Update: Missing North Platte teen found

NORTH PLATTE, Neb - Charles Lucas, from Raliegh, North Carolina is the new General Manager of the North Platte Plainsmen. Lucas started on May 1 in North Platte. The POST's Derek Beck sat down with owners Chuck and Mayra Heeman, and Charles Lucas to talk about the upcoming season. If you'd like to be a host family to one or more of the interns this summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northplatteplainsmen.com/host-a-player">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.northplatteplainsmen.com/schedule">Plainsmen Schedule</a>

North Platte Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com">Post Podcast sponsored by North Platte Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb - Charles Lucas, from Raliegh, North Carolina is the new General Manager of the North Platte Plainsmen. Lucas started on May 1 in North Platte. The POST's Derek Beck sat down with owners Chuck and Mayra Heeman, and Charles Lucas to talk about the upcoming season. If you'd like to be a host family to one or more of the interns this summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northplatteplainsmen.com/host-a-player">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enjoy the Podcast.<div><iframe title="North Platte Plainsmen have new GM, looking forward to starting the season" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pptg5-14039ec-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.northplatteplainsmen.com/schedule">Plainsmen Schedule</a><figure>
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North Platte Plainsmen have new GM, looking forward to starting the season

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

The Nebraska-Kearney women’s golf team shot an 18-hole school-record of 289 on the first day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&amp;tid=27713" target="_blank">2023 NCAA Central Regional</a>&nbsp;Monday in Larchwood, Ia.

The nine-team, 54-hole event is being held at the par 72 (6,095 yards) The Falls at Grand Falls Casino. The top three squads, and the top two individuals not on one of those teams, advance to the NCAA Championships later this month in St. Louis.

On a picture-perfect spring day, the Lopers saw Kansas junior&nbsp;Allison Comer&nbsp;shoot a career-best 2-under 70 (34-36), Arizona senior&nbsp;Paige Lucero&nbsp;have five birdies en route to a career-best 72 (36-36) and Kansas sophomore&nbsp;Brooke King&nbsp;have a hole-in-one on the par 3 eighth hole (145 yards) to post a 72. Additionally, Puerto Rico senior&nbsp;Faviola Gonzalez&nbsp;had three birdies to shoot a 75 with Colombian sophomore&nbsp;Juliana Botero Molina&nbsp;at two birdies and 10 pars to be at a 77.

Comer is in second place, two shots behind Northwest Missouri’s Paige Hoffman, with King and Lucero tied for fourth and Gonzalez tied for 19th&nbsp;place. In the team race, UNK has a five-stroke lead over 41st-ranked Augustana with 43rd-ranked Rogers State (295) and 4th-ranked Henderson State, Ark. (296) close behind.

The 289 bests the 290 the Lopers had at the regional preview in Missouri back in the fall and what the 2020-21 managed at the Grace Shin Memorial in Oklahoma. Prior to today, the top 18-hole score for a Loper in an NCAA event was a 72, shot by UNK Hall of Famer Carla Dobchuk at the 2001 NCAA Championships.

The average individual score today was a 75.78 with the Lopers carding 16 birdies and that one Eagle. Action resumes Tuesday morning.

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska-Kearney women’s golf team shot an 18-hole school-record of 289 on the first day of the&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&amp;tid=27713" target="_blank">2023 NCAA Central Regional</a>&nbsp;Monday in Larchwood, Ia.The nine-team, 54-hole event is being held at the par 72 (6,095 yards) The Falls at Grand Falls Casino. The top three squads, and the top two individuals not on one of those teams, advance to the NCAA Championships later this month in St. Louis.On a picture-perfect spring day, the Lopers saw Kansas junior&nbsp;Allison Comer&nbsp;shoot a career-best 2-under 70 (34-36), Arizona senior&nbsp;Paige Lucero&nbsp;have five birdies en route to a career-best 72 (36-36) and Kansas sophomore&nbsp;Brooke King&nbsp;have a hole-in-one on the par 3 eighth hole (145 yards) to post a 72. Additionally, Puerto Rico senior&nbsp;Faviola Gonzalez&nbsp;had three birdies to shoot a 75 with Colombian sophomore&nbsp;Juliana Botero Molina&nbsp;at two birdies and 10 pars to be at a 77.Comer is in second place, two shots behind Northwest Missouri’s Paige Hoffman, with King and Lucero tied for fourth and Gonzalez tied for 19th&nbsp;place. In the team race, UNK has a five-stroke lead over 41st-ranked Augustana with 43rd-ranked Rogers State (295) and 4th-ranked Henderson State, Ark. (296) close behind.The 289 bests the 290 the Lopers had at the regional preview in Missouri back in the fall and what the 2020-21 managed at the Grace Shin Memorial in Oklahoma. Prior to today, the top 18-hole score for a Loper in an NCAA event was a 72, shot by UNK Hall of Famer Carla Dobchuk at the 2001 NCAA Championships.The average individual score today was a 75.78 with the Lopers carding 16 birdies and that one Eagle. Action resumes Tuesday morning.

 The Nebraska-Kearney women’s golf team shoots record on first day of Tournament

NORTH PLATTE, Neb - Two members of the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team have qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo, and the MPCC Stampede has been named Regional Rodeo of the Year.

The news follows the final competition of the season for the Great Plains Region – the Nebraska Cornhusker Rodeo hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Friday and Saturday in Lincoln.

The CNFR qualifiers are: Kaden Wooters, of Elwood, who’s sitting third in the region and 14th in the nation in the steer wrestling, and Maggie Underhill, of Hill City, Kan., who is third in the regional standings in barrel racing. They will represent Mid-Plains in Casper, Wyo. June 11-17.

Wooters also earned the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Patty Skogen Memorial Award over the weekend. The award is given to two student athletes who have qualified for the CNFR, are members of the NIRA in good standing, show their love of rodeo, demonstrate characteristics of determination, grit, kindness and overcoming obstacles and have a welcoming attitude. Wooters will be presented with a $1,000 scholarship for his efforts at the CNFR.

As with the Regional Rodeo of the Year Award, recipients of the Patty Skogen Memorial Award are voted on by regional coaches and contestants.

“I’m very proud of our team this year and of our CNFR qualifiers and their seasons,” said MPCC Rodeo Team timed event coach Wyatt Clark. “I’m also very excited for their performances in Casper. Coach [Aukai] Kaai and I are honored with the Regional Rodeo of the Year award. Our team, Mid-Plains Community College and supporting communities should be very proud of this award and the work put into the rodeo. We look forward to Casper in June and to a summer recruiting and preparing for our season next fall.”

MPCC finishes the year fourth in the men’s team standings and fifth in the women’s team standings, thanks in part to a plethora of points collected in Lincoln.

The men’s team came away from the Nebraska Cornhusker Rodeo with the reserve championship – bolstered primarily by the efforts of its tie-down ropers, team ropers and steer wrestlers.

Barrett Schlieker won the average in the tie-down roping for Mid-Plains. He was first in the short-go with a time of 10.2 seconds, then followed that up with a 12.1 second run for third place in the long-go.

Wooters’ time of 5 flat in the steer wrestling short-go propelled him to second in the average. Kunkee and Nick Rettinger were fourth and sixth, respectively, in the steer wrestling.

Dalton Kunkee and Troy Kirkpatrick’s 8.6 second run in the team roping short-go helped them take second in the average. Schlieker and Jace Richter were sixth while Rettinger and his team roping partner from Mitchell Technical College, Tucker Even, ended up ninth.

There will be a send-off for MPCC’s CNFR qualifiers tomorrow. The event is open to the public.

It will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus.

Hamburgers and bratwurst will be served for a free-will donation.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb - Two members of the Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team have qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo, and the MPCC Stampede has been named Regional Rodeo of the Year.The news follows the final competition of the season for the Great Plains Region – the Nebraska Cornhusker Rodeo hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Friday and Saturday in Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683570381443.jpeg" alt="Kaden Wooters and Maggie Underhill" />
 <figcaption>Kaden Wooters and Maggie Underhill</figcaption>
 </figure>The CNFR qualifiers are: Kaden Wooters, of Elwood, who’s sitting third in the region and 14th in the nation in the steer wrestling, and Maggie Underhill, of Hill City, Kan., who is third in the regional standings in barrel racing. They will represent Mid-Plains in Casper, Wyo. June 11-17.Wooters also earned the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Patty Skogen Memorial Award over the weekend. The award is given to two student athletes who have qualified for the CNFR, are members of the NIRA in good standing, show their love of rodeo, demonstrate characteristics of determination, grit, kindness and overcoming obstacles and have a welcoming attitude. Wooters will be presented with a $1,000 scholarship for his efforts at the CNFR.As with the Regional Rodeo of the Year Award, recipients of the Patty Skogen Memorial Award are voted on by regional coaches and contestants.“I’m very proud of our team this year and of our CNFR qualifiers and their seasons,” said MPCC Rodeo Team timed event coach Wyatt Clark. “I’m also very excited for their performances in Casper. Coach [Aukai] Kaai and I are honored with the Regional Rodeo of the Year award. Our team, Mid-Plains Community College and supporting communities should be very proud of this award and the work put into the rodeo. We look forward to Casper in June and to a summer recruiting and preparing for our season next fall.”Results from LincolnMPCC finishes the year fourth in the men’s team standings and fifth in the women’s team standings, thanks in part to a plethora of points collected in Lincoln.The men’s team came away from the Nebraska Cornhusker Rodeo with the reserve championship – bolstered primarily by the efforts of its tie-down ropers, team ropers and steer wrestlers.Barrett Schlieker won the average in the tie-down roping for Mid-Plains. He was first in the short-go with a time of 10.2 seconds, then followed that up with a 12.1 second run for third place in the long-go.Wooters’ time of 5 flat in the steer wrestling short-go propelled him to second in the average. Kunkee and Nick Rettinger were fourth and sixth, respectively, in the steer wrestling.Dalton Kunkee and Troy Kirkpatrick’s 8.6 second run in the team roping short-go helped them take second in the average. Schlieker and Jace Richter were sixth while Rettinger and his team roping partner from Mitchell Technical College, Tucker Even, ended up ninth.Up NextThere will be a send-off for MPCC’s CNFR qualifiers tomorrow. The event is open to the public.It will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus.Hamburgers and bratwurst will be served for a free-will donation.

Two MPCC Rodeo Team members qualify for CNFR

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

The season is officially over for the North Platte Community College softball team.

The Knights dropped their final game of the Region IX Tournament in Columbus Sunday afternoon to Southeast Community College.

The Knights fell behind early and sustained an 11-5 loss despite outhitting the Storm 10-6. Angelina Lockhart and Elena Montoya collected two hits each to lead NPCC.

Lockhart led things off in the pitcher’s circle for North Platte. The righthander allowed five hits and nine runs over three innings, striking out four and walking one. Jenelle Gudjonson threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.

“Offensively, we hit decent today, but defensively, we were pressing, and when you press, errors happen,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “We gave up too many unearned runs to get the win. This is a great group of ladies, and they left it all on the field today. We just came up short. We thank our sophomores for their leadership and dedication to our program and leading by example. To our freshmen, let this feeling fuel your fire for next season. To our community, administration, fans, parents and assistant coaches, we thank you for all the support.”

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe season is officially over for the North Platte Community College softball team.The Knights dropped their final game of the Region IX Tournament in Columbus Sunday afternoon to Southeast Community College.The Knights fell behind early and sustained an 11-5 loss despite outhitting the Storm 10-6. Angelina Lockhart and Elena Montoya collected two hits each to lead NPCC.Lockhart led things off in the pitcher’s circle for North Platte. The righthander allowed five hits and nine runs over three innings, striking out four and walking one. Jenelle Gudjonson threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.“Offensively, we hit decent today, but defensively, we were pressing, and when you press, errors happen,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “We gave up too many unearned runs to get the win. This is a great group of ladies, and they left it all on the field today. We just came up short. We thank our sophomores for their leadership and dedication to our program and leading by example. To our freshmen, let this feeling fuel your fire for next season. To our community, administration, fans, parents and assistant coaches, we thank you for all the support.”North Platte ends the season 15-31.

Season ends for Knights Softball

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska softball team dropped its final regular season game with a 6-4 loss to Ohio State on Sunday afternoon at Bowlin Stadium.&nbsp; The Huskers (33-19, 13-10 Big Ten) tallied 11 hits and four runs and were led by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/abbie-squier/44124" target="_blank">Abbie Squier</a>, who finished 3-for-4 with two RBI. The Buckeyes (32-19, 12-11 Big Ten) recorded nine hits and six runs while McKenzie Bump and Mariah Rodriguez each added two hits.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/courtney-wallace/44125" target="_blank">Courtney Wallace</a>&nbsp;(22-13) recorded the loss in the circle for Nebraska. Wallace pitched 3.2 innings, allowing seven hits and six runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-harness/44142" target="_blank">Sarah Harness</a>&nbsp;added 3.1 innings of work, holding OSU to two hits.&nbsp; Emily Ruck moved to 9-8 on the season with the win for Ohio State. Ruck pitched the final 5.1 innings, giving up eight hits and one run. Allison Smith started in the circle for the Buckeyes, pitching 1.2 innings, giving up three hits and three runs (one earned).&nbsp; The Huskers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. With one out,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-gray/44118" target="_blank">Sydney Gray</a>&nbsp;hit a single to center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/brooke-andrews/44114" target="_blank">Brooke Andrews</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. A passed ball advanced Gray and Andrews while Squier hit a single to center field, scoring two.&nbsp; Nebraska added one run in the second inning. With one out,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-bredwell/44116" target="_blank">Ava Bredwell</a>&nbsp;was walked, advancing to second on a ground out.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/billie-andrews/44113" target="_blank">Billie Andrews</a>&nbsp;hit an infield single, scoring Bredwell on an OSU throwing error, giving NU the 3-0 advantage.&nbsp; Ohio State took the lead in the fourth inning with six runs and six hits. With one out, Bump doubled to left field. Taylor Heckman followed with a triple, scoring one. Rodriguez added a single, scoring a run. Melina Wilison doubled to left field, and a walk loaded the bases. A fielder's choice and a double added three more runs before Harness entered the circle for NU.&nbsp; Sam Hackenbracht reached on a fielder's choice, scoring one. With two outs, Meggie Otte doubled to left center, scoring two.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-harness/44142" target="_blank">Sarah Harness</a>&nbsp;entered the circle for NU. A RBI-single from Jaycee Ruberti scored one as OSU took the 6-3 lead in the bottom of the inning. NU cut into the Buckeye lead with one run in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/brooke-andrews/44114" target="_blank">Brooke Andrews</a>, Squier and Caneda loaded the bases.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/caitlynn-neal/44122" target="_blank">Caitlynn Neal</a>&nbsp;grounded out, but Andrews scored. OSU held the 6-4 lead going into the sixth inning. Nebraska looked to rally in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded and one out, but a pop up and a fielder's choice secured the win for the Buckeyes.&nbsp; The Huskers travel to Champaign, Ill. this week, May 10-13, for the Big Ten Tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska softball team dropped its final regular season game with a 6-4 loss to Ohio State on Sunday afternoon at Bowlin Stadium.&nbsp; The Huskers (33-19, 13-10 Big Ten) tallied 11 hits and four runs and were led by&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/abbie-squier/44124" target="_blank">Abbie Squier</a>, who finished 3-for-4 with two RBI. The Buckeyes (32-19, 12-11 Big Ten) recorded nine hits and six runs while McKenzie Bump and Mariah Rodriguez each added two hits.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/courtney-wallace/44125" target="_blank">Courtney Wallace</a>&nbsp;(22-13) recorded the loss in the circle for Nebraska. Wallace pitched 3.2 innings, allowing seven hits and six runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-harness/44142" target="_blank">Sarah Harness</a>&nbsp;added 3.1 innings of work, holding OSU to two hits.&nbsp; Emily Ruck moved to 9-8 on the season with the win for Ohio State. Ruck pitched the final 5.1 innings, giving up eight hits and one run. Allison Smith started in the circle for the Buckeyes, pitching 1.2 innings, giving up three hits and three runs (one earned).&nbsp; The Huskers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. With one out,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-gray/44118" target="_blank">Sydney Gray</a>&nbsp;hit a single to center field.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/brooke-andrews/44114" target="_blank">Brooke Andrews</a>&nbsp;was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. A passed ball advanced Gray and Andrews while Squier hit a single to center field, scoring two.&nbsp; Nebraska added one run in the second inning. With one out,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/ava-bredwell/44116" target="_blank">Ava Bredwell</a>&nbsp;was walked, advancing to second on a ground out.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/billie-andrews/44113" target="_blank">Billie Andrews</a>&nbsp;hit an infield single, scoring Bredwell on an OSU throwing error, giving NU the 3-0 advantage.&nbsp; Ohio State took the lead in the fourth inning with six runs and six hits. With one out, Bump doubled to left field. Taylor Heckman followed with a triple, scoring one. Rodriguez added a single, scoring a run. Melina Wilison doubled to left field, and a walk loaded the bases. A fielder's choice and a double added three more runs before Harness entered the circle for NU.&nbsp; Sam Hackenbracht reached on a fielder's choice, scoring one. With two outs, Meggie Otte doubled to left center, scoring two.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/sarah-harness/44142" target="_blank">Sarah Harness</a>&nbsp;entered the circle for NU. A RBI-single from Jaycee Ruberti scored one as OSU took the 6-3 lead in the bottom of the inning. NU cut into the Buckeye lead with one run in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/brooke-andrews/44114" target="_blank">Brooke Andrews</a>, Squier and Caneda loaded the bases.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/softball/roster/caitlynn-neal/44122" target="_blank">Caitlynn Neal</a>&nbsp;grounded out, but Andrews scored. OSU held the 6-4 lead going into the sixth inning. Nebraska looked to rally in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded and one out, but a pop up and a fielder's choice secured the win for the Buckeyes.&nbsp; The Huskers travel to Champaign, Ill. this week, May 10-13, for the Big Ten Tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers drop series finale to Ohio State

Junior Wes Ferguson defended his 800-meter title, true freshman Brianna Russell won the high jump, senior Brayden Sorensen broke his own school-record and junior Ben Arens had another runner up finish Sunday at the 2023 MIAA Outdoor Championship in Jefferson city, MO.

The three-day meet began Friday afternoon and wrapped up on Sunday evening. Both Loper teams came in nationally-ranked and both finished eighth, the men tallying 63.50 points and the women 52.0. The men scored 62.50 points to place sixth in 2022 and had 61.50 to be seventh a year earlier. The women reach 50 points for the fourth time in five years. Coming into the meet, the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;men had six in the nation's Top 25 with the women having eight in the Top 30. Top-ranked Pittsburg State (184.5) easily won the men's title with Northwest Missouri (137.0) getting past the Gorilla women (133.50) to come in first. &nbsp; Ferguson (Fremont) ran a 1:51.79 to take the 800 gold with Central Missouri&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Brian&nbsp;Mitei&nbsp;(1:52.13) the runner up. Ferguson then ran anchor for the fifth place 4x4 relay team that had the fifth best time (3:13.82) in school-history. Junior&nbsp;Micah&nbsp;Swedberg&nbsp;(Wallace) and true&nbsp;freshmen&nbsp;Conner Wells&nbsp;(St. Paul) and&nbsp;Tyson Baker&nbsp;(Fremont) also were on the squad. Earlier on Sunday, McCool Junior senior&nbsp;Luke&nbsp;Stuckey&nbsp;was runner up in the 1,500 (3:49.12) with David City sophomore&nbsp;Payton Davis&nbsp;(7th/3:51.15) and&nbsp;Holdrege&nbsp;senior&nbsp;Trevor&nbsp;Matousek&nbsp;(8th/3:54.38) also scoring. Next,&nbsp;Arens&nbsp;ran a 15:14.84 to place second in the 5,000; he was the steeple runner up on Saturday. Finally for silver medals, Sorensen was one of three jumpers to clear 7-1.75, doing so on his second attempt. That bests the 7-1.50 he reached at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The other men's scores on Sunday were Ravenna junior&nbsp;Jack&nbsp;Drahota&nbsp;in the 400 hurdles (7th/55.42) and&nbsp;Gretna&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Clayton Kelly&nbsp;in the triple jump (8th/45-10). Russell (Stamford) came in leading Division II in the high jump (5-9.25) and she promptly topped that by going 5-9.75 today. That keeps her third on&nbsp;UNK's&nbsp;all-time list and she is now third in D2; two others went 5-10.75 and 5-11.25, respectively, this weekend. Finally, Russell joins Morgan&nbsp;Benesch&nbsp;(steeple) and Jackie&nbsp;Ziemke&nbsp;(shot put) as the only Loper woman to have won a&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;outdoor individual title. Also on the women's side, Kearney redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lily Novacek&nbsp;was third in the discus (144-1), Omaha junior&nbsp;Hannah Pollan&nbsp;(4th/4:38.89) and Funk senior&nbsp;Baylee Alstrom&nbsp;(5th/4:40.00) cracked the 1,500-meter top five thanks to career-best times and the 4x4 relay team finished sixth with the fifth fastest time (3:49.00) in Loper lore. That group featured juniors&nbsp;Nicole&nbsp;Messbarger&nbsp;(Kearney) and&nbsp;Hannah Anderson&nbsp;(Gothenburg), sophomore&nbsp;Kyla Carlson&nbsp;(Aurora) and&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.). Finally, O'Neill junior&nbsp;Abby&nbsp;Everitt&nbsp;was sixth in the high jump (5-5) with&nbsp;Jordan&nbsp;Soto-Stopak&nbsp;seventh in the 5,000 (18:22.94). Select&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;will take part in the Concordia and Loper Twilight meets next weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsJunior Wes Ferguson defended his 800-meter title, true freshman Brianna Russell won the high jump, senior Brayden Sorensen broke his own school-record and junior Ben Arens had another runner up finish Sunday at the 2023 MIAA Outdoor Championship in Jefferson city, MO. The three-day meet began Friday afternoon and wrapped up on Sunday evening. Both Loper teams came in nationally-ranked and both finished eighth, the men tallying 63.50 points and the women 52.0. The men scored 62.50 points to place sixth in 2022 and had 61.50 to be seventh a year earlier. The women reach 50 points for the fourth time in five years. Coming into the meet, the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;men had six in the nation's Top 25 with the women having eight in the Top 30. Top-ranked Pittsburg State (184.5) easily won the men's title with Northwest Missouri (137.0) getting past the Gorilla women (133.50) to come in first. &nbsp; Ferguson (Fremont) ran a 1:51.79 to take the 800 gold with Central Missouri&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Brian&nbsp;Mitei&nbsp;(1:52.13) the runner up. Ferguson then ran anchor for the fifth place 4x4 relay team that had the fifth best time (3:13.82) in school-history. Junior&nbsp;Micah&nbsp;Swedberg&nbsp;(Wallace) and true&nbsp;freshmen&nbsp;Conner Wells&nbsp;(St. Paul) and&nbsp;Tyson Baker&nbsp;(Fremont) also were on the squad. Earlier on Sunday, McCool Junior senior&nbsp;Luke&nbsp;Stuckey&nbsp;was runner up in the 1,500 (3:49.12) with David City sophomore&nbsp;Payton Davis&nbsp;(7th/3:51.15) and&nbsp;Holdrege&nbsp;senior&nbsp;Trevor&nbsp;Matousek&nbsp;(8th/3:54.38) also scoring. Next,&nbsp;Arens&nbsp;ran a 15:14.84 to place second in the 5,000; he was the steeple runner up on Saturday. Finally for silver medals, Sorensen was one of three jumpers to clear 7-1.75, doing so on his second attempt. That bests the 7-1.50 he reached at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The other men's scores on Sunday were Ravenna junior&nbsp;Jack&nbsp;Drahota&nbsp;in the 400 hurdles (7th/55.42) and&nbsp;Gretna&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Clayton Kelly&nbsp;in the triple jump (8th/45-10). Russell (Stamford) came in leading Division II in the high jump (5-9.25) and she promptly topped that by going 5-9.75 today. That keeps her third on&nbsp;UNK's&nbsp;all-time list and she is now third in D2; two others went 5-10.75 and 5-11.25, respectively, this weekend. Finally, Russell joins Morgan&nbsp;Benesch&nbsp;(steeple) and Jackie&nbsp;Ziemke&nbsp;(shot put) as the only Loper woman to have won a&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;outdoor individual title. Also on the women's side, Kearney redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lily Novacek&nbsp;was third in the discus (144-1), Omaha junior&nbsp;Hannah Pollan&nbsp;(4th/4:38.89) and Funk senior&nbsp;Baylee Alstrom&nbsp;(5th/4:40.00) cracked the 1,500-meter top five thanks to career-best times and the 4x4 relay team finished sixth with the fifth fastest time (3:49.00) in Loper lore. That group featured juniors&nbsp;Nicole&nbsp;Messbarger&nbsp;(Kearney) and&nbsp;Hannah Anderson&nbsp;(Gothenburg), sophomore&nbsp;Kyla Carlson&nbsp;(Aurora) and&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Abby Rose&nbsp;(Lindsborg, Kan.). Finally, O'Neill junior&nbsp;Abby&nbsp;Everitt&nbsp;was sixth in the high jump (5-5) with&nbsp;Jordan&nbsp;Soto-Stopak&nbsp;seventh in the 5,000 (18:22.94). Select&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;will take part in the Concordia and Loper Twilight meets next weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lopers get good results at the MIAA Outdoor Championship

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. –&nbsp;The Nebraska Cornhuskers are returning to the Sanford Pentagon in 2023 for a non-conference matchup with the Oregon State Beavers on Nov. 18.

Ticket information and game time will be announced later.

“There is nothing quite like the atmosphere in the Sanford Pentagon when two teams from major conferences face off on Heritage Court,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “We are thrilled to welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers back to Sioux Falls and are equally as excited to showcase our venue to Oregon State and its fans for the first time.”

This is the second time Nebraska will play at the Sanford Pentagon. On Dec. 16, 2018, the No. 25 Huskers defeated Oklahoma State 79-56. A member of the Big Ten Conference, Nebraska is coming off a 16-16 season, with a signature win on the road against eventual Elite Eight participant, No. 7 Creighton. Head coach Fred Hoiberg enters his fifth season at Nebraska.

Nebraska returns four players who started at least 12 games during the 2022-23 season. The Huskers finished on a high note last season, winning six of their final eight regular-season games, including three victories over teams that played in the NCAA Tournament.

“Playing at the Sanford Pentagon against Oregon State is a great opportunity for our basketball team,” Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We are thankful to Sanford Sports for including the University of Nebraska in this game for a second time. We have a lot of alumni in the Sioux Falls area, so I expect there to be a lot of red and white in the crowd in November which will help make for a phenomenal atmosphere for a college basketball game.”

This is the first trip to Heritage Court for Oregon State, members of the Pac 12 Conference. The Beavers finished the 2022-23 season with an 11-21 record. Head coach Wayne Tinkle enters his tenth season as head coach at Oregon State.

Tinkle coached one of the youngest teams in the nation in 2022-23, as over 50 percent of the teams’ points came from freshmen - one of three Power 5 teams to do so. Jordan Pope earned Pac-12 All-Freshman honors, and Pope joined Tyler Bilodeau and Michael Rataj in scoring over six points per game, making Oregon State one of seven teams in the nation to have a trio of freshmen reach that mark.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to play in the tradition-rich Sanford Pentagon,” said Oregon State Head Coach Wayne Tinkle. “Games at the Pentagon have become key single-game pre-season events over the past 10 years. Sanford is an incredible partner and the Pentagon is an unbelievable facility bred for hoops. Throw in the total support of the Sioux Falls community and this will prove to be a valuable experience for our program.”

This year’s contest will mark the 11th&nbsp;all-time meeting between Oregon State and Nebraska and the first since the 2009-10 campaign. The Beavers hold a 6-4 edge in the series.

Since opening in 2013, the Sanford Pentagon has hosted more than 80 Division I men’s and women’s college basketball games. Last December, the Pentagon hosted a rematch of the 2021 men’s national championship game between No. 6 Baylor and No. 14 Gonzaga. Two weeks later, defending women’s national champions and No. 1 ranked South Carolina defeated South Dakota State on Heritage Court.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. –&nbsp;The Nebraska Cornhuskers are returning to the Sanford Pentagon in 2023 for a non-conference matchup with the Oregon State Beavers on Nov. 18.Ticket information and game time will be announced later.“There is nothing quite like the atmosphere in the Sanford Pentagon when two teams from major conferences face off on Heritage Court,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “We are thrilled to welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers back to Sioux Falls and are equally as excited to showcase our venue to Oregon State and its fans for the first time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683230594864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is the second time Nebraska will play at the Sanford Pentagon. On Dec. 16, 2018, the No. 25 Huskers defeated Oklahoma State 79-56. A member of the Big Ten Conference, Nebraska is coming off a 16-16 season, with a signature win on the road against eventual Elite Eight participant, No. 7 Creighton. Head coach Fred Hoiberg enters his fifth season at Nebraska.Nebraska returns four players who started at least 12 games during the 2022-23 season. The Huskers finished on a high note last season, winning six of their final eight regular-season games, including three victories over teams that played in the NCAA Tournament.“Playing at the Sanford Pentagon against Oregon State is a great opportunity for our basketball team,” Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We are thankful to Sanford Sports for including the University of Nebraska in this game for a second time. We have a lot of alumni in the Sioux Falls area, so I expect there to be a lot of red and white in the crowd in November which will help make for a phenomenal atmosphere for a college basketball game.”This is the first trip to Heritage Court for Oregon State, members of the Pac 12 Conference. The Beavers finished the 2022-23 season with an 11-21 record. Head coach Wayne Tinkle enters his tenth season as head coach at Oregon State.Tinkle coached one of the youngest teams in the nation in 2022-23, as over 50 percent of the teams’ points came from freshmen - one of three Power 5 teams to do so. Jordan Pope earned Pac-12 All-Freshman honors, and Pope joined Tyler Bilodeau and Michael Rataj in scoring over six points per game, making Oregon State one of seven teams in the nation to have a trio of freshmen reach that mark.“We’re honored to have the opportunity to play in the tradition-rich Sanford Pentagon,” said Oregon State Head Coach Wayne Tinkle. “Games at the Pentagon have become key single-game pre-season events over the past 10 years. Sanford is an incredible partner and the Pentagon is an unbelievable facility bred for hoops. Throw in the total support of the Sioux Falls community and this will prove to be a valuable experience for our program.”This year’s contest will mark the 11th&nbsp;all-time meeting between Oregon State and Nebraska and the first since the 2009-10 campaign. The Beavers hold a 6-4 edge in the series.Since opening in 2013, the Sanford Pentagon has hosted more than 80 Division I men’s and women’s college basketball games. Last December, the Pentagon hosted a rematch of the 2021 men’s national championship game between No. 6 Baylor and No. 14 Gonzaga. Two weeks later, defending women’s national champions and No. 1 ranked South Carolina defeated South Dakota State on Heritage Court.

Nebraska to face Oregon State in men’s basketball at Sanford Pentagon

Story by Mid- Plains Community College Communications

Mid-Plains Community College will host a send-off for its rodeo team next week.

The event will provide the public with an opportunity to congratulate the athletes and wish them well at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. June 11-17.

Story by Mid- Plains Community College CommunicationsMid-Plains Community College will host a send-off for its rodeo team next week.The event will provide the public with an opportunity to congratulate the athletes and wish them well at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo. June 11-17.The send-off is open to the public.It will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus.Hamburgers and bratwurst will be served for a free-will donation.

Public invited to send-off for MPCC Rodeo Team

The 2023&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships will be this Friday-Sunday (May 5-7) in Jefferson City, Mo. The meet is hosted by Lincoln University at Dwight T. Reed Stadium and the surrounding area with the decathlon and heptathlon getting things started on Friday afternoon. The meet begins in earnest on Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until Sunday night. Go&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/lopers.com/documents/2023/4/17/2023_MIAA_Outdoor_Tentative_Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;for the complete schedule; weather could alter times and events. Fans not in attendance can watch via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themiaanetwork.com/unklopers/" target="_blank">The MIAA Network</a>&nbsp;with live results via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.midwesttiming.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Timing.</a> Last year the UNK women had its highest-ever point total (72.0) and finish (fifth) at this event with the Loper men coming in sixth (62.50). They've been in the top six at this meet six times since UNK joined in the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;in 2012-2013. In the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ustfccca.org/team-rankings-polls-central/division-ii-rankings" target="_blank">National Team Ratings</a>, Pittsburg State men are No. 1, Missouri Southern is No. 9, UNK is ranked 15th with Central Missouri (16), Northwest Missouri (20) and Lincoln (24) all in the Top 25. The Gorillas won the NCAA Indoor National Title this year and are defending champs. Pitt (6th), Northwest (9th), Mo Southern (11th), Fort Hays State (13th), LU, (16th), UCM (17th), Washburn (24th) and UNK (27th) are all in the women's Top 30. The Gorillas won the title last spring with 145 points. Fremont junior&nbsp;Wes Ferguson&nbsp;is defending 800-meter champ with Kearney senior&nbsp;Brayden&nbsp;Sorensen&nbsp;having won the high jump in 2021. The UNK women are looking for its first individual&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;outdoor title since Morgan&nbsp;Benesch&nbsp;took the steeplechase in 2017. York&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Brynn&nbsp;Hirschfeld&nbsp;(11:01.55) currently ranks second in the steeple with Stamford&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Brianna Russell&nbsp;(5-9.25) first in all of Division II in the high jump. Next, Kearney redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lily Novacek&nbsp;is first in the discus (159-6) and fourth in the hammer (185-0) while Taylor redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Jordan Dockweiler&nbsp;is fifth in the shot (45-7). Finally, Kearney super senior&nbsp;Haley Schall&nbsp;(long jump), Kansas&nbsp;junior Jaida McEwen&nbsp;(javelin) and&nbsp;Mackenzie Smith&nbsp;(hammer) all enter the weekend ranked sixth in their respective event. &nbsp; Ferguson is first in the men's 800 (1:46.95), with McCool Junction senior&nbsp;Luke Stuckey&nbsp;first in the 1,500 (3:44.76) and Ainsworth junior&nbsp;Ben Arens&nbsp;second in both the 5,000 (14:15.50) and the steeple (8:47.50). Next, the 4x4 relay team that includes Ferguson ranks third (3:11.87) with Sorensen tops in the high jump (7-0.50) and Creighton junior&nbsp;Alex Homan&nbsp;fourth in the vault (16-1.25). &nbsp; The top three finishers in each individual and relay event will receive MIAA medals and are recognized as "All-MIAA" for the 2023 spring season.

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

The 2023&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships will be this Friday-Sunday (May 5-7) in Jefferson City, Mo. The meet is hosted by Lincoln University at Dwight T. Reed Stadium and the surrounding area with the decathlon and heptathlon getting things started on Friday afternoon. The meet begins in earnest on Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until Sunday night. Go&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/lopers.com/documents/2023/4/17/2023_MIAA_Outdoor_Tentative_Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;for the complete schedule; weather could alter times and events. Fans not in attendance can watch via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themiaanetwork.com/unklopers/" target="_blank">The MIAA Network</a>&nbsp;with live results via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.midwesttiming.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Timing.</a> Last year the UNK women had its highest-ever point total (72.0) and finish (fifth) at this event with the Loper men coming in sixth (62.50). They've been in the top six at this meet six times since UNK joined in the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;in 2012-2013. In the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ustfccca.org/team-rankings-polls-central/division-ii-rankings" target="_blank">National Team Ratings</a>, Pittsburg State men are No. 1, Missouri Southern is No. 9, UNK is ranked 15th with Central Missouri (16), Northwest Missouri (20) and Lincoln (24) all in the Top 25. The Gorillas won the NCAA Indoor National Title this year and are defending champs. Pitt (6th), Northwest (9th), Mo Southern (11th), Fort Hays State (13th), LU, (16th), UCM (17th), Washburn (24th) and UNK (27th) are all in the women's Top 30. The Gorillas won the title last spring with 145 points. Fremont junior&nbsp;Wes Ferguson&nbsp;is defending 800-meter champ with Kearney senior&nbsp;Brayden&nbsp;Sorensen&nbsp;having won the high jump in 2021. The UNK women are looking for its first individual&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;outdoor title since Morgan&nbsp;Benesch&nbsp;took the steeplechase in 2017. York&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Brynn&nbsp;Hirschfeld&nbsp;(11:01.55) currently ranks second in the steeple with Stamford&nbsp;freshman&nbsp;Brianna Russell&nbsp;(5-9.25) first in all of Division II in the high jump. Next, Kearney redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lily Novacek&nbsp;is first in the discus (159-6) and fourth in the hammer (185-0) while Taylor redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Jordan Dockweiler&nbsp;is fifth in the shot (45-7). Finally, Kearney super senior&nbsp;Haley Schall&nbsp;(long jump), Kansas&nbsp;junior Jaida McEwen&nbsp;(javelin) and&nbsp;Mackenzie Smith&nbsp;(hammer) all enter the weekend ranked sixth in their respective event. &nbsp; Ferguson is first in the men's 800 (1:46.95), with McCool Junction senior&nbsp;Luke Stuckey&nbsp;first in the 1,500 (3:44.76) and Ainsworth junior&nbsp;Ben Arens&nbsp;second in both the 5,000 (14:15.50) and the steeple (8:47.50). Next, the 4x4 relay team that includes Ferguson ranks third (3:11.87) with Sorensen tops in the high jump (7-0.50) and Creighton junior&nbsp;Alex Homan&nbsp;fourth in the vault (16-1.25). &nbsp; The top three finishers in each individual and relay event will receive MIAA medals and are recognized as "All-MIAA" for the 2023 spring season.

UNK members traveling to the MIAA Championship

Tri-City Storm&nbsp;forward Trevor Connelly has been named to the USHL’s All-Rookie Second Team for the 2022-2023 season following his sensational debut season with the organization.

Trevor Connelly, 17, Forward, of Tustin, California, scored twenty-four goals, and notched twenty-three assists, for forty-seven total points in fifty-seven regular season games played with the Storm this season. His twenty-four goals scored during the regular season were the most scored by a full-time Tri-City player this year. Connelly scored six powerplay goals, recorded thirteen powerplay assists, and netted two game-winning goals. He tied the organization’s all-time record for consecutive games with a goal (7), and consecutive games with an assist (7). Connelly broke the Storm’s team record for consecutive games with a point with a 3rd&nbsp;period goal in Tri-City’s 3-1 win over the Omaha Lancers at the Viaero Center on April 4th, 2023. He became the first player in the organization’s twenty-three-year history to record at least one point in eighteen consecutive games. Connelly scored two goals, and recorded two assists in three games played during the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. He was one of four Storm players who scored multiple goals during the postseason. Connelly officially joined the organization on March 14th, 2022, by signing a tender agreement to play for the Storm. He made his debut with the organization on September 22nd, 2022, in the Storm’s 4-1 win over the Madison Capitols at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic. Connelly netted his first career USHL goal the following day in Tri-City’s 6-4 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He previously announced a commitment to play college hockey in the future at Providence College.&nbsp;&nbsp;The complete USHL All-Rookie team for the 2022-2023 season can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ushl.com/" target="_blank">www.USHL.com</a>.

“I am very happy and honored to be selected to the USHL’s All-Rookie Second Team. There are so many talented players in this league, and I am grateful for the opportunity and recognition. I had a slower start to the season than I would have liked, but I found a way to find my game and have a strong second half of the season. Our team also did not have the best start, but we really picked it up, and went on some fun win streaks. My plan for the off season is to put on some more weight, get strong, and keep working on things on the ice to better my game.” – Forward Trevor Connelly

“Trevor had as impressive of a year as I have seen from a tender signing in all of my years in the league. He was a great teammate, and had an elite drive to get better. I know our staff loved the opportunity to work with him every day, and it was really impressive to see his development over the course of the season, and his play down the stretch.” – President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Anthony Noreen

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsTri-City Storm&nbsp;forward Trevor Connelly has been named to the USHL’s All-Rookie Second Team for the 2022-2023 season following his sensational debut season with the organization.Trevor Connelly, 17, Forward, of Tustin, California, scored twenty-four goals, and notched twenty-three assists, for forty-seven total points in fifty-seven regular season games played with the Storm this season. His twenty-four goals scored during the regular season were the most scored by a full-time Tri-City player this year. Connelly scored six powerplay goals, recorded thirteen powerplay assists, and netted two game-winning goals. He tied the organization’s all-time record for consecutive games with a goal (7), and consecutive games with an assist (7). Connelly broke the Storm’s team record for consecutive games with a point with a 3rd&nbsp;period goal in Tri-City’s 3-1 win over the Omaha Lancers at the Viaero Center on April 4th, 2023. He became the first player in the organization’s twenty-three-year history to record at least one point in eighteen consecutive games. Connelly scored two goals, and recorded two assists in three games played during the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. He was one of four Storm players who scored multiple goals during the postseason. Connelly officially joined the organization on March 14th, 2022, by signing a tender agreement to play for the Storm. He made his debut with the organization on September 22nd, 2022, in the Storm’s 4-1 win over the Madison Capitols at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic. Connelly netted his first career USHL goal the following day in Tri-City’s 6-4 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He previously announced a commitment to play college hockey in the future at Providence College.&nbsp;&nbsp;The complete USHL All-Rookie team for the 2022-2023 season can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ushl.com/" target="_blank">www.USHL.com</a>.“I am very happy and honored to be selected to the USHL’s All-Rookie Second Team. There are so many talented players in this league, and I am grateful for the opportunity and recognition. I had a slower start to the season than I would have liked, but I found a way to find my game and have a strong second half of the season. Our team also did not have the best start, but we really picked it up, and went on some fun win streaks. My plan for the off season is to put on some more weight, get strong, and keep working on things on the ice to better my game.” – Forward Trevor Connelly“Trevor had as impressive of a year as I have seen from a tender signing in all of my years in the league. He was a great teammate, and had an elite drive to get better. I know our staff loved the opportunity to work with him every day, and it was really impressive to see his development over the course of the season, and his play down the stretch.” – President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Anthony Noreen

Connelly named to USHL All-Rookie Second Team

The Nebraska-Kearney women's golf team is in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/golf-women/article/2023-05-01/ncaa-division-ii-womens-golf-committee-announces-2023-championship-field" target="_blank">NCAA Championships</a>&nbsp;for the fifth time in program history. The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;received an at-large bid after being regionally-ranked all spring and finishing in the top two in six different tournaments. UNK is the sixth seed in the Central Region for a second straight spring and heads to&nbsp;Larchwood, Ia., May 8-10 for a 54-hole tournament. The nine-team field will be at the Grand&nbsp;Falls Casino and Golf Resort with&nbsp;Augustana&nbsp;the host school. Several of the qualifiers took part in the&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&amp;tid=26114" target="_blank">Central Region Preview</a>&nbsp;in the fall at Larchwood. Augie placed first in the 36-hole event (909/305-304) with UNK the runner up (919; 312-307). &nbsp; The D2 NCAA women's golf field features 48 teams and 24 individuals competing at four regional sites (Larchwood, Springfield, Ill., Dallas, Texas and Gainesville, Ga.). The top three Central teams, along with the top two individuals not on those teams, move on to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis on May 16-20. UNK previously received at-large bids to the NCAA's in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and an auto bid last spring. The Lopers were seventh in 2002, its top showing in this event. Central Regional Teams: 1. Henderson State&nbsp;[Great American Conference auto bid] 2. Central Missouri&nbsp;[Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association auto bid] 3. Rogers State 4. Augustana&nbsp;[Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference auto bid] 5. Northeastern State 6. Nebraska Kearney 7. Central Oklahoma 8. Harding (Ark.) 9. Missouri Western State Individuals: 1. Paige Hoffman, Northwest Missouri State 2. Morgan Brasser, Fort Hays State 3. Carly Moon, Winona (Minn.) State 4. Ellen Spigner, Arkansas Tech 5. Morgan Becker, Oklahoma Baptist 6. Gabriela Maldonado, Arkansas-Monticello&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska-Kearney women's golf team is in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/golf-women/article/2023-05-01/ncaa-division-ii-womens-golf-committee-announces-2023-championship-field" target="_blank">NCAA Championships</a>&nbsp;for the fifth time in program history. The&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;received an at-large bid after being regionally-ranked all spring and finishing in the top two in six different tournaments. UNK is the sixth seed in the Central Region for a second straight spring and heads to&nbsp;Larchwood, Ia., May 8-10 for a 54-hole tournament. The nine-team field will be at the Grand&nbsp;Falls Casino and Golf Resort with&nbsp;Augustana&nbsp;the host school. Several of the qualifiers took part in the&nbsp;<a href="https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&amp;tid=26114" target="_blank">Central Region Preview</a>&nbsp;in the fall at Larchwood. Augie placed first in the 36-hole event (909/305-304) with UNK the runner up (919; 312-307). &nbsp; The D2 NCAA women's golf field features 48 teams and 24 individuals competing at four regional sites (Larchwood, Springfield, Ill., Dallas, Texas and Gainesville, Ga.). The top three Central teams, along with the top two individuals not on those teams, move on to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis on May 16-20. UNK previously received at-large bids to the NCAA's in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and an auto bid last spring. The Lopers were seventh in 2002, its top showing in this event. Central Regional Teams: 1. Henderson State&nbsp;[Great American Conference auto bid] 2. Central Missouri&nbsp;[Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association auto bid] 3. Rogers State 4. Augustana&nbsp;[Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference auto bid] 5. Northeastern State 6. Nebraska Kearney 7. Central Oklahoma 8. Harding (Ark.) 9. Missouri Western State Individuals: 1. Paige Hoffman, Northwest Missouri State 2. Morgan Brasser, Fort Hays State 3. Carly Moon, Winona (Minn.) State 4. Ellen Spigner, Arkansas Tech 5. Morgan Becker, Oklahoma Baptist 6. Gabriela Maldonado, Arkansas-Monticello&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNK heads to Iowa next week, aims for a top three finish

The North Platte Community College Knights split their last softball games of the regular season Monday afternoon against Garden City Community College.

NPCC pitcher Taelyn Dakamas threw a complete shutout in the first game for an 8-0 victory. She didn’t allow a single run on four hits over five innings, striking out five and walking one.

The Knights got their offense started with a run in the first inning then secured their victory with five more in the third. Lili Kukučková and Amya Blake-Cosper, each tallied RBIs in the frame, with Blake-Cosper smacking a home run.

Elena Montoya went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead North Platte in hits.&nbsp;

The Broncbusters answered by bouncing back in the second game to clinch the win 11-1.

Jenelle Gudjonson was in the pitcher’s circle for NPCC. The righthander allowed five hits and four runs over two and a third innings, walking one. Angelina Lockhart and Dakamas entered the game as relief, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one inning, respectively.

Kukučková, Blake-Cosper and Krysta-Lyn Lewis led the Knights with one hit each.&nbsp;

“We came out with focus, energy and enthusiasm in game one and passed the bat very well,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “[Dakamas] is pitching very well right now, and that is huge. Game two, Garden City came out with a purpose, and we played flat. We have a few days off before heading to regionals on Saturday. It’s always fun to be playing good ball at the end of the season - makes postseason the time to make some noise.”

The Knights end the regular season 14-29.

Postseason play will begin Saturday in Columbus. The Knights will take on Southeast Community College at noon, and the winner of that game will battle Central Community College at 2:30 p.m.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College Knights split their last softball games of the regular season Monday afternoon against Garden City Community College.NPCC pitcher Taelyn Dakamas threw a complete shutout in the first game for an 8-0 victory. She didn’t allow a single run on four hits over five innings, striking out five and walking one.The Knights got their offense started with a run in the first inning then secured their victory with five more in the third. Lili Kukučková and Amya Blake-Cosper, each tallied RBIs in the frame, with Blake-Cosper smacking a home run.Elena Montoya went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead North Platte in hits.&nbsp;The Broncbusters answered by bouncing back in the second game to clinch the win 11-1.Jenelle Gudjonson was in the pitcher’s circle for NPCC. The righthander allowed five hits and four runs over two and a third innings, walking one. Angelina Lockhart and Dakamas entered the game as relief, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one inning, respectively.Kukučková, Blake-Cosper and Krysta-Lyn Lewis led the Knights with one hit each.&nbsp;“We came out with focus, energy and enthusiasm in game one and passed the bat very well,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “[Dakamas] is pitching very well right now, and that is huge. Game two, Garden City came out with a purpose, and we played flat. We have a few days off before heading to regionals on Saturday. It’s always fun to be playing good ball at the end of the season - makes postseason the time to make some noise.”The Knights end the regular season 14-29.Postseason play will begin Saturday in Columbus. The Knights will take on Southeast Community College at noon, and the winner of that game will battle Central Community College at 2:30 p.m.

Knights Softball splits final games

NORTH PLATTE - The Mid-Plains Community College&nbsp;Rodeo Team was on fire over the weekend in Spearfish, S.D. Members captured multiple Top 5 finishes in a doubleheader at Black Hills State University’s Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede Thursday through Saturday.

MPCC had the top men’s team and was second in the women’s team standings at the conclusion of the first rodeo. Nick Rettinger and Maggie Underhill led the onslaught.

Rettinger took the men’s all-around championship after placing second in the tie-down roping, fourth in the team roping and sixth in the steer wrestling. Underhill won the barrel racing.

Also placing in the Top 10 were steer wrestlers Dalton Kunkee and Rex Day, who ended up fifth and sixth, respectively.

Madison McGee was seventh in the breakaway roping, and Matthew Miller was eighth in the tie-down roping.

Kaden Wooters won the steer wrestling in the second rodeo. He was 10th in the tie-down roping – behind Rettinger, who finished eighth.

McGee and Conner Schutz paired up for a fourth-place ranking in the team roping. Rettinger also placed seventh in that event.

Underhill came in ninth, and Raina Swanson was 11th in the barrel racing.

“I’m very proud of the individual championships and placings this weekend,” said Wyatt Clark, MPCC Rodeo Team timed events coach. “I’m looking forward to competing back in Nebraska and am expecting a strong finish for the year.”

The team heads into the final week of practice this week, which will culminate in the last rodeo of the season – the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rodeo Friday and Saturday.

NORTH PLATTE - The Mid-Plains Community College&nbsp;Rodeo Team was on fire over the weekend in Spearfish, S.D. Members captured multiple Top 5 finishes in a doubleheader at Black Hills State University’s Will Lantis Yellow Jacket Stampede Thursday through Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682971506636.jpeg" alt="Nick Rettinger took the men’s all-around championship after placing second in the tie-down roping, fourth in the team roping and sixth in the steer wrestling" />
 <figcaption>Nick Rettinger took the men’s all-around championship after placing second in the tie-down roping, fourth in the team roping and sixth in the steer wrestling</figcaption>
 </figure>MPCC had the top men’s team and was second in the women’s team standings at the conclusion of the first rodeo. Nick Rettinger and Maggie Underhill led the onslaught.Rettinger took the men’s all-around championship after placing second in the tie-down roping, fourth in the team roping and sixth in the steer wrestling. Underhill won the barrel racing.Also placing in the Top 10 were steer wrestlers Dalton Kunkee and Rex Day, who ended up fifth and sixth, respectively.Madison McGee was seventh in the breakaway roping, and Matthew Miller was eighth in the tie-down roping.Kaden Wooters won the steer wrestling in the second rodeo. He was 10th in the tie-down roping – behind Rettinger, who finished eighth.McGee and Conner Schutz paired up for a fourth-place ranking in the team roping. Rettinger also placed seventh in that event.Underhill came in ninth, and Raina Swanson was 11th in the barrel racing.“I’m very proud of the individual championships and placings this weekend,” said Wyatt Clark, MPCC Rodeo Team timed events coach. “I’m looking forward to competing back in Nebraska and am expecting a strong finish for the year.”The team heads into the final week of practice this week, which will culminate in the last rodeo of the season – the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rodeo Friday and Saturday.

MPCC Rodeo Team sets the bar high in Spearfish

North Platte Community College Softball: Garden County Vs. North Platte Community College

North Platte Community College Softball: NPCC @ McCook Community College

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Nebraska QB Casey Thompson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per <a href="https://twitter.com/mzenitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mzenitz</a>. <a href="https://t.co/poUleEHGWC">https://t.co/poUleEHGWC</a> <a href="https://t.co/eCmna30v0e">pic.twitter.com/eCmna30v0e</a>&mdash; On3 (@On3sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/On3sports/status/1651961899427282945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Casey Thompson enters transfer portal opening the door for Jeff Sims to be starter in fall

North Platte High School Soccer: Scottsbluff Vs. NPHS

LINCOLN, Ne - The Volleyball Day in Nebraska outdoor event in Memorial Stadium sold out on Thursday morning, the third day tickets were on sale to the public. Approximately 82,900 tickets were claimed between the season-ticket holder on-sale on Tuesday and the general public on-sale on Wednesday and Thursday. Approximately 17,900 of the tickets were claimed in the season-ticket holder on-sale on Tuesday and the rest on Wednesday and Thursday. That number does not include field-level seating or indoor club seating. Nebraska will host Omaha at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30 in a regular-season match in Memorial Stadium. As part of a local doubleheader celebrating the impact of volleyball on the state, Nebraska-Kearney will play Wayne State in an exhibition match at 4:30 p.m. "Nebraska fans never cease to amaze me," Nebraska Vice Chancellor, Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. "We knew the interest in this match would be extremely high, but to sell out Memorial Stadium is truly remarkable. I've heard lots of talk about breaking the NCAA volleyball attendance record, but given the incredible demand for this event we want to explore every avenue to see if it's possible to challenge the record for the most attended women's sporting event in this country. We are truly grateful!" "There is No Place Like Nebraska. What more can you say?" Nebraska Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/john-cook/8418">John Cook</a>&nbsp;said. "We knew there was a lot of interest in this event based on the reaction we've had the last couple of months traveling around the state and the country. But to sell out more than 80,000 tickets already? It's unreal. Our team was already pumped up about Volleyball Day in Nebraska, but now I can't even imagine how excited they are going to be for this. It's epic."

The record crowd for any NCAA volleyball match is 18,755 when Nebraska played Wisconsin on Dec. 18, 2021, in the NCAA Championship at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The largest NCAA volleyball regular-season crowd is 16,833 when Wisconsin hosted Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., on Sept. 16, 2022. The largest crowd to attend a women's sporting event in the USA was 90,185 for the 1999 Women's World Cup Final between USA and China at Rose Bowl Stadium. That remained as a world record until 91,553 surpassed it when Barcelona played Real Madrid in Spain in a UEFA Women's Champions League match on March 30, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers.comLINCOLN, Ne - The Volleyball Day in Nebraska outdoor event in Memorial Stadium sold out on Thursday morning, the third day tickets were on sale to the public. Approximately 82,900 tickets were claimed between the season-ticket holder on-sale on Tuesday and the general public on-sale on Wednesday and Thursday. Approximately 17,900 of the tickets were claimed in the season-ticket holder on-sale on Tuesday and the rest on Wednesday and Thursday. That number does not include field-level seating or indoor club seating. Nebraska will host Omaha at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30 in a regular-season match in Memorial Stadium. As part of a local doubleheader celebrating the impact of volleyball on the state, Nebraska-Kearney will play Wayne State in an exhibition match at 4:30 p.m. "Nebraska fans never cease to amaze me," Nebraska Vice Chancellor, Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. "We knew the interest in this match would be extremely high, but to sell out Memorial Stadium is truly remarkable. I've heard lots of talk about breaking the NCAA volleyball attendance record, but given the incredible demand for this event we want to explore every avenue to see if it's possible to challenge the record for the most attended women's sporting event in this country. We are truly grateful!" "There is No Place Like Nebraska. What more can you say?" Nebraska Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/coaches/john-cook/8418">John Cook</a>&nbsp;said. "We knew there was a lot of interest in this event based on the reaction we've had the last couple of months traveling around the state and the country. But to sell out more than 80,000 tickets already? It's unreal. Our team was already pumped up about Volleyball Day in Nebraska, but now I can't even imagine how excited they are going to be for this. It's epic."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682619354166.png" alt="Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium planned for August 30, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium planned for August 30, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure> The record crowd for any NCAA volleyball match is 18,755 when Nebraska played Wisconsin on Dec. 18, 2021, in the NCAA Championship at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The largest NCAA volleyball regular-season crowd is 16,833 when Wisconsin hosted Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., on Sept. 16, 2022. The largest crowd to attend a women's sporting event in the USA was 90,185 for the 1999 Women's World Cup Final between USA and China at Rose Bowl Stadium. That remained as a world record until 91,553 surpassed it when Barcelona played Real Madrid in Spain in a UEFA Women's Champions League match on March 30, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Volleyball Day in Nebraska Tickets Sold Out

Story by Tri-City Storm Communications

The Tri-City Storm completed a two-game series sweep over the Sioux City Musketeers in the opening round of the Clark Cup Playoffs with a 5-4 win at the Viaero Center on Tuesday night. Kieran Cebrian scored the game-winning goal for Tri-City in the final five minutes of the game to lift the team into the next round of the postseason. Alex Bump, Evan Werner, Trevor Connelly, and Dane Dowiak also netted goals for the Storm in the victory. Cameron Korpi backstopped Tri-City to the win in net. The Storm has advanced to play the Fargo Force in a Best-of-Three Conference Semifinal round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Tri-City will travel to Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND for the three-game series against Fargo. Game #1 of the Western Conference Semifinal Series between the Storm and the Force is set for Friday. Puck drop for the matchup is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.

Tri-City opened the first-round playoff series against Sioux City with a 6-1 home win at the Viaero Center on Monday night. Graham Gamache netted a hat trick in the matchup, and Cameron Korpi collected the win in goal for the Storm. Kieran Cebrian, Alex Bump, and Trevor Connelly also netted goals for the Storm in the Game #1 victory.

Game #2 of the Best-of-Three First Round series began on Tuesday night with Alex Bump’s second scoring play of the postseason less than two minutes into the battle. Bump’s goal was netted at 1:45 of the 1st&nbsp;period, and was assisted by Graham Gamache, and Tanner Adams. The Musketeers responded with back-to-back powerplay goals to take a one-goal lead in the matchup. Kaden Shahan netted his first goal of the postseason at 7:13 of Tuesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. Dylan Godbout and Grant Slukynsky each notched an assist on the scoring play. Ben Poitras scored his first goal of the playoffs just over two minutes later to put the Musketeers ahead by a goal. The goal was netted at 9:28 of the 1st&nbsp;period, and was scored on the powerplay. Kaden Shahan and Dylan Godbout each recorded an assist on the goal. The final goal of Tuesday’s back-and-forth opening period was scored by Evan Werner on the powerplay. Werner’s goal was his first of the postseason, and was netted at 11:25 of the 1st&nbsp;period. Tanner Adams, and Cale Ashcroft notched an assist on the scoring play. Each team recorded 7 shots on goal during Tuesday’s opening period, and the middle period began with each team locked into a 2-2 tie.

Trevor Connelly scored his second goal of the postseason at 3:55 of the 2nd&nbsp;period to give the Storm a one-goal advantage in the battle. Connelly’s goal was assisted by Tanner Adams, and was scored even strength. Dane Dowiak increased Tri-City’s lead to two goals at 10:50 of the middle period. Dowiak’s goal was his first of the playoffs, and was assisted by Daimon Gardner, and Cale Ashcroft. The Musketeers made a goaltending change following the Storm’s fourth scoring play of the night. Starting goaltender Croix Kochendorfer was replaced in net by Axel Mangbo for the remainder of the matchup. The final goal of Tuesday’s 2nd&nbsp;period was scored by Sioux City’s Ben Doran with less than two minutes to play. The scoring play cut the Storm’s lead down to one goal. Ben Poitras and Sam Deckhut each notched an assist on the goal. Tri-City outshot Sioux City 12-8 during the middle period, and the Storm carried a one-goal advantage into Tuesday’s final period.

Grant Slukynsky netted his first goal of the playoffs at 8:39 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to bring the battle to a 4-4 tie. Tyler Hotson notched an assist on the scoring play. Kieran Cebrian scored the game-winning goal for the Storm at 15:09 of the 3rd&nbsp;period. Cebrian deflected a shot from Sebastian Törnqvist by Axel Mangbo to give Tri-City the lead. Törnqvist recorded an assist on the scoring play. Sioux City put an extra attacker on the ice after lifting Axel Mangbo in the final two minutes of Tuesday’s 3rd&nbsp;period. Cameron Korpi made several key saves in the final moments to secure the Storm’s victory. Tri-City skated away with a 5-4 home win at the Viaero Center, and advanced to the next round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Sioux City outshot Tri-City 8-7 in the 3rd&nbsp;period, but was outshot by the Storm by an overall margin of 26-23 during the battle.

Cameron Korpi turned away 19 of Sioux City’s 23 shots on goal to collect his second win of the postseason in net for the Storm. Axel&nbsp;Manbgo&nbsp;stopped 9 of 10 shots faced, but recorded the loss in goal for the Musketeers. Mangbo appeared in 27:10 of game time in relief of Croix Kochendorfer. Kochendorfer made 12 saves on 16 shots and was replaced after appearing in 30:50 of game time for Sioux City.

Kieran Cebrian collected 1st&nbsp;Star honors in the matchup after scoring the game-winning goal for the Storm in the final five minutes of the matchup. Tanner Adams recorded three assists during the contest, and was named the 2nd&nbsp;Star of the Game. Sioux City’s Ben Poitras was named the 3rd&nbsp;Star of the Game after scoring the go-ahead goal for the Musketeers during the 1st&nbsp;period, and after recording an assist on the team’s game-tying goal in the 3rd&nbsp;period.

Tuesday’s game was played in front of a crowd of 1,253 at the Viaero Center. The Storm will move on in the Clark Cup Playoffs to face the Fargo Force in a Best-of-Three series this weekend at Scheels Arena. Game #1 is scheduled for Friday at 7:05pm CT, with Game #2 set for Saturday at 6:05pm CT. Game #3, if necessary, is scheduled for 4:05pm CT on Sunday. The Storm and the Force most recently met in the playoffs in the Conference Semifinal round of the 2021 Clark Cup Playoffs. The Force took the series two games to one at the Viaero Center, and advanced to the Clark Cup Final. Fargo won this year’s Anderson Cup Championship, finishing with a league-best 40-14-4-4 record during the regular season. The Storm won this year’s eight-game season series against the Force, finishing with a final record of 4-3-1-0 in head-to-head battles against Fargo.

Tri-City hits the ice again on Friday, April 28th, in a road game against the Fargo Force in the Conference Semifinal round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm completed a two-game series sweep over the Sioux City Musketeers in the opening round of the Clark Cup Playoffs with a 5-4 win at the Viaero Center on Tuesday night. Kieran Cebrian scored the game-winning goal for Tri-City in the final five minutes of the game to lift the team into the next round of the postseason. Alex Bump, Evan Werner, Trevor Connelly, and Dane Dowiak also netted goals for the Storm in the victory. Cameron Korpi backstopped Tri-City to the win in net. The Storm has advanced to play the Fargo Force in a Best-of-Three Conference Semifinal round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Tri-City will travel to Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND for the three-game series against Fargo. Game #1 of the Western Conference Semifinal Series between the Storm and the Force is set for Friday. Puck drop for the matchup is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.Tri-City opened the first-round playoff series against Sioux City with a 6-1 home win at the Viaero Center on Monday night. Graham Gamache netted a hat trick in the matchup, and Cameron Korpi collected the win in goal for the Storm. Kieran Cebrian, Alex Bump, and Trevor Connelly also netted goals for the Storm in the Game #1 victory.Game #2 of the Best-of-Three First Round series began on Tuesday night with Alex Bump’s second scoring play of the postseason less than two minutes into the battle. Bump’s goal was netted at 1:45 of the 1st&nbsp;period, and was assisted by Graham Gamache, and Tanner Adams. The Musketeers responded with back-to-back powerplay goals to take a one-goal lead in the matchup. Kaden Shahan netted his first goal of the postseason at 7:13 of Tuesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. Dylan Godbout and Grant Slukynsky each notched an assist on the scoring play. Ben Poitras scored his first goal of the playoffs just over two minutes later to put the Musketeers ahead by a goal. The goal was netted at 9:28 of the 1st&nbsp;period, and was scored on the powerplay. Kaden Shahan and Dylan Godbout each recorded an assist on the goal. The final goal of Tuesday’s back-and-forth opening period was scored by Evan Werner on the powerplay. Werner’s goal was his first of the postseason, and was netted at 11:25 of the 1st&nbsp;period. Tanner Adams, and Cale Ashcroft notched an assist on the scoring play. Each team recorded 7 shots on goal during Tuesday’s opening period, and the middle period began with each team locked into a 2-2 tie.Trevor Connelly scored his second goal of the postseason at 3:55 of the 2nd&nbsp;period to give the Storm a one-goal advantage in the battle. Connelly’s goal was assisted by Tanner Adams, and was scored even strength. Dane Dowiak increased Tri-City’s lead to two goals at 10:50 of the middle period. Dowiak’s goal was his first of the playoffs, and was assisted by Daimon Gardner, and Cale Ashcroft. The Musketeers made a goaltending change following the Storm’s fourth scoring play of the night. Starting goaltender Croix Kochendorfer was replaced in net by Axel Mangbo for the remainder of the matchup. The final goal of Tuesday’s 2nd&nbsp;period was scored by Sioux City’s Ben Doran with less than two minutes to play. The scoring play cut the Storm’s lead down to one goal. Ben Poitras and Sam Deckhut each notched an assist on the goal. Tri-City outshot Sioux City 12-8 during the middle period, and the Storm carried a one-goal advantage into Tuesday’s final period.Grant Slukynsky netted his first goal of the playoffs at 8:39 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to bring the battle to a 4-4 tie. Tyler Hotson notched an assist on the scoring play. Kieran Cebrian scored the game-winning goal for the Storm at 15:09 of the 3rd&nbsp;period. Cebrian deflected a shot from Sebastian Törnqvist by Axel Mangbo to give Tri-City the lead. Törnqvist recorded an assist on the scoring play. Sioux City put an extra attacker on the ice after lifting Axel Mangbo in the final two minutes of Tuesday’s 3rd&nbsp;period. Cameron Korpi made several key saves in the final moments to secure the Storm’s victory. Tri-City skated away with a 5-4 home win at the Viaero Center, and advanced to the next round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Sioux City outshot Tri-City 8-7 in the 3rd&nbsp;period, but was outshot by the Storm by an overall margin of 26-23 during the battle.Cameron Korpi turned away 19 of Sioux City’s 23 shots on goal to collect his second win of the postseason in net for the Storm. Axel&nbsp;Manbgo&nbsp;stopped 9 of 10 shots faced, but recorded the loss in goal for the Musketeers. Mangbo appeared in 27:10 of game time in relief of Croix Kochendorfer. Kochendorfer made 12 saves on 16 shots and was replaced after appearing in 30:50 of game time for Sioux City.Kieran Cebrian collected 1st&nbsp;Star honors in the matchup after scoring the game-winning goal for the Storm in the final five minutes of the matchup. Tanner Adams recorded three assists during the contest, and was named the 2nd&nbsp;Star of the Game. Sioux City’s Ben Poitras was named the 3rd&nbsp;Star of the Game after scoring the go-ahead goal for the Musketeers during the 1st&nbsp;period, and after recording an assist on the team’s game-tying goal in the 3rd&nbsp;period.Tuesday’s game was played in front of a crowd of 1,253 at the Viaero Center. The Storm will move on in the Clark Cup Playoffs to face the Fargo Force in a Best-of-Three series this weekend at Scheels Arena. Game #1 is scheduled for Friday at 7:05pm CT, with Game #2 set for Saturday at 6:05pm CT. Game #3, if necessary, is scheduled for 4:05pm CT on Sunday. The Storm and the Force most recently met in the playoffs in the Conference Semifinal round of the 2021 Clark Cup Playoffs. The Force took the series two games to one at the Viaero Center, and advanced to the Clark Cup Final. Fargo won this year’s Anderson Cup Championship, finishing with a league-best 40-14-4-4 record during the regular season. The Storm won this year’s eight-game season series against the Force, finishing with a final record of 4-3-1-0 in head-to-head battles against Fargo.Tri-City hits the ice again on Friday, April 28th, in a road game against the Fargo Force in the Conference Semifinal round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.

Storm completes sweep of Musketeers in 5-4 win

The Tri-City Storm defeated the Sioux City Musketeers by a final score of 6-1 Monday night at the Viaero Center to take a 1-0 series lead in the Best-Of-Three 1st&nbsp;Round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Graham Gamache netted a hat trick for Tri-City in the victory. Kieran Cebrian, Alex Bump, and Trevor Connelly also scored goals for the Storm in the win. Cameron Korpi backstopped the team to a win with a 13-save-on-14-shot performance. The Storm will host the Musketeers for Game #2 Tuesday night at the Viaero Center. Puck drop is set for 7:05pm CT.

Graham Gamache scored the Storm’s opening goal of the postseason at 6:14 of Monday’s 1st&nbsp;period. Tanner Adams recorded an assist on the scoring play. The goal was the lone scoring play of the opening period. Tri-City outshot Sioux City 12-6 during the 1st&nbsp;period, and the team carried a one-goal lead into the middle period.

The only goal of Monday’s 2nd&nbsp;period was scored with less than eight minutes to play by Kieran Cebrian. Cebrian’s goal was assisted by Jake Richard, and Seth Constance. The Storm outshot the Musketeers 9-2 during the 2nd&nbsp;period, and the 3rd&nbsp;period began with Tri-City leading by two goals.

Monday’s final period included five combined goals between the Western Conference foes. Ryan Conmy scored Sioux City’s opening goal of the postseason less than three minutes into the period to cut the Storm’s lead in half. The goal was assisted by Grant Slukynsky, and Tyler Hotson. Alex Bump netted his first goal of the playoffs less than a minute later to give the Storm another two-goal advantage in the matchup. Bump’s goal was netted at 3:15 of the 3rd&nbsp;period, and was assisted by Graham Gamache, and Philippe Blais-Savoie. Trevor Connelly scored an even-strength goal at 6:23 of the period to give the Storm a 4-1 lead in the battle. Connelly’s goal was assisted by Cale Ashcroft. Graham Gamache netted a powerplay goal for Tri-City at 8:50 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to give the Storm a four-goal advantage in the matchup. The goal was Gamache’s second of the game, and was assisted by Alex Bump, and Trevor Connelly. The final goal of Monday’s opening-round playoff matchup between the Storm and Musketeers was scored shorthanded by Graham Gamache. The scoring play was his second of the period, and third of the game. The playoff game hat trick by Gamache was the first postseason single-game three-goal performance by a Storm player since Brendan Furry scored a hat trick on April 19th, 2019, in Tri-City’s 8-3 home win over the Des Moines Buccaneers. Each team recorded six shots on net during Monday’s final period, and the Storm outshot the Musketeers by an overall margin of 27-14 in the game.

Cameron Korpi recorded the first postseason win of his USHL career in goal for the Storm after denying 13 of Sioux City’s 14 shots on goal. Croix Kochendorfer dropped the game in goal for Sioux City after making 20 saves on 26 shots. Axel Mangbo played the final 8:27 of the game in relief for Kochendorfer. Mangbo made 1 save on 1 shot faced in net. Graham Gamache was named the game’s 1st&nbsp;Star, with teammates Trevor Connelly and Alex Bump collecting 2nd&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;Star honors, respectively. A back-to-back win over the Musketeers in tomorrow’s home game in Kearney would send the Storm to the Western Conference Semifinal round of the postseason for a road matchup against the Anderson Cup Champion Fargo Force. A bounce-back win from Sioux City in tomorrow’s showdown would force a decisive Game #3 between the two teams at the Viaero Center on Wednesday.

Tri-City hits the ice again on Tuesday, April 25th, in a home game against the Sioux City Musketeers in the opening round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm defeated the Sioux City Musketeers by a final score of 6-1 Monday night at the Viaero Center to take a 1-0 series lead in the Best-Of-Three 1st&nbsp;Round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Graham Gamache netted a hat trick for Tri-City in the victory. Kieran Cebrian, Alex Bump, and Trevor Connelly also scored goals for the Storm in the win. Cameron Korpi backstopped the team to a win with a 13-save-on-14-shot performance. The Storm will host the Musketeers for Game #2 Tuesday night at the Viaero Center. Puck drop is set for 7:05pm CT.Graham Gamache scored the Storm’s opening goal of the postseason at 6:14 of Monday’s 1st&nbsp;period. Tanner Adams recorded an assist on the scoring play. The goal was the lone scoring play of the opening period. Tri-City outshot Sioux City 12-6 during the 1st&nbsp;period, and the team carried a one-goal lead into the middle period.The only goal of Monday’s 2nd&nbsp;period was scored with less than eight minutes to play by Kieran Cebrian. Cebrian’s goal was assisted by Jake Richard, and Seth Constance. The Storm outshot the Musketeers 9-2 during the 2nd&nbsp;period, and the 3rd&nbsp;period began with Tri-City leading by two goals.Monday’s final period included five combined goals between the Western Conference foes. Ryan Conmy scored Sioux City’s opening goal of the postseason less than three minutes into the period to cut the Storm’s lead in half. The goal was assisted by Grant Slukynsky, and Tyler Hotson. Alex Bump netted his first goal of the playoffs less than a minute later to give the Storm another two-goal advantage in the matchup. Bump’s goal was netted at 3:15 of the 3rd&nbsp;period, and was assisted by Graham Gamache, and Philippe Blais-Savoie. Trevor Connelly scored an even-strength goal at 6:23 of the period to give the Storm a 4-1 lead in the battle. Connelly’s goal was assisted by Cale Ashcroft. Graham Gamache netted a powerplay goal for Tri-City at 8:50 of the 3rd&nbsp;period to give the Storm a four-goal advantage in the matchup. The goal was Gamache’s second of the game, and was assisted by Alex Bump, and Trevor Connelly. The final goal of Monday’s opening-round playoff matchup between the Storm and Musketeers was scored shorthanded by Graham Gamache. The scoring play was his second of the period, and third of the game. The playoff game hat trick by Gamache was the first postseason single-game three-goal performance by a Storm player since Brendan Furry scored a hat trick on April 19th, 2019, in Tri-City’s 8-3 home win over the Des Moines Buccaneers. Each team recorded six shots on net during Monday’s final period, and the Storm outshot the Musketeers by an overall margin of 27-14 in the game.Cameron Korpi recorded the first postseason win of his USHL career in goal for the Storm after denying 13 of Sioux City’s 14 shots on goal. Croix Kochendorfer dropped the game in goal for Sioux City after making 20 saves on 26 shots. Axel Mangbo played the final 8:27 of the game in relief for Kochendorfer. Mangbo made 1 save on 1 shot faced in net. Graham Gamache was named the game’s 1st&nbsp;Star, with teammates Trevor Connelly and Alex Bump collecting 2nd&nbsp;and 3rd&nbsp;Star honors, respectively. A back-to-back win over the Musketeers in tomorrow’s home game in Kearney would send the Storm to the Western Conference Semifinal round of the postseason for a road matchup against the Anderson Cup Champion Fargo Force. A bounce-back win from Sioux City in tomorrow’s showdown would force a decisive Game #3 between the two teams at the Viaero Center on Wednesday.Tri-City hits the ice again on Tuesday, April 25th, in a home game against the Sioux City Musketeers in the opening round of the Clark Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.

Storm defeats Musketeers 6-1 in Game #1

Former Nebraska golfer&nbsp;Scott&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;captured his first&nbsp;win in nearly 15 years at the&nbsp;LECOM&nbsp;Suncoast&nbsp;Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club Sunday as a member of the Korn Ferry Tour.&nbsp; Gutschewski&nbsp;finished with a 72-hole score of 263 (-21) to capture his third career professional victory.&nbsp;At 46-years-old,&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;became&nbsp;the 10th oldest player to win a Korn Ferry Event in the tour's history. It also ends the second-longest gap between wins in tour history (14 years, 10 months, 15 days). Before today, his last win came at The Rex Hospital Open on June 8, 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp; After&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;and 23-year-old Logan McCallister were tied through 72 holes, the two went to a sudden death playoff at the 18th hole in Lakewood, where&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;calmly sank a 40-foot birdie putt for the win. After he opened his first two rounds with&nbsp;a 67 (-4)&nbsp;and 66 (-5),&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;catapulted to the top of the&nbsp;leaderboard&nbsp;with&nbsp;a nine-under 62 Saturday&nbsp;to put him atop the&nbsp;leaderboard, a position he wouldn't relinquish.&nbsp; The Korn Ferry Tour annually invites 50 of its top golfers to the PGA TOUR. With the win,&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;will look to earn an appearance in professional golf's top circuit for the seventh time in his 23-year career as the 2023 season kicks into high gear. He previously appeared on the PGA TOUR in 2005-07, 2009, 2011, and 2022.&nbsp; A three-time&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;at Nebraska,&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;helped lead the Big Red to its best finish at NCAA Championships in school history in 1999 when they finished in 14th place.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFormer Nebraska golfer&nbsp;Scott&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;captured his first&nbsp;win in nearly 15 years at the&nbsp;LECOM&nbsp;Suncoast&nbsp;Classic at Lakewood National Golf Club Sunday as a member of the Korn Ferry Tour.&nbsp; Gutschewski&nbsp;finished with a 72-hole score of 263 (-21) to capture his third career professional victory.&nbsp;At 46-years-old,&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;became&nbsp;the 10th oldest player to win a Korn Ferry Event in the tour's history. It also ends the second-longest gap between wins in tour history (14 years, 10 months, 15 days). Before today, his last win came at The Rex Hospital Open on June 8, 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp; After&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;and 23-year-old Logan McCallister were tied through 72 holes, the two went to a sudden death playoff at the 18th hole in Lakewood, where&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;calmly sank a 40-foot birdie putt for the win. After he opened his first two rounds with&nbsp;a 67 (-4)&nbsp;and 66 (-5),&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;catapulted to the top of the&nbsp;leaderboard&nbsp;with&nbsp;a nine-under 62 Saturday&nbsp;to put him atop the&nbsp;leaderboard, a position he wouldn't relinquish.&nbsp; The Korn Ferry Tour annually invites 50 of its top golfers to the PGA TOUR. With the win,&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;will look to earn an appearance in professional golf's top circuit for the seventh time in his 23-year career as the 2023 season kicks into high gear. He previously appeared on the PGA TOUR in 2005-07, 2009, 2011, and 2022.&nbsp; A three-time&nbsp;letterwinner&nbsp;at Nebraska,&nbsp;Gutschewski&nbsp;helped lead the Big Red to its best finish at NCAA Championships in school history in 1999 when they finished in 14th place.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gutschewski captures Korn Ferry Victory

North Platte Community College lost both of its softball games against the Seward County Community College Saints Sunday afternoon.

The Knights watched the first game slip away early and ultimately fell 13-5.

Angelina Lockhart was on the rubber for North Platte. The righty lasted one inning, allowing two hits and five runs while striking out one. Taelyn Dakamas threw three innings out of the bullpen.

Nancy Martinez led the Knights with two hits in three at bats.

Dakamas was in the pitcher’s circle for the Knights. She surrendered four runs on six hits over five and a third innings, striking out two and walking zero. April Grace threw two-thirds of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Martinez, Kelsey Woodhouse, Krysta-Lyn Lewis, Juliana Ortiz, Amya Blake-Cosper, Lili Kukučková and Kailee Rhein each managed one hit.

“Angelina got hurt in the top of the second inning, which threw us off defensively, and we couldn’t recover,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “Game two, our defense bounced back. Offensively, we didn’t pass the bat well, and we left too many runners in scoring position. We have a few days off to refocus, and back on the road we go.”

The Knights will head to Norfolk for their next set of games. They will take aim at the Northeast Community College Hawks in a Wednesday doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte Community College lost both of its softball games against the Seward County Community College Saints Sunday afternoon.The Knights watched the first game slip away early and ultimately fell 13-5.Angelina Lockhart was on the rubber for North Platte. The righty lasted one inning, allowing two hits and five runs while striking out one. Taelyn Dakamas threw three innings out of the bullpen.Nancy Martinez led the Knights with two hits in three at bats.NPCC fell 4-1 in the second game.Dakamas was in the pitcher’s circle for the Knights. She surrendered four runs on six hits over five and a third innings, striking out two and walking zero. April Grace threw two-thirds of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.Martinez, Kelsey Woodhouse, Krysta-Lyn Lewis, Juliana Ortiz, Amya Blake-Cosper, Lili Kukučková and Kailee Rhein each managed one hit.“Angelina got hurt in the top of the second inning, which threw us off defensively, and we couldn’t recover,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “Game two, our defense bounced back. Offensively, we didn’t pass the bat well, and we left too many runners in scoring position. We have a few days off to refocus, and back on the road we go.”The Knights will head to Norfolk for their next set of games. They will take aim at the Northeast Community College Hawks in a Wednesday doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.

Knights swept by Saints in Sunday softball action

NORTH PLATTE — Nine of the 10 girls with Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy, based in North Platte, have qualified for the Xcel Regionals in Minneapolis this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

MEGA's Silver Xcel team placed eighth out of 16 teams in March at the Nebraska State Competition hosted by Lincoln Solid Rock Gymnastics in Lincoln. Eight girls, ranging in age 9 to 16 years old, qualified for the Region 4 Championships in Minneapolis. 

Hayden McClain of Stapleton was the highest qualifier for MEGA. She was one of only five girls in the entire meet to score 9.0 or higher in each event, according to coach MEGA owner/coach Starleen Moore.

The team is flying to Minneapolis tonight (Thursday, April 20) at 6:30pm. The regional competition is being held Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Minneapolis.

North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE — Nine of the 10 girls with Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy, based in North Platte, have qualified for the Xcel Regionals in Minneapolis this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D189446820508504%26set%3Da.124409837012203%26type%3D3&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="632" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>MEGA's Silver Xcel team placed eighth out of 16 teams in March at the Nebraska State Competition hosted by Lincoln Solid Rock Gymnastics in Lincoln. Eight girls, ranging in age 9 to 16 years old, qualified for the Region 4 Championships in Minneapolis. Hayden McClain of Stapleton was the highest qualifier for MEGA. She was one of only five girls in the entire meet to score 9.0 or higher in each event, according to coach MEGA owner/coach Starleen Moore.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682021492297.jpeg" alt="Hayden McClain with MEGA Gymnastics" />
 <figcaption>Hayden McClain with MEGA Gymnastics</figcaption>
 </figure>The team is flying to Minneapolis tonight (Thursday, April 20) at 6:30pm. The regional competition is being held Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Minneapolis.

Nine area gymnasts headed to regionals in Minneapolis

Ten players with ties to the Tri-City Storm organization were recently named to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft. This year’s edition of the NHL Draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, June 28th, and Thursday, June 29th. Players with ties to the Storm organization who made the list are current players Tanner Adams, Phillippe Blais-Savoie, Seth Constance, Cameron Korpi, and Patriks Bērziņš. Also named to the recently announced list are Storm prospects Ryan Koering, Sean Keohane, and Daniel Héroux. Tri-City alumni included in the rankings are Gavin Brindley, and Andrew Strathmann.

The NHL Central Scouting Bureau is a collection of NHL staff and scouts who rank prospects for the NHL Draft as a service to the 32 member clubs. A player not ranked by the service may still be drafted by an NHL member club, provided the player is eligible to be drafted. The Storm began the season with eight players with ties to the organization listed in the Bureaus’ initial “Players to Watch List”. Five players with ties to the Storm organization were selected at the 2022 NHL Draft. The 2019 NHL Draft held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, holds the record for the draft with the most Storm players selected, as seven players with ties to the organization were drafted in the event.&nbsp;

Tanner Adams, 17, Forward, of Northport, New York, has scored eleven goals, and notched twenty assists, for thirty-one total points in forty-eight games played for the Storm during the 2022-2023 regular season. Adams scored twelve goals and recorded twenty assists during his rookie year with the Storm last season. He appeared in all five of the team’s games during the 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs. Adams was also one of only two players to skate in all sixty-two games for Tri-City during the 2021-2022 regular season. He officially joined the organization on March 22nd, 2021, by signing a tender agreement to play for the Storm for the 2021-2022 season. Adams made his USHL debut with the Storm on September 23rd, 2021, in the team’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the 2021 USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. He netted his first career goal on October 22nd, 2021, in Tri-City’s 6-4 road loss to the Sioux City Musketeers. Adams recorded a career-high three-point-game with one goal and two assists in the Storm’s 5-1 home victory over the Waterloo Black Hawks. He scored twice in three games for the United States at the 2021 Five Nations Tournament in Visp, Switzerland. The United States team finished 1st&nbsp;place in the event. Adams also notched two goals in four games played for the 2022 United States Under-18 Men’s Select Team at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer, Alberta. The United States team finished 5th&nbsp;place in the event. Adams has scored two goals and notched three assists in eight games played for the Storm during the 2022-2023 regular season. Prior to joining the Storm for the 2021-2022 season, Adams skated for Mount St. Charles Academy (AAA, Woonsocket, Rhode Island),&nbsp;&nbsp;Portledge School (Prep, Locust Valley, New York), and Long Island Royals (AAA, Kings Park, New York). Adams previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for Providence College. He was ranked 101st&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Phillippe Blais-Savoie, 17, Defenseman, of San Jose, California, has netted two goals, notched eight assists, and recorded ten total points in fifty-nine games played with the Storm this season. Blais-Savoie was selected 70th&nbsp;overall in the 5th&nbsp;round of the 2021 USHL Phase I Draft by the Storm, and spent last year on Tri-City’s affiliate list. Blais-Savoie made his USHL debut with the team on September 22nd, 2022, in the Storm’s 4-1 win over the Madison Capitols at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. He scored his first career USHL goal on October 15th, 2022, in the Storm’s 6-3 home loss to the Lincoln Stars. Prior to joining the Storm, Blais-Savoie skated for the San Jose Jr. Sharks U16 (AAA, San Jose, California) program. He scored twenty-nine goals, and notched thirty-one assists for sixty total points in fifty-nine games played last season. Blais-Savoie also scored twenty-four goals, and recorded fifteen assists for thirty-nine total points last year for Valley Christian High School (HS, San Jose, California). He previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for Colorado College. Blais-Savoie was ranked 122nd&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Seth Constance, 18, Defenseman, of Northville, Michigan, has scored one goal, notched thirteen assists, and recorded fourteen total points in fifty-six games played with the Storm this season. Constance was selected 70th&nbsp;overall in the 5th&nbsp;Round of the 2020 USHL Phase I Draft by the Storm, and spent the majority of the 2021-2022 season on Tri-City’s affiliate list. Constance made his USHL debut with the team as an affiliate list callup on April 16th, 2022, in the Storm’s 8-2 road loss to the Sioux Falls Stampede. He notched his first career assist, and first career point, for Tri-City on September 23rd, 2022, in the Storm’s 6-4 win over the Muskegon Lumberjacks at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Constance netted his first career goal for Tri-City on October 21st, 2022, in the Storm’s 5-2 road loss to the Sioux City Musketeers. Prior to joining the Storm, he skated for Mount St. Charles Academy (AAA, Woonsocket, Rhode Island), Compuware U15 (AAA, Detroit, Michigan), and Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U14 (AAA, Troy, Michigan). Constance previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Northeastern University. He was ranked 219th&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Cameron Korpi, 18, Goaltender, of South Lyon, Michigan, has posted a 12-4-3-0 record in net for the Storm this season. He has recorded a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 2.49, and a Save Percentage (SV%) of .910%. Korpi notched his first shutout with the organization on March 25th, 2023, in Tri-City’s 4-0 home win over the league-leading Fargo Force. He was named the USHL’s Goaltender of the Week on February 6th, 2023. Korpi made his USHL debut on February 21st, 2021, as a member of the United States National Team Development Program (Team USA). He recorded an overtime loss in Team USA’s 4-3 home loss against the Chicago Steel. Korpi notched his first career win on April 23rd, 2021, in Team USA’s 7-4 road victory over the Youngstown Phantoms. He has posted a career record of 17-13-5-2 in USHL games played over the last three years. Korpi has recorded career highs in wins (12), minutes played (1,180), GAA, (2.49), SV% (.910), and saves (496) this season with Tri-City. He previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Western Michigan University. Korpi was ranked 20th&nbsp;overall among North American Goaltenders in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Patriks Bērziņš, 19, Goaltender, of Tulsi, Latvia, has posted a 10-3-1-1 record in net for the Storm this season. He has recorded a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 2.64, and a Save Percentage (SV%) of .888%. Bērziņš notched his first shutout with the organization on January 20th, 2023, in Tri-City’s 4-0 road win over the Omaha Lancers. He made his USHL debut with the Storm in the same game. He also recorded his first career USHL win in the matchup. Prior to joining Tri-City, Bērziņš appeared in six games for Team Latvia during the 2023 World Junior Championship. He completed the tournament with a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 2.47, and Save Percentage (SV%) of .914. Bērziņš' 160 saves were the second-most of any goaltender in the event. He finished the tournament in the top five in multiple major goaltending statistics including GAA (2.47), Saves (160), Shots Faced (175), and overall goals allowed (15). Bērziņš previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for the University of Maine. He was ranked 22nd&nbsp;overall among North American Goaltenders in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Ryan Koering, 18, Defenseman, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was selected 100th&nbsp;overall by the Storm in the 7th&nbsp;round of the 2021 USHL Phase I Draft. He netted six goals, and recorded ten assists, for sixteen total points this season for Eden Prairie High School (HS, Eden Prairie, MN). Koering captained the team for the second consecutive year, and also appeared in twelve games this season with Team TDS Transportation (HS, New Hope, Minnesota). He has scored thirteen goals, notched thirty assists, and recorded forty-three total points in his Minnesota High School hockey career. Koering previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Colorado College. He was ranked 157th&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Sean Keohane, 18, Defenseman, of Milton, Massachusetts, was selected 38th&nbsp;overall by the Storm in the 3rd&nbsp;round of the 2022 USHL Phase II Draft. He netted four goals, and recorded twelve assists, for sixteen total points this season for the Dexter Southfield School (HS, Brookline, Massachusetts). He captained the team during the 2022-2023 season. Keohane also skated in eighteen games for the Cape Cod Whalers (AAA, Falmouth, Massachusetts). He scored one goal, and notched five assists, for six total points. Keohane netted one goal, and notched three assists in twenty-three games played last year for the South Shore Kings (AAA, Foxboro, Massachusetts). He previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Harvard University. Keohane was ranked 159th&nbsp;among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Daniel Héroux, 18, Goaltender, of Montreal, Quebec, was selected 228th&nbsp;overall by Tri-City in the 2022 USHL Phase II Draft. He appeared in thirty-three games this season with Kimball Union Academy (HS, Meriden, New Hampshire). He completed the season with a .934% Save Percentage, and 681 shots faced. Héroux faced 741 shots last season for Kimball Union Academy, and recorded a Save Percentage of .930%. Prior to his time at Kimball Union Academy, he played multiple seasons for the Montreal Nationals Bantam organization (AAA, Montreal, Quebec). Héroux previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at the University of Vermont. He was ranked 21st&nbsp;overall among North American Goaltenders in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Gavin Brindley, 18, Forward, of Estero, Florida, scored twelve goals, and recorded twenty-six assists, for thirty-eight points in forty-one games played during his freshman season at the University of Michigan. Brindley’s Wolverines team qualified for the NCAA Frozen Four in his debut season with the team. He skated in one hundred and two career games with Tri-City during the 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 seasons. Brindley officially joined the organization by signing a tender agreement to play for the Storm on March 27th, 2020. He netted twenty-three goals, notched forty-one assists, and recorded sixty-four total points during his Storm career. Brindley made his USHL debut with the organization on November 13th, 2020, in Tri-City’s 5-1 road loss to the Omaha Lancers. He scored his first career USHL goal for Tri-City on December 11th, 2020, in the Storm’s 4-1 home victory at the Viaero Center over Omaha. Brindley recorded his first multiple-goal game on September 23rd, 2021, in Tri-City’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the 2021 USHL Fall Classic. He skated in six career postseason games with the Storm during the 2021 and 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs. He scored two career postseason goals, and recorded two career postseason assists. Brindley was a member of the Storm’s 2021-2022 Anderson Cup Championship team. He skated for the United States and won a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, a gold medal at the 2021 U17 Five Nations Event, and a silver medal at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games. Brindley was ranked 23rd&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Andrew Strathmann, 18, Defenseman, of Beach Park, Illinois, has scored three goals, and recorded thirty-four assists, for thirty-seven points in fifty-four games played this season for the Youngstown Phantoms. Strathmann appeared in sixty-one regular season games for the Storm during the 2021-2022 regular season. He also skated in each of Tri-City’s games during the 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs. Strathmann signed a tender agreement to skate for the team during the 2021-2022 season on November 18th, 2020. He made his USHL debut on September 23rd, 2021, in Tri-City’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the 2021 USHL Fall Classic. He scored his first career goal on November 7th, 2021, in the Storm’s 4-1 road win over the Sioux City Musketeers. Strathmann notched five goals and recorded eighteen assists during the 2021-2022 regular season. He skated for the United States Under-17 Men’s Select Team that won the 2021 Five Nations Tournament in Visp, Switzerland. Strathmann also scored two goals and notched two assists for the United States Under-18 Men’s Select Team at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer, Alberta. Strathmann previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at the University of North Dakota. He was ranked 44th&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationsTen players with ties to the Tri-City Storm organization were recently named to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft. This year’s edition of the NHL Draft will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, June 28th, and Thursday, June 29th. Players with ties to the Storm organization who made the list are current players Tanner Adams, Phillippe Blais-Savoie, Seth Constance, Cameron Korpi, and Patriks Bērziņš. Also named to the recently announced list are Storm prospects Ryan Koering, Sean Keohane, and Daniel Héroux. Tri-City alumni included in the rankings are Gavin Brindley, and Andrew Strathmann.The NHL Central Scouting Bureau is a collection of NHL staff and scouts who rank prospects for the NHL Draft as a service to the 32 member clubs. A player not ranked by the service may still be drafted by an NHL member club, provided the player is eligible to be drafted. The Storm began the season with eight players with ties to the organization listed in the Bureaus’ initial “Players to Watch List”. Five players with ties to the Storm organization were selected at the 2022 NHL Draft. The 2019 NHL Draft held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, holds the record for the draft with the most Storm players selected, as seven players with ties to the organization were drafted in the event.&nbsp;Tanner Adams, 17, Forward, of Northport, New York, has scored eleven goals, and notched twenty assists, for thirty-one total points in forty-eight games played for the Storm during the 2022-2023 regular season. Adams scored twelve goals and recorded twenty assists during his rookie year with the Storm last season. He appeared in all five of the team’s games during the 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs. Adams was also one of only two players to skate in all sixty-two games for Tri-City during the 2021-2022 regular season. He officially joined the organization on March 22nd, 2021, by signing a tender agreement to play for the Storm for the 2021-2022 season. Adams made his USHL debut with the Storm on September 23rd, 2021, in the team’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the 2021 USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. He netted his first career goal on October 22nd, 2021, in Tri-City’s 6-4 road loss to the Sioux City Musketeers. Adams recorded a career-high three-point-game with one goal and two assists in the Storm’s 5-1 home victory over the Waterloo Black Hawks. He scored twice in three games for the United States at the 2021 Five Nations Tournament in Visp, Switzerland. The United States team finished 1st&nbsp;place in the event. Adams also notched two goals in four games played for the 2022 United States Under-18 Men’s Select Team at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer, Alberta. The United States team finished 5th&nbsp;place in the event. Adams has scored two goals and notched three assists in eight games played for the Storm during the 2022-2023 regular season. Prior to joining the Storm for the 2021-2022 season, Adams skated for Mount St. Charles Academy (AAA, Woonsocket, Rhode Island),&nbsp;&nbsp;Portledge School (Prep, Locust Valley, New York), and Long Island Royals (AAA, Kings Park, New York). Adams previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for Providence College. He was ranked 101st&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Phillippe Blais-Savoie, 17, Defenseman, of San Jose, California, has netted two goals, notched eight assists, and recorded ten total points in fifty-nine games played with the Storm this season. Blais-Savoie was selected 70th&nbsp;overall in the 5th&nbsp;round of the 2021 USHL Phase I Draft by the Storm, and spent last year on Tri-City’s affiliate list. Blais-Savoie made his USHL debut with the team on September 22nd, 2022, in the Storm’s 4-1 win over the Madison Capitols at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. He scored his first career USHL goal on October 15th, 2022, in the Storm’s 6-3 home loss to the Lincoln Stars. Prior to joining the Storm, Blais-Savoie skated for the San Jose Jr. Sharks U16 (AAA, San Jose, California) program. He scored twenty-nine goals, and notched thirty-one assists for sixty total points in fifty-nine games played last season. Blais-Savoie also scored twenty-four goals, and recorded fifteen assists for thirty-nine total points last year for Valley Christian High School (HS, San Jose, California). He previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for Colorado College. Blais-Savoie was ranked 122nd&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Seth Constance, 18, Defenseman, of Northville, Michigan, has scored one goal, notched thirteen assists, and recorded fourteen total points in fifty-six games played with the Storm this season. Constance was selected 70th&nbsp;overall in the 5th&nbsp;Round of the 2020 USHL Phase I Draft by the Storm, and spent the majority of the 2021-2022 season on Tri-City’s affiliate list. Constance made his USHL debut with the team as an affiliate list callup on April 16th, 2022, in the Storm’s 8-2 road loss to the Sioux Falls Stampede. He notched his first career assist, and first career point, for Tri-City on September 23rd, 2022, in the Storm’s 6-4 win over the Muskegon Lumberjacks at the 2022 USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Constance netted his first career goal for Tri-City on October 21st, 2022, in the Storm’s 5-2 road loss to the Sioux City Musketeers. Prior to joining the Storm, he skated for Mount St. Charles Academy (AAA, Woonsocket, Rhode Island), Compuware U15 (AAA, Detroit, Michigan), and Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U14 (AAA, Troy, Michigan). Constance previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Northeastern University. He was ranked 219th&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Cameron Korpi, 18, Goaltender, of South Lyon, Michigan, has posted a 12-4-3-0 record in net for the Storm this season. He has recorded a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 2.49, and a Save Percentage (SV%) of .910%. Korpi notched his first shutout with the organization on March 25th, 2023, in Tri-City’s 4-0 home win over the league-leading Fargo Force. He was named the USHL’s Goaltender of the Week on February 6th, 2023. Korpi made his USHL debut on February 21st, 2021, as a member of the United States National Team Development Program (Team USA). He recorded an overtime loss in Team USA’s 4-3 home loss against the Chicago Steel. Korpi notched his first career win on April 23rd, 2021, in Team USA’s 7-4 road victory over the Youngstown Phantoms. He has posted a career record of 17-13-5-2 in USHL games played over the last three years. Korpi has recorded career highs in wins (12), minutes played (1,180), GAA, (2.49), SV% (.910), and saves (496) this season with Tri-City. He previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Western Michigan University. Korpi was ranked 20th&nbsp;overall among North American Goaltenders in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Patriks Bērziņš, 19, Goaltender, of Tulsi, Latvia, has posted a 10-3-1-1 record in net for the Storm this season. He has recorded a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 2.64, and a Save Percentage (SV%) of .888%. Bērziņš notched his first shutout with the organization on January 20th, 2023, in Tri-City’s 4-0 road win over the Omaha Lancers. He made his USHL debut with the Storm in the same game. He also recorded his first career USHL win in the matchup. Prior to joining Tri-City, Bērziņš appeared in six games for Team Latvia during the 2023 World Junior Championship. He completed the tournament with a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 2.47, and Save Percentage (SV%) of .914. Bērziņš' 160 saves were the second-most of any goaltender in the event. He finished the tournament in the top five in multiple major goaltending statistics including GAA (2.47), Saves (160), Shots Faced (175), and overall goals allowed (15). Bērziņš previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future for the University of Maine. He was ranked 22nd&nbsp;overall among North American Goaltenders in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Ryan Koering, 18, Defenseman, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was selected 100th&nbsp;overall by the Storm in the 7th&nbsp;round of the 2021 USHL Phase I Draft. He netted six goals, and recorded ten assists, for sixteen total points this season for Eden Prairie High School (HS, Eden Prairie, MN). Koering captained the team for the second consecutive year, and also appeared in twelve games this season with Team TDS Transportation (HS, New Hope, Minnesota). He has scored thirteen goals, notched thirty assists, and recorded forty-three total points in his Minnesota High School hockey career. Koering previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Colorado College. He was ranked 157th&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Sean Keohane, 18, Defenseman, of Milton, Massachusetts, was selected 38th&nbsp;overall by the Storm in the 3rd&nbsp;round of the 2022 USHL Phase II Draft. He netted four goals, and recorded twelve assists, for sixteen total points this season for the Dexter Southfield School (HS, Brookline, Massachusetts). He captained the team during the 2022-2023 season. Keohane also skated in eighteen games for the Cape Cod Whalers (AAA, Falmouth, Massachusetts). He scored one goal, and notched five assists, for six total points. Keohane netted one goal, and notched three assists in twenty-three games played last year for the South Shore Kings (AAA, Foxboro, Massachusetts). He previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Harvard University. Keohane was ranked 159th&nbsp;among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Daniel Héroux, 18, Goaltender, of Montreal, Quebec, was selected 228th&nbsp;overall by Tri-City in the 2022 USHL Phase II Draft. He appeared in thirty-three games this season with Kimball Union Academy (HS, Meriden, New Hampshire). He completed the season with a .934% Save Percentage, and 681 shots faced. Héroux faced 741 shots last season for Kimball Union Academy, and recorded a Save Percentage of .930%. Prior to his time at Kimball Union Academy, he played multiple seasons for the Montreal Nationals Bantam organization (AAA, Montreal, Quebec). Héroux previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at the University of Vermont. He was ranked 21st&nbsp;overall among North American Goaltenders in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Gavin Brindley, 18, Forward, of Estero, Florida, scored twelve goals, and recorded twenty-six assists, for thirty-eight points in forty-one games played during his freshman season at the University of Michigan. Brindley’s Wolverines team qualified for the NCAA Frozen Four in his debut season with the team. He skated in one hundred and two career games with Tri-City during the 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 seasons. Brindley officially joined the organization by signing a tender agreement to play for the Storm on March 27th, 2020. He netted twenty-three goals, notched forty-one assists, and recorded sixty-four total points during his Storm career. Brindley made his USHL debut with the organization on November 13th, 2020, in Tri-City’s 5-1 road loss to the Omaha Lancers. He scored his first career USHL goal for Tri-City on December 11th, 2020, in the Storm’s 4-1 home victory at the Viaero Center over Omaha. Brindley recorded his first multiple-goal game on September 23rd, 2021, in Tri-City’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the 2021 USHL Fall Classic. He skated in six career postseason games with the Storm during the 2021 and 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs. He scored two career postseason goals, and recorded two career postseason assists. Brindley was a member of the Storm’s 2021-2022 Anderson Cup Championship team. He skated for the United States and won a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, a gold medal at the 2021 U17 Five Nations Event, and a silver medal at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games. Brindley was ranked 23rd&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.Andrew Strathmann, 18, Defenseman, of Beach Park, Illinois, has scored three goals, and recorded thirty-four assists, for thirty-seven points in fifty-four games played this season for the Youngstown Phantoms. Strathmann appeared in sixty-one regular season games for the Storm during the 2021-2022 regular season. He also skated in each of Tri-City’s games during the 2022 Clark Cup Playoffs. Strathmann signed a tender agreement to skate for the team during the 2021-2022 season on November 18th, 2020. He made his USHL debut on September 23rd, 2021, in Tri-City’s 3-2 overtime victory over the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the 2021 USHL Fall Classic. He scored his first career goal on November 7th, 2021, in the Storm’s 4-1 road win over the Sioux City Musketeers. Strathmann notched five goals and recorded eighteen assists during the 2021-2022 regular season. He skated for the United States Under-17 Men’s Select Team that won the 2021 Five Nations Tournament in Visp, Switzerland. Strathmann also scored two goals and notched two assists for the United States Under-18 Men’s Select Team at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer, Alberta. Strathmann previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at the University of North Dakota. He was ranked 44th&nbsp;overall among North American Skaters in the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau’s Final Rankings list for the 2023 NHL Draft.