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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knights fall to Cloud County at home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Fourth quarter surge lifts Hawks past Knights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adams State Uses Late Three, Turnovers to Beat UNK

By: Paxton Ritchie CSC Sports Information Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lopers Topple the Mountaineers; Home Meet Nov. 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNK Men's Basketball Falls to Dakota State

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, Purdy came off the bench early and had 13 kills and hit .333 with Regier warming up in the fifth set to have 12 kills in a team-best 49 swings. In the back row, libero&nbsp;Alli Wiese&nbsp;(Mattawan, Mich.) had 24 digs and two of UNK's four aces with sophomore DS&nbsp;Lexi Stephens&nbsp;(Ankeny, Ia.) digging up 15 balls.&nbsp;Russell amassed 24 kills, six blocks, two digs and hit .377 to pace Mo West. Also, Holly Heldt (18 digs, 11 kills) had a double double with Emily Loy at 17 kills and libero Anna Weberg at 27 digs.&nbsp;UNK is at Northwest (14-10) tonight at 6 p.m. 

The Bearcats were off tonight as they host Fort Hays State on Saturday.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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

#4 Lopers Secure a Piece of the MIAA Title With 3-2 Comeback in St. Joe

OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Federation Champions, are excited to release a brand-new customizable ticket package for the 2025 season, which is set to begin with&nbsp;Banner Night&nbsp;when Omaha hosts the Atlanta Vibe on Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center. &nbsp;

Fans now have the flexibility to create their own Supernovas experience with a customizable half-season ticket plan. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match.&nbsp;

Get the best seats before single-match tickets go on sale! View the half-season package&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQtiGjEUYB82hyev-zchiaXfUjZVX4Q06T7ie_tG1u3ljTPGwIUH8K9EdcbK4L5q44uTZDuqmWf0FgtEosvYdTb7o3FcUVUhDjfyrkOjyHoIq0fE274DJxwSTIpOeJdmdp0G74B4xI-r0LAMUxFtIUc8=&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">here</a>.&nbsp;

Full-season tickets are also still available for the 2025 season, offering the lowest per-match rate and amazing benefits. Learn more and secure the hottest ticket in professional volleyball&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQs9zfPT95U7qo_oCenbJ-7HVwB3ariEB13bAz2-Hzb0Q1xul7ZJlCbbCLzYB7g59yZcNJYEGEOsIhN9zLm_0IySl81HX_issmVBTi1oDiWUkUwvNq03vf2UufZg_WzrnXy7f7COuzocK&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">here</a>.&nbsp;

The Supernovas are coming off a magical season in which the franchise swept the Grand Rapids Rise on Saturday, May 18 at the CHI Health Center to be crowned the first-ever PVF Champions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Omaha’s support was a key highlight in the inaugural season as the Supernovas hosted seven crowds of 10,000 or more across its 12 home matches. That includes the U.S. record for the most attended professional volleyball match with 12,090 spectators packing CHI on March 16, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas reloaded its roster in the offseason to defend its title, resigning team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller, superstar setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;and homegrown rookie&nbsp;Sophie Davis. That also includes pulling away reigning Rookie of the Year&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;as well as welcoming back a trio of former Nebraska middle blockers&nbsp;Briana Holman, Kayla Caffey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord. &nbsp;

Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQltYWBk7HeLrpcFgw3AUc7zDUcKMS2M9NbsRIODcERDfWgT9dz-VU1dA328aOWrEQ40KE9o4ltHVOT0W5PqHtah2wIYf1Sa3LhPxerLm7jAAV6IQatB96jhDkhGzgCICXb_pVEwaCHc7tg6U69UaNQs=&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

For any questions regarding the season ticket purchase process, please visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQizWwVO_3dHrgaCazU0u0sxFLS8fPdna5cBhOWCFz4bSrXiXH9geeZ3hfJkqAXh3mEJNdSnzL28_CTDOa-w0CqAigMeiEjsjJvaRm_HON9Oq26ISZWaF8Mk=&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">Supernovas Ticket FAQ page</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-502-5268.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQiaMW4ZDqngoI-GOD_t_FOnpT6ZODENIKVpEmA5_SoOd9sIwir9DhdgcMc8Hpv3ilCXA2_i6fVDmzzUmvabWO11B2dgMT3-w8Fwd1kaMbtVgjMsSfEvzhuyAYLQSkR1cOw==&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQnoapQuIXTmBBcRIdW6f3Hbvg-GaghRHgd5y2QklK14vZqcFLDoPyH_2ZpJgUudnzT0kw3xORlVU6vJCUXnky5UyJWkm4IcUYEv7NtMv-FSlkCl5vhoCNLHPoQSaB41N-CzIqsJe8p7I&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Geoff ExstromOmaha SupernovasOMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas,&nbsp;Nebraska’s professional volleyball team and first Pro Volleyball Federation Champions, are excited to release a brand-new customizable ticket package for the 2025 season, which is set to begin with&nbsp;Banner Night&nbsp;when Omaha hosts the Atlanta Vibe on Friday, January 10 at 7 p.m. at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center. &nbsp;Fans now have the flexibility to create their own Supernovas experience with a customizable half-season ticket plan. Choose any seven of the team’s 14 home matches and even select different seats for each game, with prices starting as low as $14 per match.&nbsp;Get the best seats before single-match tickets go on sale! View the half-season package&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQtiGjEUYB82hyev-zchiaXfUjZVX4Q06T7ie_tG1u3ljTPGwIUH8K9EdcbK4L5q44uTZDuqmWf0FgtEosvYdTb7o3FcUVUhDjfyrkOjyHoIq0fE274DJxwSTIpOeJdmdp0G74B4xI-r0LAMUxFtIUc8=&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">here</a>.&nbsp;Full-season tickets are also still available for the 2025 season, offering the lowest per-match rate and amazing benefits. Learn more and secure the hottest ticket in professional volleyball&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQs9zfPT95U7qo_oCenbJ-7HVwB3ariEB13bAz2-Hzb0Q1xul7ZJlCbbCLzYB7g59yZcNJYEGEOsIhN9zLm_0IySl81HX_issmVBTi1oDiWUkUwvNq03vf2UufZg_WzrnXy7f7COuzocK&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">here</a>.&nbsp;The Supernovas are coming off a magical season in which the franchise swept the Grand Rapids Rise on Saturday, May 18 at the CHI Health Center to be crowned the first-ever PVF Champions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha’s support was a key highlight in the inaugural season as the Supernovas hosted seven crowds of 10,000 or more across its 12 home matches. That includes the U.S. record for the most attended professional volleyball match with 12,090 spectators packing CHI on March 16, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas reloaded its roster in the offseason to defend its title, resigning team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller, superstar setter&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;and homegrown rookie&nbsp;Sophie Davis. That also includes pulling away reigning Rookie of the Year&nbsp;Reagan Cooper&nbsp;as well as welcoming back a trio of former Nebraska middle blockers&nbsp;Briana Holman, Kayla Caffey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kaitlyn Hord. &nbsp;Check out the Supernovas full&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQltYWBk7HeLrpcFgw3AUc7zDUcKMS2M9NbsRIODcERDfWgT9dz-VU1dA328aOWrEQ40KE9o4ltHVOT0W5PqHtah2wIYf1Sa3LhPxerLm7jAAV6IQatB96jhDkhGzgCICXb_pVEwaCHc7tg6U69UaNQs=&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">2025 schedule.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;For any questions regarding the season ticket purchase process, please visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQizWwVO_3dHrgaCazU0u0sxFLS8fPdna5cBhOWCFz4bSrXiXH9geeZ3hfJkqAXh3mEJNdSnzL28_CTDOa-w0CqAigMeiEjsjJvaRm_HON9Oq26ISZWaF8Mk=&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">Supernovas Ticket FAQ page</a>&nbsp;or by calling 402-502-5268.&nbsp;&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQiaMW4ZDqngoI-GOD_t_FOnpT6ZODENIKVpEmA5_SoOd9sIwir9DhdgcMc8Hpv3ilCXA2_i6fVDmzzUmvabWO11B2dgMT3-w8Fwd1kaMbtVgjMsSfEvzhuyAYLQSkR1cOw==&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To celebrate being the inaugural PVF champions, fans will be able to see the Supernovas and championship trophy as part of the official Championship Trophy Tour. Please click this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IClnHkSW7Eq9ffvNmL19fvHZT2EJvTO2ev0eiubBb3QKflPvqPXTQnoapQuIXTmBBcRIdW6f3Hbvg-GaghRHgd5y2QklK14vZqcFLDoPyH_2ZpJgUudnzT0kw3xORlVU6vJCUXnky5UyJWkm4IcUYEv7NtMv-FSlkCl5vhoCNLHPoQSaB41N-CzIqsJe8p7I&amp;c=Cu4DLaN-ndNPT0DbmY90b90aafs6Umix0TXRuYb3alReszXqALb_9Q==&amp;ch=0l3Me7Pnz7O_TC2E89mTZs4lwnZQUR6WawSERIIvhLuTP1MTLi5Row==">link</a>&nbsp;to see where the Supernovas are this fall!&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the premier home of professional volleyball, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world. The Supernovas 2025 season will begin in January. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneur Danny White, Founder of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.&nbsp;

Supernovas Release New Customizable Ticket Package 

Kearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Redshirt sophomore reserve post&nbsp;Bailee Sobczak&nbsp;had 23 points and 14 rebounds to help Nebraska Kearney roll past the College of St. Mary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/college-of-saint-mary/boxscore/8042">117-44</a>, Tuesday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.

This was the home opener for the Lopers (3-0) and an exhibition game for the Flames (1-2) per NAIA rules.

With three newcomers redshirting and two out with injuries, UNK suited up just 10 players. However, all 10 Lopers who suited up scored at least three points with the team setting a school-record for shots in a game (95). The previous mark of 92 was set back in 1989 against then-NAIA Oral Roberts. The Golden Eagles have since moved into Division I.

"When you schedule these games, you're not envisioning having only 10 players in uniform. What you're hoping to see is different lineups and let the young kids play," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson. "However, we had some young players decide to redshirt which I think was the right decision. Just wanted to get out of there tonight healthy and happy."

Sobczak (Rapid City, S.D.) finished 11 of 18 from the field with 11 of her caroms coming on the offensive end. She previously had 23 points in a win over Newman with this being her third career double double. Finally, Sobczak had 17 boards in a win over Washburn this past January and was the team leader in o-boards for the season (99).

"She's come a long way in the past 18 months, just watching her come out of that redshirt year. She's going to wish she put a couple of those shots in the first time, versus having to go get it and finish again," said Johnson. "Bailee is relentless on the offensive glass, she plays really, really hard and kind of a change up from what&nbsp;Kia Wilson&nbsp;does."

The 117 points scored marks the 29th Century effort in program history and is third most on that list. UNK tallied 124 vs. Manhattan (Kan.) Christian in Dec. 2019 and 124 vs. York in Dec. 2017. Next, the margin of victory (73) ranks sixth, the 50 field goals trails only 54 in that York game, the 60 rebounds rank seventh and the assist tally (28) tied for 10th."It's another scout and they played five out and we're going to see some of that this weekend. You get something out of it even if there wasn't a bunch of young kids to sub in and out," said Johnson.

Besides Sobczak's production, UNK got 16 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and four steals from senior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(Mullen), 11 points, nine rebounds, five steals and three dimes from junior point guard&nbsp;Jillian Aschoff&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) and 12 points and two o-boards from Serbian sophomore&nbsp;Tara Biocanin. She previously played at ORU.

For CSM, guard Aleigha Jackson went for 19 points on 7 of 21 shooting.

The competition ratches up as the Lopers face former RMAC rivals Metro State (Fri.) and Adams State (Sat.) this Saturday in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731513829987.jpeg" alt="Bailee Sobczak (UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Bailee Sobczak (UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb.&nbsp;– Redshirt sophomore reserve post&nbsp;Bailee Sobczak&nbsp;had 23 points and 14 rebounds to help Nebraska Kearney roll past the College of St. Mary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-basketball/stats/2024-25/college-of-saint-mary/boxscore/8042">117-44</a>, Tuesday night at the Health &amp; Sports Center.This was the home opener for the Lopers (3-0) and an exhibition game for the Flames (1-2) per NAIA rules.With three newcomers redshirting and two out with injuries, UNK suited up just 10 players. However, all 10 Lopers who suited up scored at least three points with the team setting a school-record for shots in a game (95). The previous mark of 92 was set back in 1989 against then-NAIA Oral Roberts. The Golden Eagles have since moved into Division I."When you schedule these games, you're not envisioning having only 10 players in uniform. What you're hoping to see is different lineups and let the young kids play," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Drew Johnson. "However, we had some young players decide to redshirt which I think was the right decision. Just wanted to get out of there tonight healthy and happy."Sobczak (Rapid City, S.D.) finished 11 of 18 from the field with 11 of her caroms coming on the offensive end. She previously had 23 points in a win over Newman with this being her third career double double. Finally, Sobczak had 17 boards in a win over Washburn this past January and was the team leader in o-boards for the season (99)."She's come a long way in the past 18 months, just watching her come out of that redshirt year. She's going to wish she put a couple of those shots in the first time, versus having to go get it and finish again," said Johnson. "Bailee is relentless on the offensive glass, she plays really, really hard and kind of a change up from what&nbsp;Kia Wilson&nbsp;does."The 117 points scored marks the 29th Century effort in program history and is third most on that list. UNK tallied 124 vs. Manhattan (Kan.) Christian in Dec. 2019 and 124 vs. York in Dec. 2017. Next, the margin of victory (73) ranks sixth, the 50 field goals trails only 54 in that York game, the 60 rebounds rank seventh and the assist tally (28) tied for 10th."It's another scout and they played five out and we're going to see some of that this weekend. You get something out of it even if there wasn't a bunch of young kids to sub in and out," said Johnson.Besides Sobczak's production, UNK got 16 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and four steals from senior wing&nbsp;Samantha Moore&nbsp;(Mullen), 11 points, nine rebounds, five steals and three dimes from junior point guard&nbsp;Jillian Aschoff&nbsp;(Lincoln Pius) and 12 points and two o-boards from Serbian sophomore&nbsp;Tara Biocanin. She previously played at ORU.For CSM, guard Aleigha Jackson went for 19 points on 7 of 21 shooting.The competition ratches up as the Lopers face former RMAC rivals Metro State (Fri.) and Adams State (Sat.) this Saturday in Hays.

UNK Easily Extinguishes the Flames

Great Bend, Kan. – Justus Michael led the Knights with 21 points, but a strong second half propelled No. 2 Barton Community College to a 93-74 win on Tuesday night.

“I thought we played 30 minutes of really good basketball,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “Unfortunately, you can’t have bad minutes against a team of that caliber.”

Michael connected on 8-of-18 of his shots from the field, while Mo Diao chipped in 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 32 minutes.

North Platte connected on 61.5 percent (8-13) from long range in the opening half. Barton relied on their bench in the opening twenty minutes to take a 46-40 lead into the halftime break.

The Cougars extended the margin into double digits after an 8-3 run with 9:36 remaining in the first half. Itai Alinsky halted the run by connecting from long range, but Barton continued to maintain a three-possession advantage.

A 6-0 run chipped away at the Barton lead after a three pointer from Trey Summers with 6:24 remaining. Barton pushed their lead back into double digits until a late 5-0 run cut the deficit to six at the break.

The Cougars lead grew to 56-42 in the opening minutes of the second half. Back-to-back buckets from Mo Diao helped ignite the North Platte offense. Trailing 60-51, the Knights launched a 10-4 run to cut the deficit to three on a three pointer by Alex Harper with 8:24 remaining.

Barton countered with their own 14-5 run to regain a double-digit lead over the next four minutes. North Platte was limited down the stretch while the Cougars put their finishing touches on their win.

Knights (2-4) return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Saturday to take on Cloud County Community College. Tip against the Thunderbirds is set for 4 p.m.

NPCC AthleticsGreat Bend, Kan. – Justus Michael led the Knights with 21 points, but a strong second half propelled No. 2 Barton Community College to a 93-74 win on Tuesday night.“I thought we played 30 minutes of really good basketball,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “Unfortunately, you can’t have bad minutes against a team of that caliber.”Michael connected on 8-of-18 of his shots from the field, while Mo Diao chipped in 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 32 minutes.North Platte connected on 61.5 percent (8-13) from long range in the opening half. Barton relied on their bench in the opening twenty minutes to take a 46-40 lead into the halftime break.The Cougars extended the margin into double digits after an 8-3 run with 9:36 remaining in the first half. Itai Alinsky halted the run by connecting from long range, but Barton continued to maintain a three-possession advantage.A 6-0 run chipped away at the Barton lead after a three pointer from Trey Summers with 6:24 remaining. Barton pushed their lead back into double digits until a late 5-0 run cut the deficit to six at the break.The Cougars lead grew to 56-42 in the opening minutes of the second half. Back-to-back buckets from Mo Diao helped ignite the North Platte offense. Trailing 60-51, the Knights launched a 10-4 run to cut the deficit to three on a three pointer by Alex Harper with 8:24 remaining.Barton countered with their own 14-5 run to regain a double-digit lead over the next four minutes. North Platte was limited down the stretch while the Cougars put their finishing touches on their win.Knights (2-4) return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Saturday to take on Cloud County Community College. Tip against the Thunderbirds is set for 4 p.m.

 Knights wrap up road trip with loss to Barton

A jam-packed show with CSC Head Coach Jay Long and Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins breaking down the near-upset of #11 Western Colorado, the season-defining effort of a great defense, looking ahead to the CSU-Pueblo game and much more!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A jam-packed show with CSC Head Coach Jay Long and Voice of the Eagles Dave Collins breaking down the near-upset of #11 Western Colorado, the season-defining effort of a great defense, looking ahead to the CSU-Pueblo game and much more!<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - November 12, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6r9kb-17393f7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🔊 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - November 12, 2024

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The 30th-ranked Nebraska Kearney men's cross country team is headed back to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/cross-country-women/article/2024-11-11/ncaa-division-ii-mens-and-womens-cross-country-championships-qualifiers">NCAA Championships</a>&nbsp;for the third time in four years with junior&nbsp;Ella Buhlke&nbsp;representing the Loper women.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;men's team&nbsp;and Buhlke (Central City) received at-large berths to the meet which will be held Nov. 23 in Sacramento (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.visitsacramento.com/sportscommission/events/ncaa-cross-country/course-maps/">Arcade Creek Course at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex</a>).

The field consists&nbsp;of&nbsp;34 teams per gender, 24 that automatically qualify (top three in each of eight regional meets) while the remaining 10 are at large selections.&nbsp;A minimum of 24 additional individuals were selected to participate in each championship through an automatic qualifier and at-large selection process.​The UNK men grinded its way through another successful season, overcoming injuries and illness along the way. The veteran squad was fifth out of 31 teams at last Saturday's NCAA Regional meet in Joplin and finished third in the 12-team MIAA Championships Oct. 26 in St. Joseph. During the regular season, the Lopers had four top four finishes, placing ahead of their peers to rack up quality "wins".

The team's top seven finishers the past two weeks have been All-MIAA seniors&nbsp;Payton Davis&nbsp;(David City Aquinas),&nbsp;Sam Lueders&nbsp;(Blair), and&nbsp;Brett Schoenhofer&nbsp;(Andover, Kan.), senior&nbsp;Zach Van Brocklin&nbsp;(Cortland), All-MIAA junior&nbsp;Nick Abdalla&nbsp;(Omaha South), sophomores&nbsp;Evan Caudy&nbsp;(North Platte) and&nbsp;Juan Garcia&nbsp;(Grand Island), and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Mesuidi Ejerso&nbsp;(South Sioux City).The 26th-ranked UNK women just missed out on qualifying for the second time in program history, but Buhkle joins Kaci Lickteig (2006) and Morgan Benesch (2015 &amp; 2016) as Lopers to qualify as an individual. She earned both All-Region and All-MIAA this fall and had three top 14 finishes during the regular&nbsp;season.&nbsp;

The meet will be aired live at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule/2024/11/23">ncaa.com</a>&nbsp;

UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The 30th-ranked Nebraska Kearney men's cross country team is headed back to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/cross-country-women/article/2024-11-11/ncaa-division-ii-mens-and-womens-cross-country-championships-qualifiers">NCAA Championships</a>&nbsp;for the third time in four years with junior&nbsp;Ella Buhlke&nbsp;representing the Loper women.&nbsp;The&nbsp;men's team&nbsp;and Buhlke (Central City) received at-large berths to the meet which will be held Nov. 23 in Sacramento (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.visitsacramento.com/sportscommission/events/ncaa-cross-country/course-maps/">Arcade Creek Course at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex</a>). The field consists&nbsp;of&nbsp;34 teams per gender, 24 that automatically qualify (top three in each of eight regional meets) while the remaining 10 are at large selections.&nbsp;A minimum of 24 additional individuals were selected to participate in each championship through an automatic qualifier and at-large selection process.​The UNK men grinded its way through another successful season, overcoming injuries and illness along the way. The veteran squad was fifth out of 31 teams at last Saturday's NCAA Regional meet in Joplin and finished third in the 12-team MIAA Championships Oct. 26 in St. Joseph. During the regular season, the Lopers had four top four finishes, placing ahead of their peers to rack up quality "wins".The team's top seven finishers the past two weeks have been All-MIAA seniors&nbsp;Payton Davis&nbsp;(David City Aquinas),&nbsp;Sam Lueders&nbsp;(Blair), and&nbsp;Brett Schoenhofer&nbsp;(Andover, Kan.), senior&nbsp;Zach Van Brocklin&nbsp;(Cortland), All-MIAA junior&nbsp;Nick Abdalla&nbsp;(Omaha South), sophomores&nbsp;Evan Caudy&nbsp;(North Platte) and&nbsp;Juan Garcia&nbsp;(Grand Island), and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Mesuidi Ejerso&nbsp;(South Sioux City).The 26th-ranked UNK women just missed out on qualifying for the second time in program history, but Buhkle joins Kaci Lickteig (2006) and Morgan Benesch (2015 &amp; 2016) as Lopers to qualify as an individual. She earned both All-Region and All-MIAA this fall and had three top 14 finishes during the regular&nbsp;season.&nbsp;The meet will be aired live at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule/2024/11/23">ncaa.com</a>&nbsp;

Lopers to Run in Sacramento Nov. 23

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. –  Following a similar script to several other games this season, the Chadron State football team put up a valiant fight but endured another disappointing setback Saturday, falling 21-17 to the nationally-ranked Western Colorado Mountaineers in Gunnison.  

The Eagles led 17-7 late in the third period, but Western, which entered the game ranked 11th in NCAA Division II and is now 9-1 for the season and 7-1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, escaped with a come-from-behind victory. It was the Mountaineers' smallest margin of victory this season. 

Now 3-7 for the season and 2-6 in the RMAC, CSC has now lost five games by a total of 18 points—once by one, two by three, another by seven and this contest by four.

"We played really hard against a really good team," Chadron State Coach Jay Long said. "The game had lots of big plays and we made our share. We gave it a great shot."

Primarily because of injuries sustained in the previous week's game, the Eagles played without five starters and then lost starting running back Jake Marschall on his first carry Saturday. The Eagles were also without starting quarterback DJ Ralph for the second straight week. 

Interceptions played a big role. On the first play from scrimmage of the game, Chadron State's pass was swiped by free safety Drea Thompson and taken 25 yards to the end zone to give Western an instantaneous 7-0 lead after the extra point was added. Despite that and another Chadron State first-half interception in the end zone five minutes later, the Eagles led 10-7 at halftime.

Even though a 23-yard field goal attempt by CSC's Wilson Yee was blocked by Western cornerback Kevon Carr late in the first quarter, Yee nailed a 55-yarder for the Eagles' first points with 2:47 remaining in the second period. Just over two minutes later, Eagles corner Jadon Bowen, seeing his first extensive action of the season, intercepted Western quarterback Drew Nash's pass and took it 45 yards to the end zone for a pick-six of his own to give Chadron State the lead. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731339801236.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – Following a similar script to several other games this season, the Chadron State football team put up a valiant fight but endured another disappointing setback Saturday, falling 21-17 to the nationally-ranked Western Colorado Mountaineers in Gunnison. The Eagles led 17-7 late in the third period, but Western, which entered the game ranked 11th in NCAA Division II and is now 9-1 for the season and 7-1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, escaped with a come-from-behind victory. It was the Mountaineers' smallest margin of victory this season. Now 3-7 for the season and 2-6 in the RMAC, CSC has now lost five games by a total of 18 points—once by one, two by three, another by seven and this contest by four."We played really hard against a really good team," Chadron State Coach Jay Long said. "The game had lots of big plays and we made our share. We gave it a great shot."Primarily because of injuries sustained in the previous week's game, the Eagles played without five starters and then lost starting running back Jake Marschall on his first carry Saturday. The Eagles were also without starting quarterback DJ Ralph for the second straight week. Interceptions played a big role. On the first play from scrimmage of the game, Chadron State's pass was swiped by free safety Drea Thompson and taken 25 yards to the end zone to give Western an instantaneous 7-0 lead after the extra point was added. Despite that and another Chadron State first-half interception in the end zone five minutes later, the Eagles led 10-7 at halftime.Even though a 23-yard field goal attempt by CSC's Wilson Yee was blocked by Western cornerback Kevon Carr late in the first quarter, Yee nailed a 55-yarder for the Eagles' first points with 2:47 remaining in the second period. Just over two minutes later, Eagles corner Jadon Bowen, seeing his first extensive action of the season, intercepted Western quarterback Drew Nash's pass and took it 45 yards to the end zone for a pick-six of his own to give Chadron State the lead. The Eagles went ahead 17-7 with 3 ½ minutes left in the third quarter when quarterback Preston Pearson, who did not throw either of the first two interceptions, hit wide receiver Tommy Thomas with a short pass that he took down the sideline for a 47-yard touchdown. The Mountaineers scored on long drives during their next two possessions to rescue their win. They initially went 75 yards in eight plays with Nash hitting Victory David on a 29-yard pass for the touchdown with six seconds left in the third period. It cut the Eagles' lead to 17-14.On their next possession, the Mountaineers put together a 14-play, 93-yard drive. David caught two passes for 30 yards before Nash hit Elias Zarate with a 22-yard pass that he took to the end zone to put the hosts ahead 21-17 with 6:33 remaining.Confronted with a fourth down on their next possession, the Eagles ran a fake punt from their own 24-yard line and converted after punter Brodie Eisenbraun connected with tight end Peter Krohn on a 28-yard pass that carried out to the Western 48-yard line. Although the Eagles turned it over on downs after that, they got new life immediately afterwards when defensive tackle Tanner True recovered a Drew Nash fumble on a QB rushing attempt and took it 17 yards to the Western 23-yard line with 2:47 still to play. Spurred by a 10-yard pass from Pearson to Krohn, the Eagles reached the nine before running out of downs with 71 seconds remaining. Western tried to run out the clock, but Chadron forced a three-and-out and burned their time outs to force the Mountaineers to punt with 56 seconds still on the clock. The Eagles fielded the punt at midfield and picked up one first down, but on the final play of the game, Pearson's "Hail Mary" pass was intercepted by Kevon Carr in the end zone.Led by Nash's 23 of 38 passing for 251 yards, Western finished with 334 total net yards. David caught five tosses for 70 yards to lead all receivers.For Chadron State, Preston Pearson finished 8-23 with 129 yards passing while also carrying 21 times for 63 yards. He was the game's leading rusher. Thomas had three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown while running back Chase Nelson had two receptions for 51 yards.CSC defensive end William Stemler was the game's leading tackler with 10 stops while teammates Xavier Harrell, Reed Henkel, Hunter O'Connor and Dax Yeradi all had six.