 meters qualified her for the NAIA Outdoor National Championships next month and was the second-farthest throw in KWU history.

Wolf showed it was no fluke by winning the javelin in the Coyote Challenge on Friday with a throw of 43.18 meters on a chilly, blustery day. The two-day event resumes at 10 a.m. Saturday and is the first KWU home track and field meet since the 2019 KCAC Championships.

"She hit another (NAIA) standard again, it wasn't an improvement on her mark, but consistency is what we've been looking for," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86101778-10f7-4cfb-ad4e-47ec29701fd0?elinkdata=25064">Kyle Hiser</a> said of Wolf.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ed5f8803-572a-49d3-a73e-1b12b4f96265?elinkdata=25064">Mayce Russell</a> placed third (36.96) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/339d4110-b277-4c79-94af-6d127342c96d?elinkdata=25064">Aunisty McNeal</a> seventh (34.01) for KWU.

"Mayce's been battling a little bit of an elbow injury, so she got three throws in and we shut her down after that," Hiser said. "I told the ladies I think that's the first time we've had women's javelin throwers throw here at Kansas Wesleyan, so it was pretty cool to see."

Friday's competition included the javelin and hammer throws and four distance running events. Saturday's slate features the remainder of the field events along with the jumps and sprints at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex and throws venue on Coronado Avenue.

Hiser was pleased with the way the women performed in less-than-ideal conditions.

"All of our gals on the distance side just came out and battled it tonight," he said. "Little windy, little cold but they put their nose in the from the get-go and everyone was racing competitively up towards the front."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05ab9b0e-4815-4cdd-8181-cc4b4b5c2e5b?elinkdata=25064">Josie Koppes</a> led a large group of Coyotes in the 800 meters that consisted of four heats. Koppes placed seventh (2:2104) followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6495869e-d050-471c-9f43-ec2d32340977?elinkdata=25064">Hailey Nordhus</a> in eighth (2:22.28).

"We were kind of training her as a 5K, 3K girl earlier in the year and she's shown us she wants to be an 800 runner," Hiser said of Koppes. "She looks really strong."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c946c19a-169f-4db8-8226-fc4d8fc33fb6?elinkdata=25064">Joni Schroeder</a> placed 16th (2:27.86), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a94f6738-beef-478d-8fa7-b4c281b83ad9?elinkdata=25064">Shelby Lingle</a> 20th (2:28.82), Makalyla Little 22nd (2:30.35), Ava Kenyo 24th (2:31.89), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c321f319-1335-41b7-ae0a-997c700a07bb?elinkdata=25064">Mya Schweitzer</a> 25th (2:32.01), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/535df13d-33e0-4895-9da8-c168fcfe2eb7?elinkdata=25064">Kierra Jensen</a> 27th (2:32.68), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b3ce1bab-b872-4dae-81c9-b5af9a52ed2b?elinkdata=25064">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> 28th (2:33.19), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c8d6b7dc-c470-4fc8-b0b9-6e39c62368f8?elinkdata=25064">Emma McAlister</a> 38th (2:42.17), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2658d06a-c884-4c69-9f26-c2c0206d9b7d?elinkdata=25064">Allyson Taylor</a> 40th (2:45.50) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f37e4069-5591-42b2-b22e-bfd237d6f256?elinkdata=25064">Micah Dickens</a> 41st (2:45.87).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fdef49e7-4c97-45d0-840e-d92f7172ac9f?elinkdata=25064">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> was the top Coyote finisher in the 1,500 meters taking eighth (4:53.05).

"She ran okay," Hiser said. "We've been trying to get a little bit more confidence. She was really fast in the early part of the year in some of those big fields and we're just trying to get back into racing and putting yourself in position."

Jensen was 13th (5:04.54), Schweitzer 19th (5:13.75), McAlister 24th (5:21.42), Dickens 26th (5:22.06) and Taylor 28th (5:23.14).

Maddy Wolf is on a roll for the Kansas Wesleyan women's track and field team.Wolf, a freshman, was named the Kansas Conference's Field Athlete of the Week on Tuesday after a fourth-place finish in the javelin at the prestigious KT Woodman Classic last weekend in Wichita. Her throw of 44.04 meters qualified her for the NAIA Outdoor National Championships next month and was the second-farthest throw in KWU history.Wolf showed it was no fluke by winning the javelin in the Coyote Challenge on Friday with a throw of 43.18 meters on a chilly, blustery day. The two-day event resumes at 10 a.m. Saturday and is the first KWU home track and field meet since the 2019 KCAC Championships."She hit another (NAIA) standard again, it wasn't an improvement on her mark, but consistency is what we've been looking for," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86101778-10f7-4cfb-ad4e-47ec29701fd0?elinkdata=25064">Kyle Hiser</a> said of Wolf.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ed5f8803-572a-49d3-a73e-1b12b4f96265?elinkdata=25064">Mayce Russell</a> placed third (36.96) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/339d4110-b277-4c79-94af-6d127342c96d?elinkdata=25064">Aunisty McNeal</a> seventh (34.01) for KWU."Mayce's been battling a little bit of an elbow injury, so she got three throws in and we shut her down after that," Hiser said. "I told the ladies I think that's the first time we've had women's javelin throwers throw here at Kansas Wesleyan, so it was pretty cool to see."Friday's competition included the javelin and hammer throws and four distance running events. Saturday's slate features the remainder of the field events along with the jumps and sprints at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex and throws venue on Coronado Avenue.Hiser was pleased with the way the women performed in less-than-ideal conditions."All of our gals on the distance side just came out and battled it tonight," he said. "Little windy, little cold but they put their nose in the from the get-go and everyone was racing competitively up towards the front."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05ab9b0e-4815-4cdd-8181-cc4b4b5c2e5b?elinkdata=25064">Josie Koppes</a> led a large group of Coyotes in the 800 meters that consisted of four heats. Koppes placed seventh (2:2104) followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6495869e-d050-471c-9f43-ec2d32340977?elinkdata=25064">Hailey Nordhus</a> in eighth (2:22.28)."We were kind of training her as a 5K, 3K girl earlier in the year and she's shown us she wants to be an 800 runner," Hiser said of Koppes. "She looks really strong."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c946c19a-169f-4db8-8226-fc4d8fc33fb6?elinkdata=25064">Joni Schroeder</a> placed 16th (2:27.86), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a94f6738-beef-478d-8fa7-b4c281b83ad9?elinkdata=25064">Shelby Lingle</a> 20th (2:28.82), Makalyla Little 22nd (2:30.35), Ava Kenyo 24th (2:31.89), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c321f319-1335-41b7-ae0a-997c700a07bb?elinkdata=25064">Mya Schweitzer</a> 25th (2:32.01), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/535df13d-33e0-4895-9da8-c168fcfe2eb7?elinkdata=25064">Kierra Jensen</a> 27th (2:32.68), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b3ce1bab-b872-4dae-81c9-b5af9a52ed2b?elinkdata=25064">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> 28th (2:33.19), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c8d6b7dc-c470-4fc8-b0b9-6e39c62368f8?elinkdata=25064">Emma McAlister</a> 38th (2:42.17), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2658d06a-c884-4c69-9f26-c2c0206d9b7d?elinkdata=25064">Allyson Taylor</a> 40th (2:45.50) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f37e4069-5591-42b2-b22e-bfd237d6f256?elinkdata=25064">Micah Dickens</a> 41st (2:45.87).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fdef49e7-4c97-45d0-840e-d92f7172ac9f?elinkdata=25064">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> was the top Coyote finisher in the 1,500 meters taking eighth (4:53.05)."She ran okay," Hiser said. "We've been trying to get a little bit more confidence. She was really fast in the early part of the year in some of those big fields and we're just trying to get back into racing and putting yourself in position."Jensen was 13th (5:04.54), Schweitzer 19th (5:13.75), McAlister 24th (5:21.42), Dickens 26th (5:22.06) and Taylor 28th (5:23.14).

Wolf's win in javelin highlights Day 1 of Coyote Challenge

DETROIT (AP) — Tomás Nido and Andy Ibáñez hit solo homers and rookie Jackson Jobe pitched five strong innings to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino's double for a 1-0 lead.

Nido, who went 3 for 4, homered for the first time with the Tigers to tie it in the second. Ibáñez's solo shot leading off the fourth put them ahead for good.

Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Royals starter Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10-plus strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs on six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.

Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino's single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got the final two outs for his fourth save.

The Royals have lost five straight and are 1-7 so far on a 10-game road trip.

The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out to end it.

The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only the Rockies. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745028333160.jpeg" alt="Detroit Tigers' Tomás Nido hits a one-run single against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning during a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Detroit Tigers' Tomás Nido hits a one-run single against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning during a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Tomás Nido and Andy Ibáñez hit solo homers and rookie Jackson Jobe pitched five strong innings to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.Spencer Torkelson delivered a two-run double in the seventh for his AL-leading 13th extra-base hit for the Tigers.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino's double for a 1-0 lead.Nido, who went 3 for 4, homered for the first time with the Tigers to tie it in the second. Ibáñez's solo shot leading off the fourth put them ahead for good.Jobe (2-0) allowed one run on five hits.Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney had RBI singles in a three-run fifth to chase Royals starter Cole Ragans (1-1), whose team record-tying streak of three straight starts with 10-plus strikeouts ended. Ragans gave up five runs on six hits in four innings, striking out eight for a major league-best 39.Witt singled and scored on Pasquantino's single in the ninth off Kenta Maeda. Tommy Kahnle got the final two outs for his fourth save.The Royals have lost five straight and are 1-7 so far on a 10-game road trip.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals sent the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Kahnle struck out Cavan Biggio before Drew Waters lined out to end it.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals began the day averaging 2.95 runs — ahead of only the Rockies. They have scored four runs or less in 19 of 21 games and haven’t scored more than four since April 4 against Baltimore.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Nido and Ibáñez homer in Tigers victory over Royals

For those seeking entertaining baseball, Chapman was the place to be on Friday as the Trojans and Irish played to a split that saw two late come-from-behind wins.

Southeast of Saline rattled off seven runs in the sixth inning of game one to take a 12-1 victory while Chapman erased a go-ahead run in extras to walk off game two 12-11.

Game One: SE of Saline 12, Chapman 10

After conceding a run in the top of the first, the Irish bats exploded in the second, rattling off seven runs to take a commanding 7-1 lead.

SES would get two of those runs back in the third and fifth innings, but still trailed 9-5 going into the sixth.

Finally, the Trojans got their bats going and kept the line moving, capitalizing on opportunities and scoring seven runs of their own to take back the lead.

Chapman managed to plate two more runs but the damage was done as Southeast slammed the door shut in a 12-10 victory.

Grady Gebhardt was the epitome of a leadoff hitter in this game, scoring four of the 12 Trojan runs throughout a 4-4 day at the plate.

Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, Cole Gilpin, and Tysen Keller all recorded multi-RBI days, combining to drive in eight runs on the day.

Game Two: Chapman 12, SE of Saline 11

The nightcap of this two-game set was a back-and-forth affair, with three ties and eight different lead changes.

The Irish took a 4-1 lead into the third, where Southeast scored six runs to flip the advantage back to the purple and white.

Three more Chapman runs would give the Irish a small lead going into the fifth, where they would lose, and reclaim a one-run lead all in the fifth frame.

Down to their final three outs, SES scratched across the tying run in the seventh, and then the go-ahead run in the eighth, but as they had done all game Chapman battled back plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth to clinch a walk-off win in extras.

Both teams would finish the nightcap with 14 hits, combining to score 45 runs in an offense-heavy doubleheader.

With these results, Chapman improves to 6-6 while Southeast moves to 7-5.

The Trojans will be back at home on Thursday to host Beloit, while the Irish hit the road to Concordia on Tuesday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor those seeking entertaining baseball, Chapman was the place to be on Friday as the Trojans and Irish played to a split that saw two late come-from-behind wins.Southeast of Saline rattled off seven runs in the sixth inning of game one to take a 12-1 victory while Chapman erased a go-ahead run in extras to walk off game two 12-11.<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: SE of Saline 12, Chapman 10After conceding a run in the top of the first, the Irish bats exploded in the second, rattling off seven runs to take a commanding 7-1 lead.SES would get two of those runs back in the third and fifth innings, but still trailed 9-5 going into the sixth.Finally, the Trojans got their bats going and kept the line moving, capitalizing on opportunities and scoring seven runs of their own to take back the lead.Chapman managed to plate two more runs but the damage was done as Southeast slammed the door shut in a 12-10 victory.Grady Gebhardt was the epitome of a leadoff hitter in this game, scoring four of the 12 Trojan runs throughout a 4-4 day at the plate.Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, Cole Gilpin, and Tysen Keller all recorded multi-RBI days, combining to drive in eight runs on the day.Game Two: Chapman 12, SE of Saline 11The nightcap of this two-game set was a back-and-forth affair, with three ties and eight different lead changes.The Irish took a 4-1 lead into the third, where Southeast scored six runs to flip the advantage back to the purple and white.Three more Chapman runs would give the Irish a small lead going into the fifth, where they would lose, and reclaim a one-run lead all in the fifth frame.Down to their final three outs, SES scratched across the tying run in the seventh, and then the go-ahead run in the eighth, but as they had done all game Chapman battled back plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth to clinch a walk-off win in extras.Both teams would finish the nightcap with 14 hits, combining to score 45 runs in an offense-heavy doubleheader.With these results, Chapman improves to 6-6 while Southeast moves to 7-5.The Trojans will be back at home on Thursday to host Beloit, while the Irish hit the road to Concordia on Tuesday.

⚾️ Walk-off win secures split for Chapman against SES

The Southeast of Saline and Chapman softball teams played to a split on Thursday in an incredibly competitive doubleheader that saw the Lady Irish win a 4-3 pitchers' duel, and the Lady Trojans win a 9-7 shootout.

Game One: Chapman 4, SE of Saline 3

With Madalynn Harold and Karlee Zurfluh in the circle, game one was destined to be low scoring, and the opener of this set lived up to the billing.

SES capitalized on an early miscue in left as Kimber Ogorzolka drove in Abby Wyatt to put the Lady Trojans up 1-0 in the top of the first.

That would be all Southeast could muster for a while, however, as Harold locked in from the circle, retiring 11 of the next 12 batters in a stretch that included seven strikeouts.

Chapman responded with unearned runs of their own in the third and fourth to take a 2-1 lead, but in the fifth, SES broke the spell, scoring Riley Donnelly on a Reese Heinrich RBI single.

The 2-2 tie would be short-lived, as Teagan Ellis drove in a pair of runs on an RBI single to left to put the Irish back on top.

Ashley Whelchel’s first career home run in the sixth cut the deficit to one, but that would be the final run of the game for Southeast as Harold cruised through the last five batters to secure the 4-3 win.

Harold finished her day surrendering just two earned runs on six hits, issuing no walks and striking out 11.

Game Two: SE of Saline 9, Chapman 7

With the aces out of the circle, fans braced for a higher scoring nightcap, but that didn’t appear to be the case through the first five innings.

Southeast’s Carlee Dye and Chapman’s Olivia Harold both limited the early damage, and the Lady Trojans held just a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth inning.

Of those three SES runs, just one was driven in, with the other two scoring from third on wild pitches.

In the sixth, the wheels came off for Chapman as three walks, three bunt singles, an infield single, four wild pitches, and a throwing error brought across five Southeast runs.

Not deterred by the 8-2 deficit, the Lady Irish got to work in their half of the sixth, and managed to score four runs on the strength of four singles.

Both teams added one run in the seventh but Karlee Zurfluh slammed the door shut to earn her first save of the season and secure the 9-7 win for SES.

Carlee Dye closed out her day with six strikeouts and no walks in the circle, while Reese Heinrich and Avery Kinkelaar led the charge on the basepaths, combining for four walks, a pair of hits, six stolen bases and four runs scored.&nbsp;

With this result, the Lady Trojans move to 7-2 overall while Chapman takes their first loss of the year at 11-1.

SES will return home next to host Clay Center while Chapman hits the road to battle Concordia.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline and Chapman softball teams played to a split on Thursday in an incredibly competitive doubleheader that saw the Lady Irish win a 4-3 pitchers' duel, and the Lady Trojans win a 9-7 shootout.<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: Chapman 4, SE of Saline 3With Madalynn Harold and Karlee Zurfluh in the circle, game one was destined to be low scoring, and the opener of this set lived up to the billing.SES capitalized on an early miscue in left as Kimber Ogorzolka drove in Abby Wyatt to put the Lady Trojans up 1-0 in the top of the first.That would be all Southeast could muster for a while, however, as Harold locked in from the circle, retiring 11 of the next 12 batters in a stretch that included seven strikeouts.Chapman responded with unearned runs of their own in the third and fourth to take a 2-1 lead, but in the fifth, SES broke the spell, scoring Riley Donnelly on a Reese Heinrich RBI single.The 2-2 tie would be short-lived, as Teagan Ellis drove in a pair of runs on an RBI single to left to put the Irish back on top.Ashley Whelchel’s first career home run in the sixth cut the deficit to one, but that would be the final run of the game for Southeast as Harold cruised through the last five batters to secure the 4-3 win.Harold finished her day surrendering just two earned runs on six hits, issuing no walks and striking out 11.Game Two: SE of Saline 9, Chapman 7With the aces out of the circle, fans braced for a higher scoring nightcap, but that didn’t appear to be the case through the first five innings.Southeast’s Carlee Dye and Chapman’s Olivia Harold both limited the early damage, and the Lady Trojans held just a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth inning.Of those three SES runs, just one was driven in, with the other two scoring from third on wild pitches.In the sixth, the wheels came off for Chapman as three walks, three bunt singles, an infield single, four wild pitches, and a throwing error brought across five Southeast runs.Not deterred by the 8-2 deficit, the Lady Irish got to work in their half of the sixth, and managed to score four runs on the strength of four singles.Both teams added one run in the seventh but Karlee Zurfluh slammed the door shut to earn her first save of the season and secure the 9-7 win for SES.Carlee Dye closed out her day with six strikeouts and no walks in the circle, while Reese Heinrich and Avery Kinkelaar led the charge on the basepaths, combining for four walks, a pair of hits, six stolen bases and four runs scored.&nbsp;With this result, the Lady Trojans move to 7-2 overall while Chapman takes their first loss of the year at 11-1.SES will return home next to host Clay Center while Chapman hits the road to battle Concordia.

🥎 Lady Trojans and Irish split tight doubleheader

Kansas Wesleyan's flag football team ended the regular season on a sky-high note.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d1c848a-e9cf-4b5b-b172-c5f8343a8ca5?elinkdata=25033">Chihiro Iwata</a> had 209 yards passing and three touchdowns and the defense limited Midland to 130 total yards in a 20-13 non-conference and Senior Night victory on Wednesday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex.

KWU (12-4) is the No. 2 seed and plays No. 7 Cottey at 2:30 p.m. April 25 in its first game of the Kansas Conference Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. The championship game is scheduled for April 27.

The Coyotes led 20-0 after three quarters before Midland scored twice in the final period. It was their third victory over Midland this season.

"They hung together, played together, communicated together," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245f39b1-e04b-429d-b225-43cc3575ef87?elinkdata=25033">Melinda Nguyen</a> said. "We celebrated our seniors before the game, during and after and really just embraced each other and stuck together throughout the whole thing. This will gear us up and get the ball rolling."

Iwata completed 25 of 36 passes with one interception. She also had a team-best 28 yards rushing on five carries and ran for the conversion point following KWU's third touchdown.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a90f654-1bb2-4d4e-ae38-68f8fb4f4f4f?elinkdata=25033">Angel Roman</a> caught five passes for 23 yards and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c716beb9-7234-483a-8907-42d6fe08ba82?elinkdata=25033">Soriah Tafua</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01844ea8-bc8a-4349-a318-2d2ac5fdd4d6?elinkdata=25033">Ava Duerr</a> had four receptions each - Tafua's catches totaling 50 yards and Duerr 38.

Kansas Wesleyan's flag football team ended the regular season on a sky-high note.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d1c848a-e9cf-4b5b-b172-c5f8343a8ca5?elinkdata=25033">Chihiro Iwata</a> had 209 yards passing and three touchdowns and the defense limited Midland to 130 total yards in a 20-13 non-conference and Senior Night victory on Wednesday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex.KWU (12-4) is the No. 2 seed and plays No. 7 Cottey at 2:30 p.m. April 25 in its first game of the Kansas Conference Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. The championship game is scheduled for April 27.The Coyotes led 20-0 after three quarters before Midland scored twice in the final period. It was their third victory over Midland this season."They hung together, played together, communicated together," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245f39b1-e04b-429d-b225-43cc3575ef87?elinkdata=25033">Melinda Nguyen</a> said. "We celebrated our seniors before the game, during and after and really just embraced each other and stuck together throughout the whole thing. This will gear us up and get the ball rolling."Iwata completed 25 of 36 passes with one interception. She also had a team-best 28 yards rushing on five carries and ran for the conversion point following KWU's third touchdown."Iwata is Iwata," Nguyen said.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a90f654-1bb2-4d4e-ae38-68f8fb4f4f4f?elinkdata=25033">Angel Roman</a> caught five passes for 23 yards and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c716beb9-7234-483a-8907-42d6fe08ba82?elinkdata=25033">Soriah Tafua</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01844ea8-bc8a-4349-a318-2d2ac5fdd4d6?elinkdata=25033">Ava Duerr</a> had four receptions each - Tafua's catches totaling 50 yards and Duerr 38."We kind of take what they give us, we try not to force things, make high probability throws," Nguyen said. "And they were making great catches."Iwata threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Duerr with 3:17 left in the first quarter and connected with Roman for the conversion point to make it 7-0. The seven-play drive covered 34 yards.The Coyotes increased their lead to 13-0 on Iwata's four-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d42abfab-97ee-4ee9-9748-57e8f341fd77?elinkdata=25033">Aliyah Wood</a> with 4:07 left in the half capping an eight-play, 44-yard drive. The PAT attempt failed.Wesleyan mounted a 66-yard, 11-play drive for its third touchdown, the final three yards on a pass from Iwata to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b92804d-3ac4-4282-96b7-17ccbe0a33b1?elinkdata=25033">Yui Watanabe</a> with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter. Iwata's conversion run made it 20-0.Midland (8-7) scored on Angel Ioane Kaio's three-yard run with 8:47 left in the game and her 41-yard pass to Emily Ferron with 46 seconds left.Midland had one first down in the first half and four for the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9695b1a7-de94-424f-b26a-2fd0e7aa7768?elinkdata=25033">Alexa Mansur</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88b1a361-c914-4a73-af74-b212a5e2ca9c?elinkdata=25033">Lexi Marquez</a> led way with three pulled flag each and Wood had an interception."Defense did great," Nguyen said. "(<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e51d7ad2-13d1-438b-b62c-67fcb423dbb4?elinkdata=25033">Ja'Daa Wilson</a>) did a great job calling the defense. They were all on the same page, they were all communicating and I felt like they really controlled the game."