BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — South Carolina’s victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in Sunday’s women’s NCAA championship game had a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN. The only sporting events in the United States to draw a bigger TV audience since 2019 have been football, the World Cup and the Olympics. The audience numbers are expected to increase when Nielsen releases its final numbers on Tuesday. Nielsen says the audience peaked at 24 million. It’s the most-watched basketball game since 2019, when the men’s NCAA title game between Virginia and Texas Tech averaged 19.6 million on CBS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712678870359.jpeg" alt="Caitlin Clark Iowa" />
 <figcaption>Caitlin Clark Iowa</figcaption>
 </figure>BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — South Carolina’s victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in Sunday’s women’s NCAA championship game had a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN. The only sporting events in the United States to draw a bigger TV audience since 2019 have been football, the World Cup and the Olympics. The audience numbers are expected to increase when Nielsen releases its final numbers on Tuesday. Nielsen says the audience peaked at 24 million. It’s the most-watched basketball game since 2019, when the men’s NCAA title game between Virginia and Texas Tech averaged 19.6 million on CBS.

NCAA women's basketball title game most watched hoops event in 5 years

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle Post

Alliance High School Senior Seth Morrison made it official on Monday, as he signed with Northeastern Junior College in Sterling Colorado to play golf.&nbsp;

Morrison, a standout golfer for the Bulldogs and one of the top high school golfers in the Panhandle, has aims of making his first State Tournament for Alliance this season. He also took some time to reflect on the future and celebrate an opportunity to continue playing golf in college.&nbsp;

Here is his conversation with Panhandle Post Sports Director Alex Benzegala on this edition of the Post Podcast.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostAlliance High School Senior Seth Morrison made it official on Monday, as he signed with Northeastern Junior College in Sterling Colorado to play golf.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712676870705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Morrison, a standout golfer for the Bulldogs and one of the top high school golfers in the Panhandle, has aims of making his first State Tournament for Alliance this season. He also took some time to reflect on the future and celebrate an opportunity to continue playing golf in college.&nbsp;Here is his conversation with Panhandle Post Sports Director Alex Benzegala on this edition of the Post Podcast.<div><iframe title="Alliance golfer Seth Morrison signs with Northeastern Junior College" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9d4tk-15d80d6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Alliance Senior Seth Morrison talks golf signing to NJC

DENVER (AP) — Ryan McMahon atoned for a costly error with three hits, Charlie Blackmon homered and tripled, and the Colorado Rockies beat Arizona 7-5 on Monday night to deny Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo his 500th career win.

Arizona has dropped five in a row since Lovullo got his 499th victory April 2 against the New York Yankees. Lovullo, in his eighth season, is the longest-serving manager in franchise history.

“These guys are fighting and doing all they can, and I’m proud of them,” Lovullo said. “Things aren’t going our way but they will; it’s going to turn around for us at some point. The storm is coming, the storm is hovering and when it comes it’s going to be fun for all of us to watch.”

Colorado starter Kyle Freeland grinded through five innings and Peter Lambert (2-0) pitched two innings of relief to earn the win. Jake Bird retired Eugenio Suarez with a bases-loaded fly to deep right to end the game and earn his first save after the Diamondbacks pushed across a run against Nick Mears.

“I know they’re going to attack me in that situation and I was ready to hit the ball,” Suarez said. “I’m not trying to be the hero, just to put the ball in play.”

Blackmon led off the bottom of the first with a triple and scored on Ezequiel Tovar’s RBI single, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead. It was the first time in 17 games the Rockies scored first, dating back to last Sept. 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Diamondbacks scored four times in the fourth, two on a two-out error at third by McMahon. Freeland, whose deepest outing this season coming in was 3 1/3 innings, punctuated the end of the inning by fielding a comebacker and throwing a fastball to Elehuris Montero at first for the final out.

Freeland gave up a single in the fifth but got through the inning unscathed. He gave up four runs -- two earned -- and lowered his ERA from 27.00 to 16.03.

“That was big because it could have come unraveled pretty quickly with the momentum they had in the fourth inning,” Freeland said of getting through the fifth.

McMahon made up for the miscue by leading off the bottom of the inning with a single, one of four straight hits by Colorado that made it 4-3. Gallen got the next three batters to escape with the lead but Colorado denied him a win with a rally in the sixth off reliever Scott McGough (0-3).

Montero’s sacrifice fly tied it and Joe Mantiply came on after Blackmon’s walk loaded the bases. McMahon hit an infield single and Elias Diaz walked to bring home another run.

Blackmon’s home run in the eighth, his first of the season, extended the lead.

“He dug out a breaking ball and hit it into the seats. That was a good swing,” manager Bud Black said. “The triple against Gallen got us some momentum early.”

The Diamondbacks will send RHP Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.38 ERA) to the mound against Colorado RHP Cal Quantrill (0-1, 9.00) in a rematch of Arizona’s 7-3 win on March 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712678570539.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Ryan McMahon atoned for a costly error with three hits, Charlie Blackmon homered and tripled, and the Colorado Rockies beat Arizona 7-5 on Monday night to deny Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo his 500th career win.Arizona has dropped five in a row since Lovullo got his 499th victory April 2 against the New York Yankees. Lovullo, in his eighth season, is the longest-serving manager in franchise history.“These guys are fighting and doing all they can, and I’m proud of them,” Lovullo said. “Things aren’t going our way but they will; it’s going to turn around for us at some point. The storm is coming, the storm is hovering and when it comes it’s going to be fun for all of us to watch.”Colorado starter Kyle Freeland grinded through five innings and Peter Lambert (2-0) pitched two innings of relief to earn the win. Jake Bird retired Eugenio Suarez with a bases-loaded fly to deep right to end the game and earn his first save after the Diamondbacks pushed across a run against Nick Mears.“I know they’re going to attack me in that situation and I was ready to hit the ball,” Suarez said. “I’m not trying to be the hero, just to put the ball in play.”Blackmon led off the bottom of the first with a triple and scored on Ezequiel Tovar’s RBI single, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead. It was the first time in 17 games the Rockies scored first, dating back to last Sept. 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.The Diamondbacks scored four times in the fourth, two on a two-out error at third by McMahon. Freeland, whose deepest outing this season coming in was 3 1/3 innings, punctuated the end of the inning by fielding a comebacker and throwing a fastball to Elehuris Montero at first for the final out.Freeland gave up a single in the fifth but got through the inning unscathed. He gave up four runs -- two earned -- and lowered his ERA from 27.00 to 16.03.“That was big because it could have come unraveled pretty quickly with the momentum they had in the fourth inning,” Freeland said of getting through the fifth.McMahon made up for the miscue by leading off the bottom of the inning with a single, one of four straight hits by Colorado that made it 4-3. Gallen got the next three batters to escape with the lead but Colorado denied him a win with a rally in the sixth off reliever Scott McGough (0-3).Montero’s sacrifice fly tied it and Joe Mantiply came on after Blackmon’s walk loaded the bases. McMahon hit an infield single and Elias Diaz walked to bring home another run.Blackmon’s home run in the eighth, his first of the season, extended the lead.“He dug out a breaking ball and hit it into the seats. That was a good swing,” manager Bud Black said. “The triple against Gallen got us some momentum early.”UP NEXTThe Diamondbacks will send RHP Merrill Kelly (1-0, 1.38 ERA) to the mound against Colorado RHP Cal Quantrill (0-1, 9.00) in a rematch of Arizona’s 7-3 win on March 29.

Rockies overcome costly error in comeback win over Diamondbacks Monday

No. 24 Nebraska fell behind early and couldn’t come back, as the Huskers fell 9-3 vs. Ohio State in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

Nebraska (22-7, 5-1 B1G) totaled three runs on nine hits and an error, while Ohio State (13-14, 3-3 B1G) totaled nine runs on nine hits.

Josh Caron went 3-for-4 with a double, while Case Sanderson was 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Rhett Stokes turned in an RBI double, and Riley Silva, Tyler Stone and Joshua Overbeek each had a base knock.

Drew Christo dropped to 1-2 on the season after allowing four runs on three hits with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings of work. Will Walsh worked 4.1 innings in relief, surrendering one run on three hits while striking out five Buckeyes. Kyle Perry allowed one run in two innings, before Rans Sanders and Tucker Timmerman combined to allow three runs and record one out.

A leadoff triple, followed by an RBI groundout to shortstop had the Buckeyes ahead 1-0 in the opening frame. Ohio State doubled its lead with Mitchell Okuley’s two-out RBI double off the wall right field.

Ohio State expanded its lead to five with three runs on a pair of hits in the third to hold a 5-0 advantage over the Big Red. A solo homer into the berm in right-center off the bat of Henry Kaczmar made it a 3-0 game. A plunked batter and a four-pitch walk, followed by a wild pitch placed runners on second and third with one out for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes’ Joseph Mershon drew ball three on a 2-2 pitch and appeared to strike out via the pitch clock rule after thinking it was ball four and not being set in the batter’s box in time. Following a conference among the umpires, Mershon was rewarded to continue the at-bat and sent the 3-2 pitch back up the middle for a two-RBI single to give the visitors a 5-0 lead.

Nebraska got a pair of the runs back in the bottom of the third to climb back within three runs. Silva was plunked on a 1-0 pitch, before Sanderson drilled a 390-foot two-run homer in the left-center berm for his first career home run.

Walsh worked around a leadoff walk in the fourth, while the NU offense plated another run in the bottom half to make it a two-run game. Overbeek began the Husker fourth with a walk on full count and swiped second, setting up Stokes’ RBI double to the alley in right-center field.

The Huskers threatened to score for the third consecutive inning after Cole Evans reached on a fielder’s choice and Caron’s single up the middle to put runners on first and second with two outs. A two-out strikeout prevented the Big Red from cutting into the deficit.

Back-to-back one-out singles from Caron and Overbeek had runners on first and second for the Huskers in the eighth. With the go-ahead run at the plate, the NU offense couldn’t plate another run after a flyout and strikeout put an end to the Huskers’ threat with one inning to play.

A bunt single and consecutive walks loaded the bases for the Buckeyes with two outs in the ninth, while a grand slam to center ballooned the lead to 9-3 for OSU to avoid the series sweep.

No. 24 Nebraska hits the road for a midweek matchup at Kansas on Tuesday, April 9. First pitch between the Huskers and Jayhawks is set for 6 p.m. at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, Kan.

By Jared Meister NU AthleticsNo. 24 Nebraska fell behind early and couldn’t come back, as the Huskers fell 9-3 vs. Ohio State in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.Nebraska (22-7, 5-1 B1G) totaled three runs on nine hits and an error, while Ohio State (13-14, 3-3 B1G) totaled nine runs on nine hits.Josh Caron went 3-for-4 with a double, while Case Sanderson was 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Rhett Stokes turned in an RBI double, and Riley Silva, Tyler Stone and Joshua Overbeek each had a base knock.Drew Christo dropped to 1-2 on the season after allowing four runs on three hits with four strikeouts in 2.1 innings of work. Will Walsh worked 4.1 innings in relief, surrendering one run on three hits while striking out five Buckeyes. Kyle Perry allowed one run in two innings, before Rans Sanders and Tucker Timmerman combined to allow three runs and record one out.A leadoff triple, followed by an RBI groundout to shortstop had the Buckeyes ahead 1-0 in the opening frame. Ohio State doubled its lead with Mitchell Okuley’s two-out RBI double off the wall right field.Ohio State expanded its lead to five with three runs on a pair of hits in the third to hold a 5-0 advantage over the Big Red. A solo homer into the berm in right-center off the bat of Henry Kaczmar made it a 3-0 game. A plunked batter and a four-pitch walk, followed by a wild pitch placed runners on second and third with one out for the Buckeyes.The Buckeyes’ Joseph Mershon drew ball three on a 2-2 pitch and appeared to strike out via the pitch clock rule after thinking it was ball four and not being set in the batter’s box in time. Following a conference among the umpires, Mershon was rewarded to continue the at-bat and sent the 3-2 pitch back up the middle for a two-RBI single to give the visitors a 5-0 lead.Nebraska got a pair of the runs back in the bottom of the third to climb back within three runs. Silva was plunked on a 1-0 pitch, before Sanderson drilled a 390-foot two-run homer in the left-center berm for his first career home run.Walsh worked around a leadoff walk in the fourth, while the NU offense plated another run in the bottom half to make it a two-run game. Overbeek began the Husker fourth with a walk on full count and swiped second, setting up Stokes’ RBI double to the alley in right-center field.The Huskers threatened to score for the third consecutive inning after Cole Evans reached on a fielder’s choice and Caron’s single up the middle to put runners on first and second with two outs. A two-out strikeout prevented the Big Red from cutting into the deficit.Back-to-back one-out singles from Caron and Overbeek had runners on first and second for the Huskers in the eighth. With the go-ahead run at the plate, the NU offense couldn’t plate another run after a flyout and strikeout put an end to the Huskers’ threat with one inning to play.A bunt single and consecutive walks loaded the bases for the Buckeyes with two outs in the ninth, while a grand slam to center ballooned the lead to 9-3 for OSU to avoid the series sweep.No. 24 Nebraska hits the road for a midweek matchup at Kansas on Tuesday, April 9. First pitch between the Huskers and Jayhawks is set for 6 p.m. at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence, Kan.

Huskers baseball falls in Sunday series finale

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Led by junior Brooke McCully of Mullen, four Chadron State College cowgirls placed were among the 10 finalists in breakaway roping at the Colorado State University rodeo in Fort Collins last weekend.

McCully was the pacesetter. She won the breakaway championship by catching both of her calves in 2.6 seconds. She tied for fifth and sixth in the first go-round, was second in the finals on Sunday and had the fastest aggregate time to win the averages.  There were 97 contestants in the event.

It was McCully's best performance since she was the runner-up in the breakaway roping at the CSC rodeo that opened the season in the Central Rocky Mountain Region last September.

Three of McCully's teammates were strong contenders at Fort Collins.  All three also caught both of their calves.

Freshman Makayla Wray of Ord finished third overall. She was ninth in the first go-round in 3.1 seconds, then had the fastest time of 2.4 seconds in the finals.

Junior Shailey McAbee of Hyannis placed fourth overall.  She was the final qualifier for the finals after roping her first calf in 3.2 seconds, and was third in the finals in 2.7 seconds.

Chadron State's fourth breakaway finalist was junior Elle Ravenscroft of Nenzel and Cody. She completed her runs successfully in 2.9 and 3.9 seconds to place sixth in the final standings.

CSC Coach Lane Day said this was one of the college's all-time outstanding performances in breakaway roping that he remembers.  "It's great that all four caught both of their calves in such fast times so all of them placed in the top six," he noted.

Another Chadron State cowgirl, Bridget Romey, a sophomore from Hot Springs, had things going extra well when she won the first go-round of barrel racing in 15.37 seconds. But while trying to duplicate that run on Sunday, she and her horse knocked over a barrel.  She still won nearly $500 for her opening go-round performance.  There were 88 barrel racers at the rodeo.

The CSC women were second in the team standings with 305 points.  Only the University of Wyoming with 350 scored more. All but 50 of those points came in goat tying.

Two CSC rough stock contestants also placed high. Jack Skavdahl of Harrison was third in saddle bronc riding with scores of 66 and 75 points and Cinch Kiger of Overton tied for third and fourth in bareback riding after earning 72 and 73 points during his two trips out of the chute.

In addition. Grant Turek of St Paul was seventh in the tie down roping standings in 10.2 and 12.2 seconds.

The next to last rodeo in the region this school year will be at Casper College this weekend. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712592379750.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationFORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Led by junior Brooke McCully of Mullen, four Chadron State College cowgirls placed were among the 10 finalists in breakaway roping at the Colorado State University rodeo in Fort Collins last weekend.McCully was the pacesetter. She won the breakaway championship by catching both of her calves in 2.6 seconds. She tied for fifth and sixth in the first go-round, was second in the finals on Sunday and had the fastest aggregate time to win the averages. There were 97 contestants in the event.It was McCully's best performance since she was the runner-up in the breakaway roping at the CSC rodeo that opened the season in the Central Rocky Mountain Region last September.Three of McCully's teammates were strong contenders at Fort Collins. All three also caught both of their calves.Freshman Makayla Wray of Ord finished third overall. She was ninth in the first go-round in 3.1 seconds, then had the fastest time of 2.4 seconds in the finals.Junior Shailey McAbee of Hyannis placed fourth overall. She was the final qualifier for the finals after roping her first calf in 3.2 seconds, and was third in the finals in 2.7 seconds.Chadron State's fourth breakaway finalist was junior Elle Ravenscroft of Nenzel and Cody. She completed her runs successfully in 2.9 and 3.9 seconds to place sixth in the final standings.CSC Coach Lane Day said this was one of the college's all-time outstanding performances in breakaway roping that he remembers. "It's great that all four caught both of their calves in such fast times so all of them placed in the top six," he noted.Another Chadron State cowgirl, Bridget Romey, a sophomore from Hot Springs, had things going extra well when she won the first go-round of barrel racing in 15.37 seconds. But while trying to duplicate that run on Sunday, she and her horse knocked over a barrel. She still won nearly $500 for her opening go-round performance. There were 88 barrel racers at the rodeo.The CSC women were second in the team standings with 305 points. Only the University of Wyoming with 350 scored more. All but 50 of those points came in goat tying.Two CSC rough stock contestants also placed high. Jack Skavdahl of Harrison was third in saddle bronc riding with scores of 66 and 75 points and Cinch Kiger of Overton tied for third and fourth in bareback riding after earning 72 and 73 points during his two trips out of the chute.In addition. Grant Turek of St Paul was seventh in the tie down roping standings in 10.2 and 12.2 seconds.The next to last rodeo in the region this school year will be at Casper College this weekend.

CSC dominates breakaway roping at Fort Collins

By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information Director

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- After being defeated twice on Saturday, the Chadron State College softball team fell in two more games against the Colorado Mesa Mavericks on Sunday, losing 4-0 and 12-3.

The game two loss for Chadron State was its 17th consecutive loss, dropping them to 5-33 overall and 5-23 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.  Colorado Mesa improves to 31-7 overall and 29-3 in conference play.

Colorado Mesa scored runs in the first, third and sixth inning during their 4-0 game one victory.

Solo homers scored one run in the first and third inning and another run was added with an RBI-Double in the third. An RBI-single scored the final run in the sixth inning.

The Eagle had two hits and two errors in the loss. Mesa finished with four runs, nine hits and one error.

Kenzi Garner receives the loss for Chadron State in a complete game showing. Preslee Christensen improved to 11-3 for the Mavericks.

In the hosts 12-3 game two victory, Colorado Mesa used six runs in the bottom of the second inning to overcome a 2-1 Chadron State lead.

Scoring started in the top of the first when Jazlyn Arvizo scored from third after a Lauren Zimmerman single. Arvizo reached first on a throwing error and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A wild pitch allowed her to advance to third base.

A solo homer by Colorado Mesa's Ava Fugate tied the game at one in the bottom of the inning.

The Eagles regained the lead when Mackenzi Kroll started the second inning with a solo homer to center field.  

Colorado Mesa used 12 at bats and six hits to score six runs and gain a 7-2 lead in the bottom of the second inning.

CSC's final run came in the top of the third inning. After Zimmerman singled to right field and was pinch ran for by Jolynn Niegocki, Niegocki was able to advance to third base on a wild pitch.

Ashland Baca scored Niegocki with a sacrifice fly to center field, making the score 7-3.

Colorado Mesa was unable to add any runs in the bottom of the third inning but scored three in the fourth and two in the fifth.

Leading 10-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Ally Distler recorded her fifth RBI of the day when she hit a walk off two-run homer to left center, giving the Mavericks a 12-3 victory in five innings.

The Eagles had three runs, five hits and one error in the loss. The Mavericks had 12 runs, 14 hits and one error.

Brooklyn Levin pitched 3.0 innings before Kenzi Garner pitched 1.1 innings of relief. Marisa Nehm improved to 6-0 overall for Colorado Mesa.

Chadron State softball plays host to New Mexico Highlands next, on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712592274401.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: John Murphy CSC Sports Information DirectorGRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- After being defeated twice on Saturday, the Chadron State College softball team fell in two more games against the Colorado Mesa Mavericks on Sunday, losing 4-0 and 12-3.The game two loss for Chadron State was its 17th consecutive loss, dropping them to 5-33 overall and 5-23 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Colorado Mesa improves to 31-7 overall and 29-3 in conference play.Colorado Mesa scored runs in the first, third and sixth inning during their 4-0 game one victory.Solo homers scored one run in the first and third inning and another run was added with an RBI-Double in the third. An RBI-single scored the final run in the sixth inning.The Eagle had two hits and two errors in the loss. Mesa finished with four runs, nine hits and one error.Kenzi Garner receives the loss for Chadron State in a complete game showing. Preslee Christensen improved to 11-3 for the Mavericks.In the hosts 12-3 game two victory, Colorado Mesa used six runs in the bottom of the second inning to overcome a 2-1 Chadron State lead.Scoring started in the top of the first when Jazlyn Arvizo scored from third after a Lauren Zimmerman single. Arvizo reached first on a throwing error and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A wild pitch allowed her to advance to third base.A solo homer by Colorado Mesa's Ava Fugate tied the game at one in the bottom of the inning.The Eagles regained the lead when Mackenzi Kroll started the second inning with a solo homer to center field. Colorado Mesa used 12 at bats and six hits to score six runs and gain a 7-2 lead in the bottom of the second inning.CSC's final run came in the top of the third inning. After Zimmerman singled to right field and was pinch ran for by Jolynn Niegocki, Niegocki was able to advance to third base on a wild pitch.Ashland Baca scored Niegocki with a sacrifice fly to center field, making the score 7-3.Colorado Mesa was unable to add any runs in the bottom of the third inning but scored three in the fourth and two in the fifth.Leading 10-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Ally Distler recorded her fifth RBI of the day when she hit a walk off two-run homer to left center, giving the Mavericks a 12-3 victory in five innings.The Eagles had three runs, five hits and one error in the loss. The Mavericks had 12 runs, 14 hits and one error.Brooklyn Levin pitched 3.0 innings before Kenzi Garner pitched 1.1 innings of relief. Marisa Nehm improved to 6-0 overall for Colorado Mesa.Chadron State softball plays host to New Mexico Highlands next, on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14.

🥎 Colorado Mesa completes sweep over Eagles

DENVER (AP) — Ryan Pepiot struck out a career-high 11 batters in six shutout innings, and the Tampa Bay Rays held on to beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday.

Pepiot (1-1), who came to the Rays in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers that sent Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot to L.A., topped his previous high of nine strikeouts which came at Coors Field on Sept. 26 of last season when he threw six innings in relief.

He struggled in his Rays debut, allowing six runs to Texas in 5 2/3 innings on Monday. However, he was sharp against the Rockies.

Pepiot threw 38 of his first 51 pitches for strikes and kept Colorado hitters off balance Sunday. He allowed three hits and didn’t walk a batter to help the Rays take two of the three games in Denver.

“Strikeouts are great but the no walks is the big one,” Pepiot said. “That’s the biggest takeaway for me today. Rule No. 1 here is attack the zone early, get ahead and fill the zone up.”

He retired 10 straight from the second inning until Brenton Doyle’s two-out double in the fifth and retired six of eight batters with a strikeout.

He ended his day by striking out Charlie Blackmon and Ezequiel Tovar in a clean sixth inning.

The Rays gave him the lead with two runs in the second on Austin Shenton’s RBI double -- his first major league hit -- and Jose Siri’s RBI single and another in the third on an RBI single by Isaac Paredes. Tampa Bay had a potential big inning thwarted when the 37-year-old Blackmon made a sliding catch of Jose Caballero’s sinking liner to right field for the third out.

Dakota Hudson (0-2) allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings for Colorado.

“You make good pitches, they’re able to find some singles and if you make a mistake they put it on you,” Hudson said. “Tough lineup to navigate.”

Shenton, who made his major league debut against Toronto on March 31, finished with two hits and an RBI.

“As I was running it was the most pain-free run I had in my life,” Shenton said of his first career hit. “I’m not fast but I felt like I was floating.”

Colorado nearly spoiled Pepiot’s outing with a rally in the eighth against reliever Phil Maton. Jake Cave tripled, Elias Diaz singled and Maton walked the next two batters to load the bases with no outs. Shawn Armstrong got out of it with a fielder’s choice and inducing struggling Kris Bryant to hit into an inning-ending double play.

“I just try to come in, throw strikes and fortunately get a ground ball to get out of it,” Armstrong said. “I can’t say enough about our infield.”

Bryant, who missed Saturday’s game with lower back stiffness, was 0 for 3 with a walk to drop his average to .107.

Doyle had one-out RBI single in the ninth, but Armstrong got the next two batters for his first save.

Rays: Zach Eflin (1-1, 5.25 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.

Rockies: Kyle Freeland (0-2, 27.00) takes the ball to continue a six-game homestand against Arizona on Monday night.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712592196172.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Ryan Pepiot struck out a career-high 11 batters in six shutout innings, and the Tampa Bay Rays held on to beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday.Pepiot (1-1), who came to the Rays in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers that sent Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot to L.A., topped his previous high of nine strikeouts which came at Coors Field on Sept. 26 of last season when he threw six innings in relief.He struggled in his Rays debut, allowing six runs to Texas in 5 2/3 innings on Monday. However, he was sharp against the Rockies.Pepiot threw 38 of his first 51 pitches for strikes and kept Colorado hitters off balance Sunday. He allowed three hits and didn’t walk a batter to help the Rays take two of the three games in Denver.“Strikeouts are great but the no walks is the big one,” Pepiot said. “That’s the biggest takeaway for me today. Rule No. 1 here is attack the zone early, get ahead and fill the zone up.”He retired 10 straight from the second inning until Brenton Doyle’s two-out double in the fifth and retired six of eight batters with a strikeout.He ended his day by striking out Charlie Blackmon and Ezequiel Tovar in a clean sixth inning.The Rays gave him the lead with two runs in the second on Austin Shenton’s RBI double -- his first major league hit -- and Jose Siri’s RBI single and another in the third on an RBI single by Isaac Paredes. Tampa Bay had a potential big inning thwarted when the 37-year-old Blackmon made a sliding catch of Jose Caballero’s sinking liner to right field for the third out.Dakota Hudson (0-2) allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings for Colorado.“You make good pitches, they’re able to find some singles and if you make a mistake they put it on you,” Hudson said. “Tough lineup to navigate.”Shenton, who made his major league debut against Toronto on March 31, finished with two hits and an RBI.“As I was running it was the most pain-free run I had in my life,” Shenton said of his first career hit. “I’m not fast but I felt like I was floating.”Colorado nearly spoiled Pepiot’s outing with a rally in the eighth against reliever Phil Maton. Jake Cave tripled, Elias Diaz singled and Maton walked the next two batters to load the bases with no outs. Shawn Armstrong got out of it with a fielder’s choice and inducing struggling Kris Bryant to hit into an inning-ending double play.“I just try to come in, throw strikes and fortunately get a ground ball to get out of it,” Armstrong said. “I can’t say enough about our infield.”Bryant, who missed Saturday’s game with lower back stiffness, was 0 for 3 with a walk to drop his average to .107.Doyle had one-out RBI single in the ninth, but Armstrong got the next two batters for his first save.UP NEXTRays: Zach Eflin (1-1, 5.25 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.Rockies: Kyle Freeland (0-2, 27.00) takes the ball to continue a six-game homestand against Arizona on Monday night.

Pepiot strikes out a career-high 11 in Rays' 3-2 victory Rockies

In a vote of 6-2, the NSAA passed a measure to add a 35-second shot clock to all classes of High School basketball in Nebraska starting in the 2024-2025 season.&nbsp;

In another key move, girls wrestling will be adding another class after a unanimous 8-0 vote on Thursday.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostIn a vote of 6-2, the NSAA passed a measure to add a 35-second shot clock to all classes of High School basketball in Nebraska starting in the 2024-2025 season.&nbsp;In another key move, girls wrestling will be adding another class after a unanimous 8-0 vote on Thursday.

NSAA approves shot clock, girl's wrestling adds another class

Surrounded by friends, family and coaches, Alliance High School senior Ciara "CC" Hudson signed her National Letter of intent to play College Softball at Doane University on Thursday.

Doane is in Crete Nebraska and is a member of the GPAC, at the NAIA level.

Hudson had a stand-out high school softball career for the Bulldogs, helping Alliance turn around the program in her four years while also breaking school records in career hits, runs, walks, RBI's, doubles, triples and homeruns.

Hudson finished her senior season batting .378 AVG,  28  total hits 31 RBI’s and 8 home runs. More impressive are the obstacles she has had to overcome to reach this point.

"She's a very strong young woman who is very driven and has a lot of passion for the game," Palomo said.&nbsp;"I'm just super proud of her for what she has accomplished."&nbsp;

Here is Hudson talking on the Post Podcast about what it means to sign to play for Doane and her journey to get there.

By Alex Benzegala Panhandle PostSurrounded by friends, family and coaches, Alliance High School senior Ciara "CC" Hudson signed her National Letter of intent to play College Softball at Doane University on Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712271315789.jpeg" alt="CC Hudson signs to play for Doane, surrounded by her family." />
 <figcaption>CC Hudson signs to play for Doane, surrounded by her family.</figcaption>
 </figure>Doane is in Crete Nebraska and is a member of the GPAC, at the NAIA level.Hudson had a stand-out high school softball career for the Bulldogs, helping Alliance turn around the program in her four years while also breaking school records in career hits, runs, walks, RBI's, doubles, triples and homeruns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712271327497.jpeg" alt="CC Hudson." />
 <figcaption>CC Hudson.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hudson finished her senior season batting .378 AVG, 28 total hits 31 RBI’s and 8 home runs. More impressive are the obstacles she has had to overcome to reach this point."She's a very strong young woman who is very driven and has a lot of passion for the game," Palomo said.&nbsp;"I'm just super proud of her for what she has accomplished."&nbsp;Here is Hudson talking on the Post Podcast about what it means to sign to play for Doane and her journey to get there.<div><iframe title="CC Hudson signs with Doane University Softball" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ahfnm-15d1ef9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712271274867.jpeg" alt="Hudson with her teammates and Coach Palomo." />
 <figcaption>Hudson with her teammates and Coach Palomo.</figcaption>
 </figure>

 CC Hudson signs to play college softball at Doane

Chadron State Junior defensive star Xavier Harrell will be in the mix for RMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.&nbsp; He's a versatile football-seeking missile that finished second on the team in tackles last fall while playing several positions.

While his primary spot is linebacker, "X" will also line up as a standing rush defensive end, and was slotted into safety when injuries hit the unit hard last season.&nbsp; He's got the speed, athleticism and football IQ to handle all three spots successfully.&nbsp; But would Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse try him out at say, nose tackle or CB1?

Spring practice is a little more fun and motivating when you look forward to a great match-up to start the fall season.&nbsp; For Chadron State and Harrell knowing the UNK Lopers are coming to our house to begin the 2024 campaign sends the excitement level even higher.

Check back for more spring football coverage brought to you by Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services leading up to the Spring Game later this month!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711638208283.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins CSC Sports DirectorChadron State Junior defensive star Xavier Harrell will be in the mix for RMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.&nbsp; He's a versatile football-seeking missile that finished second on the team in tackles last fall while playing several positions.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1792647148&color=%23791c37&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/xavier-harrell-csc-spring-football-cut-1" title="Xavier Harrell - CSC Spring Football Cut 1" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Xavier Harrell - CSC Spring Football Cut 1</a></div></div>While his primary spot is linebacker, "X" will also line up as a standing rush defensive end, and was slotted into safety when injuries hit the unit hard last season.&nbsp; He's got the speed, athleticism and football IQ to handle all three spots successfully.&nbsp; But would Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse try him out at say, nose tackle or CB1?<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1792649290&color=%23791c37&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/xavier-harrell-csc-spring" title="Xavier Harrell - CSC Spring Football Cut 2" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Xavier Harrell - CSC Spring Football Cut 2</a></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712244966835.jpeg" alt="Xavier Harrell and Coach Sasse look over the practice action this spring." />
 <figcaption>Xavier Harrell and Coach Sasse look over the practice action this spring.</figcaption>
 </figure>Spring practice is a little more fun and motivating when you look forward to a great match-up to start the fall season.&nbsp; For Chadron State and Harrell knowing the UNK Lopers are coming to our house to begin the 2024 campaign sends the excitement level even higher.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1792649758&color=%23791c37&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/xavier-harrell-spring-football-cut-3" title="Xavier Harrell - Spring Football Cut 3" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Xavier Harrell - Spring Football Cut 3</a></div></div>Check back for more spring football coverage brought to you by Chadron Community Hospital and Health Services leading up to the Spring Game later this month!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710858527999.jpeg" alt="" />
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🔊 Mr. Versatility Xavier Harrell will find the football from anywhere on defense

University of Nebraska men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg was chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Jim Phelan National Coach-of-the-Year award Thursday afternoon.

The Jim Phelan Award is presented annually to the nation's top Division I coach. The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.

*Special message from the Hoiberg family, video from Nebraska Men's Basketball X page

Hoiberg guided the Huskers to one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2023-24, as Nebraska went 23-11 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. &nbsp; The 23 wins were the most since Nebraska won a school-record 26 games in 1990-91, while going 12-8 in the Big Ten. &nbsp;The Huskers’ third-place finish in the Big Ten Conference was the best since joining the conference in 2011-12 and the program’s best conference finish since the 1992-93 season.&nbsp;

Nebraska posted two wins over top-10 teams in 2023-24, including the program’s first win over a No. 1 team since 1982, and reached the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history. &nbsp;For his efforts, he shared Big Ten Coach-of-the-Year accolades from both the Big Ten Coaches and media voters.&nbsp;

Hoiberg is the second Husker men’s basketball coach to earn the honor, as Tim Miles was the 2014 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year. Hoiberg was chosen from a group of 20 finalists from across the country. &nbsp; It marks the second straight season that a Big Ten coach has won the award, joining 2023 recipient Chris Collins of Northwestern.&nbsp;

The Jim Phelan Award is named in honor of a legendary bow-tied coach who spent his entire head coaching career at Mount Saint Mary’s University.

Phelan graduated from La Salle University in 1951 and played one season in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors. After a brief professional career, Phelan went to Mount St. Mary’s as an assistant in 1953. One year later he began his historical career as a head coach.

He led the Mountaineers to 16 Division II NCAA tournaments. Five times they advanced to the Final Four and he led them to the DII National Championship in 1962. When he retired in 2003, after coaching for 49 years, he had amassed 830 wins (overall record of 830-524) in all divisions. In those 49 years, 19 of his teams amassed 20 or more wins in a season.

In 2008 he was inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Phelan passed away on June 15, 2021, at the age of 92 at his home in Emmitsburg, Md.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710901868240.jpeg" alt="Fred Hoiberg" />
 <figcaption>Fred Hoiberg</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by NU Athletics&nbsp;University of Nebraska men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg was chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Jim Phelan National Coach-of-the-Year award Thursday afternoon.The Jim Phelan Award is presented annually to the nation's top Division I coach. The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A special message from the Hoiberg family: <a href="https://t.co/hVJBTY1D3R">pic.twitter.com/hVJBTY1D3R</a>&mdash; Nebraska Men&#39;s Basketball (@HuskerMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerMBB/status/1775949146371072056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>*Special message from the Hoiberg family, video from Nebraska Men's Basketball X pageHoiberg guided the Huskers to one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2023-24, as Nebraska went 23-11 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. &nbsp; The 23 wins were the most since Nebraska won a school-record 26 games in 1990-91, while going 12-8 in the Big Ten. &nbsp;The Huskers’ third-place finish in the Big Ten Conference was the best since joining the conference in 2011-12 and the program’s best conference finish since the 1992-93 season.&nbsp;Nebraska posted two wins over top-10 teams in 2023-24, including the program’s first win over a No. 1 team since 1982, and reached the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history. &nbsp;For his efforts, he shared Big Ten Coach-of-the-Year accolades from both the Big Ten Coaches and media voters.&nbsp;Hoiberg is the second Husker men’s basketball coach to earn the honor, as Tim Miles was the 2014 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year. Hoiberg was chosen from a group of 20 finalists from across the country. &nbsp; It marks the second straight season that a Big Ten coach has won the award, joining 2023 recipient Chris Collins of Northwestern.&nbsp;The Jim Phelan Award is named in honor of a legendary bow-tied coach who spent his entire head coaching career at Mount Saint Mary’s University.Phelan graduated from La Salle University in 1951 and played one season in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors. After a brief professional career, Phelan went to Mount St. Mary’s as an assistant in 1953. One year later he began his historical career as a head coach.He led the Mountaineers to 16 Division II NCAA tournaments. Five times they advanced to the Final Four and he led them to the DII National Championship in 1962. When he retired in 2003, after coaching for 49 years, he had amassed 830 wins (overall record of 830-524) in all divisions. In those 49 years, 19 of his teams amassed 20 or more wins in a season.In 2008 he was inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Phelan passed away on June 15, 2021, at the age of 92 at his home in Emmitsburg, Md.

HOIBERG EARNS NATIONAL COACH-OF-THE-YEAR HONOR

Story by USA Volleyball Communications

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 3, 2024)&nbsp;– Twenty talented players from around the country have been selected for the 2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team roster.

The team will train June 14-22 in Anaheim, California. During that time, 12 athletes out of the 20 will be selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Women’s U21 NORCECA Continental Championship on June 23-July 1 in Toronto, Canada.

In 2023, 13 players trained or competed with U.S. age group national teams.

U.S. U19 National Team Members included&nbsp;Lizzy Andrew,&nbsp;Favor Anyanwu,&nbsp;Jaela Auguste,&nbsp;Julia Blyashov,&nbsp;Brooklyn DeLeye,&nbsp;Campbell Flynn,&nbsp;Taylor Harvey,&nbsp;Olivia Mauch,&nbsp;Abigail Mullen,&nbsp;Logan Parks,&nbsp;Teraya Sigler&nbsp;and&nbsp;Abby Vander Wal.

Of this group, Andrew, Auguste, Blyashov, Parks, Sigler and Vander Wal competed on the team that won the 2023 Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico.

Anyanwu, Auguste, Flynn, Mauch, Mullen, Sigler, and Vander Wal competed on the team that won gold at the 2023 World Championship in Croatia.

Due to the NCAA season preventing many U21 athletes from competing at the 2023 Women’s U21 World Championship in Mexico, Andrew, Flynn, Harvey, Mullen, and Vander Wal stepped up to the challenge and placed sixth.

Kennedy Martin&nbsp;was a part of the 2023 Women’s U21 Team training for the Pan American Cup in Mexico where the team took home gold.

Other players on the team with previous age group national team experience are&nbsp;Laney Choboy,&nbsp;Andi Jackson,&nbsp;Harper Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bergen Reilly.

Taylor Anderson,&nbsp;Ramsey Gary&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kamryn Gibadlo&nbsp;are newcomers to U.S. age group national teams.

Heather Olmstead, head coach of the BYU women’s volleyball team, will be the Women’s U21 head coach assisted by&nbsp;Jaylen Reyes&nbsp;(Nebraska) and&nbsp;Alex Dunphy&nbsp;(Stanford).

“Coaching for USA Volleyball is one of the highest honors in our sport,” Olmstead said. “It’s a humbling opportunity for me to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the United States. (U.S. Women’s Head Coach) Karch Kiraly and his staff have done an incredible job with the culture and performance of USA Volleyball. The chance to lead any U.S. team is an honor. I’m very grateful and excited to have this opportunity to work with this talented group of athletes and staff.”

Story by USA Volleyball CommunicationsCOLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 3, 2024)&nbsp;– Twenty talented players from around the country have been selected for the 2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team roster.The team will train June 14-22 in Anaheim, California. During that time, 12 athletes out of the 20 will be selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Women’s U21 NORCECA Continental Championship on June 23-July 1 in Toronto, Canada.In 2023, 13 players trained or competed with U.S. age group national teams.U.S. U19 National Team Members included&nbsp;Lizzy Andrew,&nbsp;Favor Anyanwu,&nbsp;Jaela Auguste,&nbsp;Julia Blyashov,&nbsp;Brooklyn DeLeye,&nbsp;Campbell Flynn,&nbsp;Taylor Harvey,&nbsp;Olivia Mauch,&nbsp;Abigail Mullen,&nbsp;Logan Parks,&nbsp;Teraya Sigler&nbsp;and&nbsp;Abby Vander Wal.Of this group, Andrew, Auguste, Blyashov, Parks, Sigler and Vander Wal competed on the team that won the 2023 Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico.Anyanwu, Auguste, Flynn, Mauch, Mullen, Sigler, and Vander Wal competed on the team that won gold at the 2023 World Championship in Croatia.Due to the NCAA season preventing many U21 athletes from competing at the 2023 Women’s U21 World Championship in Mexico, Andrew, Flynn, Harvey, Mullen, and Vander Wal stepped up to the challenge and placed sixth.Kennedy Martin&nbsp;was a part of the 2023 Women’s U21 Team training for the Pan American Cup in Mexico where the team took home gold.Other players on the team with previous age group national team experience are&nbsp;Laney Choboy,&nbsp;Andi Jackson,&nbsp;Harper Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bergen Reilly.Taylor Anderson,&nbsp;Ramsey Gary&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kamryn Gibadlo&nbsp;are newcomers to U.S. age group national teams.Heather Olmstead, head coach of the BYU women’s volleyball team, will be the Women’s U21 head coach assisted by&nbsp;Jaylen Reyes&nbsp;(Nebraska) and&nbsp;Alex Dunphy&nbsp;(Stanford).“Coaching for USA Volleyball is one of the highest honors in our sport,” Olmstead said. “It’s a humbling opportunity for me to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the United States. (U.S. Women’s Head Coach) Karch Kiraly and his staff have done an incredible job with the culture and performance of USA Volleyball. The chance to lead any U.S. team is an honor. I’m very grateful and excited to have this opportunity to work with this talented group of athletes and staff.”<div><style type="text/css">
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 <th class="tg-mcqj">2024 U.S. Women’s U21 National Team</th>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Taylor Anderson (S, 6-1, 2005, San Antonio Texas, Purdue University, Lone Star)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Lizzy Andrew (MB, 6-5, 2005, Ridgefield, Wash., Ridgefield HS, Columbia Empire)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Favor Anyanwu (MB, 6-2, 2006, Rowlett, Texas, Sachse HS, North Texas)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Jaela Auguste (MB, 6-2, 2006, Spring, Texas, Grand Oaks HS, Lonestar)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Julia Blyashov (OH, 6-3, 2005, San Diego, Calif., Stanford University, Southern California)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Laney Choboy (L, 5-3, 2005, Raleigh, N.C., University of Nebraska, Carolina)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Brooklyn DeLeye (OH, 6-2, 2005, Auburn, Kan., University of Kentucky, Heart of America)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Campbell Flynn (S, 6-3, 2006, Rochester Hills, MI, Mercy HS, Lakeshore)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Ramsey Gary (L, 5-7, 2005, Pendelton, Ind., Indiana University, Hoosier)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Kamryn Gibadlo (OH, 6-1, 2005, Cave Creek, Ariz., University of Utah, Arizona)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Taylor Harvey (MB, 6-3, 2006, Bountiful, Utah, Bountiful HS, Intermountain)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Andi Jackson (MB, 6-3, 2005, Brighton, Colo., University of Nebraska, Rocky Mountain)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Kennedy Martin (OPP, 6-6, 2005, Fort Mill, S.C., University of Florida, Badger)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Olivia Mauch (L, 5-6, 2005, Bennington, Neb., University of Nebraska, Great Plains)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Abigail Mullen (OPP, 6-3, 2006, Kansas City, Mo., Liberty HS, Heart of America)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Harper Murray (OH, 6-2, 2005, Ann Arbor, Mich., University of Nebraska, Lakeshore)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Logan Parks (OPP,5-11,2006, Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley North HS, Heart of America)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Bergen Reilly (S, 6-1, 2005, Sioux Falls, S.D., University of Nebraska, North Country)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Teraya Sigler (OH, 6-2, 2006, Horizon HS, Scottsdale, Ariz., Arizona)</td>
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 <td class="tg-73oq">Abby Vander Wal (OH, 6-3, 2006, Elmhurst, Ill., Timothy Christian HS, Great Lakes)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Head Coach: Heather Olmstead (BYU)</td>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Assistant Coach: Jaylen Reyes (Nebraska)</td>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Assistant Coach: Alex Dunphy (Stanford)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Performance Analyst: Virginia Pham (USC)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Athletic Trainer: Rachel Menze (CSUN)</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="tg-mcqj">Team Lead: Courtney Smith (USAV NTDP)</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

Five Huskers named to U.S. U21 Women's National Team

Xavier Harrell will be in the mix for RMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.  Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins talks with "X" as spring football rolls on in Chadron!

<div><iframe title="CSC Sports Journal - Spring Football with Xavier Harrell 4/3/24" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8pbp9-15d0d92-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Xavier Harrell will be in the mix for RMAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins talks with "X" as spring football rolls on in Chadron!<figure>
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🎙 CSC Sports Journal - Spring Football with Xavier Harrell 4/3/24

CHICAGO (AP) — Seiya Suzuki homered in his second straight game and drove in four runs and the Chicago Cubs regrouped to beat the Colorado Rockies 9-8 after blowing a six-run lead Wednesday night.

The Cubs looked as if they were on their way to another easy win with an 8-2 lead in the sixth after outscoring the Rockies by a combined 17-2 in the first two games. Colorado made a big push, scoring a run in the seventh and five in the eighth to tie it.

Pinch-hitter Miles Mastrobuoni reached on a wild pitch by Nick Mears (0-1) as he struck out with an 0-2 count leading off the bottom half. He took third on a single by Ian Happ and beat the throw home on Suzuki’s fielder’s choice grounder to third baseman Ryan McMahon to put Chicago back on top, 9-8, on a wet, wintry night.

“It was tough conditions tonight for both sides, for sure," manager Craig Counsell said. "It's just a game you want to come out with a win.”

Suzuki had three hits. Miguel Amaya drove in three runs, and the Cubs won their fourth in a row.

Kris Bryant — 0 for 16 coming in — had two hits for Colorado. The Rockies fell to 1-6, though they sure made things interesting in the eighth.

“I love the fact that we didn't melt when we got behind,” manager Bud Black said.

Jake Cave drove a two-run double to left against Héctor Neris (2-0). Two more scored when second baseman Nico Hoerner threw wildly to first fielding Charlie Blackmon’s single, and Ezequiel Tovar tied it with a double to deep center, just beyond a lunging Mike Tauchman.

Adbert Alzolay pitched around a leadoff single by Bryant in the ninth for his first save, and the Cubs completed a three-game sweep.

Suzuki drove in two with a single to cap a four-run second against Rockies starter Cal Quantrill and greeted Jalen Beeks with a drive to left-center leading off the fifth on a cold and soggy night.

“As a team, we’re in a really good spot right now,” Suzuki said through an interpreter. “Regardless of how the weather is doing, it doesn’t really matter. I feel like we’re doing really good as a team. That really motivates me and helps me focus.”

Amaya hit a sacrifice fly in the second and drove in two more with a bases-loaded single against Tyler Kinley in the sixth. Center fielder Brenton Doyle’s errant throw on the play allowed another run to score, making it 8-2.

Chicago's Luke Little, making his first career start, threw a perfect first inning after recording the final three outs in Tuesday’s 12-2 romp. He became the first Cubs pitcher to finish a game and start the next one since Rick Reuschel at San Francisco and at the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 2 and May 4, 1976. He’s the first to do it for Chicago against the same team since Warren Hacker on May 1-2, 1955 at Philadelphia, according to team historian Ed Hartig.

Ben Brown allowed a run and three hits over four innings in his second career appearance. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out five and walked one.

Quantrill threw 90 pitches in four innings, allowing four runs and four hits. The right-hander walked four and struck out three.

Cubs: RHP Jameson Taillon (back strain) is set to start a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Tennessee, manager Craig Counsell said.

Rockies: The Rockies send LHP Austin Gomber (0-0, 7.71 ERA) to the mound Friday for their home opener against Tampa Bay. The Rays go with RHP Zack Littell (1-0, 0.00), who went six scoreless innings in a 5-1 win over Toronto on Saturday.

Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 12.27) pitches Friday as the Cubs open a three-game series against Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers. RHP Bobby Miller (1-0, 0.00) gets the ball for Los Angeles.

<figure>
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 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Seiya Suzuki homered in his second straight game and drove in four runs and the Chicago Cubs regrouped to beat the Colorado Rockies 9-8 after blowing a six-run lead Wednesday night.The Cubs looked as if they were on their way to another easy win with an 8-2 lead in the sixth after outscoring the Rockies by a combined 17-2 in the first two games. Colorado made a big push, scoring a run in the seventh and five in the eighth to tie it.Pinch-hitter Miles Mastrobuoni reached on a wild pitch by Nick Mears (0-1) as he struck out with an 0-2 count leading off the bottom half. He took third on a single by Ian Happ and beat the throw home on Suzuki’s fielder’s choice grounder to third baseman Ryan McMahon to put Chicago back on top, 9-8, on a wet, wintry night.“It was tough conditions tonight for both sides, for sure," manager Craig Counsell said. "It's just a game you want to come out with a win.”Suzuki had three hits. Miguel Amaya drove in three runs, and the Cubs won their fourth in a row.Kris Bryant — 0 for 16 coming in — had two hits for Colorado. The Rockies fell to 1-6, though they sure made things interesting in the eighth.“I love the fact that we didn't melt when we got behind,” manager Bud Black said.Jake Cave drove a two-run double to left against Héctor Neris (2-0). Two more scored when second baseman Nico Hoerner threw wildly to first fielding Charlie Blackmon’s single, and Ezequiel Tovar tied it with a double to deep center, just beyond a lunging Mike Tauchman.Adbert Alzolay pitched around a leadoff single by Bryant in the ninth for his first save, and the Cubs completed a three-game sweep.Suzuki drove in two with a single to cap a four-run second against Rockies starter Cal Quantrill and greeted Jalen Beeks with a drive to left-center leading off the fifth on a cold and soggy night.“As a team, we’re in a really good spot right now,” Suzuki said through an interpreter. “Regardless of how the weather is doing, it doesn’t really matter. I feel like we’re doing really good as a team. That really motivates me and helps me focus.”Amaya hit a sacrifice fly in the second and drove in two more with a bases-loaded single against Tyler Kinley in the sixth. Center fielder Brenton Doyle’s errant throw on the play allowed another run to score, making it 8-2.Chicago's Luke Little, making his first career start, threw a perfect first inning after recording the final three outs in Tuesday’s 12-2 romp. He became the first Cubs pitcher to finish a game and start the next one since Rick Reuschel at San Francisco and at the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 2 and May 4, 1976. He’s the first to do it for Chicago against the same team since Warren Hacker on May 1-2, 1955 at Philadelphia, according to team historian Ed Hartig.Ben Brown allowed a run and three hits over four innings in his second career appearance. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out five and walked one.Quantrill threw 90 pitches in four innings, allowing four runs and four hits. The right-hander walked four and struck out three.TRAINER'S ROOMCubs: RHP Jameson Taillon (back strain) is set to start a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Tennessee, manager Craig Counsell said.UP NEXTRockies: The Rockies send LHP Austin Gomber (0-0, 7.71 ERA) to the mound Friday for their home opener against Tampa Bay. The Rays go with RHP Zack Littell (1-0, 0.00), who went six scoreless innings in a 5-1 win over Toronto on Saturday.Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 12.27) pitches Friday as the Cubs open a three-game series against Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers. RHP Bobby Miller (1-0, 0.00) gets the ball for Los Angeles.

Huge Rockies rally ties Cubs in eighth, Chicago finds way to finish sweep

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska track and field continues its outdoor campaign this weekend at the Jim Click Shootout, hosted at Drachman Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Combined events begin at 12:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday, with field events starting at 1 p.m. (CT).

Location:&nbsp;Tucson, Ariz. (Drachman Stadium)

Start Times (CT):&nbsp;Friday - Combined Events: 12:30 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m.; Saturday - Combined Events: 12 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m. / Running Events: 2:30 p.m.

Meet Schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank">Link</a>

<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank"></a>Participating Schools:&nbsp;Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, Kansas State, Eastern Michigan, Iowa, Cincinnati

NCAA LeadersNebraska has 10 athletes that currently rank inside the top 20 of the NCAA in their respective events:

Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 4 NCAAEniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 6 NCAAAmelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 7 NCAAEmmanuela Casadei, Javelin, 173-6 (52.88m), No. 12 NCAALishanna Ilves, Long Jump, 20-11 ¼ (6.38m), t-No.13 NCAAMirta Kulisic, Javelin, 170-6 (51.97m), No. 16 NCAAAshley McElmurry, Triple Jump, 42-4 ¼ (12.91m), No. 20 NCAAMicaylon Moore, Triple Jump, 52-1 (15.87m), No. 7 NCAADarius Luff, 110m Hurdles, 13.46, t-No. 7 NCAANiko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6 NCAA

All-Time Top-10 PerformancesThe following Huskers have either improved their marks or cracked the all-time top-10 outdoor charts at Nebraska this season:&nbsp;

Niko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6Amelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 5Hillevi Carlsson, Hammer Throw, 203-11 (62.16m), No. 5Mine De Klerk, Discus, 181-0 (55.17m), No. 6Darby Thomas, 100m, 11.35, t-No.6Berlyn Schutz, 1500m, 4:19.94, No. 8Eniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 9Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 9

Huskers in the PollsNebraska women’s track and field is ranked 11th in the second week of the USTFCCCA rankings after a majority of the team spent the weekend in Gainesville, Fla. at the Pepsi Florida Relays.

The women were ranked 59th in last season’s week two poll, before quickly dropping to 11th during the week five rankings.

Through the first weekend competing this season, the Husker women posted five marks inside the top-15 nationally, while adding seven all-time marks.

Rhianna Phipps ranks fourth nationally in the triple jump, after hitting 43-10 (13.36m) at the Florida Relays. The Huskers have three javelin throwers in the top-16 of the NCAA, led by Eniko Sara at sixth with a 177-11 (54.23m). Newcomer Emmanuela Casadei is ranked 12th with a 173-6 (52.88m) and Mirta Kulisic is 16th with a 170-6 (51.97m). Amelia Flynt won the shot put at the Florida Relays with the current seventh-best mark in the country, 56-1 (17.09m). Lishanna Ilves leads the long jump corps as she’s tied for 13th in the NCAA with a distance of 20-11 ¼ (6.38m).

On the men’s side, Darius Luff (110m hurdles), Micaylon Moore (triple jump) and Niko Schultz (800m) all rank inside the top 10 nationally.

2024 Indoor Season RecapThe Husker men and women closed the indoor season inside the top 25, with the men tying for 12th and the women claiming 25th at the NCAA Championships. Out of 12 Husker entries, eight earned First-Team All-America honors by placing in the top eight.

Till Steinforth recorded his highest-career NCAA finish in the heptathlon to finish third, a day after becoming the first Husker to become a long jump First-Team All-American in the last decade with a seventh-place finish. The last Husker to place third or higher in the heptathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships was Björn Barrefors in 2009. Tyus Wilson and Jenna Rogers each pitched in a top-eight finish in the high jump, while Micaylon Moore represented NU as a First-Team All-American in the triple jump. Rhianna Phipps placed fifth in the triple jump, Mine De Klerk took seventh in the shot put and Henry Zimmerman finished seventh in the weight throw to round out Nebraska’s First-Team All-Americans.

With Nebraska sending 11 athletes and 12 entries to the NCAA Championships, that marked the most athletes to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships since 2010 and the most entries since 2011.

At the Big Ten Championships, the Husker men finished second as a team, only four points behind Wisconsin. The women finished in eighth. Wilson (high jump), Moore (triple jump), Steinforth (long jump) and De Klerk (shot put) brought in Big Ten titles.&nbsp;

Zimmerman broke the weight throw school record on four occasions, while Berlyn Schutz broke the school record in the mile as a freshman. Altogether, 26 performances either broke into the all-time list for the first time or moved up the list during the indoor season.

2023 Outdoor Season RecapNebraska’s last outdoor season was marked by the men claiming the Big Ten title and the women finishing third. Both finishes were the best placements since the 2016 season. The team combined for 12 event titles throughout the meet. The women, powered by Axelina Johansson (shot put) and Rhema Otabor (javelin) bringing in NCAA titles, took eighth place at the NCAA Championships. That was the best finish since the 2006 season, when the Huskers tied for fourth. The men tied for 17th, their best team finish in seven years. The men and women combined for eight First-Team All-America honors, seven school records and 32 new top-10 marks throughout the outdoor season.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska track and field continues its outdoor campaign this weekend at the Jim Click Shootout, hosted at Drachman Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Combined events begin at 12:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday, with field events starting at 1 p.m. (CT).Jim Click Shootout Meet Information Date:&nbsp;Friday-Saturday, April 5-6Location:&nbsp;Tucson, Ariz. (Drachman Stadium)Start Times (CT):&nbsp;Friday - Combined Events: 12:30 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m.; Saturday - Combined Events: 12 p.m. / Field Events: 1 p.m. / Running Events: 2:30 p.m.Meet Schedule:&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank">Link</a><a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/huskers-com-prod/2024/04/02/bTxfduO90UKPdeIOCJ38S24EK0ijuXhSmjGcgUzD.pdf" target="_blank"></a>Participating Schools:&nbsp;Nebraska, Arizona, Kansas, Kansas State, Eastern Michigan, Iowa, CincinnatiNCAA LeadersNebraska has 10 athletes that currently rank inside the top 20 of the NCAA in their respective events:Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 4 NCAAEniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 6 NCAAAmelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 7 NCAAEmmanuela Casadei, Javelin, 173-6 (52.88m), No. 12 NCAALishanna Ilves, Long Jump, 20-11 ¼ (6.38m), t-No.13 NCAAMirta Kulisic, Javelin, 170-6 (51.97m), No. 16 NCAAAshley McElmurry, Triple Jump, 42-4 ¼ (12.91m), No. 20 NCAAMicaylon Moore, Triple Jump, 52-1 (15.87m), No. 7 NCAADarius Luff, 110m Hurdles, 13.46, t-No. 7 NCAANiko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6 NCAAAll-Time Top-10 PerformancesThe following Huskers have either improved their marks or cracked the all-time top-10 outdoor charts at Nebraska this season:&nbsp;Niko Schultz, 800m, 1:47.40, No. 6Amelia Flynt, Shot Put, 56-1 (17.09m), No. 5Hillevi Carlsson, Hammer Throw, 203-11 (62.16m), No. 5Mine De Klerk, Discus, 181-0 (55.17m), No. 6Darby Thomas, 100m, 11.35, t-No.6Berlyn Schutz, 1500m, 4:19.94, No. 8Eniko Sara, Javelin, 177-11 (54.23m), No. 9Rhianna Phipps, Triple Jump, 43-10 (13.36m), No. 9Huskers in the PollsNebraska women’s track and field is ranked 11th in the second week of the USTFCCCA rankings after a majority of the team spent the weekend in Gainesville, Fla. at the Pepsi Florida Relays.The women were ranked 59th in last season’s week two poll, before quickly dropping to 11th during the week five rankings.Through the first weekend competing this season, the Husker women posted five marks inside the top-15 nationally, while adding seven all-time marks.Rhianna Phipps ranks fourth nationally in the triple jump, after hitting 43-10 (13.36m) at the Florida Relays. The Huskers have three javelin throwers in the top-16 of the NCAA, led by Eniko Sara at sixth with a 177-11 (54.23m). Newcomer Emmanuela Casadei is ranked 12th with a 173-6 (52.88m) and Mirta Kulisic is 16th with a 170-6 (51.97m). Amelia Flynt won the shot put at the Florida Relays with the current seventh-best mark in the country, 56-1 (17.09m). Lishanna Ilves leads the long jump corps as she’s tied for 13th in the NCAA with a distance of 20-11 ¼ (6.38m).On the men’s side, Darius Luff (110m hurdles), Micaylon Moore (triple jump) and Niko Schultz (800m) all rank inside the top 10 nationally.2024 Indoor Season RecapThe Husker men and women closed the indoor season inside the top 25, with the men tying for 12th and the women claiming 25th at the NCAA Championships. Out of 12 Husker entries, eight earned First-Team All-America honors by placing in the top eight.Till Steinforth recorded his highest-career NCAA finish in the heptathlon to finish third, a day after becoming the first Husker to become a long jump First-Team All-American in the last decade with a seventh-place finish. The last Husker to place third or higher in the heptathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships was Björn Barrefors in 2009. Tyus Wilson and Jenna Rogers each pitched in a top-eight finish in the high jump, while Micaylon Moore represented NU as a First-Team All-American in the triple jump. Rhianna Phipps placed fifth in the triple jump, Mine De Klerk took seventh in the shot put and Henry Zimmerman finished seventh in the weight throw to round out Nebraska’s First-Team All-Americans.With Nebraska sending 11 athletes and 12 entries to the NCAA Championships, that marked the most athletes to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships since 2010 and the most entries since 2011.At the Big Ten Championships, the Husker men finished second as a team, only four points behind Wisconsin. The women finished in eighth. Wilson (high jump), Moore (triple jump), Steinforth (long jump) and De Klerk (shot put) brought in Big Ten titles.&nbsp;Zimmerman broke the weight throw school record on four occasions, while Berlyn Schutz broke the school record in the mile as a freshman. Altogether, 26 performances either broke into the all-time list for the first time or moved up the list during the indoor season.2023 Outdoor Season RecapNebraska’s last outdoor season was marked by the men claiming the Big Ten title and the women finishing third. Both finishes were the best placements since the 2016 season. The team combined for 12 event titles throughout the meet. The women, powered by Axelina Johansson (shot put) and Rhema Otabor (javelin) bringing in NCAA titles, took eighth place at the NCAA Championships. That was the best finish since the 2006 season, when the Huskers tied for fourth. The men tied for 17th, their best team finish in seven years. The men and women combined for eight First-Team All-America honors, seven school records and 32 new top-10 marks throughout the outdoor season.

Huskers take on Jim Click Shootout

Four members of Nebraska's swimming and diving program were selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.

Gena Jorgenson, JoJo Randby, Lexi Kucera and Emily Haimes were announced to the list on Tuesday. The 2024 Academic All-District Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom.

Jorgenson has school records in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 800m freestyle and 1500 freestyle. The sophomore from Aberdeen, S.D. is coming off her second NCAA Championship appearance, where she became the first Husker swimmer to be named a First-Team All-American since 2006. Jorgenson was named a First-Team CSCAA Scholar All-American last season as a freshman.

Randby owns the 100 breaststroke school record, has the 10th-best 200 breaststroke time in school history and is a member of four relays on the all-time list. A junior from Omaha, Neb., she has 18 individual top-five finishes this season. Academically, Randby was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team, a two-time second-team CSCAA Scholar All-American and a 2023 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

Kucera is listed on Nebraska's all-time page nine times, including being No. 10 in the 50 freestyle, No. 7 in the 100 freestyle, No. 8 in the 100 butterfly, No. 5 in the 200 medley relay, No. 2 and 5 in the 400 medley relay, No. 4 in the 400 freestyle relay and No. 3 and 5 in the 800 freestyle relay. From Hutchinson, Minn., Kucera was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team, named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Haimes has contributed to four Husker relays on the all-time list, including the second-fastest 200 medley relay in school history. The senior from Enfield, London, England was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team and a Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. She adds a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honor and Academic All-Big Ten honor.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFour members of Nebraska's swimming and diving program were selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.Gena Jorgenson, JoJo Randby, Lexi Kucera and Emily Haimes were announced to the list on Tuesday. The 2024 Academic All-District Women’s Swimming and Diving Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in the pool and in the classroom.Jorgenson has school records in the 400 IM, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 800m freestyle and 1500 freestyle. The sophomore from Aberdeen, S.D. is coming off her second NCAA Championship appearance, where she became the first Husker swimmer to be named a First-Team All-American since 2006. Jorgenson was named a First-Team CSCAA Scholar All-American last season as a freshman.Randby owns the 100 breaststroke school record, has the 10th-best 200 breaststroke time in school history and is a member of four relays on the all-time list. A junior from Omaha, Neb., she has 18 individual top-five finishes this season. Academically, Randby was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team, a two-time second-team CSCAA Scholar All-American and a 2023 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.Kucera is listed on Nebraska's all-time page nine times, including being No. 10 in the 50 freestyle, No. 7 in the 100 freestyle, No. 8 in the 100 butterfly, No. 5 in the 200 medley relay, No. 2 and 5 in the 400 medley relay, No. 4 in the 400 freestyle relay and No. 3 and 5 in the 800 freestyle relay. From Hutchinson, Minn., Kucera was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team, named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and an Academic All-Big Ten selection.Haimes has contributed to four Husker relays on the all-time list, including the second-fastest 200 medley relay in school history. The senior from Enfield, London, England was named to the 2023 CSC Academic All-District team and a Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar. She adds a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honor and Academic All-Big Ten honor.

Four Huskers Swimmers selected to Academic All-District Team

Nebraska senior guard Keisei Tominaga will continue a busy week on Friday, as he was selected to play in the Reese's NABC All-Star Game.

The game takes place this Friday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. (central) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., as part of Final Four Friday. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.

The game is a showcase for college seniors, and Tominaga is the eighth Husker player or coach to participate in the NABC All-Star game. He is the second Husker in as many years to earn the honor, as Derrick Walker played in the 2023 event.

Tominaga will also compete in the Hanes Men’s 3-Point Championship on Thursday evening, as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk &amp; 3-Point Championships.

Tominaga enjoyed his best season in 2023-24, averaging 15.1 points per game while posting career highs in nearly every offensive category en route to second-team All-Big Ten honors. His 76 3-pointers ranks eighth on NU’s single-season chart while he was sixth in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska senior guard Keisei Tominaga will continue a busy week on Friday, as he was selected to play in the Reese's NABC All-Star Game.The game takes place this Friday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. (central) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., as part of Final Four Friday. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.The game is a showcase for college seniors, and Tominaga is the eighth Husker player or coach to participate in the NABC All-Star game. He is the second Husker in as many years to earn the honor, as Derrick Walker played in the 2023 event.Tominaga will also compete in the Hanes Men’s 3-Point Championship on Thursday evening, as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk &amp; 3-Point Championships.Tominaga enjoyed his best season in 2023-24, averaging 15.1 points per game while posting career highs in nearly every offensive category en route to second-team All-Big Ten honors. His 76 3-pointers ranks eighth on NU’s single-season chart while he was sixth in the Big Ten in 3-pointers per game.Tominaga comes off his eighth 20-point game of the year by scoring 21 points, including five 3-pointers in the Huskers’ NCAA Tournament game against Texas A&amp;M. He had a career-high 31 points at Illinois, one of three career 30-point efforts as a Husker. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree, he totaled 1,074 points in three seasons at Nebraska and finished seventh on NU’s career 3-point list with 178.His efforts helped Nebraska to a 23-11 record, a third-place Big Ten finish and the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014.Tominaga, who will play for the West team, is one of three Big Ten players participating, joining Ohio State’s Jamison Battle and Maryland’s Jahmir Young.Oakland’s Greg Kampe and San Diego’s Steve Lavin will serve as coaches in the All-Star Game.Reese’s Division I East All-StarsJamison Battle, Ohio StateIsaiah Cozart, Eastern KentuckyJack Gohlke, OaklandJordan King, RichmondJosh Oduro, ProvidenceQuincy Olivari, XavierDrew Pember, UNC AshevilleQuinten Post, Boston CollegeTyler Thomas, HofstraJahmir Young, MarylandHead Coach: Greg Kampe, OaklandReese’s Division I West All-StarsBranden Carlson, UtahIsaiah Crawford, Louisiana TechSean East II, MissouriJesse Edwards, West VirginiaEnrique Freeman, AkronJalen House, New MexicoIsaac Jones, Washington StateGabe McGlothan, Grand CanyonElijah Pepper, UC DavisTylor Perry, Kansas StateKeisei Tominaga, Nebraska