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Track and Field: DCS Invite 2023 results

Story by Tri-City Storm Communications

The Tri-City Storm defeated the Omaha Lancers by a final score of 3-1 in Tuesday’s battle at the Viaero Center. Trevor Connelly extended his season-long point streak to eighteen games, and broke the organization’s record for most consecutive games with at least one point. His eighteen-game point streak is the longest by any player in the league this season. Trevor Connelly, Jake Richard, and Sebastian Törnqvist each netted a goal for Tri-City in the victory. Cameron Korpi collected the win in net for the Storm.

Jake Richard netted his team-leading thirty-first goal of the season at 15:39 of Tuesday’s opening period to give Tri-City a 1-0 lead in the matchup. The goal was scored on the powerplay, and was assisted by Sebastian Törnqvist, and Alex Bump. Sebastian Törnqvist scored his eleventh goal of the year with one second remaining in Tuesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give Tri-City a two-goal lead in the matchup. The goal was assisted by Daimon Gardner and Tanner Adams. The Storm outshot the Lancers 11-7 in the opening period, and the team carried a 2-0 lead into the 2nd&nbsp;period.

Tucker Shedd scored the only goal of Tuesday’s middle period in the opening minute. The goal was netted at 0:56 of the period, and was assisted by Drew Montgomery. The Lancers outshot the Storm by a 9-8 margin during the 2nd&nbsp;period. Tri-City carried a 2-1 advantage into Tuesday’s final period.

The lone goal of the 3rd&nbsp;period was scored by Trevor Connelly at 18:48. Connelly’s goal was scored into an empty net to seal Tri-City’s two-goal win. Graham Gamache notched an assist on the scoring play. Each team recorded 13 shots on goal during the 3rd&nbsp;period, and the Storm outshot the Lancers 32-29 overall during the battle.

Cameron Korpi recorded the win in goal for the Storm after stopping 28 of Omaha’s 29 shots on net. Kevin Pasche dropped the game in goal for the Lancers after making 29 saves on 31 shots.

Tri-City will return to action with back-to-back road games against the Sioux City Musketeers and Sioux Falls Stampede this weekend on Friday, and Saturday. The Storm will return to the Viaero Center for home games against the Des Moines Buccaneers on Friday, April 14th, and Saturday, April 15th. Tickets to each Storm home game are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by contacting the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144.

Tri-City hits the ice again on Friday, April 7th, in a road game against the Sioux City Musketeers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.&nbsp;#StormAhead

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm defeated the Omaha Lancers by a final score of 3-1 in Tuesday’s battle at the Viaero Center. Trevor Connelly extended his season-long point streak to eighteen games, and broke the organization’s record for most consecutive games with at least one point. His eighteen-game point streak is the longest by any player in the league this season. Trevor Connelly, Jake Richard, and Sebastian Törnqvist each netted a goal for Tri-City in the victory. Cameron Korpi collected the win in net for the Storm.Jake Richard netted his team-leading thirty-first goal of the season at 15:39 of Tuesday’s opening period to give Tri-City a 1-0 lead in the matchup. The goal was scored on the powerplay, and was assisted by Sebastian Törnqvist, and Alex Bump. Sebastian Törnqvist scored his eleventh goal of the year with one second remaining in Tuesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give Tri-City a two-goal lead in the matchup. The goal was assisted by Daimon Gardner and Tanner Adams. The Storm outshot the Lancers 11-7 in the opening period, and the team carried a 2-0 lead into the 2nd&nbsp;period.Tucker Shedd scored the only goal of Tuesday’s middle period in the opening minute. The goal was netted at 0:56 of the period, and was assisted by Drew Montgomery. The Lancers outshot the Storm by a 9-8 margin during the 2nd&nbsp;period. Tri-City carried a 2-1 advantage into Tuesday’s final period.The lone goal of the 3rd&nbsp;period was scored by Trevor Connelly at 18:48. Connelly’s goal was scored into an empty net to seal Tri-City’s two-goal win. Graham Gamache notched an assist on the scoring play. Each team recorded 13 shots on goal during the 3rd&nbsp;period, and the Storm outshot the Lancers 32-29 overall during the battle.Cameron Korpi recorded the win in goal for the Storm after stopping 28 of Omaha’s 29 shots on net. Kevin Pasche dropped the game in goal for the Lancers after making 29 saves on 31 shots.Tri-City will return to action with back-to-back road games against the Sioux City Musketeers and Sioux Falls Stampede this weekend on Friday, and Saturday. The Storm will return to the Viaero Center for home games against the Des Moines Buccaneers on Friday, April 14th, and Saturday, April 15th. Tickets to each Storm home game are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by contacting the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144.Tri-City hits the ice again on Friday, April 7th, in a road game against the Sioux City Musketeers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm CT. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for individual game tickets and more information regarding the Tri-City Storm organization.&nbsp;#StormAhead

Connelly sets team record in Storm win

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska bullpen combined for seven scoreless innings, as the Huskers posted a 6-1 win at Kansas State on Tuesday night at Tointon Family Stadium.

Nebraska (16-9-1) scored six runs on 12 hits and no errors, while Kansas State (19-12) had one run on seven hits and no errors.

Caleb Clark made the start on the mound for the Huskers, allowing one run on three hits in two innings of work. The freshman struck out a pair of Wildcats and issued two walks in the 12 batters he faced. Corbin Hawkins collected his first collegiate win after pitching 1.2 scoreless innings in relief. Will Walsh and Jake Bunz teamed up to pitch the next 2.1 innings for the Big Red. Shay Schanaman threw three one-hit innings to pick up his fourth save of the season.

Brice Matthews went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI, while Max Anderson was 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Ben Columbus and Josh Caron pieced together two-hit games, and Gabe Swansen, Garrett Anglim, Cole Evans and Casey Burnham recorded one hit.

With the two hits, Matthews stretched his hit streak to 12 games and his reached base streak to 29 games, while Columbus has now reached base safely in 15 consecutive games.

Nebraska jumped out to a two-run lead with a pair of hit batters and a hit in the top of the second. Swansen and Caron were both plunked and advanced to second and third on a passed ball, while Anglim lifted a sacrifice fly to plate Swansen. Evans followed by lining at 1-2 pitch to left, scoring Caron and doubling the Husker lead to 2-0.

K-State got one of the runs back in the bottom half of the second frame to make it a 2-1 game through two innings. A hit batter and a single through the right side placed runners on first and second, before Cash Rugley’s two-out RBI single to right scored the Wildcats’ first run of the night.

The Wildcat offense threatened in the fourth and nearly tied the game at two. A single and a walk had runners on first and second with two outs. K-State appeared to load the bases in the next at-bat on an infield single, but the baserunner at third tried advancing home on the play and was tagged out by Caron in a play at the plate.

The NU offense tacked on two runs on a pair of hits in the seventh to grow the lead to 4-1. Anglim led off the inning with an infield single to third base, and Evans was plunked on the first pitch to put runners on first and second with no outs. Burnham dropped down a sacrifice bunt, which loaded the bases for the Big Red after Luke Sartori was ruled safe on a play at third after video review.

With the bases loaded, Matthews drilled an 0-2 pitch down the left-field line for a two-RBI double, plating Sartori and Evans.

Schanaman replaced Bunz after a leadoff walk in the seventh and retired the first three Wildcats he faced to maintain the three-run lead after seven.

Nebraska added two more runs in the ninth to stretch the lead to five. Anderson belted a one-out solo homer that cleared the Husker bullpen in right for his team-leading ninth homer of the season. Columbus dropped a two-out double into right-center, before Caron ripped an RBI single to center to score Columbus for NU’s sixth run of the night.

Schanaman toed the rubber in the ninth and worked around a one-out single to clinch the 6-1 win for the Huskers.

Nebraska returns to Big Ten play this weekend, as the Huskers travel to Michigan for a three-game series on Friday-Sunday, April 7-9 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska bullpen combined for seven scoreless innings, as the Huskers posted a 6-1 win at Kansas State on Tuesday night at Tointon Family Stadium.Nebraska (16-9-1) scored six runs on 12 hits and no errors, while Kansas State (19-12) had one run on seven hits and no errors.Caleb Clark made the start on the mound for the Huskers, allowing one run on three hits in two innings of work. The freshman struck out a pair of Wildcats and issued two walks in the 12 batters he faced. Corbin Hawkins collected his first collegiate win after pitching 1.2 scoreless innings in relief. Will Walsh and Jake Bunz teamed up to pitch the next 2.1 innings for the Big Red. Shay Schanaman threw three one-hit innings to pick up his fourth save of the season.Brice Matthews went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI, while Max Anderson was 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Ben Columbus and Josh Caron pieced together two-hit games, and Gabe Swansen, Garrett Anglim, Cole Evans and Casey Burnham recorded one hit.With the two hits, Matthews stretched his hit streak to 12 games and his reached base streak to 29 games, while Columbus has now reached base safely in 15 consecutive games.Nebraska jumped out to a two-run lead with a pair of hit batters and a hit in the top of the second. Swansen and Caron were both plunked and advanced to second and third on a passed ball, while Anglim lifted a sacrifice fly to plate Swansen. Evans followed by lining at 1-2 pitch to left, scoring Caron and doubling the Husker lead to 2-0.K-State got one of the runs back in the bottom half of the second frame to make it a 2-1 game through two innings. A hit batter and a single through the right side placed runners on first and second, before Cash Rugley’s two-out RBI single to right scored the Wildcats’ first run of the night.The Wildcat offense threatened in the fourth and nearly tied the game at two. A single and a walk had runners on first and second with two outs. K-State appeared to load the bases in the next at-bat on an infield single, but the baserunner at third tried advancing home on the play and was tagged out by Caron in a play at the plate.The NU offense tacked on two runs on a pair of hits in the seventh to grow the lead to 4-1. Anglim led off the inning with an infield single to third base, and Evans was plunked on the first pitch to put runners on first and second with no outs. Burnham dropped down a sacrifice bunt, which loaded the bases for the Big Red after Luke Sartori was ruled safe on a play at third after video review.With the bases loaded, Matthews drilled an 0-2 pitch down the left-field line for a two-RBI double, plating Sartori and Evans.Schanaman replaced Bunz after a leadoff walk in the seventh and retired the first three Wildcats he faced to maintain the three-run lead after seven.Nebraska added two more runs in the ninth to stretch the lead to five. Anderson belted a one-out solo homer that cleared the Husker bullpen in right for his team-leading ninth homer of the season. Columbus dropped a two-out double into right-center, before Caron ripped an RBI single to center to score Columbus for NU’s sixth run of the night.Schanaman toed the rubber in the ninth and worked around a one-out single to clinch the 6-1 win for the Huskers.Nebraska returns to Big Ten play this weekend, as the Huskers travel to Michigan for a three-game series on Friday-Sunday, April 7-9 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

NU pitching stifles Wildcats 

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte guards&nbsp;<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/ijeh_fumnanya_kmhm">Fumnanya Ijeh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/grigsby_jada_655l">Jada Grigsby</a>&nbsp;were chosen as All-Region IX and Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference selections for their efforts on the court during the 2022-23 season.

Additionally, forward&nbsp;<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/halley_reece_i7j8">Reece Halley</a>&nbsp;joins her teammates as a NCCAC selection by receiving the ninth most votes from coaches within the conference.

Ijeh led the Knights to their third straight Region IX Championship appearance, while averaging 11.2 points per game this past season. Her points per game average ranked her seventh amongst Region IX players. Ijeh finishes off her sophomore season shooting 38.3 percent (100-261) from the floor, including 78.9 percent (90-114) from the free throw line.

Grigsby played multiple roles this season but managed to cap off her freshman campaign as the Knights leading scorer and rebounder. The guard averaged 11.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game to finish sixth and third amongst Region IX players. Grigsby scored in double-figures in 20-of-28 games this past season.

Halley was the only player to start every game last season for the Knights. During her freshman campaign the Torrington, Wyo. native chipped in 9.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while being a mainstay in the heart of the Knights interior during the 2022-23 season.

<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/ijeh_fumnanya_kmhm">Fumnanya Ijeh</a>, So., G, North Platte Community College <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/grigsby_jada_655l">Jada Grigsby</a>, Fr., G, North Platte Community College Kaylee Klover, So., F, Southeast Community College Jordan Koehler, So., F, Southeast Community College Hannah Macke, So., G, Southeast Community College Matalynn Campbell, Fr., G, Southeast Community College Madison Jelinek, So., F, Central Community College Nikie Nelson, Fr., G, Central Community College

Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference Team

<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/ijeh_fumnanya_kmhm">Fumnanya Ijeh</a>, So., G, North Platte Community College <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/grigsby_jada_655l">Jada Grigsby</a>, Fr., G, North Platte Community College <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/halley_reece_i7j8">Reece Halley</a>, Fr., F, North Platte Community College Madison Jelinek, So., F, Central Community College Amy Mitchell, So., G, Central Community College Nikie Nelson, Fr., G, Central Community College Vanessa Jurewicz, So., G, McCook Community College Taryn Lindsey, Fr., G, McCook Community College Matalynn Campbell, Fr., G, Southeast Community College Jordan Koehler, So., F, Southeast Community College Kaylee Klover, So., F, Southeast Community College

Gemma Gruettner Bacoul, Fr., G, McCook Community College

Lynn Schlake, Southeast Community College

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte guards&nbsp;<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/ijeh_fumnanya_kmhm">Fumnanya Ijeh</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/grigsby_jada_655l">Jada Grigsby</a>&nbsp;were chosen as All-Region IX and Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference selections for their efforts on the court during the 2022-23 season.Additionally, forward&nbsp;<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/halley_reece_i7j8">Reece Halley</a>&nbsp;joins her teammates as a NCCAC selection by receiving the ninth most votes from coaches within the conference.Ijeh led the Knights to their third straight Region IX Championship appearance, while averaging 11.2 points per game this past season. Her points per game average ranked her seventh amongst Region IX players. Ijeh finishes off her sophomore season shooting 38.3 percent (100-261) from the floor, including 78.9 percent (90-114) from the free throw line.Grigsby played multiple roles this season but managed to cap off her freshman campaign as the Knights leading scorer and rebounder. The guard averaged 11.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game to finish sixth and third amongst Region IX players. Grigsby scored in double-figures in 20-of-28 games this past season.Halley was the only player to start every game last season for the Knights. During her freshman campaign the Torrington, Wyo. native chipped in 9.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while being a mainstay in the heart of the Knights interior during the 2022-23 season.All-Region IX Team<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/ijeh_fumnanya_kmhm">Fumnanya Ijeh</a>, So., G, North Platte Community College <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/grigsby_jada_655l">Jada Grigsby</a>, Fr., G, North Platte Community College Kaylee Klover, So., F, Southeast Community College Jordan Koehler, So., F, Southeast Community College Hannah Macke, So., G, Southeast Community College Matalynn Campbell, Fr., G, Southeast Community College Madison Jelinek, So., F, Central Community College Nikie Nelson, Fr., G, Central Community College Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference Team<a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/ijeh_fumnanya_kmhm">Fumnanya Ijeh</a>, So., G, North Platte Community College <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/grigsby_jada_655l">Jada Grigsby</a>, Fr., G, North Platte Community College <a href="https://npccknights.com/sports/wbkb/2022-23/bios/halley_reece_i7j8">Reece Halley</a>, Fr., F, North Platte Community College Madison Jelinek, So., F, Central Community College Amy Mitchell, So., G, Central Community College Nikie Nelson, Fr., G, Central Community College Vanessa Jurewicz, So., G, McCook Community College Taryn Lindsey, Fr., G, McCook Community College Matalynn Campbell, Fr., G, Southeast Community College Jordan Koehler, So., F, Southeast Community College Kaylee Klover, So., F, Southeast Community CollegeHonorable MentionGemma Gruettner Bacoul, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeCoach of the YearLynn Schlake, Southeast Community College

Ijeh and Grigsby headline postseason awards

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The NPCC Knights Softball games originally scheduled for tomorrow against McCook have been rescheduled for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 18 due to weather. <a href="https://t.co/z19ChlCDXg">pic.twitter.com/z19ChlCDXg</a>&mdash; NPCC Athletics (@NPCCKnights) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPCCKnights/status/1642968390590672896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Knights reschedule games against McCook

The Tri-City Storm is set to host the Omaha Lancers in tonight’s midweek game at the Viaero Center. The Storm completed a two-game sweep over the Sioux Falls Stampede in last weekend’s home series. Tonight’s game matchup was originally scheduled as the Storm’s Home Opener for the 2022-2023 season. Tickets purchased for September 30th, 2022, or October 2nd, 2022, will be honored at tonight’s game. Tickets are still available for the contest, and may be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tonight’s midweek battle between the Storm and the Lancers is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.

Tri-City (31-18-3-3) will face off against the Omaha Lancers for the final time this season in tonight’s home game at the Viaero Center. The Storm has posted a 7-1-0-1 record in head-to-head matchups against the Lancers this season, after the team finished the 2021-2022 regular season with a 7-3-0-0 record against Omaha. Tri-City is 29-10-3-2 in battles against Omaha over the last five seasons. The Storm can rise within one point of 2nd&nbsp;place in the USHL’s Western Conference standings with a win over the Lancers on home ice tonight. A victory in tonight’s game would also guarantee a 4th&nbsp;place or better finish for Tri-City in the final standings. A Top-4 finish in the Western Conference standings also assures a home series for the Storm in the team’s first playoff series in the upcoming Clark Cup Playoffs. Scoring leaders for Tri-City entering tonight’s home game at the Viaero Center include Jake Richard (30), Trevor Connelly (20), Graham Gamache (19), Evan Werner (17), and Kieran Cebrian (16). Connelly tied the organization’s record for consecutive games with at least one point in Saturday’s 6-4 home win over the Sioux Falls Stampede. His seventeen-game point streak is the longest by any player in the league this season.

Omaha (16-29-5-4) enters tonight’s road game against the Storm as the 8th-place team in the USHL’s Western Conference standings. A victory for the Lancers would bring the team within seven points of the final playoff spot in the conference. Omaha has posted a record of 3-5-0-2 over the past ten games, and is 3-6-1-0 in head-to-head matchups against Tri-City this season. The Lancers hold a record of 9-13-1-0 in games played against the Storm at the Viaero Center over the past five years. Scoring leaders for Omaha entering tonight’s road game against Tri-City include Griffin Jurecki (13), Charlie Lurie (11), Alex Bump (9), Aleksi Kivioja (9), Vincent Salice (8), and Nick Pierre (8). The Lancers will return to action this weekend with a home-and-home series against the Lincoln Stars following tonight’s contest against the Storm. The Lancers hold a road record of 8-15-3-0 this season, and posted a 4-3 shootout victory over the Storm on December 9th, 2022. Three of the four previous games in this year’s series played at the Viaero Center have been decided by two goals or less.

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm is set to host the Omaha Lancers in tonight’s midweek game at the Viaero Center. The Storm completed a two-game sweep over the Sioux Falls Stampede in last weekend’s home series. Tonight’s game matchup was originally scheduled as the Storm’s Home Opener for the 2022-2023 season. Tickets purchased for September 30th, 2022, or October 2nd, 2022, will be honored at tonight’s game. Tickets are still available for the contest, and may be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tonight’s midweek battle between the Storm and the Lancers is scheduled for 7:05pm CT.Tri-City (31-18-3-3) will face off against the Omaha Lancers for the final time this season in tonight’s home game at the Viaero Center. The Storm has posted a 7-1-0-1 record in head-to-head matchups against the Lancers this season, after the team finished the 2021-2022 regular season with a 7-3-0-0 record against Omaha. Tri-City is 29-10-3-2 in battles against Omaha over the last five seasons. The Storm can rise within one point of 2nd&nbsp;place in the USHL’s Western Conference standings with a win over the Lancers on home ice tonight. A victory in tonight’s game would also guarantee a 4th&nbsp;place or better finish for Tri-City in the final standings. A Top-4 finish in the Western Conference standings also assures a home series for the Storm in the team’s first playoff series in the upcoming Clark Cup Playoffs. Scoring leaders for Tri-City entering tonight’s home game at the Viaero Center include Jake Richard (30), Trevor Connelly (20), Graham Gamache (19), Evan Werner (17), and Kieran Cebrian (16). Connelly tied the organization’s record for consecutive games with at least one point in Saturday’s 6-4 home win over the Sioux Falls Stampede. His seventeen-game point streak is the longest by any player in the league this season.Omaha (16-29-5-4) enters tonight’s road game against the Storm as the 8th-place team in the USHL’s Western Conference standings. A victory for the Lancers would bring the team within seven points of the final playoff spot in the conference. Omaha has posted a record of 3-5-0-2 over the past ten games, and is 3-6-1-0 in head-to-head matchups against Tri-City this season. The Lancers hold a record of 9-13-1-0 in games played against the Storm at the Viaero Center over the past five years. Scoring leaders for Omaha entering tonight’s road game against Tri-City include Griffin Jurecki (13), Charlie Lurie (11), Alex Bump (9), Aleksi Kivioja (9), Vincent Salice (8), and Nick Pierre (8). The Lancers will return to action this weekend with a home-and-home series against the Lincoln Stars following tonight’s contest against the Storm. The Lancers hold a road record of 8-15-3-0 this season, and posted a 4-3 shootout victory over the Storm on December 9th, 2022. Three of the four previous games in this year’s series played at the Viaero Center have been decided by two goals or less.

Storm set for Tuesday Night Home Game

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

HOUSTON — UConn topped off one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, clamping down early and breaking it open late to bring home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.

Adama Sanogo had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Tristen Newton also had a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards for the Huskies (31-8), who became the fifth team since the bracket expanded in 1985 to win all six NCAA Tournament games by double-digits on the way to a championship.

They won the six games by an average of an even 20 points, only a fraction less than what North Carolina did in sweeping to the title in 2009.

UConn built a 16-point lead late in the first half, only to see the Aztecs (32-7) trim the lead to five with 5:19 left. But Jordan Hawkins (16 points) answered with a 3 to trigger a 9-0 run and the only drama left was whether UConn would cover the 7 1/2-point spread and go six for six with double-digit wins.

Keshad Johnson had 14 points for San Diego State, which came up one win shy in this, its first trip to the Final Four.

UConn set the stage for this one over an 11:07 stretch in the first half during which the Aztecs didn't make a single basket. Unable to shoot over or go around this tall, long UConn team, they missed 14 straight shots from the floor.

They went from leading by four to trailing by 11, and when they weren't getting shots blocked (Alex Karaban had three and Sanogo had one) or altered on the inside, they were coming up short — a telltale sign of a team that was out of hops after that draining 72-71 buzzer-beater win over Florida Atlantic two nights earlier.

UConn fan Bill Murray was one of the few celebrities on hand to watch the Huskies make it five for five in title games in one of the most unexpected Final Fours in history. This one marked the last that Jim Nantz would call after 37 years behind the mic.

He's had a lot of UConn stories to tell, though this certainly wasn't the most dramatic.

Even with that brief bout of uncertainty midway through the second half, UConn never truly let the Aztecs, who overcame a 14-point deficit in the semifinal, start thinking about any more last-second dramatics.

This was a team built strictly for 2023 — replenished by coach Dan Hurley, who went to the transfer portal to find more outside shooting after back-to-back first-round exits in the tournament.

And yet, there was something decidedly old-school about the way the Huskies took care of business in the early going.

They didn't even think much about 3-point shooting at the start, instead skip passing into Sanogo on the post and wearing down SDSU while building the early lead.

The Aztecs were too good a team to cave and an over-pursuing defense is what triggered the late run to within five. A team built on defense only shot 32% from the floor.

And after its late run, they started getting burned and Hurley and Co. were hugging it out on the bench before the buzzer.

UConn's latest coronation makes Hurley the third coach to bring a trophy home to Storrs, Connecticut. He joins Jim Calhoun (1999, 2004, 2001) and Kevin Ollie (2014).

By EDDIE PELLS AP National WriterHOUSTON — UConn topped off one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, clamping down early and breaking it open late to bring home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.Adama Sanogo had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Tristen Newton also had a double-double with 19 points and 10 boards for the Huskies (31-8), who became the fifth team since the bracket expanded in 1985 to win all six NCAA Tournament games by double-digits on the way to a championship.They won the six games by an average of an even 20 points, only a fraction less than what North Carolina did in sweeping to the title in 2009.UConn built a 16-point lead late in the first half, only to see the Aztecs (32-7) trim the lead to five with 5:19 left. But Jordan Hawkins (16 points) answered with a 3 to trigger a 9-0 run and the only drama left was whether UConn would cover the 7 1/2-point spread and go six for six with double-digit wins.Keshad Johnson had 14 points for San Diego State, which came up one win shy in this, its first trip to the Final Four.UConn set the stage for this one over an 11:07 stretch in the first half during which the Aztecs didn't make a single basket. Unable to shoot over or go around this tall, long UConn team, they missed 14 straight shots from the floor.They went from leading by four to trailing by 11, and when they weren't getting shots blocked (Alex Karaban had three and Sanogo had one) or altered on the inside, they were coming up short — a telltale sign of a team that was out of hops after that draining 72-71 buzzer-beater win over Florida Atlantic two nights earlier.UConn fan Bill Murray was one of the few celebrities on hand to watch the Huskies make it five for five in title games in one of the most unexpected Final Fours in history. This one marked the last that Jim Nantz would call after 37 years behind the mic.He's had a lot of UConn stories to tell, though this certainly wasn't the most dramatic.Even with that brief bout of uncertainty midway through the second half, UConn never truly let the Aztecs, who overcame a 14-point deficit in the semifinal, start thinking about any more last-second dramatics.This was a team built strictly for 2023 — replenished by coach Dan Hurley, who went to the transfer portal to find more outside shooting after back-to-back first-round exits in the tournament.And yet, there was something decidedly old-school about the way the Huskies took care of business in the early going.They didn't even think much about 3-point shooting at the start, instead skip passing into Sanogo on the post and wearing down SDSU while building the early lead.The Aztecs were too good a team to cave and an over-pursuing defense is what triggered the late run to within five. A team built on defense only shot 32% from the floor.And after its late run, they started getting burned and Hurley and Co. were hugging it out on the bench before the buzzer.UConn's latest coronation makes Hurley the third coach to bring a trophy home to Storrs, Connecticut. He joins Jim Calhoun (1999, 2004, 2001) and Kevin Ollie (2014).

🏀 UConn wins March Madness with smothering of SDSU

The Keith County Chamber will present the 19th annual Drover Golf Tournament June 3 at Crandall Creek Golf Club in Ogallala and June 4 at Bayside Golf Club in Brule.

The event beings at 11 a.m. June 3 at Crandall Creek, and 9 a.m. June 4 at Bayside.

Registration is limited to 60 teams. For more information or to register, email <a href="mailto:info@explorekeithcounty.com">info@explorekeithcounty.com</a> or call (308) 284-4066.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680014922430.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Keith County Chamber will present the 19th annual Drover Golf Tournament June 3 at Crandall Creek Golf Club in Ogallala and June 4 at Bayside Golf Club in Brule.The event beings at 11 a.m. June 3 at Crandall Creek, and 9 a.m. June 4 at Bayside.Registration is limited to 60 teams. For more information or to register, email <a href="mailto:info@explorekeithcounty.com">info@explorekeithcounty.com</a> or call (308) 284-4066.

19th annual Drover golf tourney scheduled for early June

By JAY COHEN AP Baseball Writer

CHICAGO — Marcus Stroman is getting used to Major League Baseball's new pitch clock. And it's no small deal for the Chicago Cubs right-hander.

"It's tough," he said. "It's a big adjustment."

Stroman committed baseball's first regular-season pitch-clock violation Thursday in the third inning of the Cubs' 4-0 victory over Milwaukee on opening day. It was the first of 14 violations in 15 games on a day the average game time shrunk 26 minutes to 2 hours, 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, stolen base attempts per game more than doubled from last opening day, an indication that efforts to spur the running game may be working. Runners were 21 of 23 on steal attempts Thursday, compared to 5 of 9 in seven games on the first day of the 2022 season.

Five pitch timer violations were by batters, eight by pitchers and one by a catcher as all MLB teams opened on the same day for the first time since 1968.

Stroman clocked an unwelcome spot in the record books while facing Christian Yelich. He took a long look at rookie Brice Turang leading off second base with no outs at Wrigley Field, and then just as he turned his attention back to Yelich, plate umpire Ron Kulpa called the violation. Kulpa pointed to his wrist in announcing the call, and the automatic ball made it a 2-2 count against Yelich. Stroman didn't argue.

"You've got to be looking at the clock. You're trying to worry about the pitch. You're trying to worry about the guys on base. You're trying to worry about your grip," Stroman said. "There's so many things going on now.

"So it definitely adds another layer to the game that's tough, to be honest with you. It's definitely not easy to be a pitcher out there and to feel rushed at times."

MLB instituted the pitch clock this season to speed the pace of play. Players have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between pitches, pitchers have 15 seconds with nobody on and 20 seconds if there is a baserunner. Batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher with at least eight seconds on the clock.

When a pitcher fails to throw a pitch in time, the penalty is an automatic ball. When a batter isn't ready in time, it's an automatic strike.

Boston Red Sox star slugger Rafael Devers became the first batter to strike out via violation. Devers was looking down and kicking debris off his cleats in the eighth inning when Lance Barksdale signaled a violation that resulted in strike three.

"There's no excuse," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "They know the rules."

J.D. Davis of the San Francisco Giants became the first hitter called for a pitch-clock violation in any count during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium.

Meanwhile in Washington, Atlanta Braves reliever Collin McHugh put his arms out wide after being called for a violation by umpire Dan Bellino in the eighth inning against Washington. That put batter Jeimer Candelario ahead 1-0, and McHugh followed with three more balls — a three-pitch walk, essentially.

"I didn't even realize it happened, quite honestly," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "It's going to happen."

The opening day rollout was mostly smooth, but a few issues arose in Miami.

In the fifth inning, New York Mets ace Max Scherzer stared down the Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz until the clock hit zero. De La Cruz began shouting "Ball! Ball! Ball!" — as in, call an automatic ball. But plate umpire Larry Vanover thought the hitter was calling for a timeout. Scherzer escaped without the automatic ball and later induced a popup from De La Cruz.

The next inning, Vanover angered Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil with a violation he did call. McNeil was waiting for baserunner Pete Alonso to retreat to first after a foul ball when Vanover dinged him for an automatic strike. That prompted an argument with McNeil and Mets manager Buck Showalter, who seemed irritated that the pitch clock began before Alonso returned to first.

It worked out anyway for McNeil — he grounded an RBI single a few pitches later.

"I love the pace," Scherzer said. "I don't like the clock. I'll double down on that. I think the umpire should have discretion to turn the clock off."

The Baltimore Orioles stole five bases during a 10-9 win over the Boston Red Sox, leading a league-wide surge in swipes on Day 1. The league-wide success rate of 91.3% dwarfed last year's 75% clip — in fact, there was only one day all of last season when the league had 20-plus steals with a success rate better than 90%, when runners were 22 of 24 on July 26.

Those baserunning exploits come after MLB limited pitchers to two pickoff attempts per batter — a third attempt must result in an out, otherwise pitchers are charged a balk. The bases were also made bigger, shrinking the distance between bags by 4 1/2 inches.

AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York and AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich in Washington, Kyle Hightower in Boston, Alanis Thames in Miami, Tim Booth in Seattle and Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

By JAY COHEN AP Baseball WriterCHICAGO — Marcus Stroman is getting used to Major League Baseball's new pitch clock. And it's no small deal for the Chicago Cubs right-hander."It's tough," he said. "It's a big adjustment."Stroman committed baseball's first regular-season pitch-clock violation Thursday in the third inning of the Cubs' 4-0 victory over Milwaukee on opening day. It was the first of 14 violations in 15 games on a day the average game time shrunk 26 minutes to 2 hours, 45 minutes.Meanwhile, stolen base attempts per game more than doubled from last opening day, an indication that efforts to spur the running game may be working. Runners were 21 of 23 on steal attempts Thursday, compared to 5 of 9 in seven games on the first day of the 2022 season.Five pitch timer violations were by batters, eight by pitchers and one by a catcher as all MLB teams opened on the same day for the first time since 1968.Stroman clocked an unwelcome spot in the record books while facing Christian Yelich. He took a long look at rookie Brice Turang leading off second base with no outs at Wrigley Field, and then just as he turned his attention back to Yelich, plate umpire Ron Kulpa called the violation. Kulpa pointed to his wrist in announcing the call, and the automatic ball made it a 2-2 count against Yelich. Stroman didn't argue."You've got to be looking at the clock. You're trying to worry about the pitch. You're trying to worry about the guys on base. You're trying to worry about your grip," Stroman said. "There's so many things going on now."So it definitely adds another layer to the game that's tough, to be honest with you. It's definitely not easy to be a pitcher out there and to feel rushed at times."MLB instituted the pitch clock this season to speed the pace of play. Players have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between pitches, pitchers have 15 seconds with nobody on and 20 seconds if there is a baserunner. Batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher with at least eight seconds on the clock.When a pitcher fails to throw a pitch in time, the penalty is an automatic ball. When a batter isn't ready in time, it's an automatic strike.Boston Red Sox star slugger Rafael Devers became the first batter to strike out via violation. Devers was looking down and kicking debris off his cleats in the eighth inning when Lance Barksdale signaled a violation that resulted in strike three."There's no excuse," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "They know the rules."J.D. Davis of the San Francisco Giants became the first hitter called for a pitch-clock violation in any count during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium.Meanwhile in Washington, Atlanta Braves reliever Collin McHugh put his arms out wide after being called for a violation by umpire Dan Bellino in the eighth inning against Washington. That put batter Jeimer Candelario ahead 1-0, and McHugh followed with three more balls — a three-pitch walk, essentially."I didn't even realize it happened, quite honestly," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "It's going to happen."The opening day rollout was mostly smooth, but a few issues arose in Miami.In the fifth inning, New York Mets ace Max Scherzer stared down the Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz until the clock hit zero. De La Cruz began shouting "Ball! Ball! Ball!" — as in, call an automatic ball. But plate umpire Larry Vanover thought the hitter was calling for a timeout. Scherzer escaped without the automatic ball and later induced a popup from De La Cruz.The next inning, Vanover angered Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil with a violation he did call. McNeil was waiting for baserunner Pete Alonso to retreat to first after a foul ball when Vanover dinged him for an automatic strike. That prompted an argument with McNeil and Mets manager Buck Showalter, who seemed irritated that the pitch clock began before Alonso returned to first.It worked out anyway for McNeil — he grounded an RBI single a few pitches later."I love the pace," Scherzer said. "I don't like the clock. I'll double down on that. I think the umpire should have discretion to turn the clock off."The Baltimore Orioles stole five bases during a 10-9 win over the Boston Red Sox, leading a league-wide surge in swipes on Day 1. The league-wide success rate of 91.3% dwarfed last year's 75% clip — in fact, there was only one day all of last season when the league had 20-plus steals with a success rate better than 90%, when runners were 22 of 24 on July 26.Those baserunning exploits come after MLB limited pitchers to two pickoff attempts per batter — a third attempt must result in an out, otherwise pitchers are charged a balk. The bases were also made bigger, shrinking the distance between bags by 4 1/2 inches.AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York and AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich in Washington, Kyle Hightower in Boston, Alanis Thames in Miami, Tim Booth in Seattle and Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

MLB opening day has 14 clock violations, stolen base spike

North Platte Community College Knights softball player Angelina Lockhart has signed a letter of intent to continue her athletic career at Hastings College.

“I chose Hastings College because I love the way Coach [Troy] Baker runs his teams, and because he welcomed me with open arms and answered all my questions,” Lockhart said. “The academics are great at Hastings College, and they offer an amazing pre-veterinary program. I am looking forward to the experience of being a Bronco as well as meeting and working with new teammates.”

The Anchorage, Alaska, native is a pitcher and outfielder for the Knights. So far this season, she’s had 30 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched. Lockhart boasts an overall batting average of .400 and fielding percentage of .840.&nbsp;

Her academic achievements landed her on the college’s Dean’s List last fall.

“To see the change from the first time she stepped on campus to now, is huge,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head softball coach. “Angelina came in a quiet, timid athlete and is leaving a more confident, mentally tougher kid on and off the field. She’s a hard one to let go but having her close is going to be good.”

Lockhart is thankful for her experience with the Knights, which she believes prepared her for the next step on her athletic journey. Part of the reason she opted to stay in Nebraska is because of the many friends she has met during her time at NPCC.

“I gained a lot playing here at North Platte Community College,” said Lockhart. “Not only does Coach Higgins teach us how to be better ball players, but she also teaches us how to be better people and how to get through adulthood. Leaving this program will be hard, but I am walking away confident that I am a better person and a better ball player due to the leadership I had from Coach Higgins.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680290230805.jpeg" alt="North Platte Community College Knights softball player Angelina Lockhart signs a letter of intent with Hastings College Friday. Pictured left to right are: Lockhart and NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins." />
 <figcaption>North Platte Community College Knights softball player Angelina Lockhart signs a letter of intent with Hastings College Friday. Pictured left to right are: Lockhart and NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER JOHNSON MPCCNorth Platte Community College Knights softball player Angelina Lockhart has signed a letter of intent to continue her athletic career at Hastings College.“I chose Hastings College because I love the way Coach [Troy] Baker runs his teams, and because he welcomed me with open arms and answered all my questions,” Lockhart said. “The academics are great at Hastings College, and they offer an amazing pre-veterinary program. I am looking forward to the experience of being a Bronco as well as meeting and working with new teammates.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680290288114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Anchorage, Alaska, native is a pitcher and outfielder for the Knights. So far this season, she’s had 30 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched. Lockhart boasts an overall batting average of .400 and fielding percentage of .840.&nbsp;Her academic achievements landed her on the college’s Dean’s List last fall.“To see the change from the first time she stepped on campus to now, is huge,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head softball coach. “Angelina came in a quiet, timid athlete and is leaving a more confident, mentally tougher kid on and off the field. She’s a hard one to let go but having her close is going to be good.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680290402259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lockhart is thankful for her experience with the Knights, which she believes prepared her for the next step on her athletic journey. Part of the reason she opted to stay in Nebraska is because of the many friends she has met during her time at NPCC.“I gained a lot playing here at North Platte Community College,” said Lockhart. “Not only does Coach Higgins teach us how to be better ball players, but she also teaches us how to be better people and how to get through adulthood. Leaving this program will be hard, but I am walking away confident that I am a better person and a better ball player due to the leadership I had from Coach Higgins.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680290423574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte CC Knights pitcher signs with Hastings College

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

The Nebraska track and field team opened its outdoor season on Thursday split between the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays and the Bobcat Invitational. Newcomers&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dash-sirmon/44506" target="_blank">Dash Sirmon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/tanessa-morris/44524" target="_blank">Tanessa Morris</a>&nbsp;highlighted the day with&nbsp;performances that rank within the top five in Nebraska history. Sirmon recorded an impressive mark of 240-1 (73.19m) in the javelin on his first attempt, climbing to fourth on the all-time list. Sirmon went on to claim the B section title during his collegiate debut. Morris posted the No. 3 hammer throw distance in school history with a 203-11 (62.15m) to finish 10th. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brynna-mcquillen/44437" target="_blank">Brynna McQuillen</a>&nbsp;placed sixth in the 5000m with a time of 16:54.50, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/erika-freyhof/44408" target="_blank">Erika Freyhof</a>&nbsp;crossed the line at 17:17.41 to finish eighth. In the men's 5000m,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/bailey-timmons/44471" target="_blank">Bailey Timmons</a>&nbsp;ran a 14:46.14 to add a ninth-place finish. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacquelyn-abanses/44387" target="_blank">Jacquelyn Abanses</a>&nbsp;clocked a 4:35.05 in the B section of the 1500m to place seventh. In the 3000m steeplechase,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/taya-skelton/44465" target="_blank">Taya Skelton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hannah-godwin/44410" target="_blank">Hannah Godwin</a>&nbsp;pitched in top-ten efforts with times of 10:52.13 and 10:58.73, respectively. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/karlie-moore/44441" target="_blank">Karlie Moore</a>&nbsp;opened her outdoor season with a 1:02.61 in the 400 hurdles.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/omar-rodgers/44502" target="_blank">Omar Rodgers</a>&nbsp;was NU's top 400 hurdles finisher on the men's side, clocking a 52.54. At the Bobcat Invitational,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/drake-burton/44399" target="_blank">Drake Burton</a>&nbsp;matched his personal-best clearance in the B section of the pole vault with a mark of 16-4 3/4 (5.00m) to tie for second.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-gardner/44409" target="_blank">Jessica Gardner</a>&nbsp;cleared 12-3 3/4 (3.75m) in the B section of the women's pole vault to take fifth.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/betty-rosvold/44460" target="_blank">Betty Rosvold</a>&nbsp;placed ninth in the women's discus with a distance of 163-6 (49.83m). On the men's side,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/tyler-brown/44397" target="_blank">Tyler Brown</a>&nbsp;threw for 166-10 (50.86m) to finish 13th in the discus. Events will pick back up at both meets tomorrow morning. Field events begin at 9 a.m. (CT) and running events start at 10 a.m. (CT) at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. At the Bobcat Invitational, field events begin at 10 a.m. (CT), with running events at 4 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;The Nebraska track and field team opened its outdoor season on Thursday split between the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays and the Bobcat Invitational. Newcomers&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/dash-sirmon/44506" target="_blank">Dash Sirmon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/tanessa-morris/44524" target="_blank">Tanessa Morris</a>&nbsp;highlighted the day with&nbsp;performances that rank within the top five in Nebraska history. Sirmon recorded an impressive mark of 240-1 (73.19m) in the javelin on his first attempt, climbing to fourth on the all-time list. Sirmon went on to claim the B section title during his collegiate debut. Morris posted the No. 3 hammer throw distance in school history with a 203-11 (62.15m) to finish 10th. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/brynna-mcquillen/44437" target="_blank">Brynna McQuillen</a>&nbsp;placed sixth in the 5000m with a time of 16:54.50, while&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/erika-freyhof/44408" target="_blank">Erika Freyhof</a>&nbsp;crossed the line at 17:17.41 to finish eighth. In the men's 5000m,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/bailey-timmons/44471" target="_blank">Bailey Timmons</a>&nbsp;ran a 14:46.14 to add a ninth-place finish. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacquelyn-abanses/44387" target="_blank">Jacquelyn Abanses</a>&nbsp;clocked a 4:35.05 in the B section of the 1500m to place seventh. In the 3000m steeplechase,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/taya-skelton/44465" target="_blank">Taya Skelton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/hannah-godwin/44410" target="_blank">Hannah Godwin</a>&nbsp;pitched in top-ten efforts with times of 10:52.13 and 10:58.73, respectively. <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/karlie-moore/44441" target="_blank">Karlie Moore</a>&nbsp;opened her outdoor season with a 1:02.61 in the 400 hurdles.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/omar-rodgers/44502" target="_blank">Omar Rodgers</a>&nbsp;was NU's top 400 hurdles finisher on the men's side, clocking a 52.54. At the Bobcat Invitational,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/drake-burton/44399" target="_blank">Drake Burton</a>&nbsp;matched his personal-best clearance in the B section of the pole vault with a mark of 16-4 3/4 (5.00m) to tie for second.&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jessica-gardner/44409" target="_blank">Jessica Gardner</a>&nbsp;cleared 12-3 3/4 (3.75m) in the B section of the women's pole vault to take fifth.&nbsp; <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/betty-rosvold/44460" target="_blank">Betty Rosvold</a>&nbsp;placed ninth in the women's discus with a distance of 163-6 (49.83m). On the men's side,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/tyler-brown/44397" target="_blank">Tyler Brown</a>&nbsp;threw for 166-10 (50.86m) to finish 13th in the discus. Events will pick back up at both meets tomorrow morning. Field events begin at 9 a.m. (CT) and running events start at 10 a.m. (CT) at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. At the Bobcat Invitational, field events begin at 10 a.m. (CT), with running events at 4 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sirmon, Morris post all-time marks at Texas relays

The North Platte Community College softball team picked up a pair of wins at home Thursday evening against Hastings JV. The Knights swept the Broncos 6-2 and 12-4.

North Platte stole the lead late in the first game. Hastings was ahead after the first inning, but NPCC’s Juliana Ortiz grounded out, scored a run in the bottom of the fourth and knotted the game up.

The Knights were batting in the bottom of the fifth when they scored on an error and pulled ahead for good.

Angelina Lockhart was in the circle for the Knights. The righty allowed five hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out 11.

The Knights tallied nine hits in the game. Elena Montoya and Kelsey Woodhouse both managed multiples - Montoya led with four hits in four at bats.

A homer by Taelyn Dakamas tied up game two in the bottom of the second inning.

The Knights took the lead permanently with three runs in the third. Woodhouse scored after singling on a 1-1 count, Nancy Martinez lined out, driving in a run, and Dakamas hit a solo homer to left field.

Montoya had a dinger in the fourth inning then followed that up with another in the fifth. Woodhouse and Jenelle Gudjonson also contributed home runs in the fifth inning.

Dakamas toed the rubber for the Knights. She went four and a third innings, allowing four runs on four hits and striking out one.

Altogether, the Knights racked up 11 hits in the game with Montoya, Woodhouse and Dakamas each managing multiples.&nbsp;

“We finally played, relaxed and had fun,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “When we do that - good things happen.”

The&nbsp;Knights will hit the road this weekend for Sioux City, Iowa. They will tangle with the Briar Cliff University Chargers in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npccknights.com/" target="_blank">npccknights.com</a>.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College softball team picked up a pair of wins at home Thursday evening against Hastings JV. The Knights swept the Broncos 6-2 and 12-4.North Platte stole the lead late in the first game. Hastings was ahead after the first inning, but NPCC’s Juliana Ortiz grounded out, scored a run in the bottom of the fourth and knotted the game up.The Knights were batting in the bottom of the fifth when they scored on an error and pulled ahead for good.Angelina Lockhart was in the circle for the Knights. The righty allowed five hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out 11.The Knights tallied nine hits in the game. Elena Montoya and Kelsey Woodhouse both managed multiples - Montoya led with four hits in four at bats.A homer by Taelyn Dakamas tied up game two in the bottom of the second inning.The Knights took the lead permanently with three runs in the third. Woodhouse scored after singling on a 1-1 count, Nancy Martinez lined out, driving in a run, and Dakamas hit a solo homer to left field.Montoya had a dinger in the fourth inning then followed that up with another in the fifth. Woodhouse and Jenelle Gudjonson also contributed home runs in the fifth inning.Dakamas toed the rubber for the Knights. She went four and a third innings, allowing four runs on four hits and striking out one.Altogether, the Knights racked up 11 hits in the game with Montoya, Woodhouse and Dakamas each managing multiples.&nbsp;“We finally played, relaxed and had fun,” said NPCC Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins. “When we do that - good things happen.”The&nbsp;Knights will hit the road this weekend for Sioux City, Iowa. They will tangle with the Briar Cliff University Chargers in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday.The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npccknights.com/" target="_blank">npccknights.com</a>.

Knights Softball sweeps doubleheader against Hastings

By DAVE COLLINS Sports Director, Eagle Radio of Alliance &amp; Chadron NL WEST 1. Padres 2. Dodgers 3. Giants 4. Diamondbacks 5. Rockies

NL CENTRAL 1. Cardinals 2. Brewers 3. Reds 4. Cubs 5. Pirates

NL EAST 1. Braves 2. Mets 3. Phillies 4. Marlins 5. Nationals

AL WEST 1. Astros 2. Mariners 3. Rangers 4. Angels&nbsp; 5. Athletics

AL CENTRAL 1. Guardians 2. White Sox 3. Twins 4. Royals 5. Tigers

AL EAST 1. Blue Jays 2. Yankees 3. Rays 4. Orioles 5. Red Sox

WILD CARD ROUND Braves over Mets Brewers over Dodgers Guardians over White Sox Mariners over Yankees LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES Padres over Brewers Cardinals over Braves Blue Jays over Guardians Mariners over Astros LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Cardinals over Padres Blue Jays over Mariners

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566305859676.jpeg" alt="2023 Season Predictions" />
 <figcaption>2023 Season Predictions</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE COLLINS Sports Director, Eagle Radio of Alliance &amp; Chadron NL WEST 1. Padres 2. Dodgers 3. Giants 4. Diamondbacks 5. RockiesNL CENTRAL 1. Cardinals 2. Brewers 3. Reds 4. Cubs 5. PiratesNL EAST 1. Braves 2. Mets 3. Phillies 4. Marlins 5. NationalsAL WEST 1. Astros 2. Mariners 3. Rangers 4. Angels&nbsp; 5. AthleticsAL CENTRAL 1. Guardians 2. White Sox 3. Twins 4. Royals 5. TigersAL EAST 1. Blue Jays 2. Yankees 3. Rays 4. Orioles 5. Red SoxWILD CARD ROUND Braves over Mets Brewers over Dodgers Guardians over White Sox Mariners over Yankees LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES Padres over Brewers Cardinals over Braves Blue Jays over Guardians Mariners over Astros LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Cardinals over Padres Blue Jays over MarinersWORLD SERIES Cardinals over Blue Jays

⚾ 2023 Major League Baseball season predictions

The North Platte Community College softball team dropped a home doubleheader against Northeast Community College Tuesday afternoon.

The Knights fell 15-10 in the first game, despite outhitting the Hawks eight to seven.

Northeast opened up scoring in the first inning, but North Platte tied the game at four in the bottom of the third.

The Hawks answered by pulling away for good with seven runs in the fourth inning.

The Knights attempted a second comeback with four runs in the sixth. The offensive onslaught was led by Amya Blake-Cosper and Kelsey Woodhouse, who had a home run. Blake-Cosper went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.

Angelina Lockhart toed the rubber for NPCC. The righty went three innings, allowing 11 runs on four hits and striking out one. Jenelle Gudjonson threw four innings in relief.

The Knights watched the second game slip away early and couldn’t recover in an 11-1 loss.&nbsp;

Taelyn Dakamas was in the circle for North Platte. She surrendered 10 runs on six hits over four innings, striking out one. April Grace threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Woodhouse and Elena Montoya each managed one hit to lead the Knights.

“We had opportunities in both games to come away with two wins, but we got in our own way,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head softball coach. “Thursday is a new day and opportunity to be better.”

The Knights play Hastings JV in a doubleheader at home Thursday.&nbsp;The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Dowhower Softball Complex.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College softball team dropped a home doubleheader against Northeast Community College Tuesday afternoon.The Knights fell 15-10 in the first game, despite outhitting the Hawks eight to seven.Northeast opened up scoring in the first inning, but North Platte tied the game at four in the bottom of the third.The Hawks answered by pulling away for good with seven runs in the fourth inning.The Knights attempted a second comeback with four runs in the sixth. The offensive onslaught was led by Amya Blake-Cosper and Kelsey Woodhouse, who had a home run. Blake-Cosper went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.Angelina Lockhart toed the rubber for NPCC. The righty went three innings, allowing 11 runs on four hits and striking out one. Jenelle Gudjonson threw four innings in relief.The Knights watched the second game slip away early and couldn’t recover in an 11-1 loss.&nbsp;Taelyn Dakamas was in the circle for North Platte. She surrendered 10 runs on six hits over four innings, striking out one. April Grace threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.Woodhouse and Elena Montoya each managed one hit to lead the Knights.“We had opportunities in both games to come away with two wins, but we got in our own way,” said Janelle Higgins, NPCC head softball coach. “Thursday is a new day and opportunity to be better.”The Knights play Hastings JV in a doubleheader at home Thursday.&nbsp;The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Dowhower Softball Complex.

Hawks fly off with double win against NPCC Softball

The Tri-City Storm is set for this morning’s road game against the Lincoln Stars at the Ice Box following last weekend’s three-game weekend sweep over the league-leading Fargo Force at the Viaero Center. The Storm can clinch a spot in the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs with a win in today’s game. Puck drop is set for 11:00am CT.

Tri-City (29-17-3-3) dealt the league-leading Fargo Force three consecutive losses last weekend at the Viaero Center to capture the season series by one point. Daimon Gardner and Shaun McEwen were named two of the USHL’s three Players of the Week on Monday for their efforts in the victories. Tri-City improved to 11-1-3-3 in one-goal games this season in Sunday’s 3-2 win at the Viaero Center. Scoring leaders for the Storm entering this morning’s road game at the Ice Box includes Jake Richard (28), Graham Gamache (18), Evan Werner (17), Trevor Connelly (16), Kieran Cebrian (14), and Dane Dowiak (14). Tri-City is 4-5-0-1 in head-to-head matchups against Lincoln this season, and will play the Stars three times in the final ten games of the season.

Lincoln (31-18-3-1) leads Tri-City by two points for 3rd&nbsp;place in the USHL’s Western Conference standings entering today’s game at the Ice Box. The Stars have posted a 6-2-1-1 record over the past ten games, and collected three out of four points in a home and home series with the Sioux City Musketeers last weekend. Lincoln dropped a 4-3 shootout decision on home ice on Friday night, and posted a 5-2 road win over the Musketeers on Saturday night. The Stars have nine games remaining in the regular season, five of which are against in-state rivals Tri-City and Omaha. Scoring leaders for Lincoln entering today’s home game at the Ice Box include Tanner Ludtke (28), Doug Grimes (18), Keaton Peters (16), Mason Marcellus (12), and Jared Mangan (11).

The Tri-City Storm will return home to the Viaero Center this weekend for back-to-back games against the Sioux Falls Stampede on Friday, March 31st, and Saturday, April 1st. Friday’s game will feature a $5 Kids’ Friday presented by Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney. The season-long promotion features discounted Kids’ tickets for Friday home games. Kids are encouraged to visit the purple tent on the Viaero Center concourse during the game to collect their coupon for 50% off 1-hour of bowling (Restrictions Apply). Saturday’s game will serve as the Storm’s annual Youth Hockey Night, presented by the Tri-City Youth Ice Hockey Association. The Storm will wear specialty sweaters that will be auctioned off following the game. More information about the TCYIHA can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jrstormhockey.com/" target="_blank">https://www.jrstormhockey.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Today’s game is set to begin at&nbsp;11:00am&nbsp;CT and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://flosports.link/3pkG3Ge" target="_blank">FloHockey</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to future home games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office hours at 308-338-8144.&nbsp;&nbsp;#StormAhead

Story by Tri-City Storm CommunicationsThe Tri-City Storm is set for this morning’s road game against the Lincoln Stars at the Ice Box following last weekend’s three-game weekend sweep over the league-leading Fargo Force at the Viaero Center. The Storm can clinch a spot in the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs with a win in today’s game. Puck drop is set for 11:00am CT.Tri-City (29-17-3-3) dealt the league-leading Fargo Force three consecutive losses last weekend at the Viaero Center to capture the season series by one point. Daimon Gardner and Shaun McEwen were named two of the USHL’s three Players of the Week on Monday for their efforts in the victories. Tri-City improved to 11-1-3-3 in one-goal games this season in Sunday’s 3-2 win at the Viaero Center. Scoring leaders for the Storm entering this morning’s road game at the Ice Box includes Jake Richard (28), Graham Gamache (18), Evan Werner (17), Trevor Connelly (16), Kieran Cebrian (14), and Dane Dowiak (14). Tri-City is 4-5-0-1 in head-to-head matchups against Lincoln this season, and will play the Stars three times in the final ten games of the season.Lincoln (31-18-3-1) leads Tri-City by two points for 3rd&nbsp;place in the USHL’s Western Conference standings entering today’s game at the Ice Box. The Stars have posted a 6-2-1-1 record over the past ten games, and collected three out of four points in a home and home series with the Sioux City Musketeers last weekend. Lincoln dropped a 4-3 shootout decision on home ice on Friday night, and posted a 5-2 road win over the Musketeers on Saturday night. The Stars have nine games remaining in the regular season, five of which are against in-state rivals Tri-City and Omaha. Scoring leaders for Lincoln entering today’s home game at the Ice Box include Tanner Ludtke (28), Doug Grimes (18), Keaton Peters (16), Mason Marcellus (12), and Jared Mangan (11).The Tri-City Storm will return home to the Viaero Center this weekend for back-to-back games against the Sioux Falls Stampede on Friday, March 31st, and Saturday, April 1st. Friday’s game will feature a $5 Kids’ Friday presented by Big Apple Fun Center in Kearney. The season-long promotion features discounted Kids’ tickets for Friday home games. Kids are encouraged to visit the purple tent on the Viaero Center concourse during the game to collect their coupon for 50% off 1-hour of bowling (Restrictions Apply). Saturday’s game will serve as the Storm’s annual Youth Hockey Night, presented by the Tri-City Youth Ice Hockey Association. The Storm will wear specialty sweaters that will be auctioned off following the game. More information about the TCYIHA can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jrstormhockey.com/" target="_blank">https://www.jrstormhockey.com/</a>.&nbsp;Today’s game is set to begin at&nbsp;11:00am&nbsp;CT and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://flosports.link/3pkG3Ge" target="_blank">FloHockey</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to future home games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office hours at 308-338-8144.&nbsp;&nbsp;#StormAhead

Storm set for morning game against Stars

Due to predicted inclement weather, the North Platte High School track meet has been moved from Friday to Thursday, March 30, at 12:30 p.m.

Due to predicted inclement weather, the North Platte High School track meet has been moved from Friday to Thursday, March 30, at 12:30 p.m.

Weather forces change to high school track meet schedule

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">North Platte High school is excited to announce Leah Greeno-O&#39;donnell will be the new High Softball coach. Coach Greeno-O&#39;donnell is home grown and brings years of coaching experience and we&#39;re excited to have her. <a href="https://t.co/XxIHlwdyvW">pic.twitter.com/XxIHlwdyvW</a>&mdash; nphs_bulldogs (@nphs_bulldogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/nphs_bulldogs/status/1640690467191832577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

North Platte High School announces new softball coach

By ERIC OLSON Associated Press

Making TikTok videos for fun evolved into a serious moneymaking venture for Nebraska track athlete Jess Gardner, who is among the many social media stars in college sports.

A comical video of her teaching a football player how to pole vault has been viewed nearly 4 million times, though the majority of her self-described “girly girl” content features her lip-syncing or performing skits while dressed in her track uniform, sweat clothes or stylish outfits. Pretty common stuff for social media influencers.

The number of Gardner's TikTok followers has climbed to nearly 210,000 over the past four months — in addition to her 115,000 on Instagram — and with that has come something else: Gardner has become mindful of staying safe because of the possibility of an overzealous fan becoming menacing; she said eight of every 10 of her followers are male.

As has been the case with other female athletes who are monetizing their social media followings, it's typical for her looks to be the subject of comments on her videos, comments that can range from genuinely complimentary to inappropriate — or worse.

“As a woman, thinking in the future, if I had a son and they were commenting those kinds of things on a young girl’s video, I would be ashamed of my son,” Gardner said. "Not all the comments are like that. Don’t get me wrong. There are a lot of very nice people who follow me, a lot of very nice comments.

“But some of the ones that are more alarming, like I just think, what is going on in your life? I can’t take it personal," she said. "I have to understand their perception of me is a reflection of their experiences and their life and that type of stuff. What happened or what’s going on that you see a video of me in a winter coat and that’s where your mind is going?”

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, who has 11 million TikTok and Instagram followers, was in the headlines earlier this year when a swarm of boys and young men showed up at a meet in Utah. They&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/samanthapeszek/status/1611929895839453184?s=20">at one point formed a gauntlet</a>&nbsp;outside the arena. Dunne later asked her fans to show respect for her and her teammates, and the incident prompted LSU to assign security personnel to travel with the team.

John Muffler of Florida-based Aequitas Global Security said athletes who have experienced sudden popularity as influencers must understand they are at risk of attracting followers with nefarious intentions. Muffler, a retired U.S. Marshals Service chief inspector, specializes in risk mitigation and threat assessment and has written about problems influencers can encounter.

As with all influencers, Muffler said, college athletes with rising public profiles need to be aware of their surroundings and never post anything that would offer a clue about their location.

Muffler discourages sending direct messages to followers the influencer does not know and urges caution in general replies to comments. Something as innocent as a smiley face emoji could trigger what's known as a parasocial relationship, meaning the follower imagines he or she knows or is friends with the influencer.

“Most people are going to be fine and normal about following you,” Muffler said, “but it can be perceived as an invitation to others — and those are the ones you need to worry about. They’re the ones that show up in your lab class or outside your dorm.”

Hanna Cavinder, who along with sister and fellow Miami basketball player Haley are among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-cavinder-twins-miami-0752da493e58c2ebca3eae494915e8b3">the top college athlete influencers by any measure,</a>&nbsp;said she lives a more private life than most would assume given the twins' prolific and lucrative use of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecavindertwins/?hl=en">social media.</a>

“People will always question, ‘Well, why don’t you post your teammates more on TikTok? Or why aren’t you posting your sisters more or your family and stuff?’” she added. “And this is why — I don’t want them to deal with stuff that we’ve had to learn and grow and adapt to, like hate comments and stuff like that. That took a while to get used to, people just talking down on you for no reason.”

Gardner said she started making TikToks last year with her roommate and they were surprised at how many views they generated. With college athletes now able to cash in on their celebrity, Gardner began looking for ways to monetize them and now partners with about 15 brands, most of them catering to women.

Her potential annual earnings from the effort are projected to be $111,000, which ranks No. 3 among Division I female track athletes, according to On3.com.

Gardner said she has received handwritten letters signed by men — one contained jokers from a deck of cards — and thrown them away. She had heard about the Dunne situation in Utah but didn't give it much thought until a teammate told her a group of males was looking for her during an indoor meet in Lincoln.

“That kind of stuff ... is definitely scary,” she said during an interview in Nebraska's indoor track facility. “As you can see in this building, we’re a little less separated than the basketball or football or volleyball team would be at a game. The stands are right there. That was definitely unsettling.”

Gardner said she spoke with her coaches and people in the athletic department who said they were aware of her large social media following and assured her security measures were in place to keep her safe.

University spokeswoman Leslie Reed said campus police have not seen an increase in athlete security concerns directly attributable to social media prominence.

“We have always had high-profile athletes on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and we address issues as they arise,” Reed said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679930416308.jpeg" alt="Nebraska NCAA college pole vaulter Jessica Gardner" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska NCAA college pole vaulter Jessica Gardner</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC OLSON Associated PressMaking TikTok videos for fun evolved into a serious moneymaking venture for Nebraska track athlete Jess Gardner, who is among the many social media stars in college sports.A comical video of her teaching a football player how to pole vault has been viewed nearly 4 million times, though the majority of her self-described “girly girl” content features her lip-syncing or performing skits while dressed in her track uniform, sweat clothes or stylish outfits. Pretty common stuff for social media influencers.The number of Gardner's TikTok followers has climbed to nearly 210,000 over the past four months — in addition to her 115,000 on Instagram — and with that has come something else: Gardner has become mindful of staying safe because of the possibility of an overzealous fan becoming menacing; she said eight of every 10 of her followers are male.As has been the case with other female athletes who are monetizing their social media followings, it's typical for her looks to be the subject of comments on her videos, comments that can range from genuinely complimentary to inappropriate — or worse.“As a woman, thinking in the future, if I had a son and they were commenting those kinds of things on a young girl’s video, I would be ashamed of my son,” Gardner said. "Not all the comments are like that. Don’t get me wrong. There are a lot of very nice people who follow me, a lot of very nice comments.“But some of the ones that are more alarming, like I just think, what is going on in your life? I can’t take it personal," she said. "I have to understand their perception of me is a reflection of their experiences and their life and that type of stuff. What happened or what’s going on that you see a video of me in a winter coat and that’s where your mind is going?”LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, who has 11 million TikTok and Instagram followers, was in the headlines earlier this year when a swarm of boys and young men showed up at a meet in Utah. They&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/samanthapeszek/status/1611929895839453184?s=20">at one point formed a gauntlet</a>&nbsp;outside the arena. Dunne later asked her fans to show respect for her and her teammates, and the incident prompted LSU to assign security personnel to travel with the team.John Muffler of Florida-based Aequitas Global Security said athletes who have experienced sudden popularity as influencers must understand they are at risk of attracting followers with nefarious intentions. Muffler, a retired U.S. Marshals Service chief inspector, specializes in risk mitigation and threat assessment and has written about problems influencers can encounter.As with all influencers, Muffler said, college athletes with rising public profiles need to be aware of their surroundings and never post anything that would offer a clue about their location.Muffler discourages sending direct messages to followers the influencer does not know and urges caution in general replies to comments. Something as innocent as a smiley face emoji could trigger what's known as a parasocial relationship, meaning the follower imagines he or she knows or is friends with the influencer.“Most people are going to be fine and normal about following you,” Muffler said, “but it can be perceived as an invitation to others — and those are the ones you need to worry about. They’re the ones that show up in your lab class or outside your dorm.”Hanna Cavinder, who along with sister and fellow Miami basketball player Haley are among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-cavinder-twins-miami-0752da493e58c2ebca3eae494915e8b3">the top college athlete influencers by any measure,</a>&nbsp;said she lives a more private life than most would assume given the twins' prolific and lucrative use of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecavindertwins/?hl=en">social media.</a>“People will always question, ‘Well, why don’t you post your teammates more on TikTok? Or why aren’t you posting your sisters more or your family and stuff?’” she added. “And this is why — I don’t want them to deal with stuff that we’ve had to learn and grow and adapt to, like hate comments and stuff like that. That took a while to get used to, people just talking down on you for no reason.”Gardner said she started making TikToks last year with her roommate and they were surprised at how many views they generated. With college athletes now able to cash in on their celebrity, Gardner began looking for ways to monetize them and now partners with about 15 brands, most of them catering to women.Her potential annual earnings from the effort are projected to be $111,000, which ranks No. 3 among Division I female track athletes, according to On3.com.Gardner said she has received handwritten letters signed by men — one contained jokers from a deck of cards — and thrown them away. She had heard about the Dunne situation in Utah but didn't give it much thought until a teammate told her a group of males was looking for her during an indoor meet in Lincoln.“That kind of stuff ... is definitely scary,” she said during an interview in Nebraska's indoor track facility. “As you can see in this building, we’re a little less separated than the basketball or football or volleyball team would be at a game. The stands are right there. That was definitely unsettling.”Gardner said she spoke with her coaches and people in the athletic department who said they were aware of her large social media following and assured her security measures were in place to keep her safe.University spokeswoman Leslie Reed said campus police have not seen an increase in athlete security concerns directly attributable to social media prominence.“We have always had high-profile athletes on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and we address issues as they arise,” Reed said in a statement.

The scary side of being a college athlete & influencer

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The NFL's veteran wide receiver market is a 
little thinner after Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton declared neither 
Jerry Jeudy nor Courtland Sutton are on the trade block.

Payton 
made the comments while speaking to the NFL Network on Sunday, the first
 day of the league's spring owners meetings in Arizona.

“We're not
 trading those two players,” Payton said, acknowledging the Broncos have
 received inquiries about the availability of the wide receivers who 
combined for 1,801 yards receiving and eight TD receptions in 2022.

“We've
 received calls, you bet. Those are two good football players,” Payton 
said. “But we're in the business of gathering talent right now. Why do 
people call? Because they know we're void of draft picks and that we 
might, because there was some discussions a year ago, I think, regarding
 Courtland. But we like the current group that we're working with.”

The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-nfl-free-agency-953cf94ee06b3e83562601317214a77b">Broncos have just five picks</a>
 in the NFL draft next month and they own no selections until the third 
round after parting with premium picks to acquire quarterback Russell 
Wilson from Seattle last year and Payton from the Saints this winter.

Wilson
 cost them first- and second-round picks last year and this year and 
they had to send a first-rounder they acquired from Miami in the Bradley
 Chubb trade to New Orleans in order to hire Payton.

Jeudy has 
never lived up to his status as a 2020 first-round pick, mostly because 
of injuries, although he came on strong at the end of last season, 
posting big numbers after he was moved to the flanker position.

Sutton,
 a second-round selection in 2019, hasn't been the same since tearing an
 ACL in 2020. He has caught just two touchdown passes in each of the 
last two seasons.

Also, the Broncos' depth at the position took a 
hit last week when speedster K.J. Hamler, another receiver whose career 
has been marked by injuries, tore a chest muscle while working out. He's
 expected to be out up to six months.

Tim Patrick, the Broncos' most productive receiver, is returning from a torn ACL that cost him all of the 2022 season.

Following
 Hamler's latest injury, the Broncos signed free agent wide receiver 
Marquez Callaway, a fourth-year pro who played for Payton in New 
Orleans.

It was also revealed last week that Wilson underwent 
arthroscopic knee surgery after the season, but is on track to 
participate in the team's offseason program next month.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The NFL's veteran wide receiver market is a 
little thinner after Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton declared neither 
Jerry Jeudy nor Courtland Sutton are on the trade block.Payton 
made the comments while speaking to the NFL Network on Sunday, the first
 day of the league's spring owners meetings in Arizona.“We're not
 trading those two players,” Payton said, acknowledging the Broncos have
 received inquiries about the availability of the wide receivers who 
combined for 1,801 yards receiving and eight TD receptions in 2022.“We've
 received calls, you bet. Those are two good football players,” Payton 
said. “But we're in the business of gathering talent right now. Why do 
people call? Because they know we're void of draft picks and that we 
might, because there was some discussions a year ago, I think, regarding
 Courtland. But we like the current group that we're working with.”The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/broncos-nfl-free-agency-953cf94ee06b3e83562601317214a77b">Broncos have just five picks</a>
 in the NFL draft next month and they own no selections until the third 
round after parting with premium picks to acquire quarterback Russell 
Wilson from Seattle last year and Payton from the Saints this winter.Wilson
 cost them first- and second-round picks last year and this year and 
they had to send a first-rounder they acquired from Miami in the Bradley
 Chubb trade to New Orleans in order to hire Payton.Jeudy has 
never lived up to his status as a 2020 first-round pick, mostly because 
of injuries, although he came on strong at the end of last season, 
posting big numbers after he was moved to the flanker position.Sutton,
 a second-round selection in 2019, hasn't been the same since tearing an
 ACL in 2020. He has caught just two touchdown passes in each of the 
last two seasons.Also, the Broncos' depth at the position took a 
hit last week when speedster K.J. Hamler, another receiver whose career 
has been marked by injuries, tore a chest muscle while working out. He's
 expected to be out up to six months.Tim Patrick, the Broncos' most productive receiver, is returning from a torn ACL that cost him all of the 2022 season.Following
 Hamler's latest injury, the Broncos signed free agent wide receiver 
Marquez Callaway, a fourth-year pro who played for Payton in New 
Orleans.It was also revealed last week that Wilson underwent 
arthroscopic knee surgery after the season, but is on track to 
participate in the team's offseason program next month.

Broncos' Payton says Jeudy, Sutton aren't on the trade block

The North Platte Community College softball team will play Northeast Community College Tuesday in North Platte.

The doubleheader, which was rescheduled from February, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Dowhower Softball Complex.

The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics, including schedules, rosters and statistics, can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npccknights.com/">npccknights.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679417870364.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MPCCThe North Platte Community College softball team will play Northeast Community College Tuesday in North Platte.The doubleheader, which was rescheduled from February, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Dowhower Softball Complex.The most up-to-date information about NPCC athletics, including schedules, rosters and statistics, can be found on the Knights Facebook and Twitter accounts and online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npccknights.com/">npccknights.com</a>.