Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska swimming and diving heads to West Lafayette, Ind. for the Big Ten Championships, Feb. 21-24. Twelve teams will face off in hopes of clinching the conference title, starting with the 200 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. (CT) at the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center. The following three days of competition begin with prelims at 9 a.m (CT) and finals at 4 p.m. (CT).

Gena Jorgenson has racked up 19 individual victories throughout her season, while setting five career bests and notching six B standards. Jorgenson broke the 1000 freestyle school record in a dual with Illinois on Jan. 27 with a time of 9:41.68.

The sophomore from Aberdeen, S.D. tallied three B Cuts in the 500 freestyle, one of which earned her a career-best time at the Hawkeye Invite (4:43.87). Jorgenson’s other B standards came in the 1650 freestyle and the 400 IM.

JoJo Randby has posted two career bests and 15 top-three finishes so far this season, including a B Cut and victory in the 100 breaststroke at the Hawkeye Invite (1:00.54).&nbsp;

Maia Hall is a top contributor for the Big Red in the breaststroke events. The junior from Whitby, England took second-place in the 100 breaststroke at the Hawkeye Invite with a 1:01.20. In addition to the B Standard at the Hawkeye Invitational, Hall has swam a trio of B cuts in the 200 breaststroke.

Seniors Sarah Barton and Emily Haimes have a combined 36 top-three finishes this season. Barton is coming off a win against Rutgers in the 100 backstroke, after posting a career-best time of 54.84.&nbsp; Haimes has contributed to eight winning relays on the season and was a part of three in the Huskers’ last outing against Rutgers.

Giulia Marchi has found success for NU in the 200 freestyle. The sophomore from Asola, Italy has two victories in the event and set a career-best with her second-place finish at the Hawkeye Invitational (1:49.06).

Beatrix Tanko has been a force for the Huskers in her inaugural season. She hit the B Standard in the 100 butterfly at the Hawkeye Invitational with a 53.26. Tanko holds 14 top-three finishes, including six wins so far this season.

Anastasia Tichy earned a pair of B Cuts in the 200 butterfly. She logged her career-best time against Rutgers on Feb. 2 (1:58.20).

On the diving side, Abby Baxter leads the Huskers with 13 top-three finishes, including seven titles, while earning 17 zone-qualifying scores.

In her sophomore campaign for the Huskers, Kelsey Clairmont has notched 15 top-five finishes, including two titles.&nbsp;

The Huskers enter the competition at 7-2 on the season, with Big Ten wins over Illinois and Rutgers and conference losses to Minnesota and Iowa. NU avenged their loss to the Hawkeyes at the Hawkeye Invitational by placing first out of eight teams, including Iowa and Rutgers.

In the current CSCAA poll, five Big Ten teams are ranked in the top 25. Indiana is ranked sixth, and Ohio State is ranked eighth.

A livestream will be available throughout the competition on Big Ten Plus.

2024 Big Ten ChampionshipsWest Lafayette. Ind. (Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center)February 21-24, 2024Prelims at 9 a.m. (CT), Finals at 4 p.m. (CT)

Wednesday200 Medley Relay800 Freestyle Relay

500 Freestyle200 IM50 FreestyleOne Meter400 Medley Relay

100 Butterfly400 IM200 Freestyle100 Breaststroke100 BackstrokeThree Meter200 Freestyle Relay

1,650 Freestyle200 Backstroke100 Freestyle200 Breaststroke200 ButterflyPlatform Diving400 Freestyle Relay

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska swimming and diving heads to West Lafayette, Ind. for the Big Ten Championships, Feb. 21-24. Twelve teams will face off in hopes of clinching the conference title, starting with the 200 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. (CT) at the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center. The following three days of competition begin with prelims at 9 a.m (CT) and finals at 4 p.m. (CT).Gena Jorgenson has racked up 19 individual victories throughout her season, while setting five career bests and notching six B standards. Jorgenson broke the 1000 freestyle school record in a dual with Illinois on Jan. 27 with a time of 9:41.68.The sophomore from Aberdeen, S.D. tallied three B Cuts in the 500 freestyle, one of which earned her a career-best time at the Hawkeye Invite (4:43.87). Jorgenson’s other B standards came in the 1650 freestyle and the 400 IM.JoJo Randby has posted two career bests and 15 top-three finishes so far this season, including a B Cut and victory in the 100 breaststroke at the Hawkeye Invite (1:00.54).&nbsp;Maia Hall is a top contributor for the Big Red in the breaststroke events. The junior from Whitby, England took second-place in the 100 breaststroke at the Hawkeye Invite with a 1:01.20. In addition to the B Standard at the Hawkeye Invitational, Hall has swam a trio of B cuts in the 200 breaststroke.Seniors Sarah Barton and Emily Haimes have a combined 36 top-three finishes this season. Barton is coming off a win against Rutgers in the 100 backstroke, after posting a career-best time of 54.84.&nbsp; Haimes has contributed to eight winning relays on the season and was a part of three in the Huskers’ last outing against Rutgers.Giulia Marchi has found success for NU in the 200 freestyle. The sophomore from Asola, Italy has two victories in the event and set a career-best with her second-place finish at the Hawkeye Invitational (1:49.06).Beatrix Tanko has been a force for the Huskers in her inaugural season. She hit the B Standard in the 100 butterfly at the Hawkeye Invitational with a 53.26. Tanko holds 14 top-three finishes, including six wins so far this season.Anastasia Tichy earned a pair of B Cuts in the 200 butterfly. She logged her career-best time against Rutgers on Feb. 2 (1:58.20).On the diving side, Abby Baxter leads the Huskers with 13 top-three finishes, including seven titles, while earning 17 zone-qualifying scores.In her sophomore campaign for the Huskers, Kelsey Clairmont has notched 15 top-five finishes, including two titles.&nbsp;The Huskers enter the competition at 7-2 on the season, with Big Ten wins over Illinois and Rutgers and conference losses to Minnesota and Iowa. NU avenged their loss to the Hawkeyes at the Hawkeye Invitational by placing first out of eight teams, including Iowa and Rutgers.In the current CSCAA poll, five Big Ten teams are ranked in the top 25. Indiana is ranked sixth, and Ohio State is ranked eighth.A livestream will be available throughout the competition on Big Ten Plus.2024 Big Ten ChampionshipsWest Lafayette. Ind. (Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center)February 21-24, 2024Prelims at 9 a.m. (CT), Finals at 4 p.m. (CT)Order of EventsWednesday200 Medley Relay800 Freestyle RelayThursday500 Freestyle200 IM50 FreestyleOne Meter400 Medley RelayFriday100 Butterfly400 IM200 Freestyle100 Breaststroke100 BackstrokeThree Meter200 Freestyle RelaySaturday1,650 Freestyle200 Backstroke100 Freestyle200 Breaststroke200 ButterflyPlatform Diving400 Freestyle Relay

Huskers set for Big Ten Swimming Championships

The No. 8 Nebraska rifle team qualified for the 2024 NCAA Championships, as the NCAA announced the eight-team field Monday evening.&nbsp;

The Huskers will face off against West Virginia, TCU, Air Force, Kentucky, Alaska-Fairbanks, Ole Miss and Navy.&nbsp; The 2024 NCAA Championships take place in Morgantown, W.Va, on Friday-Saturday, March 8-9.

“NCAAs will be exciting for the team,” Head Coach Mindy Miles said. “This season has been extremely competitive for the entire sport. We are one of the top programs in the NCAA. As with any match, any team can win and we will make a run for it.”

NU will make its second straight appearance under Miles and 20th appearance since becoming a varsity program in 1998. The Huskers’ qualifying score was based on its score from qualifiers last weekend and their top three regular-season scores at different locations throughout the season.&nbsp;

Nebraska returns an experienced roster as four shooters - seniors Cecelia Ossi and Madelynn Erickson, junior Mackenzie Strauch and sophomore Emma Rhode - all helped the Huskers to a sixth-place finish at the 2023 NCAA Championships.&nbsp;

Ossi, a four-time All-American, claimed the national title in smallbore in 2023 and will be looking to continue her success. Erickson (2023 CRCA Honorable Mention Smallbore) and Rhode (2023 CRCA Second-Team Air Rifle) are also returning All-Americans for the Huskers.&nbsp;

The Big Red has faced five out of its seven opponents so far this season – West Virginia, TCU, Air Force, Kentucky and Alaska-Fairbanks.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe No. 8 Nebraska rifle team qualified for the 2024 NCAA Championships, as the NCAA announced the eight-team field Monday evening.&nbsp;The Huskers will face off against West Virginia, TCU, Air Force, Kentucky, Alaska-Fairbanks, Ole Miss and Navy.&nbsp; The 2024 NCAA Championships take place in Morgantown, W.Va, on Friday-Saturday, March 8-9.“NCAAs will be exciting for the team,” Head Coach Mindy Miles said. “This season has been extremely competitive for the entire sport. We are one of the top programs in the NCAA. As with any match, any team can win and we will make a run for it.”NU will make its second straight appearance under Miles and 20th appearance since becoming a varsity program in 1998. The Huskers’ qualifying score was based on its score from qualifiers last weekend and their top three regular-season scores at different locations throughout the season.&nbsp;Nebraska returns an experienced roster as four shooters - seniors Cecelia Ossi and Madelynn Erickson, junior Mackenzie Strauch and sophomore Emma Rhode - all helped the Huskers to a sixth-place finish at the 2023 NCAA Championships.&nbsp;Ossi, a four-time All-American, claimed the national title in smallbore in 2023 and will be looking to continue her success. Erickson (2023 CRCA Honorable Mention Smallbore) and Rhode (2023 CRCA Second-Team Air Rifle) are also returning All-Americans for the Huskers.&nbsp;The Big Red has faced five out of its seven opponents so far this season – West Virginia, TCU, Air Force, Kentucky and Alaska-Fairbanks.&nbsp;

Huskers Rifle earn NCAA bid

Lindsey Thiele posted her first top-10 finish of the season, while Kelli Ann Strand added Nebraska's best round of the tournament with a 68 to tie for 11th and lead the Husker women's golf team up the standings on the final day of the Spartan Sun Coast Invitational on Monday in Sarasota, Fla.

Thiele, a senior from Wahoo, Neb., added a final-round 73 (+1) to Sunday's opening-round 70 (-2) to finish in a tie for seventh at 143 (-1). Thiele's second round was filled with ups and downs, as she recorded five birdies and six bogeys to go with seven pars on the 6,191-yard layout of the Champions Course at the Palm Aire Country Club. It was Thieles third career top-10 finish as a Husker.

"It was nice to see Lindsey play well this week," Nebraska Head Coach Jeanne Sutherland said. "She will take a lot away from this event that will help her the rest of the spring. Kelli Ann and Miu also showed their games today."

Strand cruised through Monday's 18 holes with four birdies and 14 pars to finish at four-under-par. The sophomore from Challis, Idaho, jumped 17 spots on the leader board into a tie for 11th with a 36-hole score of even-par 144 after an opening-round 76 in rough conditions on Sunday. Strand's 68 was her 11th round better than par in 17 total rounds this season, and her 29th career round under par in 55 rounds.

Junior Miu Takahashi contributed an impressive 69 (-3) to Nebraska's team score on Monday, vaulting 31 spots up the individual standings into a tie for 41st at 151 (+7) for the tournament. The junior from Nasu-machi, Japan carded four birdies and 13 pars against one bogey for the round.

Sydney Harz and Michaela Vavrova both closed the tournament with final rounds of 75 (+3). Harz tied with Husker teammate Andrea Velez in 67th, while Vavrova tied for 72nd in the 81-player field.

As a team, Nebraska posted a final-round 285 (-3), to move up two spots to 11th in the team standings. The Huskers (595) moved in front of both North Carolina State (598) and Kent State (603), while finishing just one shot back of Miami.

"We played a lot better today because we played to targets and with freedom," Nebraska Coach Jeanne Sutherland said. "Yesterday we played away from trouble and tried to control everything, and it just doesn't work. It was a good lesson to learn going into the meat of our spring schedule. We still have work to do with being in the right frame of mind to compete, but I liked what I saw today."

Ohio State (576) held off the College of Charleston (578) for the team title, while Tennessee secured third place after producing the best round of the tournament with a 281 (-7) on Monday. Ohio State's Kary Hollenbaugh took medalist honors with a 36-hole score of 136, including a final-round 65 (-7).

The Huskers head West for the first time this spring to compete at the Westbrook Spring Invitational in Peoria, Ariz., Feb. 25-26.

Spartan Sun Coast InvitationalFeb. 18-19, 2024Sarasota, FloridaPalm Aire CC-Champions Course (Par 72, 6,191 Yards)

Final Team Standings1. Ohio State - 291-285=576 (E)2. College of Charleston - 296-282=578 (+2)3. Tennessee - 299-281=580 (+4)4. Georgia Southern - 298-283=581 (+5)5. Oklahoma - 301-282=583 (+7)6. Purdue - 300-285=585 (+9)7. Notre Dame - 303-284=587 (+11)T8. Michigan State - 304-286=590 (+14)T8. North Carolina - 297-293-590 (+14)10. Miami - 301-293=594 (+18)11. Nebraska - 310-285=595 (+19)12. NC State - 307-291=598 (+22)13. Kent State - 304-299=603 (+27)&nbsp;14. Grand Valley State - 314-302=616 (+40)15. South Dakota State - 316-304=620 (+44)&nbsp;

Final Individual Standings1. Kary Hollenbaugh, Ohio State - 71-65=136 (-8)2. Sara Byrne, Miami - 72-68=140 (-4)3. Gracie Mayo, Oklahoma - 71-70=141 (-3)T4. Lauren Beaudreau, Notre Dame - 74-68=142 (-2)T4. Regina Plascensia, Georgia Southern - 71-71=142 (-2)T4. Caley McGinty, Ohio State - 70-72=142 (-2)T7. Emily Dunlap, College of Charleston - 76-67=143 (-1)T7. Kayla Holden, Tennessee - 72-71=143 (-1)T7. Emma Schimpf, College of Charleston - 72-71=143 (-1)T7. Lindsey Thiele, Nebraska - 70-73=143 (-1)T11. Kelli Ann Strand, Nebraska - 76-68=144 (E)T11. Bailey Davis, Tennessee - 75-69=144 (E)T11. Louise Reau, Georgia Southern - 73-71=144 (E)T11. Megan Streicher, North Carolina - 71-73=144 (E)T11. Brooke Biermann, Michigan State - 70-74=144 (E)Nebraska IndividualsT7. Lindsey Thiele - 70-73=143 (-1)T11. Kelli Ann Strand - 76-68=144 (E)T41. Miu Takahashi - 82-69=151 (+7)T67. Sydney Harz - 82-75=157 (+13)*T67. Andrea Velez - 79-78=157 (+13)T72. Michaela Vavrova - 83-75=158 (+14)*competing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLindsey Thiele posted her first top-10 finish of the season, while Kelli Ann Strand added Nebraska's best round of the tournament with a 68 to tie for 11th and lead the Husker women's golf team up the standings on the final day of the Spartan Sun Coast Invitational on Monday in Sarasota, Fla.Thiele, a senior from Wahoo, Neb., added a final-round 73 (+1) to Sunday's opening-round 70 (-2) to finish in a tie for seventh at 143 (-1). Thiele's second round was filled with ups and downs, as she recorded five birdies and six bogeys to go with seven pars on the 6,191-yard layout of the Champions Course at the Palm Aire Country Club. It was Thieles third career top-10 finish as a Husker."It was nice to see Lindsey play well this week," Nebraska Head Coach Jeanne Sutherland said. "She will take a lot away from this event that will help her the rest of the spring. Kelli Ann and Miu also showed their games today."Strand cruised through Monday's 18 holes with four birdies and 14 pars to finish at four-under-par. The sophomore from Challis, Idaho, jumped 17 spots on the leader board into a tie for 11th with a 36-hole score of even-par 144 after an opening-round 76 in rough conditions on Sunday. Strand's 68 was her 11th round better than par in 17 total rounds this season, and her 29th career round under par in 55 rounds.Junior Miu Takahashi contributed an impressive 69 (-3) to Nebraska's team score on Monday, vaulting 31 spots up the individual standings into a tie for 41st at 151 (+7) for the tournament. The junior from Nasu-machi, Japan carded four birdies and 13 pars against one bogey for the round.Sydney Harz and Michaela Vavrova both closed the tournament with final rounds of 75 (+3). Harz tied with Husker teammate Andrea Velez in 67th, while Vavrova tied for 72nd in the 81-player field.As a team, Nebraska posted a final-round 285 (-3), to move up two spots to 11th in the team standings. The Huskers (595) moved in front of both North Carolina State (598) and Kent State (603), while finishing just one shot back of Miami."We played a lot better today because we played to targets and with freedom," Nebraska Coach Jeanne Sutherland said. "Yesterday we played away from trouble and tried to control everything, and it just doesn't work. It was a good lesson to learn going into the meat of our spring schedule. We still have work to do with being in the right frame of mind to compete, but I liked what I saw today."Ohio State (576) held off the College of Charleston (578) for the team title, while Tennessee secured third place after producing the best round of the tournament with a 281 (-7) on Monday. Ohio State's Kary Hollenbaugh took medalist honors with a 36-hole score of 136, including a final-round 65 (-7).The Huskers head West for the first time this spring to compete at the Westbrook Spring Invitational in Peoria, Ariz., Feb. 25-26.Spartan Sun Coast InvitationalFeb. 18-19, 2024Sarasota, FloridaPalm Aire CC-Champions Course (Par 72, 6,191 Yards)Final Team Standings1. Ohio State - 291-285=576 (E)2. College of Charleston - 296-282=578 (+2)3. Tennessee - 299-281=580 (+4)4. Georgia Southern - 298-283=581 (+5)5. Oklahoma - 301-282=583 (+7)6. Purdue - 300-285=585 (+9)7. Notre Dame - 303-284=587 (+11)T8. Michigan State - 304-286=590 (+14)T8. North Carolina - 297-293-590 (+14)10. Miami - 301-293=594 (+18)11. Nebraska - 310-285=595 (+19)12. NC State - 307-291=598 (+22)13. Kent State - 304-299=603 (+27)&nbsp;14. Grand Valley State - 314-302=616 (+40)15. South Dakota State - 316-304=620 (+44)&nbsp;Final Individual Standings1. Kary Hollenbaugh, Ohio State - 71-65=136 (-8)2. Sara Byrne, Miami - 72-68=140 (-4)3. Gracie Mayo, Oklahoma - 71-70=141 (-3)T4. Lauren Beaudreau, Notre Dame - 74-68=142 (-2)T4. Regina Plascensia, Georgia Southern - 71-71=142 (-2)T4. Caley McGinty, Ohio State - 70-72=142 (-2)T7. Emily Dunlap, College of Charleston - 76-67=143 (-1)T7. Kayla Holden, Tennessee - 72-71=143 (-1)T7. Emma Schimpf, College of Charleston - 72-71=143 (-1)T7. Lindsey Thiele, Nebraska - 70-73=143 (-1)T11. Kelli Ann Strand, Nebraska - 76-68=144 (E)T11. Bailey Davis, Tennessee - 75-69=144 (E)T11. Louise Reau, Georgia Southern - 73-71=144 (E)T11. Megan Streicher, North Carolina - 71-73=144 (E)T11. Brooke Biermann, Michigan State - 70-74=144 (E)Nebraska IndividualsT7. Lindsey Thiele - 70-73=143 (-1)T11. Kelli Ann Strand - 76-68=144 (E)T41. Miu Takahashi - 82-69=151 (+7)T67. Sydney Harz - 82-75=157 (+13)*T67. Andrea Velez - 79-78=157 (+13)T72. Michaela Vavrova - 83-75=158 (+14)*competing as an individual outside Nebraska's lineup

Huskers surge in Final Round at Sun Coast

Omaha, Ne - The Consolation matches are all over, click here to see results. State Final matches begin at 3pm in Omaha. Watch here for results.

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">See FULL RESULTS &amp; MORE VIDEO HERE</a>

Also qualifing for the State Finals from the area was Jaret Peterson for Chase County. The Post hopes to catch up with Jaret today. Good Luck.

Omaha, Ne - The Consolation matches are all over, click here to see results. State Final matches begin at 3pm in Omaha. Watch here for results.<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">See FULL RESULTS &amp; MORE VIDEO HERE</a>VIDEO - North Platte High's Ty Haniborg<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fvideos%2F1400181924202885%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>VIDEO - Sutherland's Grady Dempcy<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fvideos%2F1864237387344988%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>VIDEO - Sutherland's Cauy Kohl<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fvideos%2F426300863067361%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Also qualifing for the State Finals from the area was Jaret Peterson for Chase County. The Post hopes to catch up with Jaret today. Good Luck.

State Wrestling: Consolation matches are over, see results. FINALS this afternoon

Omaha, Ne - 29 area wrestlers still have a chance at a medal heading into Friday night at the State Wrestling Tournament, including 12 in the semifinals tonight at the CHI Center in Omaha.&nbsp;

In the team standings, North Platte High sits in 8th place in Class A before wrestlers hit the mat Friday night, Sutherland is in 2nd place, 10 points back of Aquinas Catholic.&nbsp;

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">See Full Results HERE,</a> and also watch the video interviews from Omaha from Thursday &amp; Friday here also, or click on STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT at the top of this page.

Omaha, Ne - 29 area wrestlers still have a chance at a medal heading into Friday night at the State Wrestling Tournament, including 12 in the semifinals tonight at the CHI Center in Omaha.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582218695847.jpeg" alt="State Wrestling - Glesinger Credit" />
 <figcaption>State Wrestling - Glesinger Credit</figcaption>
 </figure>In the team standings, North Platte High sits in 8th place in Class A before wrestlers hit the mat Friday night, Sutherland is in 2nd place, 10 points back of Aquinas Catholic.&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">See Full Results HERE,</a> and also watch the video interviews from Omaha from Thursday &amp; Friday here also, or click on STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT at the top of this page.

Friday night at state wrestling tournament: Preview

&nbsp; Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Southern Nazarene junior Maddie Southerland threw a complete game eight hitter and East Central catcher Jami Waston hit a walk-off double to help the Crimson Storm,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=softball&amp;id=7785" target="_blank">7-0</a>, and the Tigers,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=softball&amp;id=7784" target="_blank">3-2</a>, beat Nebraska&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;Thursday in Oklahoma.

The games are part of the three-day Raising Cane’s Softball Festival in the Oklahoma City Metro area. UNK (3-3) faces Oklahoma Baptist and&nbsp;Ouachita&nbsp;(Ark.) Baptist Friday at Deer Creek High School in Edmond.

The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;recorded a combined 18 hits today and drew nine walks as well. However, the Blue &amp; Gold left 21 runners on base and had two runners thrown out at home plate in the setback to ECU.

In the early contest at Central Oklahoma, freshman&nbsp;Daniella Morillas&nbsp;(Newcastle, Calif.) shut out East Central (6-4) over the first six innings. However, the Tigers used an infield single, walk, sac bunt, infield error, sac fly and Watson’s two out, two strike double to score three times in its final at bat.

Leadoff&nbsp;hitter and shortstop&nbsp;Mary Chvatal&nbsp;(Wahoo) went 2 for 4 and scored twice, freshman third baseman&nbsp;Giana Galli&nbsp;(Stockton, Calif.) was 2 for 2 with an RBI and junior first baseman&nbsp;Leah Jurgens&nbsp;(Lincoln) finished 2 for 4. Finally, Morillas received a no decision as she&nbsp;worked around three hits and five walks in 103 pitches.&nbsp;

Down the road in Bethany, Okla., Southerland helped the Crimson Storm (5-5) rebound from a 2-0 loss to Fort Hays State by throwing 114 pitches against the&nbsp;Lopers. The junior college transfer worked around four walks and eight singles to keep UNK off the board.

At the plate, SNU scored all its runs over the final four innings. An 11-hit attack was led by right fielder&nbsp;Mikayla&nbsp;Oaks, shortstop and eight-hole hitter Kristen Mullendore and center fielder and nine-hole hitter Maddie Riley. Each went 3 for 3 and combined for five RBI’s and five runs scored.

Galli and junior center fielder&nbsp;Eden McNally&nbsp;(Castle Rock, Colo.) each went 2 for 4 to pace the&nbsp;Lopers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708096445906.jpeg" alt="Mary Chvatal (Photo from UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Mary Chvatal (Photo from UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Peter YazvacUNK Athletics&nbsp; Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Southern Nazarene junior Maddie Southerland threw a complete game eight hitter and East Central catcher Jami Waston hit a walk-off double to help the Crimson Storm,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=softball&amp;id=7785" target="_blank">7-0</a>, and the Tigers,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=softball&amp;id=7784" target="_blank">3-2</a>, beat Nebraska&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;Thursday in Oklahoma.The games are part of the three-day Raising Cane’s Softball Festival in the Oklahoma City Metro area. UNK (3-3) faces Oklahoma Baptist and&nbsp;Ouachita&nbsp;(Ark.) Baptist Friday at Deer Creek High School in Edmond.The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;recorded a combined 18 hits today and drew nine walks as well. However, the Blue &amp; Gold left 21 runners on base and had two runners thrown out at home plate in the setback to ECU.In the early contest at Central Oklahoma, freshman&nbsp;Daniella Morillas&nbsp;(Newcastle, Calif.) shut out East Central (6-4) over the first six innings. However, the Tigers used an infield single, walk, sac bunt, infield error, sac fly and Watson’s two out, two strike double to score three times in its final at bat.Leadoff&nbsp;hitter and shortstop&nbsp;Mary Chvatal&nbsp;(Wahoo) went 2 for 4 and scored twice, freshman third baseman&nbsp;Giana Galli&nbsp;(Stockton, Calif.) was 2 for 2 with an RBI and junior first baseman&nbsp;Leah Jurgens&nbsp;(Lincoln) finished 2 for 4. Finally, Morillas received a no decision as she&nbsp;worked around three hits and five walks in 103 pitches.&nbsp;Down the road in Bethany, Okla., Southerland helped the Crimson Storm (5-5) rebound from a 2-0 loss to Fort Hays State by throwing 114 pitches against the&nbsp;Lopers. The junior college transfer worked around four walks and eight singles to keep UNK off the board.At the plate, SNU scored all its runs over the final four innings. An 11-hit attack was led by right fielder&nbsp;Mikayla&nbsp;Oaks, shortstop and eight-hole hitter Kristen Mullendore and center fielder and nine-hole hitter Maddie Riley. Each went 3 for 3 and combined for five RBI’s and five runs scored.Galli and junior center fielder&nbsp;Eden McNally&nbsp;(Castle Rock, Colo.) each went 2 for 4 to pace the&nbsp;Lopers.

Lopers Walked Off by ECU, Shut Out by SNU

OMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s major league volleyball team in the Pro Volleyball Federation, are teaming up with&nbsp;Empyrean Brewing Company&nbsp;to release its own unique beer.&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas California Common Ale is a light-bodied, candy-citrus flavored beer that will be a popular drink of choice for fans who are attending Supernovas matches at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;Fans can purchase the beer starting with the Supernovas next home match at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 against the Orlando Valkyries at the CHI Health Center.

It will also be sold in four-pack cans at many retailers in Omaha, including Hy-Vee, Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits as well as Beer, Wine and Spirits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This chance to partner with the Omaha Supernovas was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,”&nbsp;Ben Matya, sales and marketing manager at Empyrean Crewing Company said. “The volleyball fanbase in Nebraska is like no other, and we desire to get behind that and help promote this awesome pro women’s team in any way we can.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas name and brand is a nod to Nebraska’s stars that light up the night. Super stars, or supernovas, are among the bright and shining few. Just like those rare, radiant bodies, the Supernovas are a rare group of world-class female athletes. They inspire the next generation to make history by reaching new heights and breaking barriers in women’s sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zvbH4cBjSXlpVWLNNMLw8A_OkCjMksVAnzi9exK5FVQx_iPrsAAXpGxwH4R2d9F_9FVf7trcVoR0Qn4aDkpMG8R_Dyy3FIw47w==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">Empyrean Brewing Co.®&nbsp;</a>has expanded into nine states since becoming Nebraska’s first brewpub in 1990. Empyrean currently offers nine core beers available year-round, a line of seasonal beers and a host of specialty and limited-release beers. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zvbH4cBjSXlpVWLNNMLw8A_OkCjMksVAnzi9exK5FVQx_iPrsAAXpGxwH4R2d9F_9FVf7trcVoR0Qn4aDkpMG8R_Dyy3FIw47w==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">empyreanbrewingco.com.</a>&nbsp;

The Supernovas next play the Orlando Valkyries at 5 p.m. CST on Sunday, February 16 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The match will be broadcasted on the WORLD Channel which is part of Nebraska Public Media.

WORLD is available statewide over the air and on cable. It can also be found on Nebraska Public Media’s website and app, available on all smartphones and tablets. It cannot be found on satellite. More information on WORLD can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zvj0q6qwI4_AMHpqRvVDJ22H0fPtKrkbvX-uRFsPGRULpy8WYtXeezrddzLbAH_72b3uqt1V5DYYnd75kgyMwXVTctsJh9mykVMY69bUz-C9S9zjtcomELgJZyMFQP80RljnbRFuiJtN&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/about/station-map</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network which is led by the flagship station,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nfdS226LFSPISAQHbn94pDRszmiCgN-AMpDarncQK-dIQvJWd62OjiJmagx7DbuwDHLcSWMM8Nb9M80AT7Trp7gUPRHdBGK5ieYaVrivFoLHvj83EZJbHeV2ImHNe7xVkmoIlEH2k1OqItquDawdyQ==&amp;c=dPRZ6i8X6Lrk31yKIOVaJ9RbPrAwFiGOh3FA1QP6r0O2nNnrqfidZg==&amp;ch=cVNM4gwF02yesVaFW8gddPSAoryV9WmW0SWQzDChc9rLi-V-scDOXw==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket</a>. Radio coverage is also on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;

The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zmJQq_Sq0Ip06XAr7ELMSruMYEUoNcbIarXnFNruCtuOl8fAAHzLkamFUQrZ5xiyNoallhaQ2wb1wK-xzOf7ZnjMnmMXar8yrw==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">Pro Volleyball Federation</a>&nbsp;inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas, Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Three expansion teams, Dallas Pro Volleyball, Indianapolis Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. The Supernovas will have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the regular season concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be one of the top four teams in the standings that will compete for the Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship in May. The location of the championship will be determined and announced later this season.&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, co-founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. More team information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zmJQq_Sq0Ip06XAr7ELMSruMYEUoNcbIarXnFNruCtuOl8fAAHzLkamFUQrZ5xiyNoallhaQ2wb1wK-xzOf7ZnjMnmMXar8yrw==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players, quality of event presentations, and day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zi3_5npm_usjQuqjpzHf0SB3eA3M-_sFKt8sKnSbtH4z24EBKuNR9q00BCcgfLJPpkU-uieFZ3UbK-TRNkOjd3-xObsVXpUD2w==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com.</a>&nbsp;

Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb. –&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s major league volleyball team in the Pro Volleyball Federation, are teaming up with&nbsp;Empyrean Brewing Company&nbsp;to release its own unique beer.&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas California Common Ale is a light-bodied, candy-citrus flavored beer that will be a popular drink of choice for fans who are attending Supernovas matches at the CHI Health Center.&nbsp;Fans can purchase the beer starting with the Supernovas next home match at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 against the Orlando Valkyries at the CHI Health Center.It will also be sold in four-pack cans at many retailers in Omaha, including Hy-Vee, Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits as well as Beer, Wine and Spirits.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This chance to partner with the Omaha Supernovas was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,”&nbsp;Ben Matya, sales and marketing manager at Empyrean Crewing Company said. “The volleyball fanbase in Nebraska is like no other, and we desire to get behind that and help promote this awesome pro women’s team in any way we can.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas name and brand is a nod to Nebraska’s stars that light up the night. Super stars, or supernovas, are among the bright and shining few. Just like those rare, radiant bodies, the Supernovas are a rare group of world-class female athletes. They inspire the next generation to make history by reaching new heights and breaking barriers in women’s sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zvbH4cBjSXlpVWLNNMLw8A_OkCjMksVAnzi9exK5FVQx_iPrsAAXpGxwH4R2d9F_9FVf7trcVoR0Qn4aDkpMG8R_Dyy3FIw47w==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">Empyrean Brewing Co.®&nbsp;</a>has expanded into nine states since becoming Nebraska’s first brewpub in 1990. Empyrean currently offers nine core beers available year-round, a line of seasonal beers and a host of specialty and limited-release beers. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zvbH4cBjSXlpVWLNNMLw8A_OkCjMksVAnzi9exK5FVQx_iPrsAAXpGxwH4R2d9F_9FVf7trcVoR0Qn4aDkpMG8R_Dyy3FIw47w==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">empyreanbrewingco.com.</a>&nbsp;The Supernovas next play the Orlando Valkyries at 5 p.m. CST on Sunday, February 16 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The match will be broadcasted on the WORLD Channel which is part of Nebraska Public Media.WORLD is available statewide over the air and on cable. It can also be found on Nebraska Public Media’s website and app, available on all smartphones and tablets. It cannot be found on satellite. More information on WORLD can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zvj0q6qwI4_AMHpqRvVDJ22H0fPtKrkbvX-uRFsPGRULpy8WYtXeezrddzLbAH_72b3uqt1V5DYYnd75kgyMwXVTctsJh9mykVMY69bUz-C9S9zjtcomELgJZyMFQP80RljnbRFuiJtN&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/about/station-map</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network which is led by the flagship station,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nfdS226LFSPISAQHbn94pDRszmiCgN-AMpDarncQK-dIQvJWd62OjiJmagx7DbuwDHLcSWMM8Nb9M80AT7Trp7gUPRHdBGK5ieYaVrivFoLHvj83EZJbHeV2ImHNe7xVkmoIlEH2k1OqItquDawdyQ==&amp;c=dPRZ6i8X6Lrk31yKIOVaJ9RbPrAwFiGOh3FA1QP6r0O2nNnrqfidZg==&amp;ch=cVNM4gwF02yesVaFW8gddPSAoryV9WmW0SWQzDChc9rLi-V-scDOXw==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket</a>. Radio coverage is also on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zmJQq_Sq0Ip06XAr7ELMSruMYEUoNcbIarXnFNruCtuOl8fAAHzLkamFUQrZ5xiyNoallhaQ2wb1wK-xzOf7ZnjMnmMXar8yrw==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">Pro Volleyball Federation</a>&nbsp;inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas, Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Three expansion teams, Dallas Pro Volleyball, Indianapolis Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. The Supernovas will have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the regular season concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be one of the top four teams in the standings that will compete for the Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship in May. The location of the championship will be determined and announced later this season.&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, co-founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. More team information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zmJQq_Sq0Ip06XAr7ELMSruMYEUoNcbIarXnFNruCtuOl8fAAHzLkamFUQrZ5xiyNoallhaQ2wb1wK-xzOf7ZnjMnmMXar8yrw==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">Supernovas.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players, quality of event presentations, and day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OnaC233tkLdRJC42YAGznoSXa206jiMJXQDPuNUR8AT5G9B6gzG2zi3_5npm_usjQuqjpzHf0SB3eA3M-_sFKt8sKnSbtH4z24EBKuNR9q00BCcgfLJPpkU-uieFZ3UbK-TRNkOjd3-xObsVXpUD2w==&amp;c=mIApmBT9hi1C3T38xCXsHRRUchNmKcmlUCTDyekU3x8QbrlzG-EPJw==&amp;ch=KhEHvzQEac_Xw8wq0vsxA83YKX07jYvGa0bUYNI1d0dPA7FHJL4_Ow==" target="_blank">ProVolleyball.com.</a>&nbsp;

Supernovas Partner with Empyrean Brewing Company for Beer Collaboration

HENDERSON, NV. -&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas spoiled the Vegas Thrill’s first-ever home match with a 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-19 four-set win Thursday night at the Dollar Loan Center in front of a crowd of 3,974. With the victory, Omaha (3-2) finished its two-match road trip unbeaten while avenging a five-set loss to Vegas on February 7.&nbsp;

Four Supernovas reached double-digit points in what was a balanced effort from Omaha. Team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the way with 18 points which included a team-high 15 kills, two aces and one block. That also involved a double-double with 13 digs. Two-time olympian&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;came alive offensively, slamming down 14 kills on a .330 hitting percentage with 12 digs and one ace for 15 points.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;secured 11 more kills along with 12 digs for a double-double.&nbsp;

Middle blockers&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;each had 12 points as both players totaled nine kills. Vuchkova was a force at the net tying a match-high five blocks while Dixon had three. The Minnesota graduate was more efficient offensively, hitting .333. Dixon has now hit .333 or above in four of the five matches this season.&nbsp;

Omaha setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson&nbsp;picked up her second-straight start and finished with 20 assists before&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;took over duties in the second set. The Wisconsin product dished out 31 assists with six digs and one kill.&nbsp;

Supernovas libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;dug out 11 balls with two assists. Omaha hit .247 on the night with 11 blocks, 62 digs and five aces.&nbsp;

Thrill outside hitter Hannah Maddux recorded a match-high 19 points consisting of 16 kills and 13 digs. Saskia Hippe had 18 points, but finished with a match-high 17 kills, 10 digs and one block. Thrill setter Alisha Glass-Childress totaled 44 assists with 19 digs, two kills and one block.&nbsp;

Vegas (1-2) hit .222 with 13 blocks and 66 digs, but failed to ace the Supernovas.&nbsp;

SET 1:&nbsp;Nuneviller led Omaha to a strong start putting the Vegas passers in duress with two aces, plus a kill to climb out to a 5-1 lead. After two straight terminations by the Thrill, Vuchkova spearheaded another Omaha run, with the Bulgarian middle blocker and Schaben-Lansman producing a kill apiece in a 4-0 rally to extend the lead to 9-3. The two teams exchanged blows from there with Dixon and Schaben-Lansman putting down two kills each to keep the lead at 15-10. De la Cruz got into the action with her first kill to make it 16-10, but back-to-back points by the Thrill cut the lead to four. Schaben-Lansman kept up her impressive set with another kill and teamed up with Dixon for a stuff to extend the Supernovas lead to 20-13, forcing a Vegas timeout. Vegas opposite Hippe hammered down a kill and a solo block to make it 21-15, but Omaha answered with a 4-0 to win the set 25-15.&nbsp;

The Supernovas rolled offensively, hitting .342 in the set with Schaben-Lansman leading the way with five kills. Nuneviller, Vuchkova and De la Cruz each totaled three kills. Omaha only tallied three hitting errors in 16 swings. Supernovas setter Valentín-Anderson dished out 14 assists in the set along with three digs.&nbsp;

Vegas had two blocks compared to Omaha’s one. However, the Supernovas outpaced the Thrill in aces 2-0.&nbsp;

SET 2:&nbsp;Hippe rolled over her success from set one to spark an early 4-1 run for Vegas with the teams exchanging points until back-to-back kills from the Thrill made it 9-5. De la Cruz hammered three kills in a row for Omaha, but a pair of tallies from Hannah Maddux and another from Hippe forced a Supernovas timeout at 12-7 Vegas. Hippe totaled three more kills to extend the lead to 15-8.&nbsp;

The Supernovas switched up setters as Hilley entered the match, turning the tide. Omaha went on a 9-3 run following Hilley’s entrance as Dixon notched two kills, a block with Nuneviller and back-to-back aces to cut the lead to one at 18-17. A hitting error by Vegas tied the set at 18, but the Thrill followed with a 5-1 run to take a commanding 23-19 set advantage. Omaha proved to be resilient, running the table with a 5-1 run which included surviving a set point to tie the score at 24 after a Vegas hitting error. Hippe swatted down her sixth kill of the set to give Vegas the lead which was followed by a block to give the Thrill a 26-24 set two win.&nbsp;

Omaha pushed the set into extra points despite hitting only .184 in the set compared to the Thrill’s .316. Hippe and Maddox led the Vegas attack with six kills apiece as star middle blocker Molly McCage made an impact with three kills and a block. De la Cruz extended her match total with three kills while Dixon, Vuchkova and Schaben-Lansman each recorded two tallies. Vuchkova was the leader at the net for Omaha with two blocks.&nbsp;

Vegas out blocked the Supernovas 4-3, but the Thrill laid an egg in the ace column with Omaha acing Vegas twice.&nbsp;

SET 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas came out on fire after the intermission as de la Cruz hammered three kills to begin the set, including her league-leading 17th ace. Schaben-Lansman terminated from the right side with Nuneviller and Vuchkova combining for a block to make the score 10-4 Omaha - forcing a Vegas timeout. The Thrill block woke up after the short stoppage as Hippe combined with Maddux and McCage on back-to-back blocks. The Supernovas rallied with a 3-1 run, but three straight points by the Thrill cut the lead to 15-12 forcing Omaha to call a timeout of their own.&nbsp;

The Supernovas kept an arm’s reach distance from Vegas for the rest of the set as the Thrill came within two points after kills from Gabby Gonzales and a dump by setter Childress-Glass. A hitting and service error bumped the lead back to 23-20. Omaha finished off the set with back-to-back Dixon attacks to win set three 25-22.&nbsp;

A balanced offense led the way for the Supernovas as d la Cruz, Dixon, Nuneviller and Schaben-Lansman each totaled three kills. Vuchkova was the force at the net locking up three blocks while de la Cruz produced the lone ace in the set for Omaha. The Supernovas hit .162 with three blocks and 13 digs. Hilley dished out 11 assists.&nbsp;

Maddux led Vegas with five kills and Gonzales adding three. Hippe and McCage each added two kills. The Thrill hit .167 with three blocks and 18 digs.&nbsp;

SET 4:&nbsp;It was a set of runs to begin the fourth game. The Supernovas jumped out to another big lead to begin the set as de la Cruz added two more kills as part of a 6-1 run. Dixon took care of an overpass while also combining with Schaben-Lansman for a block. Vegas responded with a 5-1 run of their own behind McCage who terminated a kill and recorded two blocks to cut the lead to 7-6. An 8-3 Omaha run came next thanks to Vuchkova who secured a block and three of her nine kills in that stretch. Both teams would go back and forth, but Vegas were unable to build a run to challenge the Supernovas as Nuneviller’s 42nd swing landed on the floor for the match-winning kill as Omaha won the set 25-19.&nbsp;

The Supernovas return home for a one-game stint as they take on the Orlando Valkyries at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 at the CHI Health Center. The match will be broadcasted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nfdS226LFSPISAQHbn94pDRszmiCgN-AMpDarncQK-dIQvJWd62OjhLr2zs-Bhl7mpuvIpllSt7ZLxCuj1im-XPAMViVMoqpsLONIJc3Ql2IQMJrovUozfAVlIp97zhCV8tqcs2BSNWLAfaTG2j2bj4eBG25RCPxkLeA6PI5Wsy1q1KTTArx8vXIfx6lnfkIFxOvhZ72uU7ryWD_psO4EQvPUPZOy4NMDuUKWHCUjsHO88Ri9uiTB0w8Ch0jtH3SgnKL6bzZ04cvWSbyPKd5cXXVzCc5hqcMPJA64zIqJ9M=&amp;c=eai6xOPt54Auo_OGRFQVKiKyjI9V6akg-jJoPk4J9-uDxnUwX2Z1jQ==&amp;ch=08hPuKC7297Heyv-uhnd2_KsLBCwfyFBGbU0TSr2CmnZykJ_2_Ch8A==" target="_blank">WORLD Channel&nbsp;</a>as part of Nebraska Public Media.

﻿Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network which is led by the flagship station,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nfdS226LFSPISAQHbn94pDRszmiCgN-AMpDarncQK-dIQvJWd62OjiJmagx7DbuwDHLcSWMM8Nb9M80AT7Trp7gUPRHdBGK5ieYaVrivFoLHvj83EZJbHeV2ImHNe7xVkmoIlEH2k1OqItquDawdyQ==&amp;c=eai6xOPt54Auo_OGRFQVKiKyjI9V6akg-jJoPk4J9-uDxnUwX2Z1jQ==&amp;ch=08hPuKC7297Heyv-uhnd2_KsLBCwfyFBGbU0TSr2CmnZykJ_2_Ch8A==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket</a>. Radio coverage is also on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;

Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasHENDERSON, NV. -&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas spoiled the Vegas Thrill’s first-ever home match with a 25-15, 24-26, 25-22, 25-19 four-set win Thursday night at the Dollar Loan Center in front of a crowd of 3,974. With the victory, Omaha (3-2) finished its two-match road trip unbeaten while avenging a five-set loss to Vegas on February 7.&nbsp;Four Supernovas reached double-digit points in what was a balanced effort from Omaha. Team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;led the way with 18 points which included a team-high 15 kills, two aces and one block. That also involved a double-double with 13 digs. Two-time olympian&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;came alive offensively, slamming down 14 kills on a .330 hitting percentage with 12 digs and one ace for 15 points.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;secured 11 more kills along with 12 digs for a double-double.&nbsp;Middle blockers&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;each had 12 points as both players totaled nine kills. Vuchkova was a force at the net tying a match-high five blocks while Dixon had three. The Minnesota graduate was more efficient offensively, hitting .333. Dixon has now hit .333 or above in four of the five matches this season.&nbsp;Omaha setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentin-Anderson&nbsp;picked up her second-straight start and finished with 20 assists before&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;took over duties in the second set. The Wisconsin product dished out 31 assists with six digs and one kill.&nbsp;Supernovas libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;dug out 11 balls with two assists. Omaha hit .247 on the night with 11 blocks, 62 digs and five aces.&nbsp;Thrill outside hitter Hannah Maddux recorded a match-high 19 points consisting of 16 kills and 13 digs. Saskia Hippe had 18 points, but finished with a match-high 17 kills, 10 digs and one block. Thrill setter Alisha Glass-Childress totaled 44 assists with 19 digs, two kills and one block.&nbsp;Vegas (1-2) hit .222 with 13 blocks and 66 digs, but failed to ace the Supernovas.&nbsp;SET 1:&nbsp;Nuneviller led Omaha to a strong start putting the Vegas passers in duress with two aces, plus a kill to climb out to a 5-1 lead. After two straight terminations by the Thrill, Vuchkova spearheaded another Omaha run, with the Bulgarian middle blocker and Schaben-Lansman producing a kill apiece in a 4-0 rally to extend the lead to 9-3. The two teams exchanged blows from there with Dixon and Schaben-Lansman putting down two kills each to keep the lead at 15-10. De la Cruz got into the action with her first kill to make it 16-10, but back-to-back points by the Thrill cut the lead to four. Schaben-Lansman kept up her impressive set with another kill and teamed up with Dixon for a stuff to extend the Supernovas lead to 20-13, forcing a Vegas timeout. Vegas opposite Hippe hammered down a kill and a solo block to make it 21-15, but Omaha answered with a 4-0 to win the set 25-15.&nbsp;The Supernovas rolled offensively, hitting .342 in the set with Schaben-Lansman leading the way with five kills. Nuneviller, Vuchkova and De la Cruz each totaled three kills. Omaha only tallied three hitting errors in 16 swings. Supernovas setter Valentín-Anderson dished out 14 assists in the set along with three digs.&nbsp;Vegas had two blocks compared to Omaha’s one. However, the Supernovas outpaced the Thrill in aces 2-0.&nbsp;SET 2:&nbsp;Hippe rolled over her success from set one to spark an early 4-1 run for Vegas with the teams exchanging points until back-to-back kills from the Thrill made it 9-5. De la Cruz hammered three kills in a row for Omaha, but a pair of tallies from Hannah Maddux and another from Hippe forced a Supernovas timeout at 12-7 Vegas. Hippe totaled three more kills to extend the lead to 15-8.&nbsp;The Supernovas switched up setters as Hilley entered the match, turning the tide. Omaha went on a 9-3 run following Hilley’s entrance as Dixon notched two kills, a block with Nuneviller and back-to-back aces to cut the lead to one at 18-17. A hitting error by Vegas tied the set at 18, but the Thrill followed with a 5-1 run to take a commanding 23-19 set advantage. Omaha proved to be resilient, running the table with a 5-1 run which included surviving a set point to tie the score at 24 after a Vegas hitting error. Hippe swatted down her sixth kill of the set to give Vegas the lead which was followed by a block to give the Thrill a 26-24 set two win.&nbsp;Omaha pushed the set into extra points despite hitting only .184 in the set compared to the Thrill’s .316. Hippe and Maddox led the Vegas attack with six kills apiece as star middle blocker Molly McCage made an impact with three kills and a block. De la Cruz extended her match total with three kills while Dixon, Vuchkova and Schaben-Lansman each recorded two tallies. Vuchkova was the leader at the net for Omaha with two blocks.&nbsp;Vegas out blocked the Supernovas 4-3, but the Thrill laid an egg in the ace column with Omaha acing Vegas twice.&nbsp;SET 3:&nbsp;The Supernovas came out on fire after the intermission as de la Cruz hammered three kills to begin the set, including her league-leading 17th ace. Schaben-Lansman terminated from the right side with Nuneviller and Vuchkova combining for a block to make the score 10-4 Omaha - forcing a Vegas timeout. The Thrill block woke up after the short stoppage as Hippe combined with Maddux and McCage on back-to-back blocks. The Supernovas rallied with a 3-1 run, but three straight points by the Thrill cut the lead to 15-12 forcing Omaha to call a timeout of their own.&nbsp;The Supernovas kept an arm’s reach distance from Vegas for the rest of the set as the Thrill came within two points after kills from Gabby Gonzales and a dump by setter Childress-Glass. A hitting and service error bumped the lead back to 23-20. Omaha finished off the set with back-to-back Dixon attacks to win set three 25-22.&nbsp;A balanced offense led the way for the Supernovas as d la Cruz, Dixon, Nuneviller and Schaben-Lansman each totaled three kills. Vuchkova was the force at the net locking up three blocks while de la Cruz produced the lone ace in the set for Omaha. The Supernovas hit .162 with three blocks and 13 digs. Hilley dished out 11 assists.&nbsp;Maddux led Vegas with five kills and Gonzales adding three. Hippe and McCage each added two kills. The Thrill hit .167 with three blocks and 18 digs.&nbsp;SET 4:&nbsp;It was a set of runs to begin the fourth game. The Supernovas jumped out to another big lead to begin the set as de la Cruz added two more kills as part of a 6-1 run. Dixon took care of an overpass while also combining with Schaben-Lansman for a block. Vegas responded with a 5-1 run of their own behind McCage who terminated a kill and recorded two blocks to cut the lead to 7-6. An 8-3 Omaha run came next thanks to Vuchkova who secured a block and three of her nine kills in that stretch. Both teams would go back and forth, but Vegas were unable to build a run to challenge the Supernovas as Nuneviller’s 42nd swing landed on the floor for the match-winning kill as Omaha won the set 25-19.&nbsp;The Supernovas return home for a one-game stint as they take on the Orlando Valkyries at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 at the CHI Health Center. The match will be broadcasted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nfdS226LFSPISAQHbn94pDRszmiCgN-AMpDarncQK-dIQvJWd62OjhLr2zs-Bhl7mpuvIpllSt7ZLxCuj1im-XPAMViVMoqpsLONIJc3Ql2IQMJrovUozfAVlIp97zhCV8tqcs2BSNWLAfaTG2j2bj4eBG25RCPxkLeA6PI5Wsy1q1KTTArx8vXIfx6lnfkIFxOvhZ72uU7ryWD_psO4EQvPUPZOy4NMDuUKWHCUjsHO88Ri9uiTB0w8Ch0jtH3SgnKL6bzZ04cvWSbyPKd5cXXVzCc5hqcMPJA64zIqJ9M=&amp;c=eai6xOPt54Auo_OGRFQVKiKyjI9V6akg-jJoPk4J9-uDxnUwX2Z1jQ==&amp;ch=08hPuKC7297Heyv-uhnd2_KsLBCwfyFBGbU0TSr2CmnZykJ_2_Ch8A==" target="_blank">WORLD Channel&nbsp;</a>as part of Nebraska Public Media.﻿Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network which is led by the flagship station,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nfdS226LFSPISAQHbn94pDRszmiCgN-AMpDarncQK-dIQvJWd62OjiJmagx7DbuwDHLcSWMM8Nb9M80AT7Trp7gUPRHdBGK5ieYaVrivFoLHvj83EZJbHeV2ImHNe7xVkmoIlEH2k1OqItquDawdyQ==&amp;c=eai6xOPt54Auo_OGRFQVKiKyjI9V6akg-jJoPk4J9-uDxnUwX2Z1jQ==&amp;ch=08hPuKC7297Heyv-uhnd2_KsLBCwfyFBGbU0TSr2CmnZykJ_2_Ch8A==" target="_blank">93.7 The Ticket</a>. Radio coverage is also on 95.7 The Boss (Omaha), KRVN (Lexington), KOLT (Scottsbluff) and KTOC (West Point).&nbsp;

Supernovas Spoil Vegas Home Opener with Four-Set Win

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Two-time All-American forward Brooke Littrell had a big fourth quarter to help Central Missouri slip past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-missouri/boxscore/7589" target="_blank">81-77</a>, Thursday night in Warrensburg.&nbsp;

The Jennies (17-6, 11-6) avenge a 79-74 overtime loss to the Lopers (17-7, 11-7) earlier this year and improve to 9-1 at home vs. UNK since 2012-13. Finally, this is the eighth straight game in the series decided by 10 points or less.

Littrell came in averaging 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game but got into some foul trouble early on. She had just four points over the first three quarters but went for 14 in the final 10 minutes. She made all five shots she attempted, went 4 of 5 at the line and grabbed three rebounds.

"We battled hard but just some little things we're going to have to clean up. We gave&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;three and ones to end the game," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "We didn't guard well enough; we can't give up 26 free throws and 15 second chance points to our four isn't going to work."

UNK appeared to have its biggest lead of the night, 63-57, after junior wing&nbsp;Meg Burns&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) hit a corner three at the end of the third. However, a video review between quarters wiped the points off the board due to a shot clock violation. UCM then went on a 9-2 run to lead 73-66 with 3:57 to play. The spurt featured five&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;points and a bucket from&nbsp;All-MIAA&nbsp;guard Olivia Nelson.

The&nbsp;Lopers, however, weren't done as they used a 5-0 run to erase a 77-70 deficit with less than two minutes remaining. After a Nelson miss, UNK had a chance to tie things with 34 seconds left but forward&nbsp;Shiloh McCool&nbsp;(Pleasant Hill, Ia.) went 1 of 2 at the line. UCM returned the favor as post Graycen Holden missed two freebies with 15 seconds left and the Jens up 79-77. Out of timeouts, UNK raced down the court with a 14-footer from Burns hitting iron instead of net. The Jens, this time, made both of its freebies to finish the scoring.

"We love the broken floor right there and she had a good look at it," said Johnson. "Proud of the execution at the moment since we were out of timeouts."

McCool had 19 points in the first half and 10 more in the second to have a new career-high point total. While her streak of seven double doubles came to an end (six rebounds), she had 10 buckets and nine freebies tonight. Her previous career-best of 25 points came last season vs. Central Oklahoma.

"She was unbelievably good. We probably didn't get her the ball enough in the fourth, but we couldn't seem to get her any space," said Johnson. "She was so heady the way she played and attacked. She made a lot of right decisions … when to kick it, when not to."

Besides&nbsp;Littrell, three other starters and Holden (10) scored in double figures. Nelson had 18 on 7 of 12 shooting with UNO transfer Lauren Frost (12 points, eight assists) and post Ashley Tull (14 points, nine rebounds) close to double doubles. Tull missed the game in&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;due to injury. Finally, the Jennies had advantages in second chance, bench and fast break points.

Besides McCool's heroics, junior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(Mullen) had 13 points, Burns tallied 14 and five assists with post&nbsp;Bailee&nbsp;Sobczak&nbsp;(Rapid City, S.D.) at nine points and nine rebounds (three offensive)."When we were a really tough team, we were really guarding to the scouting report," said Johnson. "We've got to get back to that just a little bit."

UNK heads to Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Tigers (6-17, 2-15) lost to Fort Hays State tonight, 75-47.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708095847442.jpeg" alt="Shiloh McCool (Photo from UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Shiloh McCool (Photo from UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Peter YazvacUNK AthleticsKearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Two-time All-American forward Brooke Littrell had a big fourth quarter to help Central Missouri slip past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-missouri/boxscore/7589" target="_blank">81-77</a>, Thursday night in Warrensburg.&nbsp;The Jennies (17-6, 11-6) avenge a 79-74 overtime loss to the Lopers (17-7, 11-7) earlier this year and improve to 9-1 at home vs. UNK since 2012-13. Finally, this is the eighth straight game in the series decided by 10 points or less.Littrell came in averaging 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game but got into some foul trouble early on. She had just four points over the first three quarters but went for 14 in the final 10 minutes. She made all five shots she attempted, went 4 of 5 at the line and grabbed three rebounds."We battled hard but just some little things we're going to have to clean up. We gave&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;three and ones to end the game," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "We didn't guard well enough; we can't give up 26 free throws and 15 second chance points to our four isn't going to work."UNK appeared to have its biggest lead of the night, 63-57, after junior wing&nbsp;Meg Burns&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) hit a corner three at the end of the third. However, a video review between quarters wiped the points off the board due to a shot clock violation. UCM then went on a 9-2 run to lead 73-66 with 3:57 to play. The spurt featured five&nbsp;Littrell&nbsp;points and a bucket from&nbsp;All-MIAA&nbsp;guard Olivia Nelson.The&nbsp;Lopers, however, weren't done as they used a 5-0 run to erase a 77-70 deficit with less than two minutes remaining. After a Nelson miss, UNK had a chance to tie things with 34 seconds left but forward&nbsp;Shiloh McCool&nbsp;(Pleasant Hill, Ia.) went 1 of 2 at the line. UCM returned the favor as post Graycen Holden missed two freebies with 15 seconds left and the Jens up 79-77. Out of timeouts, UNK raced down the court with a 14-footer from Burns hitting iron instead of net. The Jens, this time, made both of its freebies to finish the scoring."We love the broken floor right there and she had a good look at it," said Johnson. "Proud of the execution at the moment since we were out of timeouts."McCool had 19 points in the first half and 10 more in the second to have a new career-high point total. While her streak of seven double doubles came to an end (six rebounds), she had 10 buckets and nine freebies tonight. Her previous career-best of 25 points came last season vs. Central Oklahoma."She was unbelievably good. We probably didn't get her the ball enough in the fourth, but we couldn't seem to get her any space," said Johnson. "She was so heady the way she played and attacked. She made a lot of right decisions … when to kick it, when not to."Besides&nbsp;Littrell, three other starters and Holden (10) scored in double figures. Nelson had 18 on 7 of 12 shooting with UNO transfer Lauren Frost (12 points, eight assists) and post Ashley Tull (14 points, nine rebounds) close to double doubles. Tull missed the game in&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;due to injury. Finally, the Jennies had advantages in second chance, bench and fast break points.Besides McCool's heroics, junior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(Mullen) had 13 points, Burns tallied 14 and five assists with post&nbsp;Bailee&nbsp;Sobczak&nbsp;(Rapid City, S.D.) at nine points and nine rebounds (three offensive)."When we were a really tough team, we were really guarding to the scouting report," said Johnson. "We've got to get back to that just a little bit."UNK heads to Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Tigers (6-17, 2-15) lost to Fort Hays State tonight, 75-47.

McCool Scores 29 But Lopers Fall in Warrensburg, 81-77

&nbsp; Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Division I transfer Keith Kiner III and freshman Tim Jordan Jr. combined for 36 points to help Central Missouri hold off Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-missouri/boxscore/7567" target="_blank">67-58</a>, Thursday night in Warrensburg.

With the effort, the Mules (11-12, 5-12) snap a four-game losing streak and take the season series from the Lopers.

A 6-6, 200-pound redshirt senior who was at D1 Niagara (N.Y.) last season, Kiner III came off the bench and once again haunted UNK. He tallied 15 of his team-high 19 points in the first half; he had 32 points in the first meeting between the two. Jordan Jr., another lanky wing, got going in the second half and finished with 17 points on 7 of 9 shooting.

"First half I didn't think we played very well at all. They out toughed us; they were getting all the 50/50 balls," said UNK interim head coach&nbsp;Antoine Young&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "We challenged them a little bit at half-time; to go out and compete. I thought they did that and the type of performance we had in the second half … I can live with."

UNK was down 34-18 before scoring the final seven points of the first half. Freshman guard&nbsp;D'Aundre Samuels&nbsp;(Denver) had five of these points and went on to have 21, one shy of his season high. The Loper momentum continued in the second half as they started on a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to two. However, the Mules never trailed on the night as they held off each Blue &amp; Gold charge.

"You can't get yourself in a hole on the road. Honestly, to be down only nine at the half was kind of surprising," said Young.

A jumper from junior forward&nbsp;Sean Murphy&nbsp;(New Zealand) made it 56-52 with just over five minutes remaining. The Lopers preceded to get some stops but couldn't cut into that deficit as they missed their next four shots. Jordan Jr. ended a four-minute scoring drought for his team with a bucket at the 1:54 mark. That made it 58-52 and UNK didn't get closer than four the rest of the way.

"(After a timeout) we at least got a good look and executed. We were disciplined enough to at least give ourselves a chance," said Young.

Each team made five threes with UCM sinking nine more free throws and being plus four on the glass. Besides Jordan Jr. and Kiner III, starting guard Jalen Knott had 13 points and three boards.

To record his fourth 20-point effort, Samuels was 9 of 14 (1 of 2 threes) from the field and 2 of 5 at the line. He also had six boards and five assists. Next, Murphy made 6 of 9 shots to have 12 with super senior forward&nbsp;Winston Cook&nbsp;(Wahoo) at a team-best seven boards, and five points.

"D'Aundre is just learning and at the tip of what he actually is. He hasn't figured out how good he can be," said Young. "For a freshman, he's pretty special and the sky is the limit for him."

UNK heads to Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Tigers (13-10, 8-9) fell tonight to Fort Hays State, 60-41.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708096037360.jpeg" alt="D'Aundre Samuels (Photo from UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>D'Aundre Samuels (Photo from UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Peter YazvacUNK Athletics&nbsp; Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Division I transfer Keith Kiner III and freshman Tim Jordan Jr. combined for 36 points to help Central Missouri hold off Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2023-24/central-missouri/boxscore/7567" target="_blank">67-58</a>, Thursday night in Warrensburg.With the effort, the Mules (11-12, 5-12) snap a four-game losing streak and take the season series from the Lopers.A 6-6, 200-pound redshirt senior who was at D1 Niagara (N.Y.) last season, Kiner III came off the bench and once again haunted UNK. He tallied 15 of his team-high 19 points in the first half; he had 32 points in the first meeting between the two. Jordan Jr., another lanky wing, got going in the second half and finished with 17 points on 7 of 9 shooting."First half I didn't think we played very well at all. They out toughed us; they were getting all the 50/50 balls," said UNK interim head coach&nbsp;Antoine Young&nbsp;on the KRVN Radio post-game show. "We challenged them a little bit at half-time; to go out and compete. I thought they did that and the type of performance we had in the second half … I can live with."UNK was down 34-18 before scoring the final seven points of the first half. Freshman guard&nbsp;D'Aundre Samuels&nbsp;(Denver) had five of these points and went on to have 21, one shy of his season high. The Loper momentum continued in the second half as they started on a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to two. However, the Mules never trailed on the night as they held off each Blue &amp; Gold charge."You can't get yourself in a hole on the road. Honestly, to be down only nine at the half was kind of surprising," said Young.A jumper from junior forward&nbsp;Sean Murphy&nbsp;(New Zealand) made it 56-52 with just over five minutes remaining. The Lopers preceded to get some stops but couldn't cut into that deficit as they missed their next four shots. Jordan Jr. ended a four-minute scoring drought for his team with a bucket at the 1:54 mark. That made it 58-52 and UNK didn't get closer than four the rest of the way."(After a timeout) we at least got a good look and executed. We were disciplined enough to at least give ourselves a chance," said Young.Each team made five threes with UCM sinking nine more free throws and being plus four on the glass. Besides Jordan Jr. and Kiner III, starting guard Jalen Knott had 13 points and three boards.To record his fourth 20-point effort, Samuels was 9 of 14 (1 of 2 threes) from the field and 2 of 5 at the line. He also had six boards and five assists. Next, Murphy made 6 of 9 shots to have 12 with super senior forward&nbsp;Winston Cook&nbsp;(Wahoo) at a team-best seven boards, and five points."D'Aundre is just learning and at the tip of what he actually is. He hasn't figured out how good he can be," said Young. "For a freshman, he's pretty special and the sky is the limit for him."UNK heads to Lincoln on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Tigers (13-10, 8-9) fell tonight to Fort Hays State, 60-41.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samuels Has 21 Points But Mules Hold off the Lopers

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College has canceled the remainder of the softball season. The athletic department will immediately begin a search for a new head coach.

NPCC announced on February 6th that Janelle Higgins will no longer be serving as the Knights softball coach. Higgins spent the last 13 years as the head coach of the Knights. The Knights started off their season 0-3 with a loss to Seminole State College (OK) and two loses Cowley County Community College. 

The remainder 25 games are now cancelled as NPCC continues their search for their next head coach.

North Platte PostNorth Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College has canceled the remainder of the softball season. The athletic department will immediately begin a search for a new head coach.NPCC announced on February 6th that Janelle Higgins will no longer be serving as the Knights softball coach. Higgins spent the last 13 years as the head coach of the Knights. The Knights started off their season 0-3 with a loss to Seminole State College (OK) and two loses Cowley County Community College. The remainder 25 games are now cancelled as NPCC continues their search for their next head coach.

Knights softball season comes to an end

Omaha, Ne - Twelve area wrestlers have made it to the state semifinals at CHI Center in Omaha, set for Friday night. North Platte High sends 3 (A13 Ty Haneborg, So/A144 Jace Kennel, Sr/A157 Lathen Huntsman, Jr), Sutherland also will have 3 boys in the semifinals (D113&nbsp;Grady Dempcy, Jr/D138&nbsp;Cauy Kohl, Sr and&nbsp;Luke Harper, Jr also at D138).&nbsp;

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">Full results from each area wrestler.</a>

Chase County will be represented by&nbsp;Luis Co a Junior in Class C at 144 pounds and&nbsp;Jaret Peterson a Senior at 215 pounds in Class C. Hershey Freshman&nbsp;Zane Woodward will represent the Panthers in Class C at 120 pounds. Ogallala has a semifinalist in&nbsp;Jorge Carrizales at B 138, South Loups&nbsp;Dawson Mason is in the semifinals in Class D 132 pounds and Perkins County's&nbsp;Juan Perez qualifies in Class D 285.&nbsp;

Class B &amp; C will start Friday morning at 9:30am with the 1st Round Consolation matches, followed by 2nd round consolations. Class A, D &amp; Girls 1st and 2nd round consolations will begin at noon, and the semifinals kickoff at 6:30pm Friday night. Watch the POST for complete coverage Friday and Saturday by clicking on STATE WRESTLING at the top of this page.&nbsp;

Omaha, Ne - Twelve area wrestlers have made it to the state semifinals at CHI Center in Omaha, set for Friday night. North Platte High sends 3 (A13 Ty Haneborg, So/A144 Jace Kennel, Sr/A157 Lathen Huntsman, Jr), Sutherland also will have 3 boys in the semifinals (D113&nbsp;Grady Dempcy, Jr/D138&nbsp;Cauy Kohl, Sr and&nbsp;Luke Harper, Jr also at D138).&nbsp;<a href="https://northplattepost.com/pages/state-wrestling-tournament">Full results from each area wrestler.</a>Chase County will be represented by&nbsp;Luis Co a Junior in Class C at 144 pounds and&nbsp;Jaret Peterson a Senior at 215 pounds in Class C. Hershey Freshman&nbsp;Zane Woodward will represent the Panthers in Class C at 120 pounds. Ogallala has a semifinalist in&nbsp;Jorge Carrizales at B 138, South Loups&nbsp;Dawson Mason is in the semifinals in Class D 132 pounds and Perkins County's&nbsp;Juan Perez qualifies in Class D 285.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fvideos%2F1415099596105111%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Class B &amp; C will start Friday morning at 9:30am with the 1st Round Consolation matches, followed by 2nd round consolations. Class A, D &amp; Girls 1st and 2nd round consolations will begin at noon, and the semifinals kickoff at 6:30pm Friday night. Watch the POST for complete coverage Friday and Saturday by clicking on STATE WRESTLING at the top of this page.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsandhillspost%2Fvideos%2F7105794182861738%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

North Platte High & Sutherland each send 3 graplers to Semifinals Friday Night

Gothenburg, NEB. - The C1-11 girls subdistricts final is tonight in Gothenburg featuring the #2 Ogallala Indians (12-9) taking on the #1 Gothenburg Swedes (18-5). Live radio coverage will be on Flatrock 100.7 with the Kwik Stop pregame to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last time these two teams met back on February 6th, Ogallala shocked Gothenburg by defeating the Swedes 75-61. Gothenburg earned its first-round win over rival Cozad 64-32. Ogallala had a thriller with Hershey where the Indians came out on top 44-39.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Join Canon Rath on Flatrock 100.7 for all the action.&nbsp;Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT with tipoff scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">click here </a>to listen online.&nbsp;

North Platte/Sandhills PostGothenburg, NEB. - The C1-11 girls subdistricts final is tonight in Gothenburg featuring the #2 Ogallala Indians (12-9) taking on the #1 Gothenburg Swedes (18-5). Live radio coverage will be on Flatrock 100.7 with the Kwik Stop pregame to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;The last time these two teams met back on February 6th, Ogallala shocked Gothenburg by defeating the Swedes 75-61. Gothenburg earned its first-round win over rival Cozad 64-32. Ogallala had a thriller with Hershey where the Indians came out on top 44-39.&nbsp;&nbsp;Join Canon Rath on Flatrock 100.7 for all the action.&nbsp;Kwik Stop Pregame coverage is set to begin at 4:50pm MT/5:50pm CT with tipoff scheduled for 5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT. Listen on Flatrock 100.7 or <a href="https://flatrock1007.com/">click here </a>to listen online.&nbsp;

C1-11 girls subdistricts high school hoops radio coverage: Ogallala vs Gothenburg

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/14/nu-volleyball-coach-says-nebraska-crossing-could-be-new-home-for-olympic-volleyball-training-center/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Backers of turning Nebraska Crossing into a major, regional destination for tourism, shopping and youth sports enlisted help Wednesday from a major state celebrity.

But during a public hearing at the Nebraska Legislature on updating the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act,” several people said the bill was likely unconstitutional and needed work.

John Cook, the University of Nebraska volleyball coach, told state senators they should capitalize on the volleyball momentum in Nebraska and lure USA Volleyball’s training center for its Olympic team to the state.

Volleyball official ‘pretty fired up’

Cook said that the current training site in Anaheim, California, is “abysmal”&nbsp; and that the head of USA Volleyball was “pretty fired up” about the possibility of moving to Nebraska after attending the Huskers’ outdoor stadium match in August — a match that drew a world record 92,003 fans.

“They just fell in love with Nebraska,” Cook said.

“To me it’s just a beautiful opportunity for the USA program,” he added. “And volleyball, as you know, is pretty big now.”

Nebraska Crossing owner/operator Rod Yates told senators he was in “the final stages” of putting together an agreement to relocate the training facility to Gretna.

NHL hockey franchise another possibility?

Yates said the facility would likely cost $150 million to $200 million, which would be financed via a voter-approved slice of sales tax proceeds from the expanded shopping mall. He projected it would attract 100 Olympic athletes, as well as training and coaching staff.

Yates, who recently won state approval to establish a “Good Life District” in the Nebraska Crossing area, also said he’s meeting with the head of the National Hockey League on Friday about locating a franchise in the Good Life District.

According to Yates, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss has estimated that an expanded Nebraska Crossing, with retailers like IKEA, in addition to 3,000 apartments, 1,000 hotel beds and multiple youth sports tournament fields, could attract 16 million to 18 million visitors a year, creating 40,000 full-time jobs and 18,000 new residents.

The project would cost upwards of $3.2 billion and span 2,000 acres both east and west of the existing Nebraska Crossing, of which Yates said about 200 acres have been acquired.

“We’re going to create the modern-day version of Mall of America. That’s the potential for our district,” Yates said.

Nebraska Crossing officials did not respond to a request for a copy of the Goss report.

But Yates testified that as soon as he was able to obtain a construction loan for the project, he would move ahead with buying the rest of the land for the district.

This all comes after the Nebraska Legislature last year passed a bill to create “Good Life” districts for “retail tourism” and youth sports tournaments.

The law’s goal was to create a regional draw comparable to the Legends complex in Kansas City, which is the largest tourism site in Kansas. It boasts a NASCAR track, the Sporting Kansas City soccer stadium, a water park, a Nebraska Furniture Mart and 100 other stores.

Half of the state’s 5.5-cent sales tax would be devoted to the development costs of the Good Life districts in Nebraska — the first time the state has provided tax incentives for retail development, as opposed to manufacturing plants and company headquarters.

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn said her Good Life District act has been met with “great enthusiasm across the state.”

Districts have been already approved for Nebraska Crossing and an area around 192nd Street and West Dodge Road in Omaha. Grand Island has applied to become a district for its proposed 875-acre “Veteran Village,” a housing/sports complex project. Bellevue is also interested, officials said Wednesday.

Linehan introduced Legislative Bill 1374 this year to amend last year’s act. The main provisions require a public vote by a community to permit a Good Life District and creation of a partnership with that community in order to obtain bond financing.

But the new proposal ran into opposition from several people, including the bonding company that works for the City of Gretna.

Mike Rogers, a bond attorney, said at least two provisions of LB 1374 were “constitutionally problematic” and “non-functioning.”

One would improperly delegate the state’s taxing power to a private developer, he said, by allowing the developer to change the boundaries of the Good Life District and thus change the tax rates of areas within the district.

Another provision, Rogers said, would give a “great advantage” to an operator of a Good Life District when attempting to acquire land.

The cities of Sarpy County, as well as Grand Island and the League of Nebraska Municipalities, also testified against the bill but said they would support it if an amendment provided by Rogers was adopted.

Drew Snyder, an Elkhorn real estate developer who owns much of the land within the proposed district, said the power given to the Good Life District manager amounted to condemnation power.

He and other developers testified that more than one developer ought to be allowed to develop property within the Good Life District.

“I want to collaborate,” Snyder said, but Yates “won’t meet.”

Linehan said it was clear that the parties involved needed to meet and that the constitutionality questions need to be addressed.

But she was adamant about her support for the bill.

“That area is going to be developed,” Linehan said. “So we can have 10 truck stops or strip malls or this great project. I’m for this great project.”

The Legislature’s Revenue Committee took no action on LB 1374 following the public hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708007132557.jpeg" alt=" Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook testified Wednesday in favor of an update of the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act.” (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook testified Wednesday in favor of an update of the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act.” (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/14/nu-volleyball-coach-says-nebraska-crossing-could-be-new-home-for-olympic-volleyball-training-center/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Backers of turning Nebraska Crossing into a major, regional destination for tourism, shopping and youth sports enlisted help Wednesday from a major state celebrity.But during a public hearing at the Nebraska Legislature on updating the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act,” several people said the bill was likely unconstitutional and needed work.First, the celebrity:John Cook, the University of Nebraska volleyball coach, told state senators they should capitalize on the volleyball momentum in Nebraska and lure USA Volleyball’s training center for its Olympic team to the state.<h2>Volleyball official ‘pretty fired up’</h2>Cook said that the current training site in Anaheim, California, is “abysmal”&nbsp; and that the head of USA Volleyball was “pretty fired up” about the possibility of moving to Nebraska after attending the Huskers’ outdoor stadium match in August — a match that drew a world record 92,003 fans.“They just fell in love with Nebraska,” Cook said.“To me it’s just a beautiful opportunity for the USA program,” he added. “And volleyball, as you know, is pretty big now.”Nebraska Crossing owner/operator Rod Yates told senators he was in “the final stages” of putting together an agreement to relocate the training facility to Gretna.<h2>NHL hockey franchise another possibility?</h2>Yates said the facility would likely cost $150 million to $200 million, which would be financed via a voter-approved slice of sales tax proceeds from the expanded shopping mall. He projected it would attract 100 Olympic athletes, as well as training and coaching staff.Yates, who recently won state approval to establish a “Good Life District” in the Nebraska Crossing area, also said he’s meeting with the head of the National Hockey League on Friday about locating a franchise in the Good Life District.According to Yates, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss has estimated that an expanded Nebraska Crossing, with retailers like IKEA, in addition to 3,000 apartments, 1,000 hotel beds and multiple youth sports tournament fields, could attract 16 million to 18 million visitors a year, creating 40,000 full-time jobs and 18,000 new residents.The project would cost upwards of $3.2 billion and span 2,000 acres both east and west of the existing Nebraska Crossing, of which Yates said about 200 acres have been acquired.“We’re going to create the modern-day version of Mall of America. That’s the potential for our district,” Yates said.Nebraska Crossing officials did not respond to a request for a copy of the Goss report.But Yates testified that as soon as he was able to obtain a construction loan for the project, he would move ahead with buying the rest of the land for the district.This all comes after the Nebraska Legislature last year passed a bill to create “Good Life” districts for “retail tourism” and youth sports tournaments.The law’s goal was to create a regional draw comparable to the Legends complex in Kansas City, which is the largest tourism site in Kansas. It boasts a NASCAR track, the Sporting Kansas City soccer stadium, a water park, a Nebraska Furniture Mart and 100 other stores.Half of the state’s 5.5-cent sales tax would be devoted to the development costs of the Good Life districts in Nebraska — the first time the state has provided tax incentives for retail development, as opposed to manufacturing plants and company headquarters.State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn said her Good Life District act has been met with “great enthusiasm across the state.”<h2>Omaha, Grand Island also have projects</h2>Districts have been already approved for Nebraska Crossing and an area around 192nd Street and West Dodge Road in Omaha. Grand Island has applied to become a district for its proposed 875-acre “Veteran Village,” a housing/sports complex project. Bellevue is also interested, officials said Wednesday.Linehan introduced Legislative Bill 1374 this year to amend last year’s act. The main provisions require a public vote by a community to permit a Good Life District and creation of a partnership with that community in order to obtain bond financing.But the new proposal ran into opposition from several people, including the bonding company that works for the City of Gretna.<h2>‘Constitutionally problematic’</h2>Mike Rogers, a bond attorney, said at least two provisions of LB 1374 were “constitutionally problematic” and “non-functioning.”One would improperly delegate the state’s taxing power to a private developer, he said, by allowing the developer to change the boundaries of the Good Life District and thus change the tax rates of areas within the district.Another provision, Rogers said, would give a “great advantage” to an operator of a Good Life District when attempting to acquire land.The cities of Sarpy County, as well as Grand Island and the League of Nebraska Municipalities, also testified against the bill but said they would support it if an amendment provided by Rogers was adopted.Drew Snyder, an Elkhorn real estate developer who owns much of the land within the proposed district, said the power given to the Good Life District manager amounted to condemnation power.He and other developers testified that more than one developer ought to be allowed to develop property within the Good Life District.“I want to collaborate,” Snyder said, but Yates “won’t meet.”Linehan said it was clear that the parties involved needed to meet and that the constitutionality questions need to be addressed.But she was adamant about her support for the bill.“That area is going to be developed,” Linehan said. “So we can have 10 truck stops or strip malls or this great project. I’m for this great project.”The Legislature’s Revenue Committee took no action on LB 1374 following the public hearing.

NU volleyball coach says Nebraska Crossing could be new home for Olympic volleyball training center

The NPCC Knights Softball Winter Camp scheduled for Feb. 24 has been canceled. If you registered for the camp, please contact Jessica Hernandez at 308-535-3604 for a full refund.

NPCCThe NPCC Knights Softball Winter Camp scheduled for Feb. 24 has been canceled. If you registered for the camp, please contact Jessica Hernandez at 308-535-3604 for a full refund.

Knights Softball Winter Camp Canceled

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Minutes after Kansas City Chiefs players vowed to go for a third-straight Super Bowl title Wednesday, shots were fired and multiple people were carried from the screen on stretchers.

Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.

Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.

The shooting broke the celebratory mood on Valentine's Day as Chiefs fans marked their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.

“We are stacking up trophies," linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter's mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers</a>.

Confetti cannons exploded from double-decker buses as players rolled through the crowd, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival. Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.

“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.

“Never stop," running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.

Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.

She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">Donna Kelce,</a>&nbsp;the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-jason-kelce-retires-2a5cff3398a6413a52d0bb3fdc2eef22">Jason Kelce</a>, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).

Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.

“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Minutes after Kansas City Chiefs players vowed to go for a third-straight Super Bowl title Wednesday, shots were fired and multiple people were carried from the screen on stretchers.Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.The shooting broke the celebratory mood on Valentine's Day as Chiefs fans marked their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.“We are stacking up trophies," linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter's mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers</a>.Confetti cannons exploded from double-decker buses as players rolled through the crowd, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival. Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.“Never stop," running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-kelce">Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">Donna Kelce,</a>&nbsp;the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-jason-kelce-retires-2a5cff3398a6413a52d0bb3fdc2eef22">Jason Kelce</a>, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.Known by friends as Kansas City Smitty, the 52-year-old first became a Chiefs fan when Christian Okoye played fullback for the team starting in the late 1980s.“I got a history with this team,” he said, adding that he ran out of his home with a giant flag, screaming “Kansas City," when the Chiefs clinched the victory in overtime.The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">defend their title</a>.Some fans camped overnight and others began to stake out spots before dawn to catch prime viewing spots. Bailey McDermott, 17, and Gracie Gilby, 16, of Lebanon, Missouri, got up at 3 a.m. to make the three-hour drive to the parade. They had a party to watch the game, confetti poppers erupting when the Chiefs won.“Kind of freaking out at the end,” said Gilby, who wore a sequined Chiefs jerseys with Kelce's No. 87 on it. McDermott also had a sequined jersey, hers bearing Mahomes' No. 15.Many of the largest school districts in the area canceled classes, and businesses along the parade path are turning the day into a viewing party for their workers. At least 600 Kansas City police officers will be stationed along the the 2-mile (3.22-kilometer) route, police Chief Stacey Graves said.Teens and younger kids were everywhere, some tossing footballs, others watching replays of game highlights on giant TV screens.Among them was Elysseah Buford and her friend, Devaun Burns, who watched the game in between taking orders at McDonald's. “We’re losing. We’re losing,” Buford recalled saying. But Burns scolded her, even as a manager declared that the game was a lost cause: “I said, ’Don’t speak it. Believe it.”The 18-year-old high school seniors from Raymore joined the festivities with another friend, 17-year-old Mekiyzeion Williams, who dared to ask what would have happened if Hardman missed the TD catch. “Shut up,” Burns said.After decades without a championship, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Five seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years. That year, fans abandoned their cars on the side of the highway so they could walk to the celebration.Then, last year, the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-43a1fb387f63438c1eea23b6a4244d95">defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they would be back for more</a>.One big change this year is that the parade is getting started one hour earlier at 11 a.m. so the crowd will dissipate before the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd shows up.After the massive cleanup, the team gets ready to try it again.

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