KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.

Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.

“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."

Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.

It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.

“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”

Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBIs for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.

The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.

Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.

Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.

In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.

The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.

“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”

Crew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.

Angels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBIs for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”CUE THE VIDEOCrew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.UP NEXTAngels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.___

⚾ Neto homers as the Angels end Royals' 5-game win streak

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q:&nbsp;Are there still guys that you want to get a last look at with one preseason game left?

TOUB:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, we still want to – I mean, obviously, the wide receiver group. There’s a bunch of guys there – how many guys we’re going to keep, and those guys are still battling for positions. A couple of guys are – obviously, they’re all returners. That’s where it comes into play for me.”

Q:&nbsp;Were you happy with the return game in the Lions game compared to the first week?

TOUB:&nbsp;“I was. We didn’t get a lot of reps in that other game. There were a lot of touchbacks, so I was looking forward to – I’m glad we got some returns this week to see what our stuff’s going to look like. I was happy with the way they blocked, and they finished – did a nice job.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you envision your kickoff return depth chart, and with the game Thursday night, who will you put back there?

TOUB:&nbsp;“I don’t know. Could be Mecole (Hardman.) Nikko (Remigio) did a great job. I’ll be pounding a table for that guy, I love him. (Carson) Steele, he looks good back there. He hits it north and south. He’d be able to block. He’s a guy that you could use at backup running back somewhere – maybe (Deneric) Prince. You need bigger guys that can block too back there. It’s not – you just can’t have two punt returners back there, I don’t think.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“That was a fast Friday. A normal Friday practice, which was pretty good. (If) we’re ready to roll. I’ll just open it up and take questions.”

Q: How annoying is it to have guys out at different times in general and during a cornerback battle?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, so, more frustrating than annoying because it’s really part of it. I was – I made this point in our (defensive) unit meeting the other day, but I don’t believe – we couldn’t have because J Reid (Justin Reid) hasn’t had any practice snaps, right? So, I don’t believe we’ve had the – let’s call it our top 11, 12, or 13, whatever that is. I don’t think we’ve had them on the field for one play. That’s concerning (and) frustrating. Now, I did say to them, ‘Those things are out of our control. I can’t control guys getting hurt, (but) what we can control is our conditioning and being ready to play and all of that.’ With regards to your question about the corners, it’s making it really difficult to decide which way to go. We’ve got one more game. Some of these guys will play that are still fighting for jobs, but we can't say there is a starting other corner right now, in all honesty.”

Q: You have established roles in the safety room. How do you reconcile playing everyone in the safety room?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“That’s a good point. That’s what I would say. That’s a good problem to have four guys. Every once in a while, we might have four safeties on the field at the same time, but not too often and the down and distances kind of dictates that. I’m really happy and excited for what maybe Jaden (Hicks) can do for us. We know the other three guys are reliable. We just haven’t had Justin Reid out there in so long. The chemistry thing – as we sat in here last year, I remember us talking about when we kind of got rolling (and) playing really good. A lot of it had to do with the chemistry of the guys. That doesn’t just all of a sudden happen after this much time off. So, the concern is – Bryan Cook wasn’t here for a week, Justin (Reid) has been (out) for a while, and Nick (Bolton), those are the chemistry guys. We will just have to do it in practice in the next two weeks as we get ready for Baltimore.”

Q: With so many injuries, how tough is it to make roster decisions?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We don’t have much of a choice and we will have to go with a little bit of past performances and guys with experience and all those other things. At some point, you’ve got to go with your gut. I mean, the heads get to – I mean (General Manager) Brett (Veach) will get to (Head Coach) Andy (Reid), myself, the coaches, and try to come up with the best 25 or whatever that number is.”

Q: What are some things that you need to see from the young guys this week?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably the biggest thing is just making sure that we’re putting guys in the right spots for these opportunities. When they get a chance to get to play (in) the last couple of (preseason) games and then getting in this game here – schematically, where we want to get a guy to be able to see a little bit more. Then, these opportunities that jump up for making the team, it’ll be big – for both sides. As a coach, you go into this game and you understand that, for us, it’s our third one. Usually, around the NFL, there’s not a whole lot of scheming that’s going on in these (preseason) games, but it’s so important for these guys to be able to play fast so that we can evaluate them. I think that’s what’s most important, probably.”

Q: Is it more necessary to evaluate Carson Steele with his ability to catch the ball out the backfield and pass protection? How have you seen him grow in those aspects?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Yeah, that’s definitely a part of it. To see Carson (Steele) do everything that (it) entails to be a running back. He had that one big run in the first game. We were able to see some of that stuff in training camp and some of the practices, but that’s not all about just playing running back. You’ve got to be able to (pass) protect, you’ve got to know where to go, you’ve got to be good on special teams. So, more opportunities (and) more reps are going to be valuable for him and then for us, to be able to see where he's at. Again, another great kid. I think back to when I first met him in OTAs and he’s in there every day (at) meetings early (and) he’s in there trying to learn this offense. Now, he can go out there and try to play and put it on us to see what he can do.”

Q: Head Coach Andy Reid was surprisingly okay with the behind-the-back pass in the game. Where do you land on that?

NAGY:&nbsp;“I’ve been hearing Pat (Patrick Mahomes) talk a lot about it. We talk about him barking and never biting and I guess he definitely bit the other day in the game. (Travis) Kelce had a particular route he was going to do, it didn’t happen and all of a sudden, I looked up and saw he’s doing the behind the back and then Kelce caught it. I don’t think people understand – Kelce not necessarily knowing where to go or what to do on that play (and) after everything happened, he still caught the ball. I mean, that’s not easy to catch when you don’t know it’s coming. Those guys are crazy and I’m glad it was in the preseason.”

Q: How are you seeing the young guys in the wide receiver room develop?

HARDMAN: “4 (Rashee Rice), he got a year under his belt now, a Super Bowl, so I think he came along very well. He’s getting more of a leader, he’s starting to come into his own, he knows his role for sure, he’s the main guy and I think he takes that with pride and he’s doing a real good job. Xavier (Worthy) he’s coming in, and he’s doing real well. He’ll bring that speed definitely. (It’s) going to be a learning curve for sure when the regular season gets here, stuff like that, every rookie goes through it. As far as right now, he’s doing real well. Coaches love him, we like what he’s bringing out there, so he’s going to be good.”

Q: When you say that Xavier Worthy is going to have a learning curve, can you tell us what that is like?

HARDMAN: “I think every rookie goes through it. I think when you hit the preseason it’s like – it kind of gives you like a college feel in a sense. You feel like you’re good but then when you have regular season hit, that speed changes, the scheme, the atmosphere, it all changes. It’s kind of like, I won’t say a shock but it’s one of those like, ‘Woah, ok this is real, it’s that time.’ I think that’s the learning curve that you hit, it’s not saying a learning curve where you’re going to do bad, not in that sense, but a learning curve as in just the different atmosphere, the different speed, the play type, the knowledge (of) how people are smarter than normal because now you actually have to game plan. People have a – you’re coming in with a game plan and schemes that you probably haven’t been familiar with for real. It’s one thing to show it on film and (another thing to) actually be on the field and see it in a scheme. Baltimore has a real good scheme of doing things and how they want to do certain things. Once you learn that, it’s like, ‘Ok cool people got that.’ Then, that’s when film watching starts coming into play. As a rookie you know we didn’t really – in college we didn’t really watch film like that, you know you watch film over certain things, but it was – it’s not as detailed as it is in the league. That’s just a learning curve that I think everybody goes through. I think people are still going through it. I definitely hit that learning curve my rookie year, just different speed and stuff like that but watching (Dolphins WR) Tyreek (Hill) and Trav (Travis Kelce) make it look so easy, it’s like you learn fast. I’m glad that we have some guys here that have been a part of this offense and (have) been here so when he sees that, I’m pretty sure he’s going to learn pretty fast.”

Q: After this last preseason game, cuts happen. Can this be a nerve-racking time for players?

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesAugust 20, 2024ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ:&nbsp;Are there still guys that you want to get a last look at with one preseason game left?TOUB:&nbsp;“Oh yeah, we still want to – I mean, obviously, the wide receiver group. There’s a bunch of guys there – how many guys we’re going to keep, and those guys are still battling for positions. A couple of guys are – obviously, they’re all returners. That’s where it comes into play for me.”Q:&nbsp;Were you happy with the return game in the Lions game compared to the first week?TOUB:&nbsp;“I was. We didn’t get a lot of reps in that other game. There were a lot of touchbacks, so I was looking forward to – I’m glad we got some returns this week to see what our stuff’s going to look like. I was happy with the way they blocked, and they finished – did a nice job.”Q:&nbsp;How do you envision your kickoff return depth chart, and with the game Thursday night, who will you put back there?TOUB:&nbsp;“I don’t know. Could be Mecole (Hardman.) Nikko (Remigio) did a great job. I’ll be pounding a table for that guy, I love him. (Carson) Steele, he looks good back there. He hits it north and south. He’d be able to block. He’s a guy that you could use at backup running back somewhere – maybe (Deneric) Prince. You need bigger guys that can block too back there. It’s not – you just can’t have two punt returners back there, I don’t think.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“That was a fast Friday. A normal Friday practice, which was pretty good. (If) we’re ready to roll. I’ll just open it up and take questions.”Q: How annoying is it to have guys out at different times in general and during a cornerback battle?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Yeah, so, more frustrating than annoying because it’s really part of it. I was – I made this point in our (defensive) unit meeting the other day, but I don’t believe – we couldn’t have because J Reid (Justin Reid) hasn’t had any practice snaps, right? So, I don’t believe we’ve had the – let’s call it our top 11, 12, or 13, whatever that is. I don’t think we’ve had them on the field for one play. That’s concerning (and) frustrating. Now, I did say to them, ‘Those things are out of our control. I can’t control guys getting hurt, (but) what we can control is our conditioning and being ready to play and all of that.’ With regards to your question about the corners, it’s making it really difficult to decide which way to go. We’ve got one more game. Some of these guys will play that are still fighting for jobs, but we can't say there is a starting other corner right now, in all honesty.”Q: You have established roles in the safety room. How do you reconcile playing everyone in the safety room?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“That’s a good point. That’s what I would say. That’s a good problem to have four guys. Every once in a while, we might have four safeties on the field at the same time, but not too often and the down and distances kind of dictates that. I’m really happy and excited for what maybe Jaden (Hicks) can do for us. We know the other three guys are reliable. We just haven’t had Justin Reid out there in so long. The chemistry thing – as we sat in here last year, I remember us talking about when we kind of got rolling (and) playing really good. A lot of it had to do with the chemistry of the guys. That doesn’t just all of a sudden happen after this much time off. So, the concern is – Bryan Cook wasn’t here for a week, Justin (Reid) has been (out) for a while, and Nick (Bolton), those are the chemistry guys. We will just have to do it in practice in the next two weeks as we get ready for Baltimore.”Q: With so many injuries, how tough is it to make roster decisions?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“We don’t have much of a choice and we will have to go with a little bit of past performances and guys with experience and all those other things. At some point, you’ve got to go with your gut. I mean, the heads get to – I mean (General Manager) Brett (Veach) will get to (Head Coach) Andy (Reid), myself, the coaches, and try to come up with the best 25 or whatever that number is.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: What are some things that you need to see from the young guys this week?NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably the biggest thing is just making sure that we’re putting guys in the right spots for these opportunities. When they get a chance to get to play (in) the last couple of (preseason) games and then getting in this game here – schematically, where we want to get a guy to be able to see a little bit more. Then, these opportunities that jump up for making the team, it’ll be big – for both sides. As a coach, you go into this game and you understand that, for us, it’s our third one. Usually, around the NFL, there’s not a whole lot of scheming that’s going on in these (preseason) games, but it’s so important for these guys to be able to play fast so that we can evaluate them. I think that’s what’s most important, probably.”Q: Is it more necessary to evaluate Carson Steele with his ability to catch the ball out the backfield and pass protection? How have you seen him grow in those aspects?NAGY:&nbsp;“Yeah, that’s definitely a part of it. To see Carson (Steele) do everything that (it) entails to be a running back. He had that one big run in the first game. We were able to see some of that stuff in training camp and some of the practices, but that’s not all about just playing running back. You’ve got to be able to (pass) protect, you’ve got to know where to go, you’ve got to be good on special teams. So, more opportunities (and) more reps are going to be valuable for him and then for us, to be able to see where he's at. Again, another great kid. I think back to when I first met him in OTAs and he’s in there every day (at) meetings early (and) he’s in there trying to learn this offense. Now, he can go out there and try to play and put it on us to see what he can do.”Q: Head Coach Andy Reid was surprisingly okay with the behind-the-back pass in the game. Where do you land on that?NAGY:&nbsp;“I’ve been hearing Pat (Patrick Mahomes) talk a lot about it. We talk about him barking and never biting and I guess he definitely bit the other day in the game. (Travis) Kelce had a particular route he was going to do, it didn’t happen and all of a sudden, I looked up and saw he’s doing the behind the back and then Kelce caught it. I don’t think people understand – Kelce not necessarily knowing where to go or what to do on that play (and) after everything happened, he still caught the ball. I mean, that’s not easy to catch when you don’t know it’s coming. Those guys are crazy and I’m glad it was in the preseason.”Chiefs Player QuotesAugust 20, 2024WR MECOLE HARDMANQ: How are you seeing the young guys in the wide receiver room develop?HARDMAN: “4 (Rashee Rice), he got a year under his belt now, a Super Bowl, so I think he came along very well. He’s getting more of a leader, he’s starting to come into his own, he knows his role for sure, he’s the main guy and I think he takes that with pride and he’s doing a real good job. Xavier (Worthy) he’s coming in, and he’s doing real well. He’ll bring that speed definitely. (It’s) going to be a learning curve for sure when the regular season gets here, stuff like that, every rookie goes through it. As far as right now, he’s doing real well. Coaches love him, we like what he’s bringing out there, so he’s going to be good.”Q: When you say that Xavier Worthy is going to have a learning curve, can you tell us what that is like?HARDMAN: “I think every rookie goes through it. I think when you hit the preseason it’s like – it kind of gives you like a college feel in a sense. You feel like you’re good but then when you have regular season hit, that speed changes, the scheme, the atmosphere, it all changes. It’s kind of like, I won’t say a shock but it’s one of those like, ‘Woah, ok this is real, it’s that time.’ I think that’s the learning curve that you hit, it’s not saying a learning curve where you’re going to do bad, not in that sense, but a learning curve as in just the different atmosphere, the different speed, the play type, the knowledge (of) how people are smarter than normal because now you actually have to game plan. People have a – you’re coming in with a game plan and schemes that you probably haven’t been familiar with for real. It’s one thing to show it on film and (another thing to) actually be on the field and see it in a scheme. Baltimore has a real good scheme of doing things and how they want to do certain things. Once you learn that, it’s like, ‘Ok cool people got that.’ Then, that’s when film watching starts coming into play. As a rookie you know we didn’t really – in college we didn’t really watch film like that, you know you watch film over certain things, but it was – it’s not as detailed as it is in the league. That’s just a learning curve that I think everybody goes through. I think people are still going through it. I definitely hit that learning curve my rookie year, just different speed and stuff like that but watching (Dolphins WR) Tyreek (Hill) and Trav (Travis Kelce) make it look so easy, it’s like you learn fast. I’m glad that we have some guys here that have been a part of this offense and (have) been here so when he sees that, I’m pretty sure he’s going to learn pretty fast.”Q: After this last preseason game, cuts happen. Can this be a nerve-racking time for players?

Chiefs Quotes: 8-20-24

Kansas Wesleyan women's soccer coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6cf3eecf-c818-48f8-81a6-c18da8d88512?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Joe Schwartz</a>&nbsp;is quite happy to have his freshman year behind him.

Schwartz was hired in March of 2023 but it left him little time to recruit and build the type of program he wanted.

Nonetheless his first KWU team performed admirably and improved as the season progressed. The Coyotes earned a berth in the Kansas Conference postseason tournament and upset third-seeded Saint Mary before losing in the semifinals to second-seeded Friends in double overtime.

Nine months later Schwartz and the program are in a different place.

"We know what to expect in terms of not just the soccer stuff but just how the whole institution runs and where we need to go for different things so I feel a lot more prepared this year," he said. "I don't think it'll ever be easy but definitely a lot less to think about and prepare for. Really excited to get started."

2023 was a necessary process Schwartz said.

"It was disappointing but I think that speaks volumes to what we expect as a program and Kansas Wesleyan in general," he said. "I think we saw progression through the season. You could see the players buying into the style more and what we're trying to do and we really grew into that. We had a great spring of development individually and as a team and culture wise as well."

Schwartz has asked his athletes to be more involved in all aspects of the program in what he calls "Year One."

"We've delegated tasks a lot more and kind of diversified in that," he said. "I think it's a lot simpler and our leaders have really taken on a pretty good leadership roles as well as taken some of that away from the coaches. That's the kind of environment we want to create - more player centered because that's the game of soccer.

"We want people here that want to buy in and be all in with what we're doing. We want to be like many of the sports here at Kansas Wesleyan, to be around that NAIA top 25 and do those things."

Schwartz has a core of returning veterans and a group of promising newcomers to work with.

"We have a great leadership in our senior class," he said. "All three of our captains are seniors and that whole group has the senior mentality that determines the success of the team a lot of times - their attitudes, their energy, things like that.

"That's something that we've been addressing with these this group since last fall when they were juniors. Don't wait to be a senior until it's your senior year, start developing that now as we enter our spring development season."

Leading the way are captains&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93dd6cdd-abc5-46b5-ae27-dd077df8382d?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Valeria Hernandez</a>, a defender, and midfielders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bc07d196-abbb-4d70-8fe9-352bcd654e27?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9939bff5-5f28-4962-8e2b-750144005f26?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Caitlyn Carlos</a>. Hernandez and Jackson were named Honorable Mention All-KCAC along with senior midfielder&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5af416cf-90e8-4e2c-972a-2c3bff335f3e?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Yissel Navarro</a>&nbsp;who is sidelined with an injury but expected to return for conference play.

"They've been performing really well individually but also have been instrumental in keeping the energy high especially during two-a-days which is never easy for anyone," Schwartz said. "Honestly, all of our seniors have been doing a really great job."

Midfielders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6ff68d5-ea38-4552-9f53-fecb2a62c39e?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Leslie Serrato</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a94bc2d-3b89-4ef1-9554-be43fae46f24?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Carstyn Anderson</a>&nbsp;were in the program last fall but didn't compete because of injuries and transfer rules. Schwartz has high hopes for both. Three Coyotes are battling for the goalkeeping job - returners&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ccaf49e9-8957-443b-abf9-432e25a984e4?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Isabella Galvan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61b79b9f-ea96-4917-a445-459017646dc7?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Bailey Mann</a>&nbsp;along with new arrival&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9c4d862c-97e0-41cd-98ea-7dc8167e4a9a?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Lauren Schwien</a>.

"(Galvan and Mann) have been duking it out but our freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5897c4f6-d85c-4035-8f25-462aa363f252?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Lauren Schwien</a>&nbsp;has been pushing them as well," Schwartz said. "It's been really good to see that because that's a very important position for us."

Three transfers of note are midfielder&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a319ef57-47ec-4c5b-8473-255bfd2984dd?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Abigail Jensen</a>&nbsp;from Iowa Central and forwards Emma Gervey from Kansas City Kansas and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/775eabf2-da75-46f3-975a-890399600f7a?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Talia Walsh</a>&nbsp;from Harding. Walsh's parents are KWU alums; her father J.C. played and coached for the Coyotes in the late 1990s.

Three other freshmen have played well in the early going - defender&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/746b9016-de53-445b-b1ea-2f3890b35dba?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Jamie Orzel</a>&nbsp;from Canada and midfielders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7aa38868-2a54-40c4-a494-b9cd382a9710?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Minaya Winchester</a>&nbsp;from Colorado and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/874defc1-71b3-40ae-aa30-cbd8d6c2341a?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Sofia Velasco</a>&nbsp;from Mexico.

"Overall, it's been a really solid group," Schwartz said. "We told the players in a meeting the other day 'you guys are making our lives really difficult because it's hard to pick starters let alone separate into our top squad and our bottom squad.' "

KWU was picked fourth in the KCAC coaches' preseason poll, but Schwartz disagrees.

"We finished sixth last year and being picked fourth I think shows the respect that we have in the conference," he said, "but also maybe not enough respect. I think that we're definitely higher than that. We have the depth and the players in the style, but you have to go out there and do it."

Kansas Wesleyan women's soccer coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6cf3eecf-c818-48f8-81a6-c18da8d88512?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Joe Schwartz</a>&nbsp;is quite happy to have his freshman year behind him.Schwartz was hired in March of 2023 but it left him little time to recruit and build the type of program he wanted.Nonetheless his first KWU team performed admirably and improved as the season progressed. The Coyotes earned a berth in the Kansas Conference postseason tournament and upset third-seeded Saint Mary before losing in the semifinals to second-seeded Friends in double overtime.Nine months later Schwartz and the program are in a different place."We know what to expect in terms of not just the soccer stuff but just how the whole institution runs and where we need to go for different things so I feel a lot more prepared this year," he said. "I don't think it'll ever be easy but definitely a lot less to think about and prepare for. Really excited to get started."2023 was a necessary process Schwartz said."It was disappointing but I think that speaks volumes to what we expect as a program and Kansas Wesleyan in general," he said. "I think we saw progression through the season. You could see the players buying into the style more and what we're trying to do and we really grew into that. We had a great spring of development individually and as a team and culture wise as well."Schwartz has asked his athletes to be more involved in all aspects of the program in what he calls "Year One.""We've delegated tasks a lot more and kind of diversified in that," he said. "I think it's a lot simpler and our leaders have really taken on a pretty good leadership roles as well as taken some of that away from the coaches. That's the kind of environment we want to create - more player centered because that's the game of soccer."We want people here that want to buy in and be all in with what we're doing. We want to be like many of the sports here at Kansas Wesleyan, to be around that NAIA top 25 and do those things."Schwartz has a core of returning veterans and a group of promising newcomers to work with."We have a great leadership in our senior class," he said. "All three of our captains are seniors and that whole group has the senior mentality that determines the success of the team a lot of times - their attitudes, their energy, things like that."That's something that we've been addressing with these this group since last fall when they were juniors. Don't wait to be a senior until it's your senior year, start developing that now as we enter our spring development season."Leading the way are captains&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93dd6cdd-abc5-46b5-ae27-dd077df8382d?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Valeria Hernandez</a>, a defender, and midfielders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bc07d196-abbb-4d70-8fe9-352bcd654e27?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9939bff5-5f28-4962-8e2b-750144005f26?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Caitlyn Carlos</a>. Hernandez and Jackson were named Honorable Mention All-KCAC along with senior midfielder&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5af416cf-90e8-4e2c-972a-2c3bff335f3e?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Yissel Navarro</a>&nbsp;who is sidelined with an injury but expected to return for conference play."They've been performing really well individually but also have been instrumental in keeping the energy high especially during two-a-days which is never easy for anyone," Schwartz said. "Honestly, all of our seniors have been doing a really great job."Midfielders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a6ff68d5-ea38-4552-9f53-fecb2a62c39e?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Leslie Serrato</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a94bc2d-3b89-4ef1-9554-be43fae46f24?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Carstyn Anderson</a>&nbsp;were in the program last fall but didn't compete because of injuries and transfer rules. Schwartz has high hopes for both. Three Coyotes are battling for the goalkeeping job - returners&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ccaf49e9-8957-443b-abf9-432e25a984e4?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Isabella Galvan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61b79b9f-ea96-4917-a445-459017646dc7?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Bailey Mann</a>&nbsp;along with new arrival&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9c4d862c-97e0-41cd-98ea-7dc8167e4a9a?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Lauren Schwien</a>."(Galvan and Mann) have been duking it out but our freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5897c4f6-d85c-4035-8f25-462aa363f252?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Lauren Schwien</a>&nbsp;has been pushing them as well," Schwartz said. "It's been really good to see that because that's a very important position for us."Three transfers of note are midfielder&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a319ef57-47ec-4c5b-8473-255bfd2984dd?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Abigail Jensen</a>&nbsp;from Iowa Central and forwards Emma Gervey from Kansas City Kansas and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/775eabf2-da75-46f3-975a-890399600f7a?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Talia Walsh</a>&nbsp;from Harding. Walsh's parents are KWU alums; her father J.C. played and coached for the Coyotes in the late 1990s.Three other freshmen have played well in the early going - defender&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/746b9016-de53-445b-b1ea-2f3890b35dba?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Jamie Orzel</a>&nbsp;from Canada and midfielders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7aa38868-2a54-40c4-a494-b9cd382a9710?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Minaya Winchester</a>&nbsp;from Colorado and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/874defc1-71b3-40ae-aa30-cbd8d6c2341a?elinkdata=11246" target="_blank">Sofia Velasco</a>&nbsp;from Mexico."Overall, it's been a really solid group," Schwartz said. "We told the players in a meeting the other day 'you guys are making our lives really difficult because it's hard to pick starters let alone separate into our top squad and our bottom squad.' "KWU was picked fourth in the KCAC coaches' preseason poll, but Schwartz disagrees."We finished sixth last year and being picked fourth I think shows the respect that we have in the conference," he said, "but also maybe not enough respect. I think that we're definitely higher than that. We have the depth and the players in the style, but you have to go out there and do it."

KWU women's soccer preview

One year ago, nobody knew what to expect from the Kansas Wesleyan men's soccer team.

The Coyotes had won two games in 2022 - one in the Kansas Conference - had a new coach in&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8fb1919-53a2-4e9b-87ef-a61b41a9d454?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Bruce Palmbaum</a>&nbsp;and a slew of new players, many of them from foreign countries.

What transpired from late August to early November was nothing short of amazing. KWU finished with a 13-5-2 record, were third in the KCAC standings at 9-2-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament.

"I came in and we recruited a number of guys and the timing of it all just seemed to fit," he said. "We won games that were difficult for us. We had a couple of disappointments with ties that we should have won but for the most part a lot of things went right for us.

"In soccer the margins are pretty slim. Some things that went right for us last year, had they not gone so well our record might have been a little bit different. It's a very tight game. It's not a clear-cut wins and losses thing but I will say that recruiting had a lot to do with our success."

Six Coyotes received KCAC postseason honors, five of whom return this fall. Forwards&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56bd1a29-2410-470e-b973-c13efb09cfc8?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Kamille Kum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/372e89ed-7525-4728-ae1c-8f9f06d4e3de?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Abaenya Nundu</a>, defender Mike Wernicke and goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b153edda-f63f-4114-9b74-365f744483f1?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Santiago Pagnutti</a>&nbsp;were Second Team Selections while forward&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a0220ff9-31ca-4885-b1ef-92837712bc4b?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Jesus Moreno</a>&nbsp;and defender&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d1a6beb-4990-40e3-b9b3-e53c5ba5d6b0?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Jacob Langebartels</a>&nbsp;were Honorable Mention. Moreno is the lone starter missing from last year's squad.

KWU's roster features athletes from 26 countries along with numerous domestic athletes.

"Essentially, we have about 40 internationals in our program and we have about 40 domestic players," Palmbaum said. "On our varsity team if we have 20 guys, we almost always have 10 internationals and 10 domestic kids. It's not like all the internationals play on the varsity, that's not how it works. It's split pretty evenly."

Kum and Nundu scored 11 goals apiece. Wernicke and Langbartels led the back line that allowed 17 goals in conference play (24 overall) while Pagnutti surrendered just 10 goals in 11 matches and had 35 saves in conference play.

Several other capable veterans return in midfielder and Salina native&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89c24198-e397-488f-b493-e9c3afa3fe23?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Brandon Oaks</a>, midfielders Selby Fernandez,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0862565d-4f53-4cb3-a9f1-ad7738edeb2c?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Noel Zimbeva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ed5331c3-4716-464c-9bda-e47bf0237403?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Daniel Micheletti</a>&nbsp;(redshirt in 2023), defenders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64423170-4bc9-4fb7-ae17-4c1c5b42d3d1?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Cole Walgren</a>, Eddie Flores and Kenny Luanglatbandith and forward Cayden Anderson.

Palmbaum expects three newcomers to contribute - transfer forward Diego Albanez, midfielder Gerardo Garcia who transferred in last winter and freshman forward Jovan Momic from Serbia.

Defense will pave the way in 2024 according to Palmbaum.

"That's probably going to be our DNA," he said, "it should be really strong."

Palmbaum would like to see his team possess the ball more and has an ace up his sleeve.

"Our midfield has been upgraded," he said, "We have Rick Davis helping us specifically with our midfield and the entire team. He played with the New York Cosmos in the late 70s, early 80s period when they had players like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer. He also played in three Olympics.

"He's bringing a whole new sense of urgency and also a level of patience to our midfield that should help us be better in terms of possession. We were not a very good possession-oriented team last year; we were more of a counter attacking team. This year we should be able to hold on to the ball a little bit better."

KWU was picked in a tie for third with Friends in the KCAC coaches' preseason poll. Oklahoma Wesleyan was first and Ottawa second.

"I think OKWU and Ottawa are clearly the class of the conference, they've been the ones that have kind of stood out over the past few years," Palmbaum said. "Certainly, Friends has had a good run as well. I thought they had a really good team and were really well coached.

One year ago, nobody knew what to expect from the Kansas Wesleyan men's soccer team.The Coyotes had won two games in 2022 - one in the Kansas Conference - had a new coach in&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b8fb1919-53a2-4e9b-87ef-a61b41a9d454?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Bruce Palmbaum</a>&nbsp;and a slew of new players, many of them from foreign countries.What transpired from late August to early November was nothing short of amazing. KWU finished with a 13-5-2 record, were third in the KCAC standings at 9-2-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament.Palmbaum said recruiting was the key."I came in and we recruited a number of guys and the timing of it all just seemed to fit," he said. "We won games that were difficult for us. We had a couple of disappointments with ties that we should have won but for the most part a lot of things went right for us."In soccer the margins are pretty slim. Some things that went right for us last year, had they not gone so well our record might have been a little bit different. It's a very tight game. It's not a clear-cut wins and losses thing but I will say that recruiting had a lot to do with our success."Six Coyotes received KCAC postseason honors, five of whom return this fall. Forwards&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56bd1a29-2410-470e-b973-c13efb09cfc8?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Kamille Kum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/372e89ed-7525-4728-ae1c-8f9f06d4e3de?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Abaenya Nundu</a>, defender Mike Wernicke and goalkeeper&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b153edda-f63f-4114-9b74-365f744483f1?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Santiago Pagnutti</a>&nbsp;were Second Team Selections while forward&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a0220ff9-31ca-4885-b1ef-92837712bc4b?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Jesus Moreno</a>&nbsp;and defender&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d1a6beb-4990-40e3-b9b3-e53c5ba5d6b0?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Jacob Langebartels</a>&nbsp;were Honorable Mention. Moreno is the lone starter missing from last year's squad.KWU's roster features athletes from 26 countries along with numerous domestic athletes."Essentially, we have about 40 internationals in our program and we have about 40 domestic players," Palmbaum said. "On our varsity team if we have 20 guys, we almost always have 10 internationals and 10 domestic kids. It's not like all the internationals play on the varsity, that's not how it works. It's split pretty evenly."Kum and Nundu scored 11 goals apiece. Wernicke and Langbartels led the back line that allowed 17 goals in conference play (24 overall) while Pagnutti surrendered just 10 goals in 11 matches and had 35 saves in conference play.Several other capable veterans return in midfielder and Salina native&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89c24198-e397-488f-b493-e9c3afa3fe23?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Brandon Oaks</a>, midfielders Selby Fernandez,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0862565d-4f53-4cb3-a9f1-ad7738edeb2c?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Noel Zimbeva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ed5331c3-4716-464c-9bda-e47bf0237403?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Daniel Micheletti</a>&nbsp;(redshirt in 2023), defenders&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64423170-4bc9-4fb7-ae17-4c1c5b42d3d1?elinkdata=11204" target="_blank">Cole Walgren</a>, Eddie Flores and Kenny Luanglatbandith and forward Cayden Anderson.Palmbaum expects three newcomers to contribute - transfer forward Diego Albanez, midfielder Gerardo Garcia who transferred in last winter and freshman forward Jovan Momic from Serbia.Defense will pave the way in 2024 according to Palmbaum."That's probably going to be our DNA," he said, "it should be really strong."Palmbaum would like to see his team possess the ball more and has an ace up his sleeve."Our midfield has been upgraded," he said, "We have Rick Davis helping us specifically with our midfield and the entire team. He played with the New York Cosmos in the late 70s, early 80s period when they had players like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer. He also played in three Olympics."He's bringing a whole new sense of urgency and also a level of patience to our midfield that should help us be better in terms of possession. We were not a very good possession-oriented team last year; we were more of a counter attacking team. This year we should be able to hold on to the ball a little bit better."KWU was picked in a tie for third with Friends in the KCAC coaches' preseason poll. Oklahoma Wesleyan was first and Ottawa second."I think OKWU and Ottawa are clearly the class of the conference, they've been the ones that have kind of stood out over the past few years," Palmbaum said. "Certainly, Friends has had a good run as well. I thought they had a really good team and were really well coached.

KWU men's soccer season preview

On top of that the Coyotes are 24th in the NAIA's coaches' preseason poll and second in the Kansas Conference coaches' preseason poll.

Potential galore but it does not mean coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b029ccd2-7132-406f-a698-a4cc4db44d91?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Jessica Biegert</a>&nbsp;and her staff are content.

KWU was 12-1 in the KCAC and shared the title with Oklahoma Wesleyan in 2023. The Coyotes received a berth in the NAIA tournament's Opening Round but lost to Midland 3-1 in Fremont, Nebraska, ending the season with a 26-9 record. It was the second consecutive season they fell in the opening round.

Advancing further in the postseason is the challenge in 2024.

"It's more on the mental side of the training of just staying competitive all the time," said Biegert who enters her sixth season and has a 110-57 record. "We've got to win that first-round match at nationals. That was a heartbreaking thing last year just the way we went out. There's some hunger inside to recover from that and exceed expectations - we're not going to be a first-round fluke."

The Coyotes return everyone except libero&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/33efb747-9f1a-47aa-afbb-4e03687e47fd?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kelcey Hund</a>&nbsp;from last year's starting lineup. There are four returning All-KCAC selections in the group including three who were on the First Team - junior right-side&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0d3433fe-6960-4d5e-9922-33806ca711b3?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Rylee Serpan</a>, graduate student setter&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/365e78b0-e36b-4c8d-ac44-226681fb6b41?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;and junior outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db755f77-37c8-44e9-9578-d0e6ef345aac?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kylee Harris</a>. Sophomore outside hitter Gianna Adriaasse was on the Honorable Mention list. Serpan was an AVCA All-West Central Region Honorable Mention selection as well.

Senior middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c13b70c-e5d6-4f2e-b99c-6a13eec2af43?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kyla Moore</a>&nbsp;and junior right-side&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ea328ae-abf8-4aeb-8259-74a05bccd4d0?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Sarah Girard</a>&nbsp;also return.

"<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db504a9f-295e-4af6-8b6e-5a1b646f8cff?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;is coming back for her Covid season, she's been playing all five years of her career now and her leadership is out of this world," Biegert said. "She's a piece that we're really excited about keeping. They all got better over the summer so it's exciting to see them step their game up."

Preseason scrimmages and practices have focused on finding a replacement for Hund who earned Second Team all-conference honors a year ago. The good news is there's no shortage of candidates in junior&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66627f6d-7b7e-4f66-8245-1cf2a3154fc6?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Ella Schmid</a>, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a0c613b-2b1f-4389-9c39-f97976408ff6?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kori Arnold</a>&nbsp;and freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c5322345-dea0-495d-94fe-05fff2d114d5?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Tristyn Hedman</a>&nbsp;who hails from Biegert's hometown of Grand Island, Nebraska.

"It's finding a new libero to take up a lot of space on the court," Biegert said. "It's just a mindset thing of keeping every ball off the floor and stepping up for that. We're going to watch them fight it out and see who wants it."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/edcccd3f-6a08-4d89-b866-310e524f117e?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kate Bebout</a>, a spring semester transfer last year from Western Texas College, is a newcomer of note.

"Kate's very athletic and dynamic and smart," Biegert said. "She's just one of those people that will make us better. We just don't know where yet."

Biegert signed 18 freshmen and a couple have impressed in the early going.

"(Outside hitter)&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/563cdbde-46a1-48d5-ad68-115547f2c622?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Savannah Shahan</a>&nbsp;from Hillsboro has that strong presence," Biegert said. "She reminds us a lot of (former Coyote Maddy) Beckett so her potential is really exciting. She's definitely going to make us better.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1836d3dc-fe55-4f73-84a5-bed2190dfe9f?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Madelyn Wolf</a>&nbsp;is an outside from Olathe and she jumps out of the gym. She has a hammer arm and is another strong freshman that's sticking out right now."

Biegert also wants to see defensive improvement at the net and more balance in the attack.

"We need to be more of a blocking team," she said. "We run a special defense that relies on that, and it was kind of our weakness last year. Hopefully that experience will step in and people will push on that side. And then maybe one more offensive hitter that can score more points for us and not just rely on the same people all the time."

Biegert expects the conference race to be a battle, as always.

"There are still some really strong teams in the KCAC, three of them are in the top 25 including us (OKWU 13th, Ottawa 25th) and then two receiving votes (Bethel, McPherson). It proves how strong the KCAC is, you can't have an off day when you play each other one time."

Talent: check.Experience: check.Depth: check.Previous success: check.On top of that the Coyotes are 24th in the NAIA's coaches' preseason poll and second in the Kansas Conference coaches' preseason poll.Potential galore but it does not mean coach&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b029ccd2-7132-406f-a698-a4cc4db44d91?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Jessica Biegert</a>&nbsp;and her staff are content.KWU was 12-1 in the KCAC and shared the title with Oklahoma Wesleyan in 2023. The Coyotes received a berth in the NAIA tournament's Opening Round but lost to Midland 3-1 in Fremont, Nebraska, ending the season with a 26-9 record. It was the second consecutive season they fell in the opening round.Advancing further in the postseason is the challenge in 2024."It's more on the mental side of the training of just staying competitive all the time," said Biegert who enters her sixth season and has a 110-57 record. "We've got to win that first-round match at nationals. That was a heartbreaking thing last year just the way we went out. There's some hunger inside to recover from that and exceed expectations - we're not going to be a first-round fluke."The Coyotes return everyone except libero&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/33efb747-9f1a-47aa-afbb-4e03687e47fd?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kelcey Hund</a>&nbsp;from last year's starting lineup. There are four returning All-KCAC selections in the group including three who were on the First Team - junior right-side&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0d3433fe-6960-4d5e-9922-33806ca711b3?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Rylee Serpan</a>, graduate student setter&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/365e78b0-e36b-4c8d-ac44-226681fb6b41?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;and junior outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db755f77-37c8-44e9-9578-d0e6ef345aac?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kylee Harris</a>. Sophomore outside hitter Gianna Adriaasse was on the Honorable Mention list. Serpan was an AVCA All-West Central Region Honorable Mention selection as well.Senior middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c13b70c-e5d6-4f2e-b99c-6a13eec2af43?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kyla Moore</a>&nbsp;and junior right-side&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ea328ae-abf8-4aeb-8259-74a05bccd4d0?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Sarah Girard</a>&nbsp;also return."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db504a9f-295e-4af6-8b6e-5a1b646f8cff?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;is coming back for her Covid season, she's been playing all five years of her career now and her leadership is out of this world," Biegert said. "She's a piece that we're really excited about keeping. They all got better over the summer so it's exciting to see them step their game up."Preseason scrimmages and practices have focused on finding a replacement for Hund who earned Second Team all-conference honors a year ago. The good news is there's no shortage of candidates in junior&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/66627f6d-7b7e-4f66-8245-1cf2a3154fc6?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Ella Schmid</a>, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a0c613b-2b1f-4389-9c39-f97976408ff6?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kori Arnold</a>&nbsp;and freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c5322345-dea0-495d-94fe-05fff2d114d5?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Tristyn Hedman</a>&nbsp;who hails from Biegert's hometown of Grand Island, Nebraska."It's finding a new libero to take up a lot of space on the court," Biegert said. "It's just a mindset thing of keeping every ball off the floor and stepping up for that. We're going to watch them fight it out and see who wants it."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/edcccd3f-6a08-4d89-b866-310e524f117e?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Kate Bebout</a>, a spring semester transfer last year from Western Texas College, is a newcomer of note."Kate's very athletic and dynamic and smart," Biegert said. "She's just one of those people that will make us better. We just don't know where yet."Biegert signed 18 freshmen and a couple have impressed in the early going."(Outside hitter)&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/563cdbde-46a1-48d5-ad68-115547f2c622?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Savannah Shahan</a>&nbsp;from Hillsboro has that strong presence," Biegert said. "She reminds us a lot of (former Coyote Maddy) Beckett so her potential is really exciting. She's definitely going to make us better.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1836d3dc-fe55-4f73-84a5-bed2190dfe9f?elinkdata=11183" target="_blank">Madelyn Wolf</a>&nbsp;is an outside from Olathe and she jumps out of the gym. She has a hammer arm and is another strong freshman that's sticking out right now."Biegert also wants to see defensive improvement at the net and more balance in the attack."We need to be more of a blocking team," she said. "We run a special defense that relies on that, and it was kind of our weakness last year. Hopefully that experience will step in and people will push on that side. And then maybe one more offensive hitter that can score more points for us and not just rely on the same people all the time."Biegert expects the conference race to be a battle, as always."There are still some really strong teams in the KCAC, three of them are in the top 25 including us (OKWU 13th, Ottawa 25th) and then two receiving votes (Bethel, McPherson). It proves how strong the KCAC is, you can't have an off day when you play each other one time."

Kansas Wesleyan’s volleyball team checks all the boxes entering the 2024 season

Hello and happy Tuesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

Last night, Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on to extend their winning streak to five games.

Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBI for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.

The Royals are now tied with the Twins for second place in the AL-Central and hold the second wild card spot in the American League just 2.5 games back of the Baltimore Orioles.

KC will be back in action tonight when they continue their series against the Angels at 7:10.

More locally the NAIA has released it’s preseason football poll, and four KCAC schools are represented, including Kansas Wesleyan who check in tied with Friends at 24.

Other schools include Evangel at #14 and Ottawa recieving votes. K-Dub will open it’s season with Evangel next Saturday at 7PM

And finally, the NAIA also released it’s preseason women’s volleyball poll and Kansas Wesleyan was represented, clocking in at #24 with only #13 OKWU ahead of it in the KCAC

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 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Tuesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________Last night, Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on to extend their winning streak to five games.Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBI for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.The Royals are now tied with the Twins for second place in the AL-Central and hold the second wild card spot in the American League just 2.5 games back of the Baltimore Orioles.KC will be back in action tonight when they continue their series against the Angels at 7:10._________More locally the NAIA has released it’s preseason football poll, and four KCAC schools are represented, including Kansas Wesleyan who check in tied with Friends at 24.Other schools include Evangel at #14 and Ottawa recieving votes. K-Dub will open it’s season with Evangel next Saturday at 7PM_________And finally, the NAIA also released it’s preseason women’s volleyball poll and Kansas Wesleyan was represented, clocking in at #24 with only #13 OKWU ahead of it in the KCAC_________

910 KINA Sports Headlines — August 20

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo once again looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to five games.

Lugo (14-7), who had been just 2-3 with 5.23 ERA since the All-Star break, allowed four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. That tied him with the Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big league lead in wins.

Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBIs for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.

“It's something we all feel together,” Lugo said simply. “It's a team sport and we're all doing it together.”

Lugo only allowed two hits until the seventh, when Brandon Drury drew a walk and Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell followed with doubles to draw the Angels to 3-2. Lugo bounced back by getting Taylor Ward to pop out and end the inning.

Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto's homer in the eighth before John Schreiber worked the ninth for his second save.

“We battled him, battled him, battled him,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Lugo. "At the end, we got some runs on him, but we just couldn’t put him away. If you can stay with a good pitcher like that, usually toward the end, hopefully you get an opportunity. We started getting to him in the seventh, but by that time he’d already did his damage.”

Washington confirmed that hitting coach Johnny Washington was ejected during the game for arguing balls and strikes.

"He thought he had to do what he had to do to protect his hitters,” the manager said.

Carson Fulmer (0-4) allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits with three walks over four innings for Los Angeles.

He was in trouble right from the start, when Michael Massey led off with a single and Fulmer walked two batters in the first inning. And while he was able to wiggle out of that jam, it drove Fulmer's pitch count up and led to a short night.

Massey walked leading off the third and scored on Perez's single. But the first big blow for Kansas City came in the fourth, when DeJong hit his two-run shot into the left-field bullpen. It came one pitch after he had yanked a would-be homer just foul.

Perez added a two-run double off Angels reliever Victor Mederos in the seventh to restore the Royals' cushion.

“I mean, that was the base hit of the night right there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It separated us again a little bit with two innings to go.”

Angels: 3B Anthony Rendon was back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow in Atlanta and missing the next two games. “The last three days he's been taking care of it, and he said he's ready to go,” Ron Washington said.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) hopes to throw a bullpen session later in the week. He has been out since Aug. 5. If that goes well, the club will decide whether Harvey needs a rehab assignment, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said,

Royals: Schreiber (right patellar tendon) was reinstated from the injured list before the game. The reliever had been out since July 28. RHP Carlos Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.

Angels LHP Tyler Anderson (9-11, 3.30 ERA) starts the second game of the series on Tuesday night. LHP Cole Ragans (10-7, 3.18) goes for his sixth win in his last seven starts for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724146694498.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Paul DeJong hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer, Seth Lugo once again looked like the pitcher whose brilliant first half made him an All-Star, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to five games.Lugo (14-7), who had been just 2-3 with 5.23 ERA since the All-Star break, allowed four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. That tied him with the Braves’ Chris Sale and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal for the big league lead in wins.Salvador Perez added two hits and three RBIs for the Royals, who have outscored their opponents 37-7 during their winning streak. Kansas City never trailed in any of those games against the AL Central-rival Twins, Reds and Angels.“It's something we all feel together,” Lugo said simply. “It's a team sport and we're all doing it together.”Lugo only allowed two hits until the seventh, when Brandon Drury drew a walk and Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell followed with doubles to draw the Angels to 3-2. Lugo bounced back by getting Taylor Ward to pop out and end the inning.Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto's homer in the eighth before John Schreiber worked the ninth for his second save.“We battled him, battled him, battled him,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Lugo. "At the end, we got some runs on him, but we just couldn’t put him away. If you can stay with a good pitcher like that, usually toward the end, hopefully you get an opportunity. We started getting to him in the seventh, but by that time he’d already did his damage.”Washington confirmed that hitting coach Johnny Washington was ejected during the game for arguing balls and strikes."He thought he had to do what he had to do to protect his hitters,” the manager said.Carson Fulmer (0-4) allowed three runs — two earned — and five hits with three walks over four innings for Los Angeles.He was in trouble right from the start, when Michael Massey led off with a single and Fulmer walked two batters in the first inning. And while he was able to wiggle out of that jam, it drove Fulmer's pitch count up and led to a short night.Massey walked leading off the third and scored on Perez's single. But the first big blow for Kansas City came in the fourth, when DeJong hit his two-run shot into the left-field bullpen. It came one pitch after he had yanked a would-be homer just foul.Perez added a two-run double off Angels reliever Victor Mederos in the seventh to restore the Royals' cushion.“I mean, that was the base hit of the night right there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It separated us again a little bit with two innings to go.”TRAINER'S ROOMAngels: 3B Anthony Rendon was back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow in Atlanta and missing the next two games. “The last three days he's been taking care of it, and he said he's ready to go,” Ron Washington said.Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) hopes to throw a bullpen session later in the week. He has been out since Aug. 5. If that goes well, the club will decide whether Harvey needs a rehab assignment, Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said,ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Schreiber (right patellar tendon) was reinstated from the injured list before the game. The reliever had been out since July 28. RHP Carlos Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.UP NEXTAngels LHP Tyler Anderson (9-11, 3.30 ERA) starts the second game of the series on Tuesday night. LHP Cole Ragans (10-7, 3.18) goes for his sixth win in his last seven starts for Kansas City.___

⚾ DeJong hits 2-run shot as Royals beat Angels for 5th straight win

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Okay, the guys who won’t practice today are Marquise (Hollywood Brown), (Jaaron) Hayek, Nazeeh Johnson just has a slight hamstring strain from the game, and then Truman Jones – his knee’s bothering him a little bit. Chris Jones is still coming back – feeling much better. McKade (Mettauer) and then (James) Winchester with that AC sprain. We’re just going to hold him out. We’ve signed a center who will come in and do the long snapping for us this week until he gets back. As far as the rotation goes for the Bears, I’ll probably sit the starters, the way it looks right now. We’ll have the other guys get out there and play. We’ll just see how that goes rep-wise. With that, the time is yours.”

Q:&nbsp;What goes into your decision of who plays?

REID:&nbsp;“I look at (the) number of plays between camp and preseason games. We’re up some 50 plays from the year before in camp. I was able to monitor that and work it in with the preseason games.”

Q:&nbsp;Did you end up having more camp days because of adding that window at the start?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we just didn’t have to go inside, and sometimes when we go inside you have to cut back a few plays just with the tight walls there – tight space.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there any position group that you’re focused on watching this Thursday night?

REID:&nbsp;“Really all of them. When you look at it, we’re playing so many young guys. I want to see where we’re at there. We didn’t block and tackle very well with that second and third group – both sides of the ball. I really want to give them more of an opportunity. Sometimes the ones – they get a lot of reps during camp practices. Let’s get these guys (the backups) some more reps here. Then, especially, when we’re getting ready to cut down, (we) get a little better feel on those guys in a game situation. I think this will be valuable for a lot of them. I can’t tell you one position (that I’m watching). I try to look at all of them and just see where we’re at.”

Q:&nbsp;What were your takeaways from Nazeeh Johnson’s performance during last Saturday’s game?

REID:&nbsp;“I actually thought he did a pretty good job. He did a pretty good job. I mean, he’s a little bit sore coming out of it, but I thought he played well. His man coverage stuff, I thought, was good.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you think of the cornerback position group as a whole?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, we’ve got some guys that can play. We needed to see Jaylen (Watson) get out there and if he can play then play and then see where he’s at. Some of those other guys have grown and shown some good stuff. We’ll just see. We’ll see how it goes. (It) might be a committee over there, but it’s – there is some talent there.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you have a sense of whether some of the guys who have been injured like Chris Jones and Joe Thuney will be ready to go against Baltimore?

REID:&nbsp;“I think all those guys will be. The only one in question would probably be Hollywood (Brown).”

Q:&nbsp;Will Jawaan Taylor be ready?

REID:&nbsp;“Yep. They all should be ready.”

Q:&nbsp;What were the thoughts on Kingsley Suamataia’s performance on Saturday?

REID:&nbsp;“I thought he did some good things. His pass protection was solid. His run game actually was very good, and he came out with things to work on. There were a couple little technique things that he can work on. I think the thing we’re finding (is), you give him something and he’ll try it in a live situation. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) was able to give him a couple things that can help him.”

Q:&nbsp;How important has Justin Watson been these past few years and especially now since Hollywood Brown is injured?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s been a valuable guy. Throughout last year, on third down, he did a tremendous job for us. (He’s) smart – can play all the different spots – can go all day. He can run all day, and he runs like a deer. He’s been very valuable to us.”

Q:&nbsp;How difficult will managing the roster be heading into this final preseason game?

REID:&nbsp;“There’s going to be some tough moves. That’s why I like to give them some extended play and just see where we’re at. Maybe there’s a divider in there where something shows up. There’s good competition in really all those roles, but there’s some great competition. We’ll see how they do.”

Q:&nbsp;Where do things stand with Clyde Edwards-Helaire?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re just playing it kind of by ear and how he feels. He started feeling better the day of the game and then he felt pretty good yesterday. We’re headed in the right direction. It’s a sensitive deal. We’re trying to learn as we go here.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there any possibility that he could start the season on injured reserve?

REID:&nbsp;“We haven’t even gone there yet. With (General Manager) Brett (Veach), he might have a plan there. I haven’t really talked to him about that. We’re trying to get him back out there and make sure he’s comfortable – where he can function.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you expect he’ll be out there today?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. Right now, I think, yeah. We’ll see, but right now that’s what I feel – yeah.”

Q: How would you assess the growth of the younger guys that are in your position group?

MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“I think they’re (the young cornerbacks) coming along really nice. We always talk every year about (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags’ defense and stuff, but I think the biggest thing that I think these guys have been doing a good job at is just the communication. You know what I mean? You’re not going to be right every single play, but as long as they come back and get in the classroom and ask the right questions and go back out there and just fly around and be confident, I think that’s the biggest thing that I’ve seen them just take little steps at. Yeah, you may be wrong but just keeping that confidence and that energy going.”

Q: We’ve seen you play a little bit of slot corner in training camp, which you did a lot of last year. What’s your preference on whether or not you’re still in that mix?

MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“Like I always tell (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags, wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play. Last year, being able to be at nickel really helped me out comfortability-wise but being back on the outside (corner position) also (has) been really fun. Just getting back into the swing of things. I feel like corner is such a perfectionist type (of) position, your technique has to be flawless. So, just going to work each and every day (and) just trying to perfect both positions has been a lot of fun for me.”

Q: What stands out to you about Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as a coach and a person? What enables him to be successful?

MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) cares. You know what I mean? I truly feel like we’re (the defense) his extended family when it comes to just how he treats us (and) how he approaches the game. (It’s) tough love, but I think that just shows how much he does care. He wants to put us in the best positions on the field but also off the field. I mean, he’s constantly talking to us (asking), ‘How’s the family? How’s this? How’s that?’ I have a good relationship with his wife, we’re really close. He’s been one of those people that each and every year, I can just count on him. He’s continued to show me guidance and not only just as a football player and being in the NFL but also just growing up and just maneuvering my way throughout this whole process. I lean on him a lot.”

Q: What is the biggest thing you can do while filling in for Hollywood Brown?

WATSON:&nbsp;“I think at this point in the year we’re still just all focused on improving a ton each day. So, that has been the goal since we got here in OTAs, since we started training camp. That’s really no different. Each of us are just focused on improving. It was good seeing Hollywood (Brown) in the building this week, and it seems like he is going to do everything he can to get back quickly. That’s it, we’re just continuing to improve each day.”

Q: With three years under your belt do you feel like a mentor to other wide receivers in the room?

WASTON:&nbsp;“I’ve always just tried to be a leader in the (receiver) room. Even my first year here when I was trying to get my feet wet. Yeah, like I said, it is just cool to know what the coaches want, know what Pat (Patrick Mahomes) wants and be able to share some insight with these guys, so they don’t have to learn the hard way. It’s been fun coming in as the new guy and then three years in, kind of find myself as the old guy in the room and the guy that has got a little more grey hairs here and there.”

Q:&nbsp;Are there any young wide receivers that remind you of your younger self?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesAugust 19, 2024OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Okay, the guys who won’t practice today are Marquise (Hollywood Brown), (Jaaron) Hayek, Nazeeh Johnson just has a slight hamstring strain from the game, and then Truman Jones – his knee’s bothering him a little bit. Chris Jones is still coming back – feeling much better. McKade (Mettauer) and then (James) Winchester with that AC sprain. We’re just going to hold him out. We’ve signed a center who will come in and do the long snapping for us this week until he gets back. As far as the rotation goes for the Bears, I’ll probably sit the starters, the way it looks right now. We’ll have the other guys get out there and play. We’ll just see how that goes rep-wise. With that, the time is yours.”Q:&nbsp;What goes into your decision of who plays?REID:&nbsp;“I look at (the) number of plays between camp and preseason games. We’re up some 50 plays from the year before in camp. I was able to monitor that and work it in with the preseason games.”Q:&nbsp;Did you end up having more camp days because of adding that window at the start?REID:&nbsp;“It was the same.”Q:&nbsp;Same number of days?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, we just didn’t have to go inside, and sometimes when we go inside you have to cut back a few plays just with the tight walls there – tight space.”Q:&nbsp;Is there any position group that you’re focused on watching this Thursday night?REID:&nbsp;“Really all of them. When you look at it, we’re playing so many young guys. I want to see where we’re at there. We didn’t block and tackle very well with that second and third group – both sides of the ball. I really want to give them more of an opportunity. Sometimes the ones – they get a lot of reps during camp practices. Let’s get these guys (the backups) some more reps here. Then, especially, when we’re getting ready to cut down, (we) get a little better feel on those guys in a game situation. I think this will be valuable for a lot of them. I can’t tell you one position (that I’m watching). I try to look at all of them and just see where we’re at.”Q:&nbsp;What were your takeaways from Nazeeh Johnson’s performance during last Saturday’s game?REID:&nbsp;“I actually thought he did a pretty good job. He did a pretty good job. I mean, he’s a little bit sore coming out of it, but I thought he played well. His man coverage stuff, I thought, was good.”Q:&nbsp;What did you think of the cornerback position group as a whole?REID:&nbsp;“Well, we’ve got some guys that can play. We needed to see Jaylen (Watson) get out there and if he can play then play and then see where he’s at. Some of those other guys have grown and shown some good stuff. We’ll just see. We’ll see how it goes. (It) might be a committee over there, but it’s – there is some talent there.”Q:&nbsp;Do you have a sense of whether some of the guys who have been injured like Chris Jones and Joe Thuney will be ready to go against Baltimore?REID:&nbsp;“I think all those guys will be. The only one in question would probably be Hollywood (Brown).”Q:&nbsp;Will Jawaan Taylor be ready?REID:&nbsp;“Yep. They all should be ready.”Q:&nbsp;What were the thoughts on Kingsley Suamataia’s performance on Saturday?REID:&nbsp;“I thought he did some good things. His pass protection was solid. His run game actually was very good, and he came out with things to work on. There were a couple little technique things that he can work on. I think the thing we’re finding (is), you give him something and he’ll try it in a live situation. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) was able to give him a couple things that can help him.”Q:&nbsp;How important has Justin Watson been these past few years and especially now since Hollywood Brown is injured?REID:&nbsp;“He’s been a valuable guy. Throughout last year, on third down, he did a tremendous job for us. (He’s) smart – can play all the different spots – can go all day. He can run all day, and he runs like a deer. He’s been very valuable to us.”Q:&nbsp;How difficult will managing the roster be heading into this final preseason game?REID:&nbsp;“There’s going to be some tough moves. That’s why I like to give them some extended play and just see where we’re at. Maybe there’s a divider in there where something shows up. There’s good competition in really all those roles, but there’s some great competition. We’ll see how they do.”Q:&nbsp;Where do things stand with Clyde Edwards-Helaire?REID:&nbsp;“We’re just playing it kind of by ear and how he feels. He started feeling better the day of the game and then he felt pretty good yesterday. We’re headed in the right direction. It’s a sensitive deal. We’re trying to learn as we go here.”Q:&nbsp;Is there any possibility that he could start the season on injured reserve?REID:&nbsp;“We haven’t even gone there yet. With (General Manager) Brett (Veach), he might have a plan there. I haven’t really talked to him about that. We’re trying to get him back out there and make sure he’s comfortable – where he can function.”Q:&nbsp;Do you expect he’ll be out there today?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah. Right now, I think, yeah. We’ll see, but right now that’s what I feel – yeah.”Chiefs Player QuotesAugust 19, 2024CB TRENT MCDUFFIEQ: How would you assess the growth of the younger guys that are in your position group?MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“I think they’re (the young cornerbacks) coming along really nice. We always talk every year about (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags’ defense and stuff, but I think the biggest thing that I think these guys have been doing a good job at is just the communication. You know what I mean? You’re not going to be right every single play, but as long as they come back and get in the classroom and ask the right questions and go back out there and just fly around and be confident, I think that’s the biggest thing that I’ve seen them just take little steps at. Yeah, you may be wrong but just keeping that confidence and that energy going.”Q: We’ve seen you play a little bit of slot corner in training camp, which you did a lot of last year. What’s your preference on whether or not you’re still in that mix?MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“Like I always tell (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags, wherever he needs me, I’ll go and play. Last year, being able to be at nickel really helped me out comfortability-wise but being back on the outside (corner position) also (has) been really fun. Just getting back into the swing of things. I feel like corner is such a perfectionist type (of) position, your technique has to be flawless. So, just going to work each and every day (and) just trying to perfect both positions has been a lot of fun for me.”Q: What stands out to you about Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as a coach and a person? What enables him to be successful?MCDUFFIE:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) cares. You know what I mean? I truly feel like we’re (the defense) his extended family when it comes to just how he treats us (and) how he approaches the game. (It’s) tough love, but I think that just shows how much he does care. He wants to put us in the best positions on the field but also off the field. I mean, he’s constantly talking to us (asking), ‘How’s the family? How’s this? How’s that?’ I have a good relationship with his wife, we’re really close. He’s been one of those people that each and every year, I can just count on him. He’s continued to show me guidance and not only just as a football player and being in the NFL but also just growing up and just maneuvering my way throughout this whole process. I lean on him a lot.”WR JUSTIN WATSONQ: What is the biggest thing you can do while filling in for Hollywood Brown?WATSON:&nbsp;“I think at this point in the year we’re still just all focused on improving a ton each day. So, that has been the goal since we got here in OTAs, since we started training camp. That’s really no different. Each of us are just focused on improving. It was good seeing Hollywood (Brown) in the building this week, and it seems like he is going to do everything he can to get back quickly. That’s it, we’re just continuing to improve each day.”Q: With three years under your belt do you feel like a mentor to other wide receivers in the room?WASTON:&nbsp;“I’ve always just tried to be a leader in the (receiver) room. Even my first year here when I was trying to get my feet wet. Yeah, like I said, it is just cool to know what the coaches want, know what Pat (Patrick Mahomes) wants and be able to share some insight with these guys, so they don’t have to learn the hard way. It’s been fun coming in as the new guy and then three years in, kind of find myself as the old guy in the room and the guy that has got a little more grey hairs here and there.”Q:&nbsp;Are there any young wide receivers that remind you of your younger self?

Chiefs Quotes: 8-19-24

Hello and happy Monday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

Over the weekend Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on to complete a series sweep.

The Royals smashed the Reds 7-1 on Friday and 13-3 on Saturday, outscoring the Cincinnati unit 28-3 for the series, and extending their winning streak to four games.

Kansas City will be back in action at Kauffman Stadium to take on the Angels tonight at 7:10 PM

This weekend also saw the Kansas City Chiefs in action in an NFL preseason tilt with the Detroit Lions

The Chiefs would fall 24-23 but not before Patrick Mahomes delivered a magical behind the back pass to Travis Kelce to pick up a crucial first down.

Mahomes jokingly stated in a press conference that the pass was thrown out of spite after Kelce ran the wrong route.

The Chiefs will play their final preseason game this Thursday when they take on the Chicago Bears at 7:20 PM

And finally in case you missed it Former K-State All-American&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;was named the 2024 BIG3 Most Valuable Player by league players and coaches on Friday afternoon

Beasley is averaging 21 points, and 6 rebounds for 3’s Company, and leads the BIG3 in total field goals

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cuPIomh8HSg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Monday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________Over the weekend Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on to complete a series sweep.The Royals smashed the Reds 7-1 on Friday and 13-3 on Saturday, outscoring the Cincinnati unit 28-3 for the series, and extending their winning streak to four games.Kansas City will be back in action at Kauffman Stadium to take on the Angels tonight at 7:10 PM_________This weekend also saw the Kansas City Chiefs in action in an NFL preseason tilt with the Detroit LionsThe Chiefs would fall 24-23 but not before Patrick Mahomes delivered a magical behind the back pass to Travis Kelce to pick up a crucial first down.Mahomes jokingly stated in a press conference that the pass was thrown out of spite after Kelce ran the wrong route.The Chiefs will play their final preseason game this Thursday when they take on the Chicago Bears at 7:20 PM_________And finally in case you missed it Former K-State All-American&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;was named the 2024 BIG3 Most Valuable Player by league players and coaches on Friday afternoonBeasley is averaging 21 points, and 6 rebounds for 3’s Company, and leads the BIG3 in total field goals_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — August 19

CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.

Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.

The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.

Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.

Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Bobby Witt Jr. with 92.

Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724018434636.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI (AP) — Dairon Blanco hit his third home run in two days and started a rally with a bunt single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Sunday to complete a series sweep.Blanco, an outfielder, had just 64 at-bats coming into the series, before helping the Royals outscore the Reds 26-3.The 31-year old from Cuba drove in seven runs on Saturday with two home runs, including a grand slam. On Sunday, he started a two-run third inning against 10-game winner Andrew Abbott with a bunt single. Blanco stole second and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's single. Salvatore Perez added a sacrifice fly.Blanco hit his fourth home run of the season off Abbott (10-10). It was the 25th home run allowed by Abbott.Pasquantino drove in three runs to take the team lead over Bobby Witt Jr. with 92.Brady Singer (9-8) snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 45-minute rain delay to pitch six scoreless innings. He allowed five hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven.Abbott allowed four runs in five innings on six hits and an intentional walk. He struck out four.Sam Long took over for Singer, pitching the seventh inning in a light rain. He allowed Santiago Espinal's third single, then walked three straight Reds with one out. Lucas Erceg entered to face Elly De La Cruz with the bases loaded. Erceg struck out De La Cruz and Spencer Steer to end the threat.TJ Friedl robbed Witt of his 26th home run, with a leaping catch in the seventh inning.The Royals scored four in the ninth. Witt singled for his 91st RBI.TRAINER'S ROOMReds: Hunter Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow soreness retroactive to Aug. 14. He had an MRI exam and is seeking a second opinion.UP NEXTThe Royals will host the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Carson Fulmer (0-3, 4.22) starts for the Angels. Seth Lugo (13-7, 3.04) takes the ball for the Royals.The Reds will visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The Reds have not announced the replacement for Greene. The Blue Jays will start Kevin Gausman (11-8, 4.20)