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Bearcats give up eight runs in the 9th, lose series opener to Lindenwood

Courtesy of Northwest Athletics
Courtesy of Northwest Athletics

The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team fell to Lindenwood on Thursday afternoon, 16-9, at Bearcat Field.

The loss drops the Bearcats to 16-16 overall and 11-10 in MIAA play. The Lions also even back out at 16-16 and are now 8-9 in conference action.

The game was tied heading into the top of the ninth, 8-8, before Lindenwood plated eight runs on eight hits.

Steven Garber hit his first two homeruns of the season as he finished 3-for-5 with RBI, and Kolby Greenslade was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a walk. He also stole his ninth base of the season.

Kevin Handzlik was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while Nick Gotta went 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Anthony Caenepeel started, going 5.1 innings. He allowed eight runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts. Carson Smith suffered the loss as he went 1.1 innings, allowing seven runs on six hits.

The series with Lindenwood continues Friday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Both games will be seven-inning contests.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Northwest Missouri State women’s tennis defeats Harding 8-1

Northwest2013riggertThe Northwest Missouri State University women’s tennis team picked up an 8-1 victory over Harding University on Thursday in non-conference action in Springfield, Mo.

Northwest moves to 10-4 overall while Harding falls to 7-6.

The Bearcats won all six singles matches after taking two-of-three doubles points.

Match Scores
Singles competition
1. Quesada,Camila (NW) def. Piper Huey (HU) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2
2. Jarolim,Lorena Rivas (NW) def. Katie Huff (HU) 6-0, 6-0
3. Jaquet,Margaux (NW) def. Arielle Butler (HU) 6-4, 6-3
4. Mannix,Stephanie (NW) def. Brittany Smyser (HU) 1-6, 7-6, 7-5
5. Hull,Marianne (NW) def. Emily Faulkner (HU) 6-1, 6-0
6. Sestokaite,Vilune (NW) def. Kaylie Brown (HU) 6-0, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Quesada,Camila/Jarolim,Lorena Rivas (NW) def. Katie Huff/Arielle Butler (HU) 8-2
2. Brittany Smyser/Emily Faulkner (HU) def. Jaquet,Margaux/Hull,Marianne (NW) 8-0
3. Kolen,Aniek/Mannix,Stephanie (NW) def. Piper Huey/Sydnie Sansom (HU) 8-0

The women’s team returns to MIAA action with a 3 p.m. match against Northeastern State on Friday in Tahlequah, Okla. The Bearcats will then head to Edmond, Okla., for a 10 a.m. contest on Saturday against Central Oklahoma.

— Northwest Sports Information —

The Heart of America Athletic Conference adds two more Iowa schools

HAACKANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Council of Presidents is pleased to announce that it has approved the applications of Clarke University of Dubuque, Iowa, and Mount Mercy University of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for membership into the conference.

Currently members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference, Clarke and Mount Mercy will immediately join the conference to participate in administrative matters and strategic planning. Each institution will begin on-field competition in the conference during the 2016-17 academic year.

The Heart will undergo an expansion from its current membership of 12 institutions to 14, marking the greatest number of schools to be a part of the conference during any point of its 44-year history. The league will also enjoy its second addition of institutions in the past three years as Grand View University and William Penn University are set to begin competition in the 2015-16 school year.

“We are proud to officially welcome Mount Mercy and Clarke into the Heart of America Athletic Conference,” said commissioner Lori Thomas. “With a strong desire to balance the athletics and academic interests of its student-athletes these two outstanding member institutions share the same values and further strengthens our conference.”

“We are honored to be invited to join the Heart of America Athletic Conference,” said Mount Mercy University President Laurie Hamen, J.D. “The Heart has not only been a leader in competing for national athletic championships but has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence in academics, leadership and service. Mount Mercy is committed to providing our student-athletes with the best possible athletic experience and membership in the Heart allows us to join other like-minded institutions in the pursuit of a superior student experience.”

“We are going from strength to strength,” said Clarke President Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. “The Midwest Collegiate Conference offered a high level of competition, presidential involvement and institutional collaboration, as does the Heart of America Athletic Conference. We appreciate the opportunity to join this outstanding conference. This is an exciting transition and we look forward to moving into our new membership with the Heart of America Athletic Conference.”

Clarke and Mount Mercy will raise the number of institutions who have held membership in the conference at any point during its history to 19. Both institutions will field teams that will compete in conference play in the following sports: men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s and women’s golf. Both institutions also sponsor bowling, while Clarke also fields teams in men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball and spirit squad. Clarke has also announced it will start a football program for the 2018 season.

“The Heart of America Athletic Conference is one of the premier conferences in the NAIA,” said Athletics Director Scot Reisinger. “Its history of national championships and strong administrative leadership make it the ideal home for the Mustangs. Our coaches and student-athletes are prepared to meet the challenge of competing at an even higher level.”

“We look forward to our affiliation with quality institutions in an expanding geographic presence,” said Clarke Athletic Director Curt Long. “The Heart of America Athletic Conference has a tradition of strong competition and will allow us scheduling opportunities for all of our sports.”

The Heart currently consists of the following institutions: Avila University (Kansas City, Mo.), Baker University (Baldwin City, Kan.), Benedictine College (Atchison, Kan.), Central Methodist University (Fayette, Mo.), Culver-Stockton College (Canton, Mo.), Evangel University (Springfield, Mo.), Graceland University (Lamoni, Iowa), MidAmerica Nazarene University (Olathe, Kan.), Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Mo.), and Peru State College (Peru, Neb.).

— HAAC Press Release —

MIAA announces 2015 Hall of Fame class

riggertMIAAKansas City, Mo. — Ten Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association legends have been elected to the MIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2015, the conference office announced today. It was also announced that the 2011 Pittsburg State National Champion Football Team will be inducted as the first member of the 2016 class during the 2016 MIAA Basketball Tournament.

This year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on June 3, 2015 at the
Kansas City Public Library – Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street in Kansas City, Mo. The event will be held in the Truman Forum Auditorium. Reservations for the event are available by visiting www.themiaa.com/sb_output.aspx?form=4 and filling out the form. Reservations will be given out on a first come, first served basis.

Below are the bios for the 2015 Hall of Fame class.

Kim Anderson, Basketball Coach
Central Missouri, 2002-14
In 12 seasons at UCM, Anderson compiled a 274-95 (.743) record and became the winningest coach in Mules basketball history. He led the Mules to six MIAA Regular Season Championships, including each of his final three seasons, four MIAA Tournament titles and the 2014 National Championship.

Kristin (Anderson) Swisher, Track and Field Athlete
Central Missouri, 2001-06
Swisher was a two-time National Champion winning the 2005 steeplechase and the 2006 indoor 5,000 meters. She was a six-time All-American and 25-time All-MIAA performer. She was the 2006 MIAA Ken B. Jones Award winner as the conference’s top female student-athlete and the Division II Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

Leslie (Dudley) Morrow, Women’s Basketball Athlete
Pittsburg State, 1997-2000
Morrow earned NCAA Division II All-America honors in each of the final three seasons of her decorated career.  Morrow set the school’s all-time scoring record with 2,046 points. She was the 2000 MIAA Ken B. Jones Award Winner.

Kathy (Kearns) Behounek, Cross Country/Track and Field Athlete
Northwest Missouri, 1996-97
Behounek was a two-time All-America cross country performer in both 1996 and 1997. She won the 1996 MIAA Championship in cross country and was a six-time conference champion in track and field. In 1998, she was the State of Missouri NCAA Woman of the Year.

Tony Miles, Football Athlete
Northwest Missouri, 1997-2000
A two-time All-America wide receiver/kick returner and three-time First-Team All-MIAA pick, Miles was a key figure in the Bearcats back-to-back National Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Darla (Curp) Moberly, Cross Country and Track and Field Athlete
Central Missouri, 1982-86
Moberly was an eight-time All-American in track and cross country and won the first national title in Jennies’ track & field history when she won the outdoor 3,000 meters in 1986. She still holds the Walton Stadium records for the outdoor 3,000 and 5,000 meter runs.

Danny Powers, Baseball Athlete
Central Missouri, 2003-05
Powers was the 2005 National, Regional and MIAA Pitcher of the Year. A two-time All-MIAA selection, he was also named to the Central Region All-Tournament team three times, including MVP of the regional as a senior.

Clint Prange, Track and Field Athlete
Northwest Missouri, 2002-06
Prange was a six time All-American at the national track and field meet. He was a three-time discus national champion and won the outdoor shot put title in 2005. During the 2005 shot put, Prange recorded a throw measuring 66-feet, 1-inch – a mark that still stands as an NCAA Division II national record. Prange was honored by the MIAA as the recipient of the 2005 Ken B. Jones Award.

Tom Rutledge, Men’s Track and Field & Cross Country Coach
Missouri Southern, 1988-2013
In 24 years at MSSU, Tom Rutledge led the Lions to eight MIAA cross country championships and two MIAA Indoor Track & Field championships He led his men’s cross country team to a sixth place national finish in 2000, seventh place in 2002 and an eighth place finish in 2013.

Brian Shay, Football Athlete
Emporia State, 1995-99
A three-time All-American and the 1998 Harlon Hill Trophy winner as the top player in Division II, Shay ended his career as the all-time leading rusher in all levels of collegiate football. He gained a then record 6,958 yards in just 44 games and had 9,301 all-purpose yards. He set 17 NCAA Division II records and five all-division records during his ESU career.

— MIAA Press Release

Kansas freshman Kelly Oubre declares for NBA Draft

riggertKULAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas freshman guard Kelly Oubre, Jr., will declare for the 2015 NBA Draft, the 6-7 guard announced Wednesday. In lieu of a press conference, Oubre chose to keep his decision between himself, his dad (Kelly Oubre, Sr.) and head coach Bill Self before making his announcement public.

“I’m leaving the University of Kansas for the upcoming NBA Draft,” Oubre said. “It’s always been a dream to play in the NBA. This is an opportunity to play against the best in the world and expand my game in hopes of someday becoming one of those great players. It’s been a great year. I’ve been blessed to be here at the University of Kansas. I was blessed to go through the things that I went through and I was blessed to play for coach (Bill Self). He taught me a lot this year, the little things that will help out my game a lot.”

An All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection, Oubre averaged 9.3 points and 5.0 rebounds for the Jayhawks in 2014-15. A member of the 2015 Big 12 All-Newcomer Team, the New Orleans native with a 71-inch wingspan, was second on the KU squad with 41 steals and led the Jayhawks in steals 11 times during the season.

“I talked with guys who have been in this situation before me and they told me different things,” Oubre said. “JoJo (Joel Embiid) said he knows what I am going through and he told me his process and some of the things he went through. It’s definitely been a hard and tough decision and I’ve come to this conclusion.”

Oubre started 27 games for KU including the last 26 contests, missing only Senior Night as Jayhawk senior Christian Garrett replaced him against West Virginia (3/3).

“This should come as really no surprise to anybody that has followed us,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Kelly came in being well thought of by NBA personnel and certainly, nothing has changed in that regard. In the time he was here he’s been a great ambassador, a great teammate and, obviously, a very talented player.”

Named one of 10 finalists for the USBWA Wayman Tisdale Award honoring the top freshman in the country, Oubre was a two-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in 2014-15. He recorded three games of 20 or more points, including a career-high 25 points against TCU in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Championship, March 12, at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He also recorded three double-doubleson the season.

“Kelly is an excellent student and going to fulfill his academic obligations this semester at KU,” Self said. “At some point and time I am convinced that he will complete his degree because education is important to him and his family.”

Kansas posted a 27-9 overall record in 2014-15 and won its 11th-straight, 15th Big 12 and NCAA-leading 58th overall conference regular-season championship with a 13-5 league record. The Jayhawks had the toughest schedule in the nation and its 10 victories against Associated Press nationally-ranked teams at tip were the most for KU in a season. Kansas faced 16 ranked teams at tip which were four more than the previous high for a season set three times (1994-95, 2002-03 and 2011-12). Included were 2015 Final Four teams Kentucky and Michigan State.

“The University of Kansas has always been behind me,” Oubre said. “This has been a great experience. It has felt like home since the first time I took my official visit. I wouldn’t trade this situation and this time for anything in the world. I feel like I will always have a home I can come back to and I will always have people I can lean on.”

“Getting my degree from Kansas will be the biggest accomplishment of my life, bigger than making it to the NBA,” Oubre said. “Having that degree is something you can look back on and say ‘I worked hard’ to earn that.”

“I’ll miss the different personalities in the locker room,” Oubre said. “We all gelled from the first time we were together. I’ll miss the coaches pushing us every day to be the best players we can be. Every time coach Self says something, it’s definitely something you need to work on. He’s seen it. He’s seen it before, multiple, multiple times.”

“On the surface this presents a void on our perimeter from last year but this is something we have known could happen for several months and we are prepared for it,” Self said. “I’m real excited about our players returning.”

— KU Sports Information —

Griffons split with Northwest Missouri State; win streak ends at 16

riggertMissouriWesternMARYVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team saw its 16-game win streak snapped Tuesday but got out of Maryville with a split against Northwest Missouri State.  The Griffons lost game one 9-6 but bounced back to win the second game 2-0.

GAME 1: Northwest Missouri State 9, MWSU 6

An impressive comeback effort came up short as Northwest Missouri scored three in the bottom of the sixth to snap the Griffons’ 16-game win streak with a 9-6 win in game one.

Trailing 6-1 after three innings, MWSU scored three in the fifth and to in the sixth to tie the game at six apiece. A leadoff single, a walk and some defensive miscues led to three Northwest Missouri State runs in the bottom of the sixth that propelled the Bearcats to the win.

Missouri Western pulled within three in the fifth on a wild pitch that allowed Tiffany Gillaspy to score and a Paige Shifflett that drove Sydney Washingon home. The Griffons added one more in the inning when Shelbie Atwell grounded into a fielder’s choice. On the play, the Northwest shortstop was charged with obstruction, allowing Shifflett to score as the Bearcats ran for the dugout thinking the third out had been recorded. Gillaspy pushed the team’s fifth run across in the sixth on an error by the shortstop and Shifflett tied it with a two-out double off the left field wall.

Taylor Schaben picked up her first loss of the season, relieving starter Janie Smith. Schaben went four innings, allowing three runs – just one earned – on two hits. Shifflett finished game one 2-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Katie Klosterman was also 2-4.

GAME 2: MWSU 2, Northwest Missouri St. 0

Shyanne Saladino pitched her second straight one-hit shutout as the Griffons salvaged the split with a 2-0 win in game two.

The Griffons got the only two runs they needed in the fourth inning on solo home runs from Gillaspy and Shifflett. Gillaspy hit her 12th of the season on the first pitch of the inning and Shifflett gave MWSU a 2-0 lea two batters later with a solo shot to center field. Saladino was nearly unhittable, going all seven innings and allowing just one hit to the second batter of the game. She struck out five and walked two.

Missouri Western leaves Maryville with a 26-10 record. They travel to Fort Hays State for a doubleheader on Friday and Nebraska-Kearney on Sunday.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Mustangs add Blake McFadden to coaching staff

KSUThe St. Joseph Mustangs have added Blake McFadden to their coaching staff as he’s been named Pitching Coach for the 2015 summer college baseball season.

The St. Joseph native is currently in his third season at Kansas State as he medically retired before the season and now serves as a student assistant for the Wildcats.

McFadden, who graduate from Savannah High School, was a member of K-State’s 2013 Big 12 and Regional Championship team where he was named to the Big 12 All-Rookie team.

As a freshman, McFadden went 6-3 with a 4.97 ERA.  He redshirted in 2014 after an elbow injury.

McFadden was the 2012 Missouri Gatorade Player of the year, 2012 MSHSAA Player of the Year, was a Louisville Slugger All-American selection.  He was also drafted in the Major League Baseball First-year player draft by the Detroit Tigers.

Matt Johnson returns for his seventh season as the manager of the Mustangs.  Johnny Coy will serve as the Mustangs’ Hitting Coach this season, while Blake Hardegree is the Bullpen Coach.

St. Joseph opens its season May 27 when they host the Carroll Merchants at Phil Welch Stadium.

Bearcats rally to defeat Peru State in 10 innings

NWMSUThe Northwest Missouri State University baseball team scored in the bottom of the 10th to beat Peru State 8-7 on Tuesday afternoon at Bearcat Field in non-conference action.

The win moves Northwest to 16-15 overall on the year while Peru State falls to 21-8.

The Bearcats lost a lead in the eighth inning but came back to win in the bottom of the 10th on a Kevin Hanzlik single that scored Austin Wulff.

Northwest used nine pitchers in the game with Carson Smith working the last 2.1 scoreless innings to pick up his third win of the season.

Wulff was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk, while Nick Gotta was 2-for-3 with a game-high three RBI. He walked once and scored a run.

Steven Garber and Garrett Fort each picked up a hit, scored a run and had an RBI, and Paul Johnson was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

The Bearcats host Lindenwood for a four-game MIAA series starting on Thursday with a nine-inning contest at 2 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —

Western women’s golf team finishes 2nd at Nebraska-Kearney Spring Invite

riggertMissouriWesternKEARNEY, Neb. – The Missouri Western Women’s Golf team achieved its highest finish so far this season with a second place showing at the UNK Spring Invitational. The team fired a two-round total score of 642, nine strokes behind event champion Nebraska-Kearney.

Tiffanie Yabut led the Griffons with a 79 in each round and finished in a tie for second among individuals. Celine Lim also had a good showing, finishing in a tie for ninth place. Lim used a 75 on day two to finish the event with a 158.

Madison Romjue and Callie Wilson were tied for 14th place with a 164. Wilson kept pace with Yabut on day two, shooting 79. Amber Chivington finished 22nd individually with an 81 on day one and an 86 on day two.

The team travels to Mountain Home, Arkansas next week for the First Federal Bank Invitational hosted by Henderson State April 6-8.

— MWSU Sports Information —

Northwest women’s tennis rolls past William Jewell 8-1

Northwest2013riggertThe Northwest Missouri State University women’s tennis team defeated William Jewell, 8-1, on Tuesday afternoon in Liberty, Mo.

The Bearcats move to 9-4 on the season while the Cardinals drop to 7-7.

Match Results
Singles competition
1. Quesada,Camila (NW) def. Savannah Drew (WJ) 6-1, 7-5
2. Jarolim,Lorena Rivas (NW) def. Conner Hazelrigg (WJ) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (12-10)
3. Jaquet,Margaux (NW) def. Sabrine Navarro (WJ) 6-3, 6-1
4. Kolen,Aniek (NW) def. Lauren Huddlestun (WJ) 6-1, 6-3
5. Loree Hazelrigg (WJ) def. Mannix,Stephanie (NW) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-7)
6. Hull,Marianne (NW) def. Katy Lehenbauer (WJ) 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11-9)

Doubles competition
1. Quesada,Camila/Jarolim,Lorena Rivas (NW) def. Sabrine Navarro/Katy Lehenbauer (WJ) 8-3
2. Jaquet,Margaux/Hull,Marianne (NW) def. Conner Hazelrigg/Loree Hazelrigg (WJ) 9-8
3. Kolen,Aniek/Mannix,Stephanie (NW) def. Savannah Drew/Lauren Huddlestun (WJ) 8-6

Northwest returns to action on Thursday, April 2, in a neutral site match against Harding University in Bolivar, Mo. The match against the region’s No. 9 ranked team is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

— Northwest Sports Information —

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