Missouri Western dominated day one of its four-game series against Fort Hays State. The Griffons won the first game 12-3 before taking game two 9-1.

Game 1: MWSU 12, FHSU 3

In the bottom of the first, the Griffons jumped on the board big. After Hays stranded a couple, the Griffons scored four runs in the opening inning to go ahead 4-0.

Trevor LaHonta’s single up the middle started things out for Missouri Western. Dylon Koch’s bunt safely secured LaHonta to second base as Koch moved to first on the single. Ryan Degner then singled to left field to score LaHonta and move Koch to third base.

After that, David Chew singled and Jake Schrader walked. Hunter Weiss then singled on a bunt, the Griffons’ second of the inning. Will Carter then scored Weiss and Chew but was thrown out on a double play.

The runs didn’t stop there. Missouri Western added another two runs in the second inning before scoring four more in the third.

Another single bunt this time by Mitch Thorman, moved Carter into scoring position. He would score on LaHonta’s single to right field. Koch hit a sac fly later on I nthe inning, and Degner’s single scored another run. LaHonta eventually scored on an error by the catcher to put the Griffons on top 10-0 after just three.

The Tigers scored their first run in the top of the fourth followed by two runs by each team in the fifth inning to provide the final score.

Grant Woods picked up the win and improved to 5-2 on the season. The Griffons got 20 hits on the day, including multiple hits by LaHonta, Koch, Degner, Chew, Carter, Thorman and Cody Childs – who led the team going 4-for-4. Degner had a game-high 4 RBI.

The Tigers were led by Kevin Czarnecki, who was 2 of 3 with an RBI.

Game Two: MWSU 9, FHSU 1

After taking a 1-0 lead through two and a half innings, Missouri Western had three unearned runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 4-0 advantage.

An error by the Tigers’ first baseman score LaHonta and Childs. Schrader’s ground out to the shortstop scored Degner on the next play, giving the Griffons a 4-0 lead.

Missouri Western added another three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning as well.

A couple steals put the Griffons in scoring position, followed by Koch’s reach on an error which scored LaHonta and Childs.

Two more Griffons runs were added in the sixth inning as they went ahead 9-0. Needing one more run to end the game on a mercy rule, the Griffons didn’t get it. Instead, Hays added a home run in the top of the ninth inning.

Missouri Western had seven stolen bases in the game. Degner’s triple along with doubles by LaHonta and Childs added extra-base hits for the Griffons.

Koch finished the game with three RBI. Chew and Schrader also had two RBI for the Griffons. LaHonta, Degner and Childs all had two hits for the Griffons.

Josh Lansangan picked up the victory with seven innings pitched. He is now 3-2 on the season. Austin Unrein got the loss for the Tigers. He is now 3-3.

The two teams play Saturday at 1 p.m. with two games scheduled – a seven-inning game followed by one nine-inning game.

— MWSU Sports Information —

After a two week break the Missouri Western softball team came out and played well getting a doubleheader sweep against the Northeastern State University RiverHakws. The Griffons got two solid pitching performances winning 6-3 and 4-1. The Griffons have now won 13 of their last 14 games improving to 33-15 overall and 16-8 in MIAA play. With the sweep the Griffons have clinched a spot in next weeks MIAA Tournament in Overland Park, Kan.

Game 1
MWSU 6
NSU 3

The Griffons were able to score early against the Northeastern State RiverHawks picking up a 6-3 victory. The Griffons got another strong performance from Jackie Bishop as she went all seven innings giving up just five hits and three earned runs while striking out a season high 13 RiverHawks. She improves to 21-7 with the victory.

The Griffons got on the board in the first when Brooke Schaben singled up the middle scoring Bre Fleschner who led off the game with a walk. In the second the Griffons got a two out rally going using three straight walks and a single by Tiffany Gillaspy to score two runs. In the third the Griffons plated two more runs giving them the 5-0 lead after three. Morgan Rathman had an RBI triple and scored on a throwing error by the NSU shortstop.

The score stayed that way until the 6th when Fleschner led off with a double to left field and scored on a throwing error the RiverHawk right fielder extending the Griffons lead to 6-0.

In the 7th Bishop had a little trouble giving up two walks and a three run homer to Nevada Campos giving the Griffons the 6-3 victory. The RiverHawks had five hits in the contest while Shelbie Wagnon got the loss going three innings. She gave up five hits and three earned runs while striking out two and walking four. Kylee Cole pitched in relief going three innings giving up two hits and a run.

The Griffons had seven hits with Gillaspy going 3-for-4 with two RBI while Fleschner went 2-for-2 with three runs scored and and RBI.

Game 2
MWSU 4
NSU 1

In game two the Griffons pounded out nine hits with seven of the nine starters getting a hit in the game. Fleschner, Taylor Anding and Michelle Stevenson all had two hits in the contest. Janie Smith improves to 12-8 itching seven strong innings. She gave up just two hits and one earned run while striking out one.

The Griffons got on the board in the first inning when Fleschner singled to centerfield and later scored on a single by Brooke Schaben to shortstop. The RiverHawks responded in the second when Megan Robison hit a homer tying the score at one.

The score stayed that way until the third inning when the Griffons scored three runs. Washington reached on an error and later scored on a fielders choice by Shaben. Gillaspy would later score on a double steal and Anding blasted her fifth homer of the season giving the Griffons the 4-1 lead.

Smith pitched well the rest of the game giving up just one hit whle stranding six Riverhawks.

The RiverHawks fall to 25-27 on the season and 11-13 in MIAA play. Kayce Wooldridge falls to 13-10 going six innings while giving up nine hits and one earned run.

The Griffons will play their final home doubleheader of the season on Saturday, April 26 when they host the University of Central Oklahoma. Game time is set for 12:00 pm. The Griffons honor four senior student athletes that will play their final home games of their career. They include Kat Steponovich, Jackie Bishop, Michelle Stevenson and Taylor Anding.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western head baseball coach Buzz Verduzco announces the signing of two student-athletes for the 2015 season. Michael Calimeno from Brooklyn, N.Y. transfers to Missouri Western from Monroe College while catcher, Brandon Downs from Phoenix, Ariz. transfers from South Mountain Community College.

Michael Calimeno is a 5-11 pitcher from Brooklyn, N.Y. transfers to Missouri Western from Monroe College. He played his high school baseball at Grand Street Campus in Brooklyn. so far as a sophomore he is 3-0 with a 3.94 ERA. He has appeared in nine games with two starts. He has also combined for one shutout and has two saves. He has thrown 16 innings giving up 12 hits with 15 strikeouts. Opponents are only hitting .197 against him. As a freshman at Monroe he pitched in 15 games with a 3-2 record and a 3.65 ERA. He pitched in 24.2 innings with four saves. He gave up 13 hits, 10 earned runs and struckout 20. He only allowed opponents to hit .163 against him. He is the son of Debra Elhadri and plans on majoring in criminal justice.

“We look for Michael to be one of top relievers for next season,” stated Coach Verduzco. “He has been a starting pitcher, long reliever, and closer. His versatility will add tremendous depth and competitiveness to our staff.”

Brandon Downs is a 6-1 catcher from Phoenix, Ariz. Downs transfers to Missouri Western after playing his last two seasons at South Mountain Community College. Downs played his high school baseball at Mesa High School. While at South Mountain he has been a NJCAA DI All-Star. So far this season he is hitting .276 with 21 hits and three home runs (two grand slams) and 23 RBI. He has scored four runs and hit three doubles. He has an on-base percentage of .371 and a slugging percentage of .434. As a freshman Downs hit .29 with 24 hits, three doubles and two triples. He scored 10 runs with 11 RBI. He had a .359 on base percentage and a .383 slugging percentage. While in high school he was an All-City selection as well as All-Region Honorable Mention. He hit .404 as a senior in high school. He is the son of Scott and Suzanne and plans on majoring in sport management.

“Brandon is considered to be one of the best junior college catching prospects in the Southwest,” commented Coach Verduzco. “We are fortunate to have him part of our program.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley announces the signing of a St. Joseph, Mo. product for next season. Sophie Gentry from St. Joseph, Mo. will join, junior college pitcher Shyanne Saladino from Davenport, Iowa along with Riley Wilson, Rebekah Mueller, Shelbie Atwell, Paige Shifflett and Emilie Laliberte on next years squad as those players signed in November 2013.

Sophie Gentry is a 5-4 catcher from St. Joseph, Mo. She played her high school softball at Bishop Leblond High School. While at Leblond, Gentry earned numerous honors. She was a four time 1st Team All-City, All-District, All-Midland Empire and All-New-Press selection. She was a 2nd Team All-News-Press Regional selection as a freshman and 1st team News-Press Regional as a sophomore, junior and senior. She was a 2nd Team All-State performer as a senior helping her team to a Missouri Class 2 State Championship. While at Leblond she broke numerous records which include highest batting average in a season, highest on-base percentage, most put outs and highest slugging percentage. She is the daughter of Jerry & Lynne and plans on majoring in education or accounting.

“We are excited to add Sophie Gentry to our roster,” stated Coach Bagley. “She has had a lot of success as a prep athlete. We have hopes she will be able to transition that success as a college athlete. She is very powerful and will add much needed depth and competition to our catching position.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western men’s basketball coach Brett Weiberg announced the signing of one more student-athlete that will join the program for the 2014-15 season. Freshman Mason Hughes of Olathe, Kan. will join freshman Currie Byrd a forward from Montgomery, Texas, Seth Bonifas a forward from Dubuque, Iowa and Cole Clearman a guard from Bettendorf, Iowa at MWSU next fall.

Mason Hughes is listed at 6’8″ and 200 pounds as he played at Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kansas.  Hughes was three-year letter winner and he averaged 5.2 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game and 2.3 blocks per game as a senior. He is the son of Rodney and Kathy and plans on majoring in chemistry.

“I am very pleased to announce the signing of Mason Hughes from Olathe North High School,” commented Head Coach Brett Weiberg. “He played for Coach Jeff Walton who does an outstanding job. Mason is almost 6’8. He is long and runs the floor well and jumps well. I feel like he is a kid that is going to get better in a hurry. Mason is a good shot blocker and rim protector. I am looking forward to Mason joining the Griffon Basketball Family.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western softball team found itself ranked 6th in the second NCAA Central regional ranking, unveiled late Wednesday afternoon by the NCAA Division II softball committee.

The Griffons (31-15), who last qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2012, were one of four Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association teams to sit atop the Central region. In a region comprised of teams from the MIAA, Great America Conference, and the and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, the Griffons sit ahead of Southeastern Oklahoma State (7th), Fort Hays State (8th), Southern Arkansas (9th) and East Central (10th). Emporia State leads the way while Winona State sits No. 2. Minnesota State, Augustana (S.D.) and Central Oklahoma came in 3rd-5th respectively.

The top eight teams qualify for the NCAA Central regional, which will begin on May 9 at two campus sites. Seeds one, four, five, and eight will compete at one site in a double-elimination format, while seeds two, three, six, and seven will do the same at a second site. Each sub-regional winner will advance to the Central super-regional the following weekend for a best-of-three showdown, with the advancing team moving on to the NCAA Div. II College World Series – held in Salem, Va., from May 22-26.

The NCAA will release its second of three weekly polls next Wednesday (April 23), with a final regular season release coming on Wednesday, April 30. The selection show will take place on Monday, May 5.

Under the direction of head coach Jen Bagley, the Griffons will take on Northeastern State on Friday, April 24 in St. Joseph, Mo. Game time is set for 4 pm. They will round out the season on Saturday, April 25th with a doubleheader against Central Oklahoma beginning at noon. The Griffons will honor four seniors who will be playing their last home regular season games of their career. They are Kat Steponovich, Jackie Bishop, Michelle Stevenson and Taylor Anding.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western head volleyball coach Marian Carbin announces the signing of three more student-athletes for the 2014 season. Erin Bodenstab of Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs High School), Amanda Dalbey of Lansing, Kan. (Lansing High School) and Danielle Moore of Bloomington, Ill. (Central Catholic High School) will join Ashley Mainord an outside hitter/middle blocker from Springtown, Texas who signed back in November 2013.

“We are very excited to announce the signing of these three young ladies,” commented Coach Carbin. “As a group they will add much needed depth at key positions and also bring flexibility to our roster as two of the three have the potential to play multiple positions.”

Erin Bodenstab is a 5-9 setter from Blue Springs, Mo. where she attended Blue Springs High School. She a four year member and a three year starter on her high school team. During her career she earned multiple awards which include 1st Team All-Area, All-District and All-Conference. She was also a 2nd Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State selection. She played in the Mo/Kan All-Star game and was a selected to the All-Tournament team at the Missouri State Tournament. She is the daughter of Dena an dTom and is undecided on a major.

“Erin Bodenstab will be a great competitor on our team in the coming years,” stated Coach Carbin. “She has a fiercely competitive approach to the game, exemplified by the fact that she carried her underdog high school team to a district championship on a night that she was sick and probably shouldn’t have played. That attitude will fit right in with our current team’s desire to reach their full potential. She will compete for playing time as both a setter and defensive specialist throughout her career.”

Amanda Dalbey is a 5-9 outside hitter/defensive specialist from Lansing Kan. where she attended Lansing High School. She is a three year letter winner while being a two time 1st Team All-League selection (2012 & 2013). She was also her teams captain as a senior and named to the Kansas State All-Academic Team. As a sophomore she was a 2nd Team All-League performer. She is also a very good student being a member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She is the daughter of Stephanie and John and plans on majoring in sport and exercise science.

“Amanda Dalbey will be a huge asset to our defense with her quickness and exemplary ball control skills,” said Coach Carbin. “She also has great instincts that seem to put her in position to make the big defensive plays on a regular basis. She is a leader on the court and we expect her to compete at both the outside hitter and defensive specialist positions.”

Danielle Moore is a 5-10 outside hitter from Bloomington, Ill. where she attended Central Catholic High School. She had a solid high school career being named First Team All-Area, First Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State as a senior. She also helped her team to a Regional Championship twice (2011 & 2013). Here team went to the Sweet Sixteen and where the Intercity Champions her senior season. She has been a member of the Illinois Elite Volleyball Club since the 5th grade. This past season she hit over .400 with 262 kills (3.9/set), 308 digs (3.7/set) and 59 service aces. She is a solid student being a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Julie and Tom and is undecided on a major.

“Danielle Moore will be our third signee from Illinois in three years and we’re excited about her length,” commented Coach Carbin. “She has a long reach which will help her offensively as an outside hitter and also as a blocker. We are confident that she will help our team offensively right away, and we see a lot of potential for her to develop into a six rotation player at some point in her career as a Griffon.”

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western men’s golf team shot another solid round on the final day of the MIAA Championships helping them to a 7th place finish out of the 12 team field. The Griffons fired a three day total of 906 (301-303-302) which was one stroke behind Washburn and Lindenwood for 5th and four strokes back of Central Oklahoma and Lincoln for 3rd. Central Missouri won the event with a 867 (283-288-296) which was 16 strokes ahead of second place finisher Northeastern State, 883 (291-303-289).

Individually, the Griffons were led by junior Scott Sheldon firing a three round total of 223 (73-76-74) placing him in 13th place. Senior Evan McCarthy finished in a tie for 18th with a 226 (76-73-77) while senior Tyler Gast finished in a tie for 23rd with a 227 (77-73-77). James O’Brien and Derek Hawkins finished with 233 (75-81-77) and 241 (82-85-74) respectively.

The winner of the event was Cy Moritz of Central Missouri firing a 212 (68-71-73). he was five strokes ahead of teammate Travis Mays, 217 (71-72-74) and Clayton Moles of Southwest Baptist, 217 (71-72-74).

The Griffons say goodbye to three seniors who played in their last event. Those players are Evan McCarthy, Tyler Gast and Derek Hawkins.

The event was played at Alvamar Golf Club on the Championship Course. The course is a par 72 with a distance of 7092.

Men’s Final Team Standings
1.    Central Missouri (56)
2.    Northeastern State (49)
3.    Central Oklahoma (43)
4.    Lindenwood (41)
5.    Nebraska-Kearney (39)
6.    Washburn (33)
7.    Lincoln (31)
8.    Fort Hays State (28.5)
9.    Missouri Western (28)
10.    Missouri Southern (25.5)
11.    Pittsburg State (9)
12.    Southwest Baptist (7)

After the final round of the MIAA Women’s Golf Championships the Griffon women finished 7th place out of the nine team field. The Griffons fired a three day total of 1097 (363-372-362) which is 23 strokes back of Nebraska-Kearney (1074) for 6th. The winner of the event is the University of Central Oklahoma who fired a 958 (320-321-317) which is 15 strokes ahead of Northeastern State who fired a 973 (326-327-320).

The Griffons were led by sophomore Callie Wilson who had a solid event finishing in a tie for 10th place. She fired a 252 (81-86-85) and sits one stroke back of 9th and three strokes ahead of 12th. The winner of the event was Baylee Price of Northeastern State who fired a 233 (79-77-77) which was three strokes ahead of teammate Sofia Castiello’s 236 (80-78-78).

Madison Romjue finished in 21st with a three day total of 268 (95-87-86) while Anna Kloeppel finished in 29th with a 278 (91-98-89). Amber Chivington and Shelby Stone fired 300 (96-101-103) and 301 (98-101-102) respectively. The Griffons say goodbye to Stone as she was the lone senior who played her last event.

The event was held at the Alvamar Golf Club in Lawrence, Kan. on the Members Course. It is par 72 with a distance of 6237.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western men’s basketball program has announced that they will be holding an elite camp on June 18, 2014. Registration for the camp will start at 10 am in the Looney Complex and will be for players from 9th-12th grade.

This is your chance to get the complete Missouri Western basketball experience. You will play against elite-level competition, while being coached by Missouri Western’s coaching staff. This camp is designed to give you a first hand look at what it’s like to practice, play, train and prepare like a college athlete.

CAMP FEATURES
Individual skill work with the Missouri Western coaching staff
Live game situations
5 on 5 games
3 on 3 games
Training and preparation techniques of college athletes
Informational Campus Tour
Meetings with Missouri Western strength & conditioning coaches

The cost of the camp is $80 per player. For more information please contact Head Coach Brett Weiberg at [email protected] or 816-271-4486.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western men’s golf team shot another solid round on day 2 of the MIAA Championships helping them stay in 6th place in the 12 team field. The Griffons have fired a two day total of 604 (301-303) which puts them one stroke ahead of Central Oklahoma (605) and seven strokes back of Lindenwood (597). Central Missouri leads the event with a two day total of 571 (283-288) while Northeastern State and Washburn both fired 594. Lincoln University sits in 4th with a 595 (399-295).

Individually, the Griffons are led by junior Scott Sheldon and senior Evan McCarthy. They are tied for 12th with a two day total of 149. Sheldon fired 73-76 while McCarthy has fired 76-73. They are just one stroke out of 10th and two strokes back of 8th. The leader of the event is Cy MOritz of Central Missouri with a two round total of 139 (68-71). He is two strokes ahead of teammate Robby Hughey who fired a 141 (72-69).

Tyler Gast fired a solid 73 in round two and sits in a tie for 18th with a two round total of 150 (77-73) while James O’Brien and Derek Hawkins fired 156 (75-81) and 167 (82-85) respectively.

The final round of the event will take place on Wednesday, April 23. The event is being played at Alvamar Golf Club on the Championship Course. The course is a par 72 with a distance of 7092.

— MWSU Sports Information —