Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte – The North Platte Community College volleyball, women’s basketball, softball and golf programs will join the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I ranks beginning July 1.

"Over the past several months we&nbsp;have evaluated what would be best for all our athletic teams moving forward,” said athletic director Kevin O’Connor. “The transition to Division I will enhance our ability to schedule opponents and allow the programs to offer more scholarship aid than what is allowed at the Division II level."

The move comes after the departure of Central Community College, who will be staying in the Division II ranks but joining Region XI.

The transition will allow athletic programs the ability to offer a limited number of full scholarships (tuition, books, fees, room &amp; board) for students interested in continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

All Knights athletic programs will compete alongside Casper, Central Wyoming, Eastern Wyoming, Gillette, Lamar, Laramie County, Luna, McCook, Northeastern, Northwest, Otero,&nbsp;Southeast, Trinidad, Western Nebraska and Western Wyoming in Region IX play.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte – The North Platte Community College volleyball, women’s basketball, softball and golf programs will join the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I ranks beginning July 1."Over the past several months we&nbsp;have evaluated what would be best for all our athletic teams moving forward,” said athletic director Kevin O’Connor. “The transition to Division I will enhance our ability to schedule opponents and allow the programs to offer more scholarship aid than what is allowed at the Division II level."The move comes after the departure of Central Community College, who will be staying in the Division II ranks but joining Region XI.The transition will allow athletic programs the ability to offer a limited number of full scholarships (tuition, books, fees, room &amp; board) for students interested in continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level.All Knights athletic programs will compete alongside Casper, Central Wyoming, Eastern Wyoming, Gillette, Lamar, Laramie County, Luna, McCook, Northeastern, Northwest, Otero,&nbsp;Southeast, Trinidad, Western Nebraska and Western Wyoming in Region IX play.

NPCC athletic programs to move to NJCAA Division I

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Third-ranked Nebraska Kearney has placed seven players on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themiaa.com/news/2024/11/20/womens-volleyball-2024-all-miaa-volleyball-teams-and-postseason-awards.aspx">2024 All-MIAA volleyball team</a>&nbsp;and won five special awards.

The league's 14 head coaches choose award winners, and they cannot vote for their own players. &nbsp;First, graduate&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) is the Co-Defensive Player of the Year and the Libero of the Year. Next, graduate&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) is the unanimous choice for Setter of the Year with sophomore middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) the Hitter of the Year. Finally,&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;is named MIAA Coach of the Year for the fourth time.&nbsp;

Wiese and Neff were two of the six unanimous first-team selections with Berg and senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) also on the top squad. Junior outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(Hays, Kan.) made the second team with graduate right side&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) and junior middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.) named honorable mention.

Taubenheim joins libero Ellie McDonnell and middles Anna Squiers and Tara Ziegelbein as the only Lopers to be a 4-time All-MIAA pick. Neff could join that group next fall with Regier and Berg now two-time honorees.

A two-time All-American at Hilldale (Mich.) College, Wiese has shined brightly in her lone year in Kearney. A four-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Week winner, she is averaging 5.67 digs per set while also having 78 assists and 31 service aces. One of three Lopers that has appeared in all 97 sets, Wiese has a team-best high 644 serve receive attempts (.970 pct.) and is closing in on 3,000 career digs.

​Next, Neff runs an offense that is averaging 14.8 kills per set and hitting .260. UNK is among the Division II leaders in several offensive categories with five players having registered at least 150 kills. Neff enters the MIAA Tournament averaging 12.5 assists, 2.7 digs, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 kills per set with 15 service aces. She also is closing in on 4,000 career assists and 1,000 career digs.

In the middle, Berg leads the Lopers in points (346.0) and points per set (3.89) while ranking second in kills (282), kills per set (3.17) and attack percentage (.326). She has had 16 matches with a double digit kill total and leads UNK in blocks (1.12 per set) as well.

Squiers is now 786-109 (.878 win pct.) in his Loper tenure which began in 1999. In addition to his four MIAA COY awards, he was an 8-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) COY.&nbsp;He previously won the MIAA award in 2019, 2016 and 2012.

Among the other all-league selections, Regier is UNK's leading attacker with 292 kills and a 3.28 set average. Hitting .254, she's had 17 matches with a double digit kill total including the last seven and provides 0.7 digs and 0.4 blocks pet set as well. Next, Rose leads the Lopers in attack percentage (.332) while supplying 2.1 kills and 0.6 blocks per set with Lane third on the team in kills per set (2.8) as she's had a double digit kill total 12 times. Finally, Taubenheim is one of UNK's top passers, posting a .984 serve receive percentage. She also is at 2.7 digs, 1.3 kills and 0.5 blocks per set with 18 service aces and 19 assists.

The Lopers (28-1) face Fort Hays State Thursday at 5 p.m. in the first round of the MIAA Tourney in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732122641313.jpeg" alt="Peyton Neff (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Peyton Neff (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Third-ranked Nebraska Kearney has placed seven players on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themiaa.com/news/2024/11/20/womens-volleyball-2024-all-miaa-volleyball-teams-and-postseason-awards.aspx">2024 All-MIAA volleyball team</a>&nbsp;and won five special awards.The league's 14 head coaches choose award winners, and they cannot vote for their own players. &nbsp;First, graduate&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) is the Co-Defensive Player of the Year and the Libero of the Year. Next, graduate&nbsp;Peyton Neff&nbsp;(North Platte) is the unanimous choice for Setter of the Year with sophomore middle&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) the Hitter of the Year. Finally,&nbsp;Rick Squiers&nbsp;is named MIAA Coach of the Year for the fourth time.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732122685802.jpeg" alt="Rick Squiers (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Rick Squiers (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Wiese and Neff were two of the six unanimous first-team selections with Berg and senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) also on the top squad. Junior outside&nbsp;Emilee Lane&nbsp;(Hays, Kan.) made the second team with graduate right side&nbsp;Lauren Taubenheim&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) and junior middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.) named honorable mention.Taubenheim joins libero Ellie McDonnell and middles Anna Squiers and Tara Ziegelbein as the only Lopers to be a 4-time All-MIAA pick. Neff could join that group next fall with Regier and Berg now two-time honorees.A two-time All-American at Hilldale (Mich.) College, Wiese has shined brightly in her lone year in Kearney. A four-time MIAA Defensive Player of the Week winner, she is averaging 5.67 digs per set while also having 78 assists and 31 service aces. One of three Lopers that has appeared in all 97 sets, Wiese has a team-best high 644 serve receive attempts (.970 pct.) and is closing in on 3,000 career digs.​Next, Neff runs an offense that is averaging 14.8 kills per set and hitting .260. UNK is among the Division II leaders in several offensive categories with five players having registered at least 150 kills. Neff enters the MIAA Tournament averaging 12.5 assists, 2.7 digs, 0.6 blocks, and 0.6 kills per set with 15 service aces. She also is closing in on 4,000 career assists and 1,000 career digs.In the middle, Berg leads the Lopers in points (346.0) and points per set (3.89) while ranking second in kills (282), kills per set (3.17) and attack percentage (.326). She has had 16 matches with a double digit kill total and leads UNK in blocks (1.12 per set) as well.Squiers is now 786-109 (.878 win pct.) in his Loper tenure which began in 1999. In addition to his four MIAA COY awards, he was an 8-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) COY.&nbsp;He previously won the MIAA award in 2019, 2016 and 2012.Among the other all-league selections, Regier is UNK's leading attacker with 292 kills and a 3.28 set average. Hitting .254, she's had 17 matches with a double digit kill total including the last seven and provides 0.7 digs and 0.4 blocks pet set as well. Next, Rose leads the Lopers in attack percentage (.332) while supplying 2.1 kills and 0.6 blocks per set with Lane third on the team in kills per set (2.8) as she's had a double digit kill total 12 times. Finally, Taubenheim is one of UNK's top passers, posting a .984 serve receive percentage. She also is at 2.7 digs, 1.3 kills and 0.5 blocks per set with 18 service aces and 19 assists.The Lopers (28-1) face Fort Hays State Thursday at 5 p.m. in the first round of the MIAA Tourney in St. Joseph.&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte native Peyton Neff tabbed as the 2024 MIAA Setter of the Year for Volleyball

NORTH PLATTE, NE. - The Matt Rambo Lacrosse Experience will be held in North Platte November 23-24 and will feature coaches and instruction from around the country as well as the USA National Team and current Professional Lacrosse League star Matt Rambo. 

The weekend will also include tryouts for the nationally recognized Crabs Lacrosse Club. This weekend kicks off a new initiative in North Platte to make the area a central location when it comes to the sport.&nbsp;

“We are excited to embark on this new initiative in making North Platte a premier destination for the sport of the lacrosse, our central location is key for making this partnership work.” said Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte. “Sports tourism is important to our economy and making lacrosse a central theme will only elevate our commitment to our event partners. We are excited to welcome Matt, Tom and the entire lacrosse community to our city.”&nbsp;

The event will be held at Centennial Park on both Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, 24th. Players of all ages will receive instruction from some of the best minds in the sport of lacrosse, along with playing games to further increase the competition. PLL superstar Matt Rambo will also share his insights on the sport and

share with players ideas and advice on playing in college and even professionally. Players and teams can learn more about the weekend and sign up at floridapreplax.com.&nbsp;

“The City of North Platte and Visit North Platte have welcomed us with open arms and we are thrilled to begin this sports tourism initiative,” said Tom West, Florida Crabs Director and event organizer. “With the help of Aland and Airstream Ventures, Matt and I couldn’t be more excited to build this event but to also share in the coming weeks how North Platte is going to become central to the sport of lacrosse in the region. Simply put, there is some huge stuff on the horizon with the partnership between North Platte and the sport, professionally, collegiately and youth.”&nbsp;

The sport of lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and Visit North Platte has seized a big opportunity. In the coming weeks, Rambo and West have said a few announcements are upcoming that will continue to further the area as a hub for the sport. Details will be upcoming, but in the words of West “the governing bodies of the sport have marked North Platte as a strategic destination for the sport.”&nbsp;

Visit North PlatteNORTH PLATTE, NE. - The Matt Rambo Lacrosse Experience will be held in North Platte November 23-24 and will feature coaches and instruction from around the country as well as the USA National Team and current Professional Lacrosse League star Matt Rambo. The weekend will also include tryouts for the nationally recognized Crabs Lacrosse Club. This weekend kicks off a new initiative in North Platte to make the area a central location when it comes to the sport.&nbsp;“We are excited to embark on this new initiative in making North Platte a premier destination for the sport of the lacrosse, our central location is key for making this partnership work.” said Lisa Burke, Executive Director of Visit North Platte. “Sports tourism is important to our economy and making lacrosse a central theme will only elevate our commitment to our event partners. We are excited to welcome Matt, Tom and the entire lacrosse community to our city.”&nbsp;The event will be held at Centennial Park on both Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, 24th. Players of all ages will receive instruction from some of the best minds in the sport of lacrosse, along with playing games to further increase the competition. PLL superstar Matt Rambo will also share his insights on the sport andshare with players ideas and advice on playing in college and even professionally. Players and teams can learn more about the weekend and sign up at floridapreplax.com.&nbsp;“The City of North Platte and Visit North Platte have welcomed us with open arms and we are thrilled to begin this sports tourism initiative,” said Tom West, Florida Crabs Director and event organizer. “With the help of Aland and Airstream Ventures, Matt and I couldn’t be more excited to build this event but to also share in the coming weeks how North Platte is going to become central to the sport of lacrosse in the region. Simply put, there is some huge stuff on the horizon with the partnership between North Platte and the sport, professionally, collegiately and youth.”&nbsp;The sport of lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and Visit North Platte has seized a big opportunity. In the coming weeks, Rambo and West have said a few announcements are upcoming that will continue to further the area as a hub for the sport. Details will be upcoming, but in the words of West “the governing bodies of the sport have marked North Platte as a strategic destination for the sport.”&nbsp;

North Platte to Host Lacrosse Experience Featuring USA and PLL Superstar Matt Rambo 

North Platte, Neb. – Three members of the North Platte Community College volleyball team earned postseason recognition to conclude the 2024 season.

Sophomores Jaelyn Dicke, Aubrey Grant and EmiLee Walnofer etched their name on the Region IX postseason award list.

Dicke, an outside hitter from Waverly, appeared in 38 matches totaling 439 digs, 427 kills, 50 aces, 43 assists, 36 assisted blocks and eight solo blocks. At the conclusion of the 2024 campaign, Dicke led the league in kills per set and total kills, while finishing fifth in digs per set. During her two-year stint with the black and gold, Dicke posted 754 kills to move into tenth place all-time in career kills.

Aubrey Grant, a setter from Richfield, Utah, recorded 938 assists, 271 digs, 64 aces and 59 kills in her final season for the Knights. The sophomore finished the year second in the league in assists per set. She rounds out her two-year stint with 111 aces to move into tenth place all-time on the Knights career list.

EmiLee Walnofer, a defensive specialist from Atkinson, appeared in 38 matches compiling 505 digs, 86 assists, 44 aces and six kills. She finished second in total digs and third in digs per set in the region. Walnofer finishes her career with 971 digs and 70 aces in two seasons in North Platte.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – Three members of the North Platte Community College volleyball team earned postseason recognition to conclude the 2024 season.Sophomores Jaelyn Dicke, Aubrey Grant and EmiLee Walnofer etched their name on the Region IX postseason award list.Dicke, an outside hitter from Waverly, appeared in 38 matches totaling 439 digs, 427 kills, 50 aces, 43 assists, 36 assisted blocks and eight solo blocks. At the conclusion of the 2024 campaign, Dicke led the league in kills per set and total kills, while finishing fifth in digs per set. During her two-year stint with the black and gold, Dicke posted 754 kills to move into tenth place all-time in career kills.Aubrey Grant, a setter from Richfield, Utah, recorded 938 assists, 271 digs, 64 aces and 59 kills in her final season for the Knights. The sophomore finished the year second in the league in assists per set. She rounds out her two-year stint with 111 aces to move into tenth place all-time on the Knights career list.EmiLee Walnofer, a defensive specialist from Atkinson, appeared in 38 matches compiling 505 digs, 86 assists, 44 aces and six kills. She finished second in total digs and third in digs per set in the region. Walnofer finishes her career with 971 digs and 70 aces in two seasons in North Platte.

Knights land three on Region IX postseason award list

A breakdown of the CSU-Pueblo game and a deep-dive into what's ahead for CSC football in the short and longer-term future.  Coach Long addresses a myriad of topics heading into the off-season: fixing the offense, roster building, figuring out how to close games, how CSC football compares financially in the RMAC and what his expectation is for success.&nbsp; Show hosted by Dave Collins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A breakdown of the CSU-Pueblo game and a deep-dive into what's ahead for CSC football in the short and longer-term future. Coach Long addresses a myriad of topics heading into the off-season: fixing the offense, roster building, figuring out how to close games, how CSC football compares financially in the RMAC and what his expectation is for success.&nbsp; Show hosted by Dave Collins.<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - November 19, 2024" 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=pvy3t-1744d7d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🔊 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - November 19, 2024

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney has placed eight players on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themiaa.com/news/2024/11/19/2024-all-miaa-football-teams-and-postseason-awards.aspx">2024 All-MIAA football team</a>&nbsp;led by unanimous first-team pick&nbsp;Quillan&nbsp;(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;Felton.The league's 10 head coaches vote on the makeup of the squad and cannot vote for their own players.&nbsp;

Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) repeats as an All-MIAA pick and made the first team along the defensive line The d-end was one three unanimous 10 selections (three on defense and seven on offense). He led the MIAA in tackles for loss (17.5) and was tied for first in sacks (7.0) while also having six QB hurries, three pass breakups, 66 total tackles, a blocked kick and forced fumble. He ranked second on UNK in tackles despite playing most of the year with a protective wrap on his hand.

Making the second-team was senior safety&nbsp;Jamere Jones&nbsp;(Maryland) with running back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Millard South),&nbsp;offensive lineman&nbsp;Wyatt Marr&nbsp;(Lincoln Lutheran) and linebacker&nbsp;David Lilly&nbsp;(Wahoo Bishop Neumann) on the third-team. Finally, those named honorable mention were offensive lineman&nbsp;Carter Klein&nbsp;(Pleasanton), d-lineman&nbsp;Stephen Matina&nbsp;(Lansing, Kan.) and outside backer&nbsp;Anthony Hebert&nbsp;(Corona, Calif.). This is the first All-MIAA honor for all seven.

Jones led UNK in tackles (72) and PBU's (nine) while also having two interceptions and a forced fumble. He and Felton were part of one of the MIAA's top defenses as the Lopers allowed just 21.5 points and 363 yards per game while forcing 23 turnovers and registering 22 sacks. Finally, UNK held four teams under 15 points.In his first year in Kearney, Harris was one of the MIAA's top backs, running 825 yards and seven touchdowns. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 75.0 yards per game, Harris had five 100-yard games, caught 19 balls for 195 yards and had a team-best 1,020 all-purpose yards. Marr and Klein helped pave the way for Harris and were part of a line that had to do some shuffling throughout the fall due to injuries. Marr settled in a left guard with Klein at center and each played in all 11 games.&nbsp;

Back on defense, Lilly (62) and Hebert (48) were right behind Jones and Felton in tackles. Lilly had seven PBU's, a league-best three fumble recoveries, two picks, two blocked kicks and five tackles for loss in his final go-around as a Loper&nbsp;with Hebert averaging six tackles per game. His 8.5 TFL's ranked second behind Felton and he also managed four PBU's and one interception. Finally, Matina was the run stuffer in the middle of the line. Starting all 11 games, he was one big reason why the Lopers allowed just 92.6 rushing yards per game. The 6-5, 385-pounder totaled 17 tackles with a PBU.

UNK begins off-season conditioning soon with signing date set for Feb. 5. Spring practice begins in late March with the 2025 schedule yet to be announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732044753403.jpeg" alt="Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Quillan Felton (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney has placed eight players on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themiaa.com/news/2024/11/19/2024-all-miaa-football-teams-and-postseason-awards.aspx">2024 All-MIAA football team</a>&nbsp;led by unanimous first-team pick&nbsp;Quillan&nbsp;(pronounced key-lin)&nbsp;Felton.The league's 10 head coaches vote on the makeup of the squad and cannot vote for their own players.&nbsp;Felton (Lithonia, Ga.) repeats as an All-MIAA pick and made the first team along the defensive line The d-end was one three unanimous 10 selections (three on defense and seven on offense). He led the MIAA in tackles for loss (17.5) and was tied for first in sacks (7.0) while also having six QB hurries, three pass breakups, 66 total tackles, a blocked kick and forced fumble. He ranked second on UNK in tackles despite playing most of the year with a protective wrap on his hand.Making the second-team was senior safety&nbsp;Jamere Jones&nbsp;(Maryland) with running back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Millard South),&nbsp;offensive lineman&nbsp;Wyatt Marr&nbsp;(Lincoln Lutheran) and linebacker&nbsp;David Lilly&nbsp;(Wahoo Bishop Neumann) on the third-team. Finally, those named honorable mention were offensive lineman&nbsp;Carter Klein&nbsp;(Pleasanton), d-lineman&nbsp;Stephen Matina&nbsp;(Lansing, Kan.) and outside backer&nbsp;Anthony Hebert&nbsp;(Corona, Calif.). This is the first All-MIAA honor for all seven.Jones led UNK in tackles (72) and PBU's (nine) while also having two interceptions and a forced fumble. He and Felton were part of one of the MIAA's top defenses as the Lopers allowed just 21.5 points and 363 yards per game while forcing 23 turnovers and registering 22 sacks. Finally, UNK held four teams under 15 points.In his first year in Kearney, Harris was one of the MIAA's top backs, running 825 yards and seven touchdowns. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 75.0 yards per game, Harris had five 100-yard games, caught 19 balls for 195 yards and had a team-best 1,020 all-purpose yards. Marr and Klein helped pave the way for Harris and were part of a line that had to do some shuffling throughout the fall due to injuries. Marr settled in a left guard with Klein at center and each played in all 11 games.&nbsp;Back on defense, Lilly (62) and Hebert (48) were right behind Jones and Felton in tackles. Lilly had seven PBU's, a league-best three fumble recoveries, two picks, two blocked kicks and five tackles for loss in his final go-around as a Loper&nbsp;with Hebert averaging six tackles per game. His 8.5 TFL's ranked second behind Felton and he also managed four PBU's and one interception. Finally, Matina was the run stuffer in the middle of the line. Starting all 11 games, he was one big reason why the Lopers allowed just 92.6 rushing yards per game. The 6-5, 385-pounder totaled 17 tackles with a PBU.UNK begins off-season conditioning soon with signing date set for Feb. 5. Spring practice begins in late March with the 2025 schedule yet to be announced.

UNK Football: Felton Leads Eight All-MIAA Selections

Ogallala, Ne - The C1-7 All District Football teams were announced on Tuesday.

C1-7 District Football Player of The Year – Quinn Bailey-Sr
(Chadron)

C1-7 District Football Offensive Player of The Year – Landon
Riddel-Sr (Sidney)

C1-7 District Football Defensive Player of The Year – Keian Kaiser-Jr
(Sidney)

C1-7 District Football Newcomer of The Year – Caysen Robertson-Fr
(Alliance)

Ogallala – Sawyer Smith-Jr, Zach Plasch-Sr, Edan
Cain-Jr, Blake Robb-Jr (Honorable Mention – Kolby Nowak-So, Leon Sybrant-Jr,
Tai Le-So, Jacob Fanning-Jr)

Alliance – Trini Trejo-So, Luke Weems-Sr (Honorable
Mention - Caysen Robertson-Fr, Espen Lanik-Jr)

Chase County – Zach Tarin-Sr, Tristan Jablonski-Sr,
Tuck Hubbard-Sr (Honorable Mention – Luis Co-Sr, Tucker Mollendor-Jr, Carson
Terryberry-Sr)

Sidney – Landon Riddle-Sr, Keian Kaiser-Jr, Patrick
McCartney-Sr, Alek Doty-Jr, Reid Fiscus-Sr, Owen Gillham-Sr (Honorable
Mention – Shane Lilley-Sr, Austin Christensen-Sr, Ben Monheiser-Jr)

Chadron – Quinn Bailey-Sr, Caden Buskirk-Sr, Lanye
Davidson-Jr, Bryson Bickel-Sr, Bricen Wright-So (Honorable Mention – Braden
Wright-So, Owen Wess-Sr, Talon Jelinik-Sr)

Ogallala, Ne - The C1-7 All District Football teams were announced on Tuesday.C1-7 District Football Player of The Year – Quinn Bailey-Sr
(Chadron)C1-7 District Football Offensive Player of The Year – Landon
Riddel-Sr (Sidney)C1-7 District Football Defensive Player of The Year – Keian Kaiser-Jr
(Sidney)C1-7 District Football Newcomer of The Year – Caysen Robertson-Fr
(Alliance)Ogallala – Sawyer Smith-Jr, Zach Plasch-Sr, Edan
Cain-Jr, Blake Robb-Jr (Honorable Mention – Kolby Nowak-So, Leon Sybrant-Jr,
Tai Le-So, Jacob Fanning-Jr)Alliance – Trini Trejo-So, Luke Weems-Sr (Honorable
Mention - Caysen Robertson-Fr, Espen Lanik-Jr)Chase County – Zach Tarin-Sr, Tristan Jablonski-Sr,
Tuck Hubbard-Sr (Honorable Mention – Luis Co-Sr, Tucker Mollendor-Jr, Carson
Terryberry-Sr)Sidney – Landon Riddle-Sr, Keian Kaiser-Jr, Patrick
McCartney-Sr, Alek Doty-Jr, Reid Fiscus-Sr, Owen Gillham-Sr (Honorable
Mention – Shane Lilley-Sr, Austin Christensen-Sr, Ben Monheiser-Jr)Chadron – Quinn Bailey-Sr, Caden Buskirk-Sr, Lanye
Davidson-Jr, Bryson Bickel-Sr, Bricen Wright-So (Honorable Mention – Braden
Wright-So, Owen Wess-Sr, Talon Jelinik-Sr)

C1-7 All District Football Teams Announced (2024)

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the teams first three game losing streak of the season and, get you prepared for another home game on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">POST PODCASTS SPONSORED BY NORTH PLATTE KUBOTA</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">POST PODCASTS SPONSORED BY NORTH PLATTE KUBOTA</a></figcaption>
 </figure>On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, we sat down with the Head Coach of North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team Jacob Brandl to discuss the teams first three game losing streak of the season and, get you prepared for another home game on Friday.<div><iframe title="Knight's Weekly #2 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl" 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=9n7hg-17429b5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

(Audio) Knight's Weekly #2 featuring North Platte Community College Men's Basketball Coach Jacob Brandl

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte cut the deficit to one early in the second half, but Cloud County Community College never relinquished the lead to earn the 73-63 win inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Saturday.

Alex Harper paced the Knights with 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting from the field, while Trey Summers chipped in 14 points off the bench.

Daniel Nwauzu connected from downtown to help the Knights take a 4-2 lead inside the opening minute of the first half. Cloud County countered with a 12-2 run to stretch their lead into double digits with 14:01 to play.

North Platte slowly cut into the deficit using a 10-2 rally to narrow the margin to four. The Thunderbirds went back to work using a 12-4 run to help take a 30-18 lead into the halftime break.

Knights made the most of their offensive possessions to open the second half on a 12-4 run. A layup halted the rally, but North Platte continued to challenge the Thunderbirds. A 7-4 spurt over the next 2:37 cut the margin to one on a jumper by Harper.

Cloud County countered with a 14-0 run over the next four minutes to reclaim a double-digit lead. Over the final nine minutes the Knights cut the deficit to seven twice, but the Thunderbirds held on to the momentum and closed the game out at the free throw line.

North Platte (2-5) returns to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Nov. 22. Tip is set for 7 p.m. against the Comets of Western Iowa Tech Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731852940574.jpeg" alt="Mo Diao dunks the ball in the second half against Cloud County Community College on Saturday. (Daniel Stinman, North Platte Community College)" />
 <figcaption>Mo Diao dunks the ball in the second half against Cloud County Community College on Saturday. (Daniel Stinman, North Platte Community College)</figcaption>
 </figure>NPCC AthleticsNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte cut the deficit to one early in the second half, but Cloud County Community College never relinquished the lead to earn the 73-63 win inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Saturday.Alex Harper paced the Knights with 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting from the field, while Trey Summers chipped in 14 points off the bench.Daniel Nwauzu connected from downtown to help the Knights take a 4-2 lead inside the opening minute of the first half. Cloud County countered with a 12-2 run to stretch their lead into double digits with 14:01 to play.North Platte slowly cut into the deficit using a 10-2 rally to narrow the margin to four. The Thunderbirds went back to work using a 12-4 run to help take a 30-18 lead into the halftime break.Knights made the most of their offensive possessions to open the second half on a 12-4 run. A layup halted the rally, but North Platte continued to challenge the Thunderbirds. A 7-4 spurt over the next 2:37 cut the margin to one on a jumper by Harper.Cloud County countered with a 14-0 run over the next four minutes to reclaim a double-digit lead. Over the final nine minutes the Knights cut the deficit to seven twice, but the Thunderbirds held on to the momentum and closed the game out at the free throw line.North Platte (2-5) returns to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Nov. 22. Tip is set for 7 p.m. against the Comets of Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Knights fall to Cloud County at home

North Platte, Neb. –&nbsp;Madison Cheleen&nbsp;led the Knights with 11 points, but a fourth quarter rally helped lift the Hawks of Northeast Community College to a 51-44 win on Saturday.

Cheleen scored six of her 11 points in the first half, while&nbsp;Zaily Mazarin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nariah Golden&nbsp;each finished the game with eight points apiece. North Platte forced 23 turnovers but managed only nine points in transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trailing 35-32, Northeast outscored the Knights 19-9 in the final ten minutes to earn the come from behind win. The Hawks opened the quarter with an 8-0 run, before the Knights rallied back to knot the game up at 40-40 with 6:16 remaining.

Northeast used an 11-2 run over the next 2:35 to take their largest lead of the game, 51-42. North Platte went cold from the field until Mazarin connected on a baseline jumper inside the final minute. Northeast managed to maintain possession in the closing seconds to earn the win.

Knights finished the game shooting 22.4 percent (15-67) from the field, while connecting on 7-of-30 from long range. Northeast shot 40.8 percent from the field, while generating 22 bench points in the win.

The Knights jumped out to an 8-0 lead on back-to-back three pointers from Cheleen. Mia Wiederin broke up the run with an inbound jumper from the baseline, but the Knights lead stretched to 13-2 with 4:08 remaining in the first quarter. Hawks closed the period on an 8-2 run to cut the margin to five at the quarter break.

Hawks stretched their run into the early minutes of the second quarter to knot the game up at 17 on a three from Aaliyah Jones. The black and gold traded baskets with the Hawks over the final six minutes as teams remained deadlocked at the halftime break.

Knights (3-3) return to the road for the Iowa Central Community College Classic beginning on Friday. North Platte will open with the Tritons of Iowa Central at 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731852858260.jpeg" alt="Kateria Gooden attempts the jumper in the third quarter against Northeast Community College on Saturday. (Daniel Stinman, North Platte Community College)" />
 <figcaption>Kateria Gooden attempts the jumper in the third quarter against Northeast Community College on Saturday. (Daniel Stinman, North Platte Community College)</figcaption>
 </figure>NPCC AthleticsNorth Platte, Neb. –&nbsp;Madison Cheleen&nbsp;led the Knights with 11 points, but a fourth quarter rally helped lift the Hawks of Northeast Community College to a 51-44 win on Saturday.Cheleen scored six of her 11 points in the first half, while&nbsp;Zaily Mazarin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nariah Golden&nbsp;each finished the game with eight points apiece. North Platte forced 23 turnovers but managed only nine points in transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trailing 35-32, Northeast outscored the Knights 19-9 in the final ten minutes to earn the come from behind win. The Hawks opened the quarter with an 8-0 run, before the Knights rallied back to knot the game up at 40-40 with 6:16 remaining.Northeast used an 11-2 run over the next 2:35 to take their largest lead of the game, 51-42. North Platte went cold from the field until Mazarin connected on a baseline jumper inside the final minute. Northeast managed to maintain possession in the closing seconds to earn the win.Knights finished the game shooting 22.4 percent (15-67) from the field, while connecting on 7-of-30 from long range. Northeast shot 40.8 percent from the field, while generating 22 bench points in the win.The Knights jumped out to an 8-0 lead on back-to-back three pointers from Cheleen. Mia Wiederin broke up the run with an inbound jumper from the baseline, but the Knights lead stretched to 13-2 with 4:08 remaining in the first quarter. Hawks closed the period on an 8-2 run to cut the margin to five at the quarter break.Hawks stretched their run into the early minutes of the second quarter to knot the game up at 17 on a three from Aaliyah Jones. The black and gold traded baskets with the Hawks over the final six minutes as teams remained deadlocked at the halftime break.Knights (3-3) return to the road for the Iowa Central Community College Classic beginning on Friday. North Platte will open with the Tritons of Iowa Central at 5 p.m.

 Fourth quarter surge lifts Hawks past Knights

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– The 23rd/27th-ranked Fort Hays State Tigers scored 24 first half points and broke up a 26-yard Hail Mary to hold off Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/football/stats/2024/fort-hays-state/boxscore/7879">27-20</a>, Saturday afternoon at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.

This was the 70th all-time meeting between the two longtime rivals as well as the 2024 season finale for both. Hays (8-3) came in ranked eighth in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA Region rankings</a>&nbsp;but its best chance at the postseason is likely a Texas bowl game. With their third straight win, the Tigers also beat the Lopers (5-6) for the 11th time in the last 12 meetings. Finally, UNK went 3-3 in one-score games this season; they were 1-3 in such contests in 2023.&nbsp;On "Senior Day" things did not go well for UNK in the first half. The Tigers had three long touchdown drives (85, 75, and 75 yards) as well as booting a 30-yard field goal right before half. Meanwhile the Lopers first four drives resulted in three punts and a lost fumble at the Hays 25-yard line.&nbsp;

"Obviously we didn't play very well in the first half in any phase. We were teetering and on the brink of getting run out of the gym," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held. "At halftime, we talked about how hard we've fought all year. These guys just kept fighting … we easily could've folded but our 26 seniors did a great job. It came down to the last play so what more can you ask for."

The Lopers more than got off the mat in the second half as they outscored Hays 20-3, out gained the Tigers by 75 yards and returned a block punt 16 yards for six points. That all setup a "Hail Mary" on the&nbsp;final play. Unfortunately, a scrambling&nbsp;Reagan Jones&nbsp;(Wichita) saw his pass into the back of the end zone broken up as Lopers and Tigers were bunched together near the end line.&nbsp;

"Gosh, we're so close. That the hardest part … how close we are. Because this league is really, really good," said Held. "I think we've earned the respect of people in this league. We got picked last and didn't finish last."

The comeback started on the first drive of the second half as UNK marched 60 yards in 11 plays. Jones converted 4th &amp; 1 from the Tigers 34-yard line with a short run and then hit senior receiver&nbsp;Stephen Lewis&nbsp;(Gardendale, Ala.) from nine yards out four plays later. The deficit was then cut to 10 when senior linebacker&nbsp;David Lilly&nbsp;(Wahoo) blocked a punt by Grand Island senior Parker Janky and returned it 16 yards for another TD. It marked the Lopers sixth blocked kick of the fall.

On the Tigers very next play from scrimmage, a scrambling Caleb Heavner tossed a pass to tight end Cale Formaney near midfield. Senior safety&nbsp;Jamere Jones&nbsp;(Frederick, Md.) managed a pass breakup as they were falling to the ground with junior safety&nbsp;Chandler Brown&nbsp;(Whittier, Calif.) Johnny on the spot for his second pick of the fall. However, UNK's drive stalled when a "trick play" was blown up right away and resulted in a 12-yard intentional grounding penalty.&nbsp;

"We tried a couple of trick plays and almost hit on one of them. We were trying to be aggressive. I didn't want to leave anything on the shelf," said Held.

The Lopers next three drives didn't yield any points either as they resulted in two punts and a failed fourth down conversion. However, the defense got another three-and-out with senior backer&nbsp;Devin Guggia&nbsp;(Santa Clarita, Calif.) recording a 16-yard sack. That helped UNK set up at the Tigers 48-yard line with Jones rushing from four yards out and a 24-20 deficit with 6:31 remaining.

The Tigers then had its best drive of the second half, going 60 yards in 11 plays that featured six straight runs by MIAA rushing leader Shane Watts. Using its final two timeouts, UNK forced Carson Ardnt to make a 33-yard field goal with 59 seconds left. The Tigers also could've gone for it on 4th and 4 from the Loper 15-yard line.

On the final drive of 2024, Jones completed passes of 13, 18, seven and 21-yards to give the Lopers a chance. The completions were sandwiched around a holding call. After senior&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(Gaithersburg, Md.) got a first down, UNK "clocked it" to setup the Hail Mary. Safety Mason Perez was one of several Tigers around a bunch of Lopers to break up the pass.

"I'm just so happy these guys kept fighting. Because as a head coach, that's all you can ask for," said Held. "It didn't look good there for a minute. We gave ourselves a chance in the end."

Watts finished with 175 yards on 30 carries while also having four grabs for 43 yards and a score. Next, receivers Jayden Horace (10 recep., 113 yards) and Ryan Allen (eight recep., 108 yards) reached the Century mark as Heavner was 25 of 36 for 294 yards, two TD's and that one INT. He also rushed for 26 yards and a score.

For UNK, Jones was 16 of 29 for 178 yards and totaled 33 yards on nine carries. Junior back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Millard South) ran hard and had 63 yards on 15 totes with graduate receiver&nbsp;Shane Dailey Jr.&nbsp;(Bellevue) at 92 yards on seven grabs. Finally, junior back&nbsp;Zane Schawang&nbsp;(Waverly) had nine touches for 35 yards. Defensively, junior backer&nbsp;Anthony Hebert&nbsp;(Corona, Calif.) and Guggia had nine tackles apiece, Jones finished with eight with Lilly at seven and senior end&nbsp;Quillan Felton&nbsp;(Lithonia, Ga.) at six.

"We're not down. The resolve was great today, and we'll move forward. We have a lot of good players returning," said Held.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731852790949.jpeg" alt="Reagan Jones (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Reagan Jones (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb.&nbsp;– The 23rd/27th-ranked Fort Hays State Tigers scored 24 first half points and broke up a 26-yard Hail Mary to hold off Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/football/stats/2024/fort-hays-state/boxscore/7879">27-20</a>, Saturday afternoon at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium.This was the 70th all-time meeting between the two longtime rivals as well as the 2024 season finale for both. Hays (8-3) came in ranked eighth in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/d2/regional-rankings">NCAA Region rankings</a>&nbsp;but its best chance at the postseason is likely a Texas bowl game. With their third straight win, the Tigers also beat the Lopers (5-6) for the 11th time in the last 12 meetings. Finally, UNK went 3-3 in one-score games this season; they were 1-3 in such contests in 2023.&nbsp;On "Senior Day" things did not go well for UNK in the first half. The Tigers had three long touchdown drives (85, 75, and 75 yards) as well as booting a 30-yard field goal right before half. Meanwhile the Lopers first four drives resulted in three punts and a lost fumble at the Hays 25-yard line.&nbsp;"Obviously we didn't play very well in the first half in any phase. We were teetering and on the brink of getting run out of the gym," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held. "At halftime, we talked about how hard we've fought all year. These guys just kept fighting … we easily could've folded but our 26 seniors did a great job. It came down to the last play so what more can you ask for."The Lopers more than got off the mat in the second half as they outscored Hays 20-3, out gained the Tigers by 75 yards and returned a block punt 16 yards for six points. That all setup a "Hail Mary" on the&nbsp;final play. Unfortunately, a scrambling&nbsp;Reagan Jones&nbsp;(Wichita) saw his pass into the back of the end zone broken up as Lopers and Tigers were bunched together near the end line.&nbsp;"Gosh, we're so close. That the hardest part … how close we are. Because this league is really, really good," said Held. "I think we've earned the respect of people in this league. We got picked last and didn't finish last."The comeback started on the first drive of the second half as UNK marched 60 yards in 11 plays. Jones converted 4th &amp; 1 from the Tigers 34-yard line with a short run and then hit senior receiver&nbsp;Stephen Lewis&nbsp;(Gardendale, Ala.) from nine yards out four plays later. The deficit was then cut to 10 when senior linebacker&nbsp;David Lilly&nbsp;(Wahoo) blocked a punt by Grand Island senior Parker Janky and returned it 16 yards for another TD. It marked the Lopers sixth blocked kick of the fall.On the Tigers very next play from scrimmage, a scrambling Caleb Heavner tossed a pass to tight end Cale Formaney near midfield. Senior safety&nbsp;Jamere Jones&nbsp;(Frederick, Md.) managed a pass breakup as they were falling to the ground with junior safety&nbsp;Chandler Brown&nbsp;(Whittier, Calif.) Johnny on the spot for his second pick of the fall. However, UNK's drive stalled when a "trick play" was blown up right away and resulted in a 12-yard intentional grounding penalty.&nbsp;"We tried a couple of trick plays and almost hit on one of them. We were trying to be aggressive. I didn't want to leave anything on the shelf," said Held.The Lopers next three drives didn't yield any points either as they resulted in two punts and a failed fourth down conversion. However, the defense got another three-and-out with senior backer&nbsp;Devin Guggia&nbsp;(Santa Clarita, Calif.) recording a 16-yard sack. That helped UNK set up at the Tigers 48-yard line with Jones rushing from four yards out and a 24-20 deficit with 6:31 remaining.The Tigers then had its best drive of the second half, going 60 yards in 11 plays that featured six straight runs by MIAA rushing leader Shane Watts. Using its final two timeouts, UNK forced Carson Ardnt to make a 33-yard field goal with 59 seconds left. The Tigers also could've gone for it on 4th and 4 from the Loper 15-yard line.On the final drive of 2024, Jones completed passes of 13, 18, seven and 21-yards to give the Lopers a chance. The completions were sandwiched around a holding call. After senior&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(Gaithersburg, Md.) got a first down, UNK "clocked it" to setup the Hail Mary. Safety Mason Perez was one of several Tigers around a bunch of Lopers to break up the pass."I'm just so happy these guys kept fighting. Because as a head coach, that's all you can ask for," said Held. "It didn't look good there for a minute. We gave ourselves a chance in the end."Watts finished with 175 yards on 30 carries while also having four grabs for 43 yards and a score. Next, receivers Jayden Horace (10 recep., 113 yards) and Ryan Allen (eight recep., 108 yards) reached the Century mark as Heavner was 25 of 36 for 294 yards, two TD's and that one INT. He also rushed for 26 yards and a score.For UNK, Jones was 16 of 29 for 178 yards and totaled 33 yards on nine carries. Junior back&nbsp;Isaiah Harris&nbsp;(Millard South) ran hard and had 63 yards on 15 totes with graduate receiver&nbsp;Shane Dailey Jr.&nbsp;(Bellevue) at 92 yards on seven grabs. Finally, junior back&nbsp;Zane Schawang&nbsp;(Waverly) had nine touches for 35 yards. Defensively, junior backer&nbsp;Anthony Hebert&nbsp;(Corona, Calif.) and Guggia had nine tackles apiece, Jones finished with eight with Lilly at seven and senior end&nbsp;Quillan Felton&nbsp;(Lithonia, Ga.) at six."We're not down. The resolve was great today, and we'll move forward. We have a lot of good players returning," said Held.

Lopers Go 3-3 in One-Score Games; 26 Seniors Bow Out

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Senior guard Elania Watson hit a left wing three with 1:28 remaining and Adams State took advantage of 24 turnovers to down Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=8044">63-58</a>, Saturday evening in Hays, Kan.

These games are part of a MIAA/RMAC Crossover Tournament. On Friday, the Lopers (4-1) bested Metro State, 74-66, while the Grizzlies (3-2) fell to tourney host Fort Hays State, 77-52. The Tigers faced Metro on Saturday night.

Adams is coming off a 25-9 season in which it made the second round of the NCAA Tournament (South Central Regional). Picked fourth in the RMAC preseason coaches' poll, ASU used a balanced offensive attack and scored 21 points off those turnovers to record its second all-time win over UNK in 24 chances.

In a game with 10 ties and 11 lead changes the Grizzlies used a 20-12 third quarter to take control. Senior guard Angelline Nageak hit three triples in the quarter with freshman forward Taejhuan Hill scoring nine as well. UNK got a bucket from freshman reserve&nbsp;Alex Flattery&nbsp;(Sioux City, Ia.) right before the buzzer to trail 49-42 heading to the fourth.

That's when graduate wing&nbsp;Meg Burns&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) got hot. After Flattery hit a triple to begin the quarter, Burns scored UNK's next 11 points. She followed a layup with three triples that tied the game at 56 all with 4:27 remaining. While Flattery then gave the Lopers a brief lead, ASU tied things up for the final time on two free throws at the 2:16 mark.

Not surprisingly, UNK went back to the well, but Burns missed a left wing three at 1:56. The Grizzlies saw Watson hit her triple and then ASU followed another Burns miss with a mid-range jumper by graduate guard Brooke Rodgers. In the final 41 seconds, UNK missed three more shots and committed its final turnover.

Among Adams starters, Hill had a double double (16 points, 12 rebounds), Nageak had 14 points thanks to that big third with Watson at 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Finally, Rodgers led the Grizzly bench with six rebounds, five assists and four points.

Finishing plus 13 on the glass and shooting 32% like ASU did, the Lopers were led by Burns (21 points and Mullen senior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(11 rebounds, nine points, two assists, one steal). Burns went 5 of 9 from behind the arc with 10 of Moore's caroms coming on the defensive end. Finally, Flattery had a productive 16 minutes coming off the bench; nine points on 4 of 5 shooting.

The Lopers visit Wayne State Wednesday night. &nbsp;This is the first meeting with the Wildcats (1-1) since Nov. 2019. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731852590413.jpeg" alt="Meg Burns (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Meg Burns (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Senior guard Elania Watson hit a left wing three with 1:28 remaining and Adams State took advantage of 24 turnovers to down Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=8044">63-58</a>, Saturday evening in Hays, Kan.These games are part of a MIAA/RMAC Crossover Tournament. On Friday, the Lopers (4-1) bested Metro State, 74-66, while the Grizzlies (3-2) fell to tourney host Fort Hays State, 77-52. The Tigers faced Metro on Saturday night.Adams is coming off a 25-9 season in which it made the second round of the NCAA Tournament (South Central Regional). Picked fourth in the RMAC preseason coaches' poll, ASU used a balanced offensive attack and scored 21 points off those turnovers to record its second all-time win over UNK in 24 chances.In a game with 10 ties and 11 lead changes the Grizzlies used a 20-12 third quarter to take control. Senior guard Angelline Nageak hit three triples in the quarter with freshman forward Taejhuan Hill scoring nine as well. UNK got a bucket from freshman reserve&nbsp;Alex Flattery&nbsp;(Sioux City, Ia.) right before the buzzer to trail 49-42 heading to the fourth.That's when graduate wing&nbsp;Meg Burns&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) got hot. After Flattery hit a triple to begin the quarter, Burns scored UNK's next 11 points. She followed a layup with three triples that tied the game at 56 all with 4:27 remaining. While Flattery then gave the Lopers a brief lead, ASU tied things up for the final time on two free throws at the 2:16 mark.Not surprisingly, UNK went back to the well, but Burns missed a left wing three at 1:56. The Grizzlies saw Watson hit her triple and then ASU followed another Burns miss with a mid-range jumper by graduate guard Brooke Rodgers. In the final 41 seconds, UNK missed three more shots and committed its final turnover.Among Adams starters, Hill had a double double (16 points, 12 rebounds), Nageak had 14 points thanks to that big third with Watson at 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Finally, Rodgers led the Grizzly bench with six rebounds, five assists and four points.Finishing plus 13 on the glass and shooting 32% like ASU did, the Lopers were led by Burns (21 points and Mullen senior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(11 rebounds, nine points, two assists, one steal). Burns went 5 of 9 from behind the arc with 10 of Moore's caroms coming on the defensive end. Finally, Flattery had a productive 16 minutes coming off the bench; nine points on 4 of 5 shooting.The Lopers visit Wayne State Wednesday night. &nbsp;This is the first meeting with the Wildcats (1-1) since Nov. 2019. &nbsp;

Adams State Uses Late Three, Turnovers to Beat UNK

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State will wrap up the 2024 season against an opponent looking to clinch the conference title this Saturday, which will also be Senior Day at Elliott Field.

The Eagles (3-7, 2-6 RMAC) will clash against No. 7 CSU Pueblo (9-1, 8-0 RMAC) in Chadron, with the visiting ThunderWolves hoping to clinch an outright RMAC title with a win. 

Kickoff is scheduled for noon, with Senior Day ceremonies starting approximately 25 minutes before kick. A total of 21 players are due to be recognized pregame.

The game can be streamed live on the RMAC Network. Fans can also listen live on Double Q Country 97.5 and 105.9 or doubleqcountry.com, with Dave Collins and Sam Parker on the call, or follow along via live stats. 

Chadron State faced a nationally ranked opponent in No. 11 Western Colorado and took them down to the wire before losing 21-17.

The Eagles scored on a 45-yard pick-six by cornerback Jadon Bowen and a 47-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Thomas from Preston Pearson. Western also scored on a pick-six, meaning Chadron State's defense held the Mountaineers offense to just 14 points, well under WCU's season average of 36 points per game.

Saturday's game will be Senior Day for the Chadron State program, with 21 players taking part in a pregame ceremony to commemorate their final games with the program. 

The players due to be honored Saturday are, in numerical order – Simeon Marton, Kyle McIntosh, Brodie Roden, Grant Swenson, Deonte Jackson, Xavier Harrell, Rylan Aguallo, Adam Lynch, Hunter O'Connor, Tyler Smith, Jacob Nasalroad, Brayton Branic, Kwame Frimpong, Vincent Mosley, Tyler Carpenter, Morgan Roper, D'Anthony Smith, Nicholas Gossage, Isaac Abramson, Jamahd Monroe and Peter Krohn. 

The list includes six offensive starters – four on the offensive line (D. Smith, Nasalroad, T. Smith and Gossage) a wide receiver (Swenson) and a tight end (Krohn), although D'Anthony Smith and Nicholas Gossage are unlikely to play due to injury.  

The group also includes two defensive starters – the team's second-leading tackler in Harrell and O'Connor, who has re-written the program's pass-rushing record books while earning two First-Team All-RMAC honors and a 2022 All-American nod – and a special teams starter in long snapper Adam Lynch. 

Chadron State's 3-7 record, and particularly its 2-6 RMAC record, is a little deceiving as five of CSC's six losses in conference play have come by one score, including three by a field goal or less.

The Eagles have dropped one-possession games to nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines (13-12) and Western Colorado (21-17) and have also dropped narrow games to New Mexico Highlands (33-30), Black Hills State (21-18) and South Dakota Mines (24-17). In the Highlands and Black Hills State games, Chadron State missed a field goal as time expired that would have sent the game to overtime. 

Despite the losing record, the Eagles have scored a total of 227 points this season and allowed just 174, adding up to a +53 point differential. That scoring differential is the fifth highest in the RMAC, and the Eagles are one of six RMAC teams with a positive differential. The standings, however, show the Eagles in a three-way tie for seventh. 

The main reason for Chadron State's positive point differential and gravitation towards close games has been the lockdown play of the Eagles defense. 

Chadron State's defense ranks second in the RMAC in both scoring defense (allowing 17.4 points per game) and total defense (allowing 278.0 yards per game). Nationally, the Eagles rank 30th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense.

So far this season, Chadron State has allowed over 20 points in just four of their 10 games and over 25 points in just one (the 33-30 decision against New Mexico Highlands).

Individually, safety Dax Yeradi has four interceptions, placing him in a three-way tie for the RMAC lead with Colorado Mesa's Jason Thome and Black Hills State's Nicc Quinones.

Linebackers Reed Henkel and Xavier Harrell rank sixth and seventh in the conference with 41 and 39 solo tackles, respectively. Hunter O'Connor is fifth in the RMAC with 6.5 sacks this season.

Chadron State has five defensive touchdowns this season, which puts the Eagles in a three-way tie for second in Division II, trailing only Emory &amp; Henry, which has seven.

The Eagles added to their total last week with a 45-yard pick-six from Jadon Bowen, who made his first career start during the game. 

CSC now has four interception return touchdowns, including two pick-sixes in the same game from Dax Yeradi and Tucker Peterson against Fort Lewis. Logan O'Brien also had a pick-six against Adams State. 

Through a statistical quirk, the defense also gets credit for a play in the Jamestown game back in week one, when a bad punt snap landed in the end zone and defensive back Rylan Wehr fell on it for a score. Although the Jimmies were lined up in punt formation, the bad snap meant no punt was attempted and by rule, the play is classified as a rushing attempt and a fourth-down stop for the defense, similarly to if Jamestown had run an unsuccessful fake punt.

Defensive lineman Hunter O'Connor tallied another sack against Western Colorado, his third straight game with another sack. A pending possible stat change from the WCU game may lead to O'Connor being awarded with a second sack. 

The senior has either 34.5 or 35.5 sacks for his career and will enter Saturday, his final collegiate game, with an opportunity to pass Eagle alum Casey Beran (1996-1999) for Chadron State's all-time career sack record. 

The Broomfield, Colorado native already owns CSC's single-season (16) and single-game (five) sack records, all of which happened in 2022 while O'Connor garnered All-American honors.

O'Connor made an appearance on D2Football.com's annual Elite 100 list for the second straight season, ranking 100 players to watch from across the country in Division II. The full list can be viewed at this link.There are seven other RMAC players on the list – receiver Max McLeod, punter Blake Doud, offensive lineman Nic Van de Graaf and defensive back Jackson Zimmerman from Colorado School of Mines, defensive back Daniel Bone III and wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff from CSU Pueblo and linebacker Kendall Lightfoot from Western Colorado.

Chadron State's special teams have also made their presence felt throughout the season. 

The Eagles have blocked three punts, tied for the fourth-most in Division II. Chadron State has blocked six total kicks, ranking 10th in the nation in that category.

Senior Morgan Roper has blocked three extra-point kicks on his own, which is tied for fourth in Division II individually. Two of Roper's blocks came on extra points during the Colorado Mesa game. 

Chadron State has already seen five different quarterbacks take a snap and three different quarterbacks make a start so far in 2024, and they are nearly certain to have a fourth different starter on Saturday.

Transfer QB DJ Ralph has impressed when healthy. In six games, Ralph has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,085 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions, but a shoulder injury has caused him to miss four total games and all but one series of a fifth.

Junior Miguel Larios (six games played, three starts) and true freshman Wyatt Sprague (three games played, one start) have also taken snaps, but according to CSC's depth chart, neither are expected to be available. 

On Saturday, it will likely be Preston Pearson, who played the majority of last week at quarterback, finishing 8-23 for 129 yards passing and 63 yards rushing on 21 carries. Before last week, Pearson had not attempted a pass since the season-opening game against Nebraska-Kearney on August 29. 

Pearson appeared in seven games at quarterback last season, but has not started a game so far in 2024 while also taking snaps at wide receiver, tight end, kick returns and other special teams duties in between his quarterback stints. 

Freshman Kasey Jones, a redshirt freshman from Alamosa, could potentially see action. Jones made his collegiate debut in mop-up duty against Adams State earlier this season, taking snaps at quarterback but not attempting a pass. 

An injury-necessitated youth movement could also play out in the backfield for Chadron State in Saturday's game. 

Workhorse running back Jake Marschall, whose 154 carries led the RMAC entering last week's action, exited in the first quarter with an injury during the loss to Western Colorado, and primary backup Rylan Aguallo is already out for the year.

That opens the door for true freshman Isaac Jean-Pierre of Mesa, Arizona to potentially make his first collegiate start. In 2024, Jean-Pierre has 23 carries for 69 yards, with a long run of 20 last week against Western Colorado. 

Pearson could factor into the ground game at quarterback, while redshirt freshman Chase Nelson (24 carries, 12 receptions) is an all-purpose threat. Also looming is another true freshman running back – Sargent, Nebraska's Quincey Ryker, who only has two career carries but took one 72 yards to the house on his first collegiate snap against Adams State. 

First Team All-RMAC receiver Tommy Thomas missed three games due to injury earlier this season but is back to mostly looking like his old self. 

Thomas leads CSC receivers with 34 catches, 396 receiving yards and four touchdowns despite the three games on the shelf. Thomas has found the end zone in four of Chadron State's last five games. 

A quartet of Eagle receivers have two receiving touchdowns apiece – Jamahd Monroe (23 catches, 386 yards), Grant Swenson (25 catches, 300 yards), Rollin George III (18 catches, 198 yards) and Peter Krohn (18 catches, 189 yards). 

In single-game performances, Swenson recorded a 100-yard game against Adams State while Monroe has two games with over 85 receiving yards. 

The road to the RMAC title goes through Chadron, since CSU Pueblo will be trying to win it outright by winning Saturday at Elliott Field.

The ThunderWolves dispatched five-time defending RMAC champions Colorado School of Mines last week and won a top-10 clash with Western Colorado two weeks ago to move into pole position.

If Chadron State can defeat the ThunderWolves, Western Colorado has an opportunity to grab a share of the RMAC title, but the Mountaineers could have their hands full with Colorado Mesa this Saturday. 

Last week, Colorado Mesa and Colorado School of Mines suffered their third losses of the regular season, taking them out of the RMAC title hunt and creating an uphill climb to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. 

Thanks to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's schedule, the Chadron State football team has been saving the opponent that has proven to be the best for last. That is Colorado State University-Pueblo, which will meet the Eagles on Saturday at Elliott Field.

It will be final game of the season for CSC, while Pueblo will be striving to solidify a playoff berth and clinch the outright RMAC title, which they will do with a win. An Eagles victory over the ThunderWolves would open the door for Western Colorado to earn a share of the title. Kickoff will be at noon after 21 Chadron State seniors are recognized for Senior Day.

The ThunderWolves are 8-0 at the top of the RMAC standings. They're 9-1 overall, losing only to Grand Valley State, currently the No. 5 team in the country, on Sept. 14 by a 24-21 score. CSU Pueblo is ranked No. 7 in the latest National Football Coaches Association rankings.

Pueblo has had just two RMAC contests within a 15-point margin —a 24-21 win over Black Hills State on Oct. 19 and a 44-34 verdict over then-No. 8 Western Colorado on Nov. 2.

The Pack, as the Pueblo teams are often called, led 37-14 in the latter game before Western posted three of the final four touchdowns to close the gap. It is the only loss for the Mountaineers, who edged the Eagles 21-17 last Saturday in Gunnison.

Also last Saturday, CSUP cleared another hurdle as it zeroes in on the RMAC title by beating five-time defending champion Colorado School of Mines 28-13 in Pueblo.

The ThunderWolves lead the RMAC in both total offense at 480.3 yards a game and scoring at 42.1 points a game.

They are averaging 318 yards passing, also tops in the conference, and have passed for twice as many touchdowns (34) as they have earned on the ground (17).

Two seniors have shared the quarterback duties. Devin Larsen started the first seven games of the season for CSUP and has completed 134 of 218 passes for 1,705 yards, including a 508-yard game against South Dakota Mines in the season opener. Roman Fuller has started the Pack's last three games and played in eight overall, clicking on 93 of 132 passes for 1,324 yards. Both have thrown for 16 touchdowns. Larsen has been intercepted three times and Fuller only once.

Pueblo's top receiver is senior Reggie Retzlaff, who has 59 receptions for 1,110 yards and 12 TDs. Five more ThunderWolves have caught at least 20 tosses.

Even with their aerial prowess, the Pack also has the RMAC's leader in most of the rushing categories. Russell Howard, a 5-8, 200-pound senior, has carried 152 times for 1,115 yards, 70% of his team's total, for a 7.3-yard average, and 11 touchdowns. No one else on the team has run for more than 161 yards.

In the latest NCAA Regional rankings, which determine qualification to the NCAA Tournament, the ThunderWolves were ranked #1 in Super Region Four, meaning Pueblo would have a first-round bye and a home playoff games if rankings hold.

Chadron State head coach Jay Long is in his 13th season leading the Eagles in 2024. He is an alum of the university, earning two RMAC All-Conference selections at center during his playing career. 

Coach Long went 25-8 on the field across his first three seasons in charge of the CSC program from 2012-2014, although NCAA violations by the previous coaching staff and not connected to Long led to the first nine of those wins being vacated. 

During Long's coaching tenure the Chadron State program has seen 10 All-America selections, 11 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, numerous All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and All-Region awards, one Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist, and the first NFL draft pick that CSC has produced since 1989 when offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey was picked in the seventh round by the Cleveland Browns in 2013. 

Prior to coaching at Chadron, Long spent three seasons as the head coach at Black Hills State University while the Yellow Jackets were transitioning from NAIA to Division II. He was also an assistant coach at BHSU for six seasons, serving as the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator over that time frame. 

Entering the 2024 season, Coach Long is 59-56 at Chadron State. He has a career record of 74-71 as a head coach between three seasons at Black Hills and 12 seasons at CSC. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731687314612.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information DirectorCHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State will wrap up the 2024 season against an opponent looking to clinch the conference title this Saturday, which will also be Senior Day at Elliott Field.The Eagles (3-7, 2-6 RMAC) will clash against No. 7 CSU Pueblo (9-1, 8-0 RMAC) in Chadron, with the visiting ThunderWolves hoping to clinch an outright RMAC title with a win. Kickoff is scheduled for noon, with Senior Day ceremonies starting approximately 25 minutes before kick. A total of 21 players are due to be recognized pregame.The game can be streamed live on the RMAC Network. Fans can also listen live on Double Q Country 97.5 and 105.9 or doubleqcountry.com, with Dave Collins and Sam Parker on the call, or follow along via live stats. Looking BackChadron State faced a nationally ranked opponent in No. 11 Western Colorado and took them down to the wire before losing 21-17.RECAP: Western ColoradoThe Eagles scored on a 45-yard pick-six by cornerback Jadon Bowen and a 47-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Thomas from Preston Pearson. Western also scored on a pick-six, meaning Chadron State's defense held the Mountaineers offense to just 14 points, well under WCU's season average of 36 points per game.Senior DaySaturday's game will be Senior Day for the Chadron State program, with 21 players taking part in a pregame ceremony to commemorate their final games with the program. The players due to be honored Saturday are, in numerical order – Simeon Marton, Kyle McIntosh, Brodie Roden, Grant Swenson, Deonte Jackson, Xavier Harrell, Rylan Aguallo, Adam Lynch, Hunter O'Connor, Tyler Smith, Jacob Nasalroad, Brayton Branic, Kwame Frimpong, Vincent Mosley, Tyler Carpenter, Morgan Roper, D'Anthony Smith, Nicholas Gossage, Isaac Abramson, Jamahd Monroe and Peter Krohn. The list includes six offensive starters – four on the offensive line (D. Smith, Nasalroad, T. Smith and Gossage) a wide receiver (Swenson) and a tight end (Krohn), although D'Anthony Smith and Nicholas Gossage are unlikely to play due to injury. The group also includes two defensive starters – the team's second-leading tackler in Harrell and O'Connor, who has re-written the program's pass-rushing record books while earning two First-Team All-RMAC honors and a 2022 All-American nod – and a special teams starter in long snapper Adam Lynch. Close CallsChadron State's 3-7 record, and particularly its 2-6 RMAC record, is a little deceiving as five of CSC's six losses in conference play have come by one score, including three by a field goal or less.The Eagles have dropped one-possession games to nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines (13-12) and Western Colorado (21-17) and have also dropped narrow games to New Mexico Highlands (33-30), Black Hills State (21-18) and South Dakota Mines (24-17). In the Highlands and Black Hills State games, Chadron State missed a field goal as time expired that would have sent the game to overtime. Despite the losing record, the Eagles have scored a total of 227 points this season and allowed just 174, adding up to a +53 point differential. That scoring differential is the fifth highest in the RMAC, and the Eagles are one of six RMAC teams with a positive differential. The standings, however, show the Eagles in a three-way tie for seventh. D-FenseThe main reason for Chadron State's positive point differential and gravitation towards close games has been the lockdown play of the Eagles defense. Chadron State's defense ranks second in the RMAC in both scoring defense (allowing 17.4 points per game) and total defense (allowing 278.0 yards per game). Nationally, the Eagles rank 30th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense.So far this season, Chadron State has allowed over 20 points in just four of their 10 games and over 25 points in just one (the 33-30 decision against New Mexico Highlands).Individually, safety Dax Yeradi has four interceptions, placing him in a three-way tie for the RMAC lead with Colorado Mesa's Jason Thome and Black Hills State's Nicc Quinones.Linebackers Reed Henkel and Xavier Harrell rank sixth and seventh in the conference with 41 and 39 solo tackles, respectively. Hunter O'Connor is fifth in the RMAC with 6.5 sacks this season.Making Their Own PointsChadron State has five defensive touchdowns this season, which puts the Eagles in a three-way tie for second in Division II, trailing only Emory &amp; Henry, which has seven.The Eagles added to their total last week with a 45-yard pick-six from Jadon Bowen, who made his first career start during the game. CSC now has four interception return touchdowns, including two pick-sixes in the same game from Dax Yeradi and Tucker Peterson against Fort Lewis. Logan O'Brien also had a pick-six against Adams State. Through a statistical quirk, the defense also gets credit for a play in the Jamestown game back in week one, when a bad punt snap landed in the end zone and defensive back Rylan Wehr fell on it for a score. Although the Jimmies were lined up in punt formation, the bad snap meant no punt was attempted and by rule, the play is classified as a rushing attempt and a fourth-down stop for the defense, similarly to if Jamestown had run an unsuccessful fake punt.O'Connor TrackerDefensive lineman Hunter O'Connor tallied another sack against Western Colorado, his third straight game with another sack. A pending possible stat change from the WCU game may lead to O'Connor being awarded with a second sack. The senior has either 34.5 or 35.5 sacks for his career and will enter Saturday, his final collegiate game, with an opportunity to pass Eagle alum Casey Beran (1996-1999) for Chadron State's all-time career sack record. The Broomfield, Colorado native already owns CSC's single-season (16) and single-game (five) sack records, all of which happened in 2022 while O'Connor garnered All-American honors.O'Connor made an appearance on D2Football.com's annual Elite 100 list for the second straight season, ranking 100 players to watch from across the country in Division II. The full list can be viewed at this link.There are seven other RMAC players on the list – receiver Max McLeod, punter Blake Doud, offensive lineman Nic Van de Graaf and defensive back Jackson Zimmerman from Colorado School of Mines, defensive back Daniel Bone III and wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff from CSU Pueblo and linebacker Kendall Lightfoot from Western Colorado.Block PartyChadron State's special teams have also made their presence felt throughout the season. The Eagles have blocked three punts, tied for the fourth-most in Division II. Chadron State has blocked six total kicks, ranking 10th in the nation in that category.Senior Morgan Roper has blocked three extra-point kicks on his own, which is tied for fourth in Division II individually. Two of Roper's blocks came on extra points during the Colorado Mesa game. Who's Under Center?Chadron State has already seen five different quarterbacks take a snap and three different quarterbacks make a start so far in 2024, and they are nearly certain to have a fourth different starter on Saturday.Transfer QB DJ Ralph has impressed when healthy. In six games, Ralph has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,085 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions, but a shoulder injury has caused him to miss four total games and all but one series of a fifth.Junior Miguel Larios (six games played, three starts) and true freshman Wyatt Sprague (three games played, one start) have also taken snaps, but according to CSC's depth chart, neither are expected to be available. On Saturday, it will likely be Preston Pearson, who played the majority of last week at quarterback, finishing 8-23 for 129 yards passing and 63 yards rushing on 21 carries. Before last week, Pearson had not attempted a pass since the season-opening game against Nebraska-Kearney on August 29. Pearson appeared in seven games at quarterback last season, but has not started a game so far in 2024 while also taking snaps at wide receiver, tight end, kick returns and other special teams duties in between his quarterback stints. Freshman Kasey Jones, a redshirt freshman from Alamosa, could potentially see action. Jones made his collegiate debut in mop-up duty against Adams State earlier this season, taking snaps at quarterback but not attempting a pass. Future Is NowAn injury-necessitated youth movement could also play out in the backfield for Chadron State in Saturday's game. Workhorse running back Jake Marschall, whose 154 carries led the RMAC entering last week's action, exited in the first quarter with an injury during the loss to Western Colorado, and primary backup Rylan Aguallo is already out for the year.That opens the door for true freshman Isaac Jean-Pierre of Mesa, Arizona to potentially make his first collegiate start. In 2024, Jean-Pierre has 23 carries for 69 yards, with a long run of 20 last week against Western Colorado. Pearson could factor into the ground game at quarterback, while redshirt freshman Chase Nelson (24 carries, 12 receptions) is an all-purpose threat. Also looming is another true freshman running back – Sargent, Nebraska's Quincey Ryker, who only has two career carries but took one 72 yards to the house on his first collegiate snap against Adams State. Receiving CorpsFirst Team All-RMAC receiver Tommy Thomas missed three games due to injury earlier this season but is back to mostly looking like his old self. Thomas leads CSC receivers with 34 catches, 396 receiving yards and four touchdowns despite the three games on the shelf. Thomas has found the end zone in four of Chadron State's last five games. A quartet of Eagle receivers have two receiving touchdowns apiece – Jamahd Monroe (23 catches, 386 yards), Grant Swenson (25 catches, 300 yards), Rollin George III (18 catches, 198 yards) and Peter Krohn (18 catches, 189 yards). In single-game performances, Swenson recorded a 100-yard game against Adams State while Monroe has two games with over 85 receiving yards. RMAC UpdateThe road to the RMAC title goes through Chadron, since CSU Pueblo will be trying to win it outright by winning Saturday at Elliott Field.The ThunderWolves dispatched five-time defending RMAC champions Colorado School of Mines last week and won a top-10 clash with Western Colorado two weeks ago to move into pole position.RMAC StandingsTeam	RMAC Record	Overall Record#7/#6 CSU Pueblo	8-0	9-1#10/#11 Western Colorado	7-1	9-1Colorado Mesa	6-2	7-3#24/NR Colorado School of Mines	5-3	7-3Black Hills State	4-4	5-5South Dakota Mines	4-4	5-5Chadron State	2-6	3-7Fort Lewis	2-6	3-7New Mexico Highlands	2-6	2-8Adams State	0-8	0-10If Chadron State can defeat the ThunderWolves, Western Colorado has an opportunity to grab a share of the RMAC title, but the Mountaineers could have their hands full with Colorado Mesa this Saturday. Last week, Colorado Mesa and Colorado School of Mines suffered their third losses of the regular season, taking them out of the RMAC title hunt and creating an uphill climb to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. <h2>Opponent Preview</h2>by Con MarshallThanks to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's schedule, the Chadron State football team has been saving the opponent that has proven to be the best for last. That is Colorado State University-Pueblo, which will meet the Eagles on Saturday at Elliott Field.It will be final game of the season for CSC, while Pueblo will be striving to solidify a playoff berth and clinch the outright RMAC title, which they will do with a win. An Eagles victory over the ThunderWolves would open the door for Western Colorado to earn a share of the title. Kickoff will be at noon after 21 Chadron State seniors are recognized for Senior Day.The ThunderWolves are 8-0 at the top of the RMAC standings. They're 9-1 overall, losing only to Grand Valley State, currently the No. 5 team in the country, on Sept. 14 by a 24-21 score. CSU Pueblo is ranked No. 7 in the latest National Football Coaches Association rankings.Pueblo has had just two RMAC contests within a 15-point margin —a 24-21 win over Black Hills State on Oct. 19 and a 44-34 verdict over then-No. 8 Western Colorado on Nov. 2.The Pack, as the Pueblo teams are often called, led 37-14 in the latter game before Western posted three of the final four touchdowns to close the gap. It is the only loss for the Mountaineers, who edged the Eagles 21-17 last Saturday in Gunnison.Also last Saturday, CSUP cleared another hurdle as it zeroes in on the RMAC title by beating five-time defending champion Colorado School of Mines 28-13 in Pueblo.The ThunderWolves lead the RMAC in both total offense at 480.3 yards a game and scoring at 42.1 points a game.They are averaging 318 yards passing, also tops in the conference, and have passed for twice as many touchdowns (34) as they have earned on the ground (17).Two seniors have shared the quarterback duties. Devin Larsen started the first seven games of the season for CSUP and has completed 134 of 218 passes for 1,705 yards, including a 508-yard game against South Dakota Mines in the season opener. Roman Fuller has started the Pack's last three games and played in eight overall, clicking on 93 of 132 passes for 1,324 yards. Both have thrown for 16 touchdowns. Larsen has been intercepted three times and Fuller only once.Pueblo's top receiver is senior Reggie Retzlaff, who has 59 receptions for 1,110 yards and 12 TDs. Five more ThunderWolves have caught at least 20 tosses.Even with their aerial prowess, the Pack also has the RMAC's leader in most of the rushing categories. Russell Howard, a 5-8, 200-pound senior, has carried 152 times for 1,115 yards, 70% of his team's total, for a 7.3-yard average, and 11 touchdowns. No one else on the team has run for more than 161 yards.In the latest NCAA Regional rankings, which determine qualification to the NCAA Tournament, the ThunderWolves were ranked #1 in Super Region Four, meaning Pueblo would have a first-round bye and a home playoff games if rankings hold.Coach's CornerChadron State head coach Jay Long is in his 13th season leading the Eagles in 2024. He is an alum of the university, earning two RMAC All-Conference selections at center during his playing career. Coach Long went 25-8 on the field across his first three seasons in charge of the CSC program from 2012-2014, although NCAA violations by the previous coaching staff and not connected to Long led to the first nine of those wins being vacated. During Long's coaching tenure the Chadron State program has seen 10 All-America selections, 11 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, numerous All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and All-Region awards, one Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist, and the first NFL draft pick that CSC has produced since 1989 when offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey was picked in the seventh round by the Cleveland Browns in 2013. Prior to coaching at Chadron, Long spent three seasons as the head coach at Black Hills State University while the Yellow Jackets were transitioning from NAIA to Division II. He was also an assistant coach at BHSU for six seasons, serving as the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator over that time frame. Entering the 2024 season, Coach Long is 59-56 at Chadron State. He has a career record of 74-71 as a head coach between three seasons at Black Hills and 12 seasons at CSC.

CSC prepared to face #7, arch-rival CSU-Pueblo Saturday in season finale

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The sixth-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team used four majors, a tech fall and fall to topple Western Colorado, 33-10, Thursday night in Gunnison, Colo.

The Lopers improve to 2-1 on the young season while the Mountaineers drop to 0-1.

Last November, a UNK "B" squad fell in Gunnison 21-10 based on a tiebreaker. The Lopers easily got their revenge as they built a 13-0 lead and never looked back. Third-ranked&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;(Omaha Skutt) got the night started with a 17-0 tech fall at 125 pounds. He needed just 2:42 to record a take down and 12-near fall points. Next, Kansas junior&nbsp;Hector Serratos&nbsp;and Colorado sophomore&nbsp;Joseph Airola&nbsp;took the next two classes by a combined tally of 25-1. They both had three takedowns and built up some riding time.

Later, Minnesota redshirt freshman&nbsp;Cael Robb&nbsp;used a first-period takedown to win 4-2 at 157 pounds with North Carolina senior&nbsp;Jacobi Deal&nbsp;having two early takedowns to win 11-7 at 184 pounds. Finally, 3rd-ranked&nbsp;Jackson Kinsella&nbsp;(Creston, Ia.) and top-ranked heavyweight&nbsp;Crew Howard&nbsp;(Clarinda, Ia.) closed the dual out with an 11-2 major and fall in just 26 seconds.

UNK is now off until the annual Younes Hospitality Open Nov. 23 at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The sixth-ranked Nebraska Kearney wrestling team used four majors, a tech fall and fall to topple Western Colorado, 33-10, Thursday night in Gunnison, Colo.The Lopers improve to 2-1 on the young season while the Mountaineers drop to 0-1.Last November, a UNK "B" squad fell in Gunnison 21-10 based on a tiebreaker. The Lopers easily got their revenge as they built a 13-0 lead and never looked back. Third-ranked&nbsp;Zach Ourada&nbsp;(Omaha Skutt) got the night started with a 17-0 tech fall at 125 pounds. He needed just 2:42 to record a take down and 12-near fall points. Next, Kansas junior&nbsp;Hector Serratos&nbsp;and Colorado sophomore&nbsp;Joseph Airola&nbsp;took the next two classes by a combined tally of 25-1. They both had three takedowns and built up some riding time.Later, Minnesota redshirt freshman&nbsp;Cael Robb&nbsp;used a first-period takedown to win 4-2 at 157 pounds with North Carolina senior&nbsp;Jacobi Deal&nbsp;having two early takedowns to win 11-7 at 184 pounds. Finally, 3rd-ranked&nbsp;Jackson Kinsella&nbsp;(Creston, Ia.) and top-ranked heavyweight&nbsp;Crew Howard&nbsp;(Clarinda, Ia.) closed the dual out with an 11-2 major and fall in just 26 seconds.UNK is now off until the annual Younes Hospitality Open Nov. 23 at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><style type="text/css">
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<table class="tg"><thead>
 <tr>
 <th class="tg-1547">Weight</th>
 <th class="tg-1547">Summary</th>
 <th class="tg-1547">WCU</th>
 <th class="tg-1547">UNK</th>
 </tr></thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">125</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">#3 <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=139656009">Zach Ourada</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=973617009">Roberto Estrada</a> (Western Colorado) (TF 17-0; 2:42)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">5</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">133</td>
 <td class="tg-v47d"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=791020096">Hector Serratos</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=1867881009">Devin Gomez</a> (Western Colorado) (MD 11-0)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">4</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">141</td>
 <td class="tg-v47d"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=1279038135">Joseph Airola</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=76925009">Eyan Chavez</a> (Western Colorado) (MD 14-1)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">4</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">149</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">#5 <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=40130009">Dean Noble</a> (Western Colorado) over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=1558884009">Brody Arrants</a> (Fall 3:51)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">157</td>
 <td class="tg-v47d"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=103610009">Cael Robb</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=833215096">Vincent Cabral</a> (Western Colorado) (Dec 4-2)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">3</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">165</td>
 <td class="tg-v47d"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=974281009">Trenton Munoz</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=345877009">Walker Heckendorf</a> (Western Colorado) (MD 10-0)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">4</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">174</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">#3 <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=1797000132">Cole Hernandez</a> (Western Colorado) over #10 <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=8548071">Kaden Hart</a> (MD 17-5)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">4</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">184</td>
 <td class="tg-v47d"><a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=378370132">Jacobi Deal</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=163398009">Hunter Richardson</a> (Western Colorado) (Dec 11-7)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">3</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">197</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">#3 <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=336883096">Jackson Kinsella</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=121073009">Sage Harrison</a> (Western Colorado) (MD 11-2)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">4</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">285</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">#1 <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=1301448009">Crew Howard</a> over <a href="https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/membership/ViewProfile.jsp?TIM=1731641616434&twSessionId=yhzobpuesw&twId=890178138">Riley Dean-Butt</a> (Western Colorado) (Fall 0:26)</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">0</td>
 <td class="tg-ktyi">6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-zr06" colspan="2"></td>
 <td class="tg-dgl5">10</td>
 <td class="tg-dgl5">33</td>
 </tr>
</tbody></table></div>

Lopers Topple the Mountaineers; Home Meet Nov. 23

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Dakota State shot 60 percent in the second half and senior post Colby Dillenbeck scored the winning bucket with 14 seconds left as the Trojans got past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=8165">78-76</a>, Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.&nbsp;This was the home opener for the Lopers (0-3) who've lost three games by a total of eight points.

For Madison, S.D.-based DSU (4-3), this was an exhibition contest per NAIA rules.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lefty graduate guard&nbsp;Allen Taylor&nbsp;(Bradley, Ark.) hit three threes over a 1:43 span to trim a six-point deficit to two, 74-72. A Taylor steal then led to a layup by redshirt junior forward&nbsp;Kendrick Gilbert&nbsp;(St. Louis) with 2:37 left. Two free throws from graduate forward&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;(Omaha Westside) tied things up for the third and final time, 76-76, with 1:04 remaining. Both teams missed shots and then DSU called a timeout. That led to Dillenbeck scoring in the paint; the Trojans had a 42-28 advantage as well a plus six rebounding margin.

UNK had a chance to win or tie the game but a three by Taylor hit iron and then a Gilbert putback attempt was blocked by freshman guard Tyler Beckwith. The Lopers did get another crack but that was about a 55-heave at the buzzer that fell well short.

"They came out in the second half and found the right guys. They shot the ball really well .. they were pretty uncontested, so we had some breakdowns defensively," said Loper head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson. "Once they see a couple of those go in, they start feeling good and they executed their motion offense."

The Lopers led by many as 14 in the first half and were up 39-29 at the break. A putback bucket by Taylor initially was counted at the end of the half but later waved off. DSU was just 2 of 11 from behind the arc in the half but made 6 of 9 from downtown over the final 20 minutes. They also were 7 of 9 at the line and limited UNK to 7 of 29 triple shooting.

"We wore down a little bit and they took advantage of some matchups. They also have eight games under their belt and we're still a new team," said Levinson.

Using 14 different players, the Trojans were led by Dillenbeck (17 points, six rebounds, two steals), Tietz (13 points, six assists) and Beckwith (12 points, seven rebounds). Tietz went 3 of 4 from deep with starting guard Brayden Pankonen close to a double double (10 points, eight rebounds) as well.

Thanks to that late flurry, Taylor had a game-high 21 points thanks to 5 of 12 three-point shooting. He also supplied five steals and three assists. Next, Thompson worked around four fouls to have 15 points with Gilbert at 16 points, seven boards, three dimes and a block. Finally, Mullen redshirt freshman&nbsp;Clayton Moore&nbsp;had five points and five boards coming off the bench.

"This was the first time we've seen a matchup zone like that. That takes away your play calls because they just switch everything," said Levinson. "You have to get some cutters and movement. I felt like we didn't defend well, we didn't read them well and our player and ball movement wasn't very good. That's a recipe for disaster."

UNK is at Wayne State (2-0) next Wednesday. The Wildcats host Barclay (Kan.) College on Friday and Bellevue on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731684506524.jpeg" alt="Allen Taylor (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Allen Taylor (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Dakota State shot 60 percent in the second half and senior post Colby Dillenbeck scored the winning bucket with 14 seconds left as the Trojans got past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=8165">78-76</a>, Thursday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.&nbsp;This was the home opener for the Lopers (0-3) who've lost three games by a total of eight points. For Madison, S.D.-based DSU (4-3), this was an exhibition contest per NAIA rules.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lefty graduate guard&nbsp;Allen Taylor&nbsp;(Bradley, Ark.) hit three threes over a 1:43 span to trim a six-point deficit to two, 74-72. A Taylor steal then led to a layup by redshirt junior forward&nbsp;Kendrick Gilbert&nbsp;(St. Louis) with 2:37 left. Two free throws from graduate forward&nbsp;Chase Thompson&nbsp;(Omaha Westside) tied things up for the third and final time, 76-76, with 1:04 remaining. Both teams missed shots and then DSU called a timeout. That led to Dillenbeck scoring in the paint; the Trojans had a 42-28 advantage as well a plus six rebounding margin.UNK had a chance to win or tie the game but a three by Taylor hit iron and then a Gilbert putback attempt was blocked by freshman guard Tyler Beckwith. The Lopers did get another crack but that was about a 55-heave at the buzzer that fell well short."They came out in the second half and found the right guys. They shot the ball really well .. they were pretty uncontested, so we had some breakdowns defensively," said Loper head coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson. "Once they see a couple of those go in, they start feeling good and they executed their motion offense."The Lopers led by many as 14 in the first half and were up 39-29 at the break. A putback bucket by Taylor initially was counted at the end of the half but later waved off. DSU was just 2 of 11 from behind the arc in the half but made 6 of 9 from downtown over the final 20 minutes. They also were 7 of 9 at the line and limited UNK to 7 of 29 triple shooting."We wore down a little bit and they took advantage of some matchups. They also have eight games under their belt and we're still a new team," said Levinson.Using 14 different players, the Trojans were led by Dillenbeck (17 points, six rebounds, two steals), Tietz (13 points, six assists) and Beckwith (12 points, seven rebounds). Tietz went 3 of 4 from deep with starting guard Brayden Pankonen close to a double double (10 points, eight rebounds) as well.Thanks to that late flurry, Taylor had a game-high 21 points thanks to 5 of 12 three-point shooting. He also supplied five steals and three assists. Next, Thompson worked around four fouls to have 15 points with Gilbert at 16 points, seven boards, three dimes and a block. Finally, Mullen redshirt freshman&nbsp;Clayton Moore&nbsp;had five points and five boards coming off the bench."This was the first time we've seen a matchup zone like that. That takes away your play calls because they just switch everything," said Levinson. "You have to get some cutters and movement. I felt like we didn't defend well, we didn't read them well and our player and ball movement wasn't very good. That's a recipe for disaster."UNK is at Wayne State (2-0) next Wednesday. The Wildcats host Barclay (Kan.) College on Friday and Bellevue on Monday.-----------------

UNK Men's Basketball Falls to Dakota State

&nbsp; Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The fourth-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team had 29 kills and hit .412 over the final two sets to rally past 26th-ranked Missouri Western (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2024/missouri-western/boxscore/7974" target="_blank">21-25, -22, 12-25, -21, -11</a>) Thursday night in St. Joseph.&nbsp;The Lopers (27-1, 14-1) sweep the season series from the Griffons (21-6, 11-4) and have earned at least a share of the MIAA regular season title.

UNK finishes the regular season tomorrow at Northwest Missouri while Central Oklahoma (12-2) hosts Washburn and Emporia State this weekend.&nbsp;Mo West took a 2-1 lead after they molly-whopped the Lopers in the third set. They won 25-12 and were up 20-9 at one point. UNK hit just .083 (9-6-36) while MWSU came in at .389 (17-3-50).&nbsp;

The Griffs registered 29 kills over the final two sets as well but hit .240 in the fourth and couldn't keep pace with the Lopers in the fifth. In the fourth, things were all tied at 19 before UNK closed on a 6-2 run. 

The points came via three straight kills by junior middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.), another one from sophomore outside&nbsp;Carly Purdy&nbsp;(North Platte), a block and unforced Mo West attack error.&nbsp;Like at Washburn, UNK came out strong in the fifth and then won a late video review. 

A kill from senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) made it 6-1 but the Griffs chipped away and were down just 11-9 after two Taylor Russell kills. It then appeared it was just a one-point lead, but a video overturned the call and gave Regier another kill. Finally, the Lopers closed things out thanks to kills by Regier and Rose.&nbsp;

Overall, Mo West hit 27 points higher, had 12 more kills and 11 more digs with UNK having two more blocks and were plus four in the serve game.&nbsp;Rose hit a sparkling .452 (15-1-31) with her 15 kills a new career-high effort. Earlier this year, she had 10 against both Drury and Missouri Southern. She also added five blocks with position mate&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) adding a career-high 10 (all assists).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731684261357.jpeg" alt="Carly Purdy (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Carly Purdy (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK Athletics&nbsp; Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The fourth-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team had 29 kills and hit .412 over the final two sets to rally past 26th-ranked Missouri Western (<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2024/missouri-western/boxscore/7974" target="_blank">21-25, -22, 12-25, -21, -11</a>) Thursday night in St. Joseph.&nbsp;The Lopers (27-1, 14-1) sweep the season series from the Griffons (21-6, 11-4) and have earned at least a share of the MIAA regular season title. UNK finishes the regular season tomorrow at Northwest Missouri while Central Oklahoma (12-2) hosts Washburn and Emporia State this weekend.&nbsp;Mo West took a 2-1 lead after they molly-whopped the Lopers in the third set. They won 25-12 and were up 20-9 at one point. UNK hit just .083 (9-6-36) while MWSU came in at .389 (17-3-50).&nbsp;The Griffs registered 29 kills over the final two sets as well but hit .240 in the fourth and couldn't keep pace with the Lopers in the fifth. In the fourth, things were all tied at 19 before UNK closed on a 6-2 run. The points came via three straight kills by junior middle&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.), another one from sophomore outside&nbsp;Carly Purdy&nbsp;(North Platte), a block and unforced Mo West attack error.&nbsp;Like at Washburn, UNK came out strong in the fifth and then won a late video review. A kill from senior outside&nbsp;Asha Regier&nbsp;(Newton, Kan.) made it 6-1 but the Griffs chipped away and were down just 11-9 after two Taylor Russell kills. It then appeared it was just a one-point lead, but a video overturned the call and gave Regier another kill. Finally, the Lopers closed things out thanks to kills by Regier and Rose.&nbsp;Overall, Mo West hit 27 points higher, had 12 more kills and 11 more digs with UNK having two more blocks and were plus four in the serve game.&nbsp;Rose hit a sparkling .452 (15-1-31) with her 15 kills a new career-high effort. Earlier this year, she had 10 against both Drury and Missouri Southern. She also added five blocks with position mate&nbsp;Mia Berg&nbsp;(Eureka, Mo.) adding a career-high 10 (all assists).&nbsp;Next, Purdy came off the bench early and had 13 kills and hit .333 with Regier warming up in the fifth set to have 12 kills in a team-best 49 swings. In the back row, libero&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) had 24 digs and two of UNK's four aces with sophomore DS&nbsp;Lexi Stephens&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) digging up 15 balls.&nbsp;Russell amassed 24 kills, six blocks, two digs and hit .377 to pace Mo West. Also, Holly Heldt (18 digs, 11 kills) had a double double with Emily Loy at 17 kills and libero Anna Weberg at 27 digs.&nbsp;UNK is at Northwest (14-10) tonight at 6 p.m. The Bearcats were off tonight as they host Fort Hays State on Saturday.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;