<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714132813919.png" alt="Baseball District B-3" />
 <figcaption>Baseball District B-3</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714132915118.png" alt="Baseball District C-1" />
 <figcaption>Baseball District C-1</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714133017000.png" alt="Boys Soccer District A-2" />
 <figcaption>Boys Soccer District A-2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714133065333.png" alt="Girls Soccer District A-3" />
 <figcaption>Girls Soccer District A-3</figcaption>
 </figure>

Area District assignments for Baseball and Soccer

KEARNEY, Neb. –&nbsp;The Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch softball tournament is set to return for its second year, taking place at Patriot and Harvey Parks. This year, the tournament will host 36 teams from various parts of Nebraska, competing for gold and silver medals in each division.

The tournament features teams from 18 different Nebraska towns, including North Platte and Lincoln, across divisions including 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U/18U. With over 400 players and coaches, the event showcases the talent of girls fastpitch softball in the state.

Spectators can access schedules and real-time score updates&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i1Bwh2DVUAqcNQvt1fWbGVr9J4DoVh3aIfDLJqeCLPW9MFszaReMYeJtXThIOThCGai_qhjEwgoFh10t19kuqAZYY1oqeoyEWGE9_FXvWpXj88UZMmNJ7VDX6PvtIPMJpuBcQktqk961WVQx0FtFovNhEbDMz-qU03rCVoBedyziW4QqKy2a_3aFAkgEXTubA9PcieVWWoJB3D0wcFebX_U4KZbHqWz37g==&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;or via the Tourney Machine app. Additional tournament information, including weather updates and photos, will be available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i41UTPchcxWSOQyrmkoHRkN7W9LvrBnSWUGe3mKIx-IAKnPe1bGh6ZGKe1Bb3fdgpmauUtvxhKbgJ1aeSQ-PmNmJkYXUEi1CDPpSzKXZW-sE_yhv4Gp8oYPyYOMAcDcEgBHLxej1dU5Xbllt5a_gsC4=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">Nebraska DiamondFest Facebook page</a>.

Organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, with support from presenting sponsor Kearney Visitors Bureau, along with Kearney Parks and Recreation and the Kearney Competitive Girls Softball Association, the event aims to promote athleticism and camaraderie within the community. Sayler Screenprinting serves as the official apparel partner, with Younes Hospitality providing lodging for participants. Local contributors include Angus Burgers &amp; Shakes, John Deere | AKRS Equipment, NDOT Highway Safety Office, Walmart-Kearney, and the Nebraska State Fair.

The Nebraska Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes and promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices through events like the Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch Softball Tournament.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i8DgwADC0hW11wHtis_CbIm9YMK8EYrnftzLa6VuSonauS9JPdGMiyQsajo18Mf27WgPdTTg3Hku1uO1hP21egxRPuie7Qe-8dAnPRdGFCkUkxNKtqhWCps5Hc59L2JwnJnzjufDveSQI0BvAducnEVDmPsUFoXWAtY1k5tu-co0&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaDiamondFest.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i9vkXzEVlFgvM1aa-TrDI-xrwHE6IoV0Df30vwZNCeiNDUp6o74n-HxLL2VYxwZNnJNe7Yhum7oCv0O66bJxUT6In8sOaJ31b6U4T1sVGiIh0wyf4RUSh5A=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska Sports CouncilKEARNEY, Neb. –&nbsp;The Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch softball tournament is set to return for its second year, taking place at Patriot and Harvey Parks. This year, the tournament will host 36 teams from various parts of Nebraska, competing for gold and silver medals in each division.The tournament features teams from 18 different Nebraska towns, including North Platte and Lincoln, across divisions including 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U/18U. With over 400 players and coaches, the event showcases the talent of girls fastpitch softball in the state.Spectators can access schedules and real-time score updates&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i1Bwh2DVUAqcNQvt1fWbGVr9J4DoVh3aIfDLJqeCLPW9MFszaReMYeJtXThIOThCGai_qhjEwgoFh10t19kuqAZYY1oqeoyEWGE9_FXvWpXj88UZMmNJ7VDX6PvtIPMJpuBcQktqk961WVQx0FtFovNhEbDMz-qU03rCVoBedyziW4QqKy2a_3aFAkgEXTubA9PcieVWWoJB3D0wcFebX_U4KZbHqWz37g==&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;or via the Tourney Machine app. Additional tournament information, including weather updates and photos, will be available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i41UTPchcxWSOQyrmkoHRkN7W9LvrBnSWUGe3mKIx-IAKnPe1bGh6ZGKe1Bb3fdgpmauUtvxhKbgJ1aeSQ-PmNmJkYXUEi1CDPpSzKXZW-sE_yhv4Gp8oYPyYOMAcDcEgBHLxej1dU5Xbllt5a_gsC4=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">Nebraska DiamondFest Facebook page</a>.Organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, with support from presenting sponsor Kearney Visitors Bureau, along with Kearney Parks and Recreation and the Kearney Competitive Girls Softball Association, the event aims to promote athleticism and camaraderie within the community. Sayler Screenprinting serves as the official apparel partner, with Younes Hospitality providing lodging for participants. Local contributors include Angus Burgers &amp; Shakes, John Deere | AKRS Equipment, NDOT Highway Safety Office, Walmart-Kearney, and the Nebraska State Fair.The Nebraska Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes and promoting active, healthy lifestyle choices through events like the Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch Softball Tournament.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i8DgwADC0hW11wHtis_CbIm9YMK8EYrnftzLa6VuSonauS9JPdGMiyQsajo18Mf27WgPdTTg3Hku1uO1hP21egxRPuie7Qe-8dAnPRdGFCkUkxNKtqhWCps5Hc59L2JwnJnzjufDveSQI0BvAducnEVDmPsUFoXWAtY1k5tu-co0&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaDiamondFest.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://b8oyr9bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001cwLULcv61aJO0VPWYAlxlXIA2dmMN4ew2BXnhP1leNmcvNy7NWr1i9vkXzEVlFgvM1aa-TrDI-xrwHE6IoV0Df30vwZNCeiNDUp6o74n-HxLL2VYxwZNnJNe7Yhum7oCv0O66bJxUT6In8sOaJ31b6U4T1sVGiIh0wyf4RUSh5A=&amp;c=8ta8odqvDCETSpcCI9vUnnApXK9OXU9tS0foL_YJVPNNUKbmJeQlAw==&amp;ch=WEgqMzTCPXQ9_Sa5nW4N7AdLRAqCsb9P3_q1c2C9e_htntE60GlxkQ==" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska DiamondFest Fastpitch Softball Tournament Returns for its Second Year

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

North Platte, Neb. – A trio of North Platte Community College men’s basketball student-athletes garner Region IX, Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference and postseason honors from the Omaha World-Herald.

Parker Baumann and Bryce Baez were named to the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference team, while Davion Evans received honorable mention accolades from the conference.&nbsp;Additionally, all three student-athletes were named to the Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands men's basketball team, while Baez and Evans received Region IX South honors at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

Evans finished the season ranked second in the region in points per game (16.3) and tenth in three-point shooting (33.3%). He scored in double figures 18 times during his 21 game appearances this past season.

Baez, who averaged 12.3 points per game, finished 15th in the region in that category. The native of Burlington, Iowa closed out the season ranked seventh in region in total rebounds (197) and third with a 79.8 percent free throw percentage.

Baumann appeared in all 29 games averaging 14.2 point per contest. The freshman guard finished the season second on the team in scoring and seventh in region. He also closed out the season eighth in the region in steals (1.2) and 13th in rebounds per game (5.6).

Kade Erickson of North Platte Community College and John Ritzdorf of Central Community College were named NCCAC Co-Coaches of the Year. Erickson stepped into the interim role on December 12 and guided the Knights to a 5-1 conference record to help North Platte claim the NCCAC title.

Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference TeamParker Baumann, Fr., G, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeFrank Keller, Fr., F, Central Community CollegeBryan Akanmu, RFr., W, McCook Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G Southeast Community College

Honorable MentionDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeRadek Pulsipher, So., G, Southeast Community College

Coach-of-the YearKade Erickson, North Platte Community CollegeJohn Ritzdorf, Central Community College

All-Region IX South TeamFirst TeamLateef Patrick, Fr., G, Trinidad State CollegeJalen Foy, So., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Second TeamAnthony Harris, So., F, Otero Junior CollegeKeliese Frye, So., F, Trinidad State CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Third TeamDeng Diew, Fr., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeTay Mosher, So., F, Otero Junior College

Honorable MentionMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeSean Lindsay, Fr., G, Lamar Community College

South Coach of the YearBilly Engel, Western Nebraska Community College

Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands Men's Basketball TeamDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeVincent Garrett, Fr., G, Northeast Community CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community College

Honorable MentionBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeParker Baumann, Fr., G, North Platte Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeBryce Rolle, So., F, Northeast Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G, Southeast Community CollegeKayden Nation, Fr., W, Western Nebraska Community CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – A trio of North Platte Community College men’s basketball student-athletes garner Region IX, Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference and postseason honors from the Omaha World-Herald.Parker Baumann and Bryce Baez were named to the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference team, while Davion Evans received honorable mention accolades from the conference.&nbsp;Additionally, all three student-athletes were named to the Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands men's basketball team, while Baez and Evans received Region IX South honors at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.Evans finished the season ranked second in the region in points per game (16.3) and tenth in three-point shooting (33.3%). He scored in double figures 18 times during his 21 game appearances this past season.Baez, who averaged 12.3 points per game, finished 15th in the region in that category. The native of Burlington, Iowa closed out the season ranked seventh in region in total rebounds (197) and third with a 79.8 percent free throw percentage.Baumann appeared in all 29 games averaging 14.2 point per contest. The freshman guard finished the season second on the team in scoring and seventh in region. He also closed out the season eighth in the region in steals (1.2) and 13th in rebounds per game (5.6).Kade Erickson of North Platte Community College and John Ritzdorf of Central Community College were named NCCAC Co-Coaches of the Year. Erickson stepped into the interim role on December 12 and guided the Knights to a 5-1 conference record to help North Platte claim the NCCAC title.Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference TeamParker Baumann, Fr., G, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeFrank Keller, Fr., F, Central Community CollegeBryan Akanmu, RFr., W, McCook Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G Southeast Community CollegeHonorable MentionDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeRadek Pulsipher, So., G, Southeast Community CollegeCoach-of-the YearKade Erickson, North Platte Community CollegeJohn Ritzdorf, Central Community CollegeAll-Region IX South TeamFirst TeamLateef Patrick, Fr., G, Trinidad State CollegeJalen Foy, So., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeSecond TeamAnthony Harris, So., F, Otero Junior CollegeKeliese Frye, So., F, Trinidad State CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeThird TeamDeng Diew, Fr., F, Northeastern Junior CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeTay Mosher, So., F, Otero Junior CollegeHonorable MentionMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeSean Lindsay, Fr., G, Lamar Community CollegeSouth Coach of the YearBilly Engel, Western Nebraska Community CollegeOmaha World-Herald's All-Midlands Men's Basketball TeamDavion Evans, So., G, North Platte Community CollegeVincent Garrett, Fr., G, Northeast Community CollegeJJ Harris, So., G, Western Nebraska Community CollegeLouie Tucker, Fr., G, McCook Community CollegeBlake Daberkow, So., F, Central Community CollegeHonorable MentionBryce Baez, So., F, North Platte Community CollegeParker Baumann, Fr., G, North Platte Community CollegePJ Davis, So., G, Central Community CollegeMartel Evans, So., G, McCook Community CollegeBryce Rolle, So., F, Northeast Community CollegeJustin Bolis, Fr., F, Southeast Community CollegeCollin Tarver, Fr., G, Southeast Community CollegeKayden Nation, Fr., W, Western Nebraska Community CollegeWillie Wilson, Fr., G, Western Nebraska Community College

Baumann, Baez and Evans receive postseason awards

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado became the 11th state in the U.S. to sanction girls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flag-football-women-olympics-team-usa-ef810674ccfc9807ac8aac8ca02198e9">flag football</a>&nbsp;as a high school sport this week, thanks to an assist from the Denver Broncos.

The Colorado High School Activities Association's legislative council approved the fall sport following a three-year pilot program supported by the team and its foundation.

Team owner Carrie Walton Penner said Wednesday that with the sport's approval, “more young women will be able to participate in a game they love. More young women will join teams and create relationships that last a lifetime."

“To all you trailblazing athletes who helped launch this sport: You have not only found your community — you have built one."

Walton Penner said a majority of the 1,500 girls who took part in the pilot program wouldn't have participated in a fall sport were it not for flag football.

“That’s why this moment matters," Walton Penner said. “It matters for every girl who loves football but has never seen a place for herself."

Walton Penner called the sport's arrival on the Colorado high school football scene “part of a larger movement in which women’s sports are drawing attention like never before."

The Denver Broncos Foundation launched the state's girls flag football pilot program in the fall of 2021 with support from the Broncos and CHSAA, funding and operating both seasons in which about 1,500 athletes from 50 schools across 10 districts participated.

The Broncos hosted the program's championship tournaments both years at its fieldhouse in suburban Englewood as well as a round-robin exhibition tournament last fall.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado became the 11th state in the U.S. to sanction girls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flag-football-women-olympics-team-usa-ef810674ccfc9807ac8aac8ca02198e9">flag football</a>&nbsp;as a high school sport this week, thanks to an assist from the Denver Broncos.The Colorado High School Activities Association's legislative council approved the fall sport following a three-year pilot program supported by the team and its foundation.Team owner Carrie Walton Penner said Wednesday that with the sport's approval, “more young women will be able to participate in a game they love. More young women will join teams and create relationships that last a lifetime."“To all you trailblazing athletes who helped launch this sport: You have not only found your community — you have built one."Walton Penner said a majority of the 1,500 girls who took part in the pilot program wouldn't have participated in a fall sport were it not for flag football.“That’s why this moment matters," Walton Penner said. “It matters for every girl who loves football but has never seen a place for herself."Walton Penner called the sport's arrival on the Colorado high school football scene “part of a larger movement in which women’s sports are drawing attention like never before."The Denver Broncos Foundation launched the state's girls flag football pilot program in the fall of 2021 with support from the Broncos and CHSAA, funding and operating both seasons in which about 1,500 athletes from 50 schools across 10 districts participated.The Broncos hosted the program's championship tournaments both years at its fieldhouse in suburban Englewood as well as a round-robin exhibition tournament last fall.

Colorado now 11th state to sanction girls high school flag football

DENVER (AP) — Xander Bogaerts had a season-high three hits, Matt Waldron gave up one run in six innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Wednesday night.

“Getting ahead was the name of my game today,” Waldron said. “(Catcher Kyle Higashioka) and I executed well and the offense did what they do. It’s awesome. It was a fun win. Hopefully, we can keep it rolling.”

Ha-Seong Kim and Jackson Merrill had two RBIs to help the Padres beat the Rockies for the 11th time in their past 14 meetings. Kim had two hits, including a bloop double to right field that drove in the game’s first two runs and spurred a four-run first inning.

“When (Colorado starter) Ty (Blach) is on, he’s hitting his spots,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The first inning, he didn’t. Then the baseball got him with the blooper. Really good pitch to Kim and then it’s just the little dorker right down the right field line. That’s baseball.”

Waldron (1-2) rebounded from his worst outing of the season, a loss against Toronto in which he allowed five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. With four runs on the board before he took the mound for the first time, Waldron got some much-needed run support after San Diego scored just seven runs in his previous four starts.

“Credit goes to Waldron,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “He was very, very good. All pitches working. He mixed it in masterfully and had command of it. It was really filthy.”

Robert Suarez picked up his ninth save of the season, retiring the Rockies in order on seven pitches.

The multi-hit outing was the second in the past four games for Bogaerts, who entered Wednesday night batting just .198.

The game was the 25th consecutive to start this season in which the Rockies have trailed at some point. They’re only the second team to reach that mark since 1900, joining the 1910 St. Louis Browns.

In his first start of the season, Blach (3-4) took the loss for the Rockies, giving up four runs and five hits in five innings.

“I think I had a pretty good feel in the first inning,” Blach said. “I made a lot of really good pitches with two strikes. They battled and fouled them off. It’s just kind of one of those things where I wouldn’t really change anything.”

Ryan McMahon and Elias Díaz each hit solo home runs to center field for Colorado, which left six runners on base, including three in the fourth inning when it had the bases loaded with just one out before a pop-up and groundout ended the threat.

The Rockies have been outscored 35-7 in the first inning this season, the most runs allowed by any team in the first inning. It finished with two runs or fewer for the eighth time in the past 10 games, despite five of those contests taking place at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Colorado RHP Dakota Hudson (0-4, 5.06 ERA) was set to face RHP Randy Vásquez (0-1, 1.80) in the fourth and final game of the series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714053211299.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Xander Bogaerts had a season-high three hits, Matt Waldron gave up one run in six innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Wednesday night.“Getting ahead was the name of my game today,” Waldron said. “(Catcher Kyle Higashioka) and I executed well and the offense did what they do. It’s awesome. It was a fun win. Hopefully, we can keep it rolling.”Ha-Seong Kim and Jackson Merrill had two RBIs to help the Padres beat the Rockies for the 11th time in their past 14 meetings. Kim had two hits, including a bloop double to right field that drove in the game’s first two runs and spurred a four-run first inning.“When (Colorado starter) Ty (Blach) is on, he’s hitting his spots,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “The first inning, he didn’t. Then the baseball got him with the blooper. Really good pitch to Kim and then it’s just the little dorker right down the right field line. That’s baseball.”Waldron (1-2) rebounded from his worst outing of the season, a loss against Toronto in which he allowed five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. With four runs on the board before he took the mound for the first time, Waldron got some much-needed run support after San Diego scored just seven runs in his previous four starts.“Credit goes to Waldron,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “He was very, very good. All pitches working. He mixed it in masterfully and had command of it. It was really filthy.”Robert Suarez picked up his ninth save of the season, retiring the Rockies in order on seven pitches.The multi-hit outing was the second in the past four games for Bogaerts, who entered Wednesday night batting just .198.The game was the 25th consecutive to start this season in which the Rockies have trailed at some point. They’re only the second team to reach that mark since 1900, joining the 1910 St. Louis Browns.In his first start of the season, Blach (3-4) took the loss for the Rockies, giving up four runs and five hits in five innings.“I think I had a pretty good feel in the first inning,” Blach said. “I made a lot of really good pitches with two strikes. They battled and fouled them off. It’s just kind of one of those things where I wouldn’t really change anything.”Ryan McMahon and Elias Díaz each hit solo home runs to center field for Colorado, which left six runners on base, including three in the fourth inning when it had the bases loaded with just one out before a pop-up and groundout ended the threat.The Rockies have been outscored 35-7 in the first inning this season, the most runs allowed by any team in the first inning. It finished with two runs or fewer for the eighth time in the past 10 games, despite five of those contests taking place at hitter-friendly Coors Field.UP NEXTColorado RHP Dakota Hudson (0-4, 5.06 ERA) was set to face RHP Randy Vásquez (0-1, 1.80) in the fourth and final game of the series.

Padres grab game three from Rockies

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Ann Arbor, Mich.&nbsp;- The Nebraska women’s tennis team (13-10, 3-9 Big Ten) defeated the Indiana Hoosiers (6-10, 0-12 Big Ten) 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at the Varsity Tennis Center and advanced to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.&nbsp;

The Huskers started the match by getting the doubles point before freshman Maria Taranova earned her 22nd win in singles, and Lacasse defeated Nicole Teodosescu to secure the match point for the Huskers.

The Huskers started with a Court One victory in doubles as Raphaëlle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated Li Hsin Lin and Saby Nihalani 6-0. Another victory followed on Court Three for the Huskers when Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy defeated Nicole Teodosescu and Elisabeth Dunac 6-3. At the No. 2 spot, Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko's match against Lene Mari Hovda and Sarah L'allier was left unfinished at 5-3.&nbsp;

Moving on to singles, Taranova bested Magdalena Swierczynska 6-2, 6-1. With this win, Taranova's record improves to 22-6, making her the winningest freshman in school history. On Court Two, Anfisa Danilchenko won against Elisabeth Dunac 6-3, 6-3. Maja Pietrowicz started strong on Court Four but fell to Li Hsin Lin at 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to give the Hoosiers one point. At the No. 1 spot, Lacasse won her match against IU’s Nicole Teodosescu 7-5, 6-4 to secure the win for Nebraska. Adrover Gallego’s match against Saby Nihalani 4-6, 6-4 was left unfinished, and Zamburek match with Lene Mari Hovda and was left unfinished at 6-2, 3-6, 3-4..&nbsp;

Up Next, the Huskers will face No. 6 Maryland on Thursday, April 25, at 1 p.m. (CT). In the regular season, the Huskers held the Terrapins even until the match was decided 4-3, Maryland. Live Stats will be available on Huskers.com. The match will be streamed on Big Ten Plus. Additionally, live match updates will be on X/Formerly Twitter @HuskerWTennis.&nbsp;

No. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu (IU), 7-5, 6-4

No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko (Nebraska) def. Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3, 6-3

No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego (Nebraska) vs. Saby Nihalani (IU), 4-6, 6-4 (UF)

No. 4 -- Li Hsin Lin (IU) def. Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska), 2-6, 6-3, 6-1

No. 5 -- Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda (IU) 6-2, 3-6, 3-4&nbsp;(UF)

No. 6 -- Maria Taranova (Nebraska) def. Magdalena Swierczynska (IU), 6-2, 6-1

No. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska) def. Li Hsin Lin/Saby Nihalani (IU), 6-0

No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda/Sarah L'allier (IU), (5-3, UF)

No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu/Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsAnn Arbor, Mich.&nbsp;- The Nebraska women’s tennis team (13-10, 3-9 Big Ten) defeated the Indiana Hoosiers (6-10, 0-12 Big Ten) 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon at the Varsity Tennis Center and advanced to the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.&nbsp;The Huskers started the match by getting the doubles point before freshman Maria Taranova earned her 22nd win in singles, and Lacasse defeated Nicole Teodosescu to secure the match point for the Huskers.The Huskers started with a Court One victory in doubles as Raphaëlle Lacasse and Maja Pietrowicz defeated Li Hsin Lin and Saby Nihalani 6-0. Another victory followed on Court Three for the Huskers when Isabel Adrover Gallego and Lucy Loy defeated Nicole Teodosescu and Elisabeth Dunac 6-3. At the No. 2 spot, Ana Zamburek and Anfisa Danilchenko's match against Lene Mari Hovda and Sarah L'allier was left unfinished at 5-3.&nbsp;Moving on to singles, Taranova bested Magdalena Swierczynska 6-2, 6-1. With this win, Taranova's record improves to 22-6, making her the winningest freshman in school history. On Court Two, Anfisa Danilchenko won against Elisabeth Dunac 6-3, 6-3. Maja Pietrowicz started strong on Court Four but fell to Li Hsin Lin at 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to give the Hoosiers one point. At the No. 1 spot, Lacasse won her match against IU’s Nicole Teodosescu 7-5, 6-4 to secure the win for Nebraska. Adrover Gallego’s match against Saby Nihalani 4-6, 6-4 was left unfinished, and Zamburek match with Lene Mari Hovda and was left unfinished at 6-2, 3-6, 3-4..&nbsp;Up Next, the Huskers will face No. 6 Maryland on Thursday, April 25, at 1 p.m. (CT). In the regular season, the Huskers held the Terrapins even until the match was decided 4-3, Maryland. Live Stats will be available on Huskers.com. The match will be streamed on Big Ten Plus. Additionally, live match updates will be on X/Formerly Twitter @HuskerWTennis.&nbsp;NEB 4, IU 1SinglesNo. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu (IU), 7-5, 6-4No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko (Nebraska) def. Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3, 6-3No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego (Nebraska) vs. Saby Nihalani (IU), 4-6, 6-4 (UF)No. 4 -- Li Hsin Lin (IU) def. Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska), 2-6, 6-3, 6-1No. 5 -- Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda (IU) 6-2, 3-6, 3-4&nbsp;(UF)No. 6 -- Maria Taranova (Nebraska) def. Magdalena Swierczynska (IU), 6-2, 6-1DoublesNo. 1 -- Raphaëlle Lacasse/Maja Pietrowicz (Nebraska) def. Li Hsin Lin/Saby Nihalani (IU), 6-0No. 2 -- Anfisa Danilchenko/Ana Zamburek (Nebraska) vs. Lene Mari Hovda/Sarah L'allier (IU), (5-3, UF)No. 3 -- Isabel Adrover Gallego/Lucy Loy (Nebraska) def.&nbsp; Nicole Teodosescu/Elisabeth Dunac (IU), 6-3

Huskers down Hoosiers 4-1, will face Maryland

Story by UNK Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;tennis teams split with Northwest Missouri on Wednesday in&nbsp;Maryville, the 17th-ranked women winning&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-18-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7865" target="_blank">5-2</a>&nbsp;and the men falling to the 45th-ranked Bearcats,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-45-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7836" target="_blank">6-1.</a>These&nbsp;duals&nbsp;were moved up a full day to beat the weather. Earlier on Wednesday, the second&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-women/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">Central Region rankings</a>&nbsp;were released, and the 18th-ranked&nbsp;Bearcat&nbsp;women (second) and&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;(fourth) were both in the top four. UNK (17-4, 5-2) could jump Northwest (20-3, 5--2) in the next rankings after today's win. While the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;dropped all three doubles matches for the first time this year, they won four of six singles matches. Three of the wins came in three sets with this effort helping the Blue &amp; Gold end a seven-match losing streak to the 'Cats. The last&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;win in the series came back in April 2017 in Lincoln. &nbsp;At two singles, Colombian senior&nbsp;Melisa Becerra&nbsp;got past 73rd-ranked Tessa Kwakernaak (4-6, 1-6, 6-4) thanks to scoring the final two points in the third set. Earlier, 28th-ranked&nbsp;Jazmin Zamorano&nbsp;was winning at one (6-4, 3-2) before her opponent retired.

Both&nbsp;Becerra&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zamorano&nbsp;(Mexico) now have 128 career wins apiece.Next, Madagascar junior&nbsp;Narindra Ranaivo&nbsp;(6-4, 5-7, 6-2) and Venezuelan freshman&nbsp;Fabiana Gamboa&nbsp;(5-7, 6-4, 6-1) rolled in the third set with Colorado junior&nbsp;Alexis Bernthal&nbsp;having the most dominant win (6-2, 6-4) at six.&nbsp;Ranaivo&nbsp;is now 16-4 and riding a 12-match win streak with&nbsp;Bernthal&nbsp;having won eight straight to move her dual record to 16-3.On the men's side, Egyptian freshman&nbsp;Ahmed Abdelaziz&nbsp;posted a 6-4, 1-0 (10-4) win at five but the 'Cats (13-6, 3-1) took every other match. Working with a new lineup of late, the Lopers fall to 13-9 (3-1). In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-men/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">region rankings</a>, NW is fourth with UNK sixth.&nbsp;English freshman&nbsp;Andy Brisdon&nbsp;had a chance at six singles but fell in three sets (4-6, 6-1, 1-0; 10-5) with freshman&nbsp;Jip Mens&nbsp;(The Netherlands) and Abdelaziz falling by just a 7-5 score at two doubles to the nation's 35th-ranked pair. Friday's match at Washburn has moved up to a 9 a.m. start to beat the weather. The&nbsp;Ichabods&nbsp;are ranked eighth (men) and 13th (women) nationally. The winner of the women's dual will be the MIAA regular season champion.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic Communications&nbsp;Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;The&nbsp;Nebraska-Kearney&nbsp;tennis teams split with Northwest Missouri on Wednesday in&nbsp;Maryville, the 17th-ranked women winning&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/womens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-18-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7865" target="_blank">5-2</a>&nbsp;and the men falling to the 45th-ranked Bearcats,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/sports/mens-tennis/stats/2023-24/-45-northwest-missouri/boxscore/7836" target="_blank">6-1.</a>These&nbsp;duals&nbsp;were moved up a full day to beat the weather. Earlier on Wednesday, the second&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-women/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">Central Region rankings</a>&nbsp;were released, and the 18th-ranked&nbsp;Bearcat&nbsp;women (second) and&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;(fourth) were both in the top four. UNK (17-4, 5-2) could jump Northwest (20-3, 5--2) in the next rankings after today's win. While the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;dropped all three doubles matches for the first time this year, they won four of six singles matches. Three of the wins came in three sets with this effort helping the Blue &amp; Gold end a seven-match losing streak to the 'Cats. The last&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;win in the series came back in April 2017 in Lincoln. &nbsp;At two singles, Colombian senior&nbsp;Melisa Becerra&nbsp;got past 73rd-ranked Tessa Kwakernaak (4-6, 1-6, 6-4) thanks to scoring the final two points in the third set. Earlier, 28th-ranked&nbsp;Jazmin Zamorano&nbsp;was winning at one (6-4, 3-2) before her opponent retired. Both&nbsp;Becerra&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zamorano&nbsp;(Mexico) now have 128 career wins apiece.Next, Madagascar junior&nbsp;Narindra Ranaivo&nbsp;(6-4, 5-7, 6-2) and Venezuelan freshman&nbsp;Fabiana Gamboa&nbsp;(5-7, 6-4, 6-1) rolled in the third set with Colorado junior&nbsp;Alexis Bernthal&nbsp;having the most dominant win (6-2, 6-4) at six.&nbsp;Ranaivo&nbsp;is now 16-4 and riding a 12-match win streak with&nbsp;Bernthal&nbsp;having won eight straight to move her dual record to 16-3.On the men's side, Egyptian freshman&nbsp;Ahmed Abdelaziz&nbsp;posted a 6-4, 1-0 (10-4) win at five but the 'Cats (13-6, 3-1) took every other match. Working with a new lineup of late, the Lopers fall to 13-9 (3-1). In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/tennis-men/d2/regional-rankings" target="_blank">region rankings</a>, NW is fourth with UNK sixth.&nbsp;English freshman&nbsp;Andy Brisdon&nbsp;had a chance at six singles but fell in three sets (4-6, 6-1, 1-0; 10-5) with freshman&nbsp;Jip Mens&nbsp;(The Netherlands) and Abdelaziz falling by just a 7-5 score at two doubles to the nation's 35th-ranked pair. Friday's match at Washburn has moved up to a 9 a.m. start to beat the weather. The&nbsp;Ichabods&nbsp;are ranked eighth (men) and 13th (women) nationally. The winner of the women's dual will be the MIAA regular season champion.&nbsp; &nbsp;

#18 Women pick up another big Regional Win; #13 Ichabods up next

KEARNEY, NE–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm’s season ended Wednesday night at the Viaero Center in a 5-3 loss to the Fargo Force. Tri-City dropped three games in the Best-Of-Five series, and was eliminated from the postseason. Vsevolod Logvin (2), and Nolan Roed scored Tri-City’s goals in the loss.Finn McLaughlin scored his first goal of the postseason at 1:26 of Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the battle. Michael Neumeier and Michael La Starza each collected an assist on the scoring play. Vsevolod Logvin netted his first goal of the playoffs with under seven minutes to play in the 1st&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. August Falloon collected an assist on the goal. The Storm outshot the Force by a 13-7 margin during Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period, and the 2nd period began in a 1-1 tie. Zam Plante scored his second goal of the series at 10:29 of Wednesday’s 2nd&nbsp;period to give Fargo another lead in the battle. The goal was assisted by Reid Daavettila and Merril Steenari. Jake Fisher scored his first goal of the playoffs at 12:11 of the middle period to increase the Force’s lead to two goals. Mac Swanson and Michael La Starza each recorded an assist on the scoring play. Fargo outshot Tri-City 13-6 in the 2nd period, and carried a 3-1 lead into the 3rd&nbsp;period. Vsevolod Logvin scored his second goal of the night at 9:02 of the final period to bring the Storm back within one goal of the Force’s lead. Blake Steenerson collected an assist on the scoring play. Merril Steenari scored forty-nine seconds later to give Fargo a 4-2 lead in the contest. Mac Swanson collected an assist on the scoring play. The Storm’s final goal of the playoffs was netted by Nolan Roed at 18:07 of the 3rd period. The goal was scored shorthanded, and was Roed’s team-leading fourth goal of the postseason. Gavin Morrissey netted an empty-net goal with under one minute to play to seal Fargo’s 5-3 victory. Thatcher Bernstein made 27 saves on 31 shots in net during the game for Tri-City. Hampton Slukynsky recorded the win in goal for Fargo in a 23-save-on-26-shot performance. Season Tickets to the Storm’s 25th Anniversary Season are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting a member of the Storm Sales Staff at 308-338-8144. Pricing, and the Season Ticket Order Form for the 2024-2025 season, can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank">https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx</a>. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for more information regarding the Tri-City Storm&nbsp;organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsKEARNEY, NE–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm’s season ended Wednesday night at the Viaero Center in a 5-3 loss to the Fargo Force. Tri-City dropped three games in the Best-Of-Five series, and was eliminated from the postseason. Vsevolod Logvin (2), and Nolan Roed scored Tri-City’s goals in the loss.Finn McLaughlin scored his first goal of the postseason at 1:26 of Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period to give the Force a 1-0 lead in the battle. Michael Neumeier and Michael La Starza each collected an assist on the scoring play. Vsevolod Logvin netted his first goal of the playoffs with under seven minutes to play in the 1st&nbsp;period to bring the game to a 1-1 tie. August Falloon collected an assist on the goal. The Storm outshot the Force by a 13-7 margin during Wednesday’s 1st&nbsp;period, and the 2nd period began in a 1-1 tie. Zam Plante scored his second goal of the series at 10:29 of Wednesday’s 2nd&nbsp;period to give Fargo another lead in the battle. The goal was assisted by Reid Daavettila and Merril Steenari. Jake Fisher scored his first goal of the playoffs at 12:11 of the middle period to increase the Force’s lead to two goals. Mac Swanson and Michael La Starza each recorded an assist on the scoring play. Fargo outshot Tri-City 13-6 in the 2nd period, and carried a 3-1 lead into the 3rd&nbsp;period. Vsevolod Logvin scored his second goal of the night at 9:02 of the final period to bring the Storm back within one goal of the Force’s lead. Blake Steenerson collected an assist on the scoring play. Merril Steenari scored forty-nine seconds later to give Fargo a 4-2 lead in the contest. Mac Swanson collected an assist on the scoring play. The Storm’s final goal of the playoffs was netted by Nolan Roed at 18:07 of the 3rd period. The goal was scored shorthanded, and was Roed’s team-leading fourth goal of the postseason. Gavin Morrissey netted an empty-net goal with under one minute to play to seal Fargo’s 5-3 victory. Thatcher Bernstein made 27 saves on 31 shots in net during the game for Tri-City. Hampton Slukynsky recorded the win in goal for Fargo in a 23-save-on-26-shot performance. Season Tickets to the Storm’s 25th Anniversary Season are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting a member of the Storm Sales Staff at 308-338-8144. Pricing, and the Season Ticket Order Form for the 2024-2025 season, can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx" target="_blank">https://stormhockey.com/sports/2022/8/19/season-tickets.aspx</a>. Skate to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>&nbsp;for more information regarding the Tri-City Storm&nbsp;organization. The Tri-City Storm is presented by Viaero Wireless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Storm’s season ends in 5-3 loss

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.

The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.

The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.

“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.

Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”

Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.

Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.

The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.

Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans, the Heisman Trust announced Wednesday.“We are thrilled to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HeismanTrophy/status/1783139051849085118">welcome Reggie Bush back</a>&nbsp;to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”Bush had won the trophy awarded to the top player in college football after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history.The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”The USC football program wrote in a social media post,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/uscfb/status/1783133293996814470">“back where it belongs.</a>&nbsp;" The reinstatement of Bush gives USC a total of eight Heisman winners, most of any school.The Trust said in its statement that its decision followed a “deliberative process” in which it closely monitored changes in the college athletics landscape. That included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation; the ability of players to be paid for their name, image, and likeness; and the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments.“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005,” the Trust said.Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman winner from Texas A&amp;M,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1763937014766821689">said on social media</a>&nbsp;last month that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back. He&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JManziel2/status/1783127654599991675">thanked the Trust on Wednesday</a>&nbsp;“for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold. There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December (Reggie Bush) you deserve it.”Among others praising the decision were 2022 winner and the projected No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL draft,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CALEBcsw/status/1783122113672429952">Caleb Williams</a>&nbsp;of USC, 2001 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/croucheric/status/1783131968147779800">Eric Crouch</a>&nbsp;of Nebraska and 2011 winner&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RGIII/status/1783125679975895198">Robert Griffin III</a>&nbsp;of Baylor.Bush had his award vacated in 2010 after USC was hit with NCAA sanctions when it was found that Bush and his family received money and gifts from fledgling marketing agents who were hoping to represent him.The NCAA also erased 13 wins in which Bush played, as well as the 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game at the Orange Bowl following the 2004 season.Bush was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, by New Orleans, and he played for five teams over 11 seasons.

Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes

DENVER (AP) — Brendan Rodgers hit a go-ahead grand slam in a five-run fourth inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 7-4 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.

Colorado trailed 4-1 before Rodgers' first career slam, a drive into the left-field bleachers on an up-and-in fastball from Michael King (2-2) with an 0-2 count. Rodgers had not homered since Sept. 29 — he hit all four of his homers last year in a 10-day span.

“Bases loaded, 0-2 count. We’re going, ‘Come on, B!’” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “And he got the head on a fastball. Big exhale. The dugout was pumped. That was big, and you hope that these types of moments can give us a jumpstart.”

Rodgers said he was relieved to come through in that situation and give his struggling team a lift.

“You know, (Ryan McMahon) came up to me and said, ‘That’s one of the biggest swings of the year,'’' Rodgers said. "And it kind of felt like it, being down early and then getting guys on base in that inning. I got down in the count and then I took a good short, two-strike swing. It definitely was a good feeling.”

King allowed six runs — four earned — eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings, leaving after a bases-loaded walk to Elehuris Montero.

“I got away from my sinker/sweeper and was throwing a lot of four-seamers,” King said. “I was executing early in the count but I felt they were making the mid-at bat adjustment. I should have gone to other pitches to either get them off of it or go back to it and I got burned on it.”

Ezequiel Tovar added an RBI single in the fifth for the Rockies, who stopped a six-game losing streak to the Padres.

Nolan Jones had an RBI single in the second that stopped an 0-for-26 skid. He left after six innings because of back stiffness.

Colorado, 4-7 at Coors Field but 2-11 on the road, ending a streak of six consecutive home games in which it had been held to three or fewer runs. The Rockies have trailed at some point in each of their first 24 games to start the season — a feat that since 1900 had been accomplished only by the 1910 St. Louis Browns in their opening 28 games.

Jalen Beeks (2-1) pitched three three hitless innings in relief of Ryan Feltner, who allowed four runs and 10 hits in four innings. Justin Lawrence got three outs for his first save this season.

Jake Cronenworth had an RBI single in the first and Jurickson Profar a sacrifice fly. Luis Campusano had a run-scoring double in the third and scored on Jackson Merrill's single.

Rockies: INF/OF Kris Bryant, sidelined since April 14 with a lower back strain, has not yet been able to resume baseball activities and won’t come off the 10-day IL when he’s eligible on Wednesday, manager Bud Black said. Bryant was injured April 13 when he crashed into an outfield wall at Toronto. “He’s still in the training room and weight room trying to strengthen his back,” Black said.

RHP Matt Waldron (0-2, 4.74 ERA) is slated to start for San Diego on Wednesday night.

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 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Brendan Rodgers hit a go-ahead grand slam in a five-run fourth inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 7-4 on Tuesday night for just their second win in 10 games.Colorado trailed 4-1 before Rodgers' first career slam, a drive into the left-field bleachers on an up-and-in fastball from Michael King (2-2) with an 0-2 count. Rodgers had not homered since Sept. 29 — he hit all four of his homers last year in a 10-day span.“Bases loaded, 0-2 count. We’re going, ‘Come on, B!’” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “And he got the head on a fastball. Big exhale. The dugout was pumped. That was big, and you hope that these types of moments can give us a jumpstart.”Rodgers said he was relieved to come through in that situation and give his struggling team a lift.“You know, (Ryan McMahon) came up to me and said, ‘That’s one of the biggest swings of the year,'’' Rodgers said. "And it kind of felt like it, being down early and then getting guys on base in that inning. I got down in the count and then I took a good short, two-strike swing. It definitely was a good feeling.”King allowed six runs — four earned — eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings, leaving after a bases-loaded walk to Elehuris Montero.“I got away from my sinker/sweeper and was throwing a lot of four-seamers,” King said. “I was executing early in the count but I felt they were making the mid-at bat adjustment. I should have gone to other pitches to either get them off of it or go back to it and I got burned on it.”Ezequiel Tovar added an RBI single in the fifth for the Rockies, who stopped a six-game losing streak to the Padres.Nolan Jones had an RBI single in the second that stopped an 0-for-26 skid. He left after six innings because of back stiffness.Colorado, 4-7 at Coors Field but 2-11 on the road, ending a streak of six consecutive home games in which it had been held to three or fewer runs. The Rockies have trailed at some point in each of their first 24 games to start the season — a feat that since 1900 had been accomplished only by the 1910 St. Louis Browns in their opening 28 games.Jalen Beeks (2-1) pitched three three hitless innings in relief of Ryan Feltner, who allowed four runs and 10 hits in four innings. Justin Lawrence got three outs for his first save this season.Jake Cronenworth had an RBI single in the first and Jurickson Profar a sacrifice fly. Luis Campusano had a run-scoring double in the third and scored on Jackson Merrill's single.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies: INF/OF Kris Bryant, sidelined since April 14 with a lower back strain, has not yet been able to resume baseball activities and won’t come off the 10-day IL when he’s eligible on Wednesday, manager Bud Black said. Bryant was injured April 13 when he crashed into an outfield wall at Toronto. “He’s still in the training room and weight room trying to strengthen his back,” Black said.UP NEXTRHP Matt Waldron (0-2, 4.74 ERA) is slated to start for San Diego on Wednesday night.

Rodgers belts a grand slam sparking Rockies to win over Padres

Nebraska couldn’t climb out of an early four-run deficit, as the Huskers fell 9-4 vs. Kansas on Tuesday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.

Nebraska (25-13) scored four runs on eight hits, while Kansas (22-15) totaled nine runs, 11 hits and an error.

Tyler Stone led the way for the Huskers, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the second inning. Cayden Brumbaugh finished 1-for-4 with an RBI double, while Riley Silva extended his on-base streak to 13 games and stole his 23rd base of the season. Josh Caron, Dylan Carey and Joshua Overbeek each added a hit for the Big Red.

Drew Christo fell to 1-3 on the season after giving up four runs on four hits in two innings. The junior recorded a season-high five strikeouts and issued two walks. Caleb Clark allowed one run on one hit with a pair of strikeouts in an inning of work.

Tucker Timmerman and Kyle Froehlich combined to pitch an inning, while Jalen Worthley, Evan Borst, Kyle Perry and Casey Daiss threw one relief inning apiece. Grant Cleavinger and Trey Frahm teamed up to record the final three outs for the NU pitching staff.

Silva was plunked in the first inning, before stealing second and taking third on an errant throw from the KU pitcher with one out. A lineout followed by a strikeout prevented the Husker offense from plating the game’s first run in the opening frame.

The Jayhawks erupted for four runs in the top of the second to jump ahead 4-0. KU had runners on first and second with a one-out single and a walk, while an RBI double to left-center, followed by an RBI groundout had the visitors up a pair. Kansas plated their third run of the night on a wild pitch, before John Nett’s solo homer to right made it a four-run game.

Nebraska immediately got one of the four runs back with Stone’s 418-foot solo homer to begin the bottom of the second.

The lead grew back to four in the top of the third after a leadoff solo home run to right off the bat of Michael Brooks.

Kansas led off the inning for the second straight time with a solo homer in the fourth, while an RBI single later in the inning built the lead to 7-1.

The Huskers trimmed the deficit to four with a pair of runs on two hits in the fourth inning. Walks to Garrett Anglim and Overbeek gave the NU offense a pair of baserunners with two outs, setting up Brumbaugh’s two-RBI double off the wall in right-center.

After two scoreless frames in the fifth and sixth innings, the Jayhawks added to the lead with a two-RBI single from Collier Cranford to extend the lead to 9-3 in the seventh.

Nebraska had a pair of baserunners with two outs in the eighth after a full-count walk to Clay Bradford and Carey’s first-pitch single through the left side. Bradford came around to score on Overbeek’s RBI single that was drilled to right field.

The Huskers loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but couldn't come through as a flyout ended it.

Nebraska wraps up its homestand with a weekend series vs. Iowa on Friday-Sunday, April 26-28 at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch in Friday’s series opener between the Huskers and Hawkeyes is set for 6:05 p.m. (CT)

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713969781996.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Courtesy: Husker AthleticsNebraska couldn’t climb out of an early four-run deficit, as the Huskers fell 9-4 vs. Kansas on Tuesday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.Nebraska (25-13) scored four runs on eight hits, while Kansas (22-15) totaled nine runs, 11 hits and an error.Tyler Stone led the way for the Huskers, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the second inning. Cayden Brumbaugh finished 1-for-4 with an RBI double, while Riley Silva extended his on-base streak to 13 games and stole his 23rd base of the season. Josh Caron, Dylan Carey and Joshua Overbeek each added a hit for the Big Red.Drew Christo fell to 1-3 on the season after giving up four runs on four hits in two innings. The junior recorded a season-high five strikeouts and issued two walks. Caleb Clark allowed one run on one hit with a pair of strikeouts in an inning of work.Tucker Timmerman and Kyle Froehlich combined to pitch an inning, while Jalen Worthley, Evan Borst, Kyle Perry and Casey Daiss threw one relief inning apiece. Grant Cleavinger and Trey Frahm teamed up to record the final three outs for the NU pitching staff.Silva was plunked in the first inning, before stealing second and taking third on an errant throw from the KU pitcher with one out. A lineout followed by a strikeout prevented the Husker offense from plating the game’s first run in the opening frame.The Jayhawks erupted for four runs in the top of the second to jump ahead 4-0. KU had runners on first and second with a one-out single and a walk, while an RBI double to left-center, followed by an RBI groundout had the visitors up a pair. Kansas plated their third run of the night on a wild pitch, before John Nett’s solo homer to right made it a four-run game.Nebraska immediately got one of the four runs back with Stone’s 418-foot solo homer to begin the bottom of the second.The lead grew back to four in the top of the third after a leadoff solo home run to right off the bat of Michael Brooks.Kansas led off the inning for the second straight time with a solo homer in the fourth, while an RBI single later in the inning built the lead to 7-1.The Huskers trimmed the deficit to four with a pair of runs on two hits in the fourth inning. Walks to Garrett Anglim and Overbeek gave the NU offense a pair of baserunners with two outs, setting up Brumbaugh’s two-RBI double off the wall in right-center.After two scoreless frames in the fifth and sixth innings, the Jayhawks added to the lead with a two-RBI single from Collier Cranford to extend the lead to 9-3 in the seventh.Nebraska had a pair of baserunners with two outs in the eighth after a full-count walk to Clay Bradford and Carey’s first-pitch single through the left side. Bradford came around to score on Overbeek’s RBI single that was drilled to right field.The Huskers loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but couldn't come through as a flyout ended it.Nebraska wraps up its homestand with a weekend series vs. Iowa on Friday-Sunday, April 26-28 at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park. First pitch in Friday’s series opener between the Huskers and Hawkeyes is set for 6:05 p.m. (CT)

Kansas takes Tuesday tilt at Nebraska, 9-4

KEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm is set to host Game #3 of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals tonight at the Viaero Center against the Fargo Force after dropping the opening two games of the series at Scheels Arena. The Storm must fight off elimination tonight to guarantee tomorrow night’s Game #4 of the Best-Of-Five playoff series. Tomorrow’s “If Necessary” Game will also be played at the Viaero Center. Tickets to tonight’s playoff game in Kearney may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office Hours at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tonight’s battle between the Storm and the Force is set for 7:05pm CT. Tri-City (2-3) (#4 Seed) returns home to the Viaero Center tonight following consecutive losses on the road against Fargo at Scheels Arena to open the Best-Of-Five Western Conference Semifinals series. The Storm suffered two 3-1 losses on the road and now faces elimination for the third time this postseason in tonight’s game. Ryan Smith and Nick Roukounakis netted goals for Tri-City during the road trip. The Storm has been outscored 6-2, and outshot 73-43 through the first two games of the series. The Storm’s powerplay is 0/3, and Tri-City’s penalty kill is 2/5 entering Game #3 tonight. Tri-City tied the regular season series against Fargo with a final head-to-head record of 3-2-0-1. The Storm captured five of a possible six points against the Force in a three-game home series at the Viaero Center March 15th-18th, 2024. Scoring leaders for Tri-City through the opening five games of the postseason include Artemi Nizameyev (3), Jake Rozzi (3), Nolan Roed (3), Owen Beckner (3), August Falloon (2), and Nick Roukounakis (2).Fargo (2-0) (#1 Seed) posted consecutive two-goal victories over Tri-City at Scheels Arena to take a two-game lead in this year’s Western Conference Semifinals series. The Force swept the Storm in last year’s Conference Semifinals Round, and has advanced past the Storm in three previous postseason battles over the past seven seasons. Fargo’s powerplay is 3/5, and the Force’s penalty kill is 3/3 through the first two games of the series. Goal scorers for the Force to this point in the postseason include Michael La Starza (2), Mac Swanson (1), Michael Quinn (1), Zam Plante (1), and Tate Taylor (1). Fargo enters tonight’s road game only one win away from advancing to play the Sioux City Musketeers in the Western Conference Final round of the 2024 Clark Cup Playoffs. Tonight’s playoff game is set to begin at&nbsp;7:05pm&nbsp;CT, and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://flosports.link/3pkG3Ge" target="_blank">FloHockey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to postseason games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Viaero Wireless is the presenting sponsor of the Tri-City Storm.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Tri-City CommunicationsKEARNEY, NE.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Tri-City Storm is set to host Game #3 of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals tonight at the Viaero Center against the Fargo Force after dropping the opening two games of the series at Scheels Arena. The Storm must fight off elimination tonight to guarantee tomorrow night’s Game #4 of the Best-Of-Five playoff series. Tomorrow’s “If Necessary” Game will also be played at the Viaero Center. Tickets to tonight’s playoff game in Kearney may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office during Box Office Hours at 308-338-8144. Puck drop for tonight’s battle between the Storm and the Force is set for 7:05pm CT. Tri-City (2-3) (#4 Seed) returns home to the Viaero Center tonight following consecutive losses on the road against Fargo at Scheels Arena to open the Best-Of-Five Western Conference Semifinals series. The Storm suffered two 3-1 losses on the road and now faces elimination for the third time this postseason in tonight’s game. Ryan Smith and Nick Roukounakis netted goals for Tri-City during the road trip. The Storm has been outscored 6-2, and outshot 73-43 through the first two games of the series. The Storm’s powerplay is 0/3, and Tri-City’s penalty kill is 2/5 entering Game #3 tonight. Tri-City tied the regular season series against Fargo with a final head-to-head record of 3-2-0-1. The Storm captured five of a possible six points against the Force in a three-game home series at the Viaero Center March 15th-18th, 2024. Scoring leaders for Tri-City through the opening five games of the postseason include Artemi Nizameyev (3), Jake Rozzi (3), Nolan Roed (3), Owen Beckner (3), August Falloon (2), and Nick Roukounakis (2).Fargo (2-0) (#1 Seed) posted consecutive two-goal victories over Tri-City at Scheels Arena to take a two-game lead in this year’s Western Conference Semifinals series. The Force swept the Storm in last year’s Conference Semifinals Round, and has advanced past the Storm in three previous postseason battles over the past seven seasons. Fargo’s powerplay is 3/5, and the Force’s penalty kill is 3/3 through the first two games of the series. Goal scorers for the Force to this point in the postseason include Michael La Starza (2), Mac Swanson (1), Michael Quinn (1), Zam Plante (1), and Tate Taylor (1). Fargo enters tonight’s road game only one win away from advancing to play the Sioux City Musketeers in the Western Conference Final round of the 2024 Clark Cup Playoffs. Tonight’s playoff game is set to begin at&nbsp;7:05pm&nbsp;CT, and will be streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://flosports.link/3pkG3Ge" target="_blank">FloHockey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://mixlr.com/tri-city-storm/" target="_blank">Storm Radio</a>. Tickets to postseason games at the Viaero Center may be purchased online by skating to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stormhockey.com/" target="_blank">www.StormHockey.com</a>, or by calling the Viaero Center Box Office at 308-338-8144. Viaero Wireless is the presenting sponsor of the Tri-City Storm.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Storm set to host Conference Semifinals Game at Viaero Center

Story by Supernovas Athletic Communications&nbsp;

SAN DIEGO, CA. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas (12-7)&nbsp;fell to the San Diego Mojo (8-9) in a 25-19, 17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 8-15 five-set thriller Tuesday night at Viejas Arena. The result means the Supernovas and Mojo have split the season series at two wins apiece with each team winning its home matches.

Olympian and Supernovas’ outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;led the team with 15 kills and a season-high 19 digs. She also added one block and her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Recent Omaha signee and opposite&nbsp;Stephanie Samedy&nbsp;made her Supernovas debut, adding 12 kills on a .206 clip with 10 digs for a double-double. The Minnesota graduate also earned a block and her first ace.&nbsp;

Team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;excelled off the bench on Tuesday, recording 10 kills on a .307 hitting percentage with 10 digs for her first double-double since April 4 when Omaha beat Columbus. Rookie&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;chipped in eight kills in her second career pro start.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added seven kills.&nbsp;

Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;led the middle blockers with six kills, three blocks and three digs.&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sophie Davis&nbsp;each tallied one kill, but it was Davis who earned two blocks compared to Dixon’s one.&nbsp;

Setters&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;and&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;each saw playing time as Valentín-Anderson finished with a team-high 29 assists and nine digs. Hilley added 22 assists and 11 digs. Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;posted 15 digs and six assists.&nbsp;

The Supernovas hit .155 with 10 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;

Mojo hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara continued her good fortunes against Omaha with a match-high 22 kills and 17 digs. Two more Mojo players reached double-digit kills as opposite and lefty Willow Johnson recorded 14 kills and 15 digs while Lindsay Vander Weide totaled 11 kills and 14 digs.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .184 with a franchise-record 20 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;

Set 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas came firing out of the gate with a 6-2 lead as Schaben-Lansman chipped in a couple kills while Omaha took advantage of some Mojo hitting errors. San Diego rallied with a 3-0 run, but Briggs answered with back-to-back kills and Vuchkova won a net battle to increase the lead to 9-5. Lewis and Stone tallied consecutive kills. A 6-0 run followed to open up the set as Schaben-Lansman, de la Cruz, Vuchkova and a Briggs ace occurred in the sequence. A 3-0 Mojo run halted the momentum as Thomas-Ailara hammered down two kills. A four-hit violation ended the run, but a Thomas-Ailara kill and consecutive blocks cut the lead to 16-13. De la Cruz came up with a block and Briggs delivered her fourth kill of the set to go ahead 19-15. De la Cruz later added two more kills to give Omaha set point. A reaching over the net violation on San Diego clinched the 25-19 set one win for the Supernovas.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .174 with two blocks and one ace. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman led the offense with four kills apiece. De la Cruz added three while Vuchkova had a pair of kills.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .143 with four blocks and zero aces. Thomas-Ailara continued her effectiveness against the Supernovas with a team-high four kills in the set.&nbsp;

Set 2:&nbsp;Alison&nbsp;Bastianelli led the Mojo charge with two kills to put San Diego up 4-1. Vander Weide posted a solo block and a Johnson kill from the right pin put the lead to 6-1 Mojo to force an Omaha timeout. Briggs and Vuchkova buried back-to-back blocks. The Mojo answered with consecutive blocks of their own to hold the lead. A Vander Weide kill and ace from Johnson extended the lead to 10-3. Schaben-Lansman and Vuchkova tallied kills to make it 10-6. San Diego held the lead at 14-8, but Omaha regrouped for a 4-0 run including a trio of de la Cruz kills and a Dixon block to put the Mojo lead at 14-12. Johnson hit a crafty shot from the pin to end the Supernovas’ rally. Vander Weide came up with another block and kill to put the Mojo up 18-14. Vuchkova found the floor for a kill to keep the Mojo lead at six. Johnson used a low angle for a kill to give the Mojo set point. Thomas-Ailara finished off the set by tooling off the block to give the Mojo a 25-17 set win.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .256 with five blocks and two aces. Thomas Ailara led the Mojo with five kills while Johnson, Bastianelli, and Vander Weide each posted three.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .119 with three blocks and zero aces. De la Cruz added four kills in the set with Vuchkova and Schaben-Lansman each chipping in three.&nbsp;

Set 3:&nbsp;The woes for Omaha continued as action began in the third set with San Diego shooting out to a 5-1 lead with a Thomas-Ailara ace and two kills from Johnson. A Mojo service error ended the rally, but San Diego answered with a 4-0 run as a Ronika Stone middle attack forced a timeout at 9-2 Mojo. Briggs ended the rally with her second kill. Trailing 11-4, the Supernovas went to the bench as recent signee and opposite Samedy made her Omaha debu. She earned her first kill as a Supernovas two points later. Thomas-Ailara secured a block and kill in back-to-back points to extend the Mojo lead back to 14-6. The Supernovas gained momentum behind the bench reinforcements, building a 6-2 run behind a Samedy kill and ace to make it 16-12. Two-straight blocks from San Diego extended the lead back to 20-14, but Omaha rallied for a 4-0 run with de la Cruz, Nuneviller and Samedy each recording a kill. Thomas-Ailara hammered another kill. Samedy earned two more kills to make the score 24-22 Mojo, but the Minnesota graduate committed a service error to give the Mojo a 25-22 set win.&nbsp;

San Diego hit .135 with five more blocks and one ace. Thomas Ailara stacked five more kills to her total with Johnson and Vander Weide each adding three.&nbsp;

Omaha hit .140 with two blocks and one ace. Samedy paced the offense with six kills on a .417 clip in her debut set with Briggs adding three kills before being taken out for Nuneviller.&nbsp;

Set 4:&nbsp;The Supernovas gained their first lead since the first set with the opening two points which included one of Davis' two blocks. San Diego took advantage of two Omaha errors to tie the set up at two, but de la Cruz earned consecutive kills. Nuneviller added her first kill of the set a few points later. De la Cruz delivered another kill to make it 10-8 Omaha. Nuneviller began a 5-0 run for Omaha with a back-row kill and later secured a block. A de la Cruz service error ended the run, but the damage was done as the Supernovas led 15-9. Nuneviller added two more kills to her set total to make it 18-12 Omaha. The Mojo rallied for a 4-0 run as Johnson added a kill and the Supernovas committed a pair of hitting errors to cut the lead down to 20-18 forcing an Omaha timeout. De la Cruz got a touch for her sixth kill of the set to end the run. She followed that point by securing her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Samedy added another kill to stamp a 3-0 run and force a San Diego timeout with a 23-18 lead. Nuneviller tooled a block to make it set point Omaha before she terminated her sixth kill of the set to give the Supernovas a 25-21 set win and force a decisive fifth.

Omaha hit .213 with a pair of blocks and once ace. Nuneviller and de la Cruz were the dynamic duo as each tallied six kills in the set while Samedy added three.&nbsp;

San Diego recorded a clip of .098 with four more blocks and zero aces. Johnson earned four of the team’s nine kills in the set.&nbsp;

Set 5:&nbsp;Thomas-Ailara reentered the match and made her presence known with two kills off the bat to give San Diego a quick 3-1 lead. Samedy and Nuneviller recorded back-to-back kills to tie it up. Johnson put down another kill which was followed by an Omaha double hit to give the Mojo a two-point lead again. The two teams rallied back and forth, but San Diego gained the upper hand with a 5-0 run behind four kills and a block from Thomas-Ailara to make it 12-6 Mojo. A service error ended the run, but the Mojo’s 20th block gave them match point. Davis recorded a block, but Thomas-Ailara ended the match with her 22nd kill.&nbsp;

The Supernovas are back at home for their next match on Friday, April 26 with Omaha hosting the Grand Rapids Rise at the CHI Health Center. First serve is set for 8:30 p.m. CDT with Omaha making its debut on CBS Sports Network. Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network led by the flagship station 93.7 The Ticket.&nbsp;

Story by Supernovas Athletic Communications&nbsp;SAN DIEGO, CA. -&nbsp;The&nbsp;Omaha Supernovas (12-7)&nbsp;fell to the San Diego Mojo (8-9) in a 25-19, 17-25, 22-25, 25-21, 8-15 five-set thriller Tuesday night at Viejas Arena. The result means the Supernovas and Mojo have split the season series at two wins apiece with each team winning its home matches.Olympian and Supernovas’ outside hitter&nbsp;Bethania de la Cruz&nbsp;led the team with 15 kills and a season-high 19 digs. She also added one block and her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Recent Omaha signee and opposite&nbsp;Stephanie Samedy&nbsp;made her Supernovas debut, adding 12 kills on a .206 clip with 10 digs for a double-double. The Minnesota graduate also earned a block and her first ace.&nbsp;Team captain&nbsp;Brooke Nuneviller&nbsp;excelled off the bench on Tuesday, recording 10 kills on a .307 hitting percentage with 10 digs for her first double-double since April 4 when Omaha beat Columbus. Rookie&nbsp;Paige Briggs&nbsp;chipped in eight kills in her second career pro start.&nbsp;Jess Schaben-Lansman&nbsp;added seven kills.&nbsp;Hristina Vuchkova&nbsp;led the middle blockers with six kills, three blocks and three digs.&nbsp;Tori Dixon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sophie Davis&nbsp;each tallied one kill, but it was Davis who earned two blocks compared to Dixon’s one.&nbsp;Setters&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;and&nbsp;Natalia Valentín-Anderson&nbsp;each saw playing time as Valentín-Anderson finished with a team-high 29 assists and nine digs. Hilley added 22 assists and 11 digs. Libero&nbsp;Kendall White&nbsp;posted 15 digs and six assists.&nbsp;The Supernovas hit .155 with 10 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;Mojo hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara continued her good fortunes against Omaha with a match-high 22 kills and 17 digs. Two more Mojo players reached double-digit kills as opposite and lefty Willow Johnson recorded 14 kills and 15 digs while Lindsay Vander Weide totaled 11 kills and 14 digs.&nbsp;San Diego hit .184 with a franchise-record 20 blocks and three aces.&nbsp;Set 1:&nbsp;The Supernovas came firing out of the gate with a 6-2 lead as Schaben-Lansman chipped in a couple kills while Omaha took advantage of some Mojo hitting errors. San Diego rallied with a 3-0 run, but Briggs answered with back-to-back kills and Vuchkova won a net battle to increase the lead to 9-5. Lewis and Stone tallied consecutive kills. A 6-0 run followed to open up the set as Schaben-Lansman, de la Cruz, Vuchkova and a Briggs ace occurred in the sequence. A 3-0 Mojo run halted the momentum as Thomas-Ailara hammered down two kills. A four-hit violation ended the run, but a Thomas-Ailara kill and consecutive blocks cut the lead to 16-13. De la Cruz came up with a block and Briggs delivered her fourth kill of the set to go ahead 19-15. De la Cruz later added two more kills to give Omaha set point. A reaching over the net violation on San Diego clinched the 25-19 set one win for the Supernovas.&nbsp;Omaha hit .174 with two blocks and one ace. Briggs and Schaben-Lansman led the offense with four kills apiece. De la Cruz added three while Vuchkova had a pair of kills.&nbsp;San Diego hit .143 with four blocks and zero aces. Thomas-Ailara continued her effectiveness against the Supernovas with a team-high four kills in the set.&nbsp;Set 2:&nbsp;Alison&nbsp;Bastianelli led the Mojo charge with two kills to put San Diego up 4-1. Vander Weide posted a solo block and a Johnson kill from the right pin put the lead to 6-1 Mojo to force an Omaha timeout. Briggs and Vuchkova buried back-to-back blocks. The Mojo answered with consecutive blocks of their own to hold the lead. A Vander Weide kill and ace from Johnson extended the lead to 10-3. Schaben-Lansman and Vuchkova tallied kills to make it 10-6. San Diego held the lead at 14-8, but Omaha regrouped for a 4-0 run including a trio of de la Cruz kills and a Dixon block to put the Mojo lead at 14-12. Johnson hit a crafty shot from the pin to end the Supernovas’ rally. Vander Weide came up with another block and kill to put the Mojo up 18-14. Vuchkova found the floor for a kill to keep the Mojo lead at six. Johnson used a low angle for a kill to give the Mojo set point. Thomas-Ailara finished off the set by tooling off the block to give the Mojo a 25-17 set win.&nbsp;San Diego hit .256 with five blocks and two aces. Thomas Ailara led the Mojo with five kills while Johnson, Bastianelli, and Vander Weide each posted three.&nbsp;Omaha hit .119 with three blocks and zero aces. De la Cruz added four kills in the set with Vuchkova and Schaben-Lansman each chipping in three.&nbsp;Set 3:&nbsp;The woes for Omaha continued as action began in the third set with San Diego shooting out to a 5-1 lead with a Thomas-Ailara ace and two kills from Johnson. A Mojo service error ended the rally, but San Diego answered with a 4-0 run as a Ronika Stone middle attack forced a timeout at 9-2 Mojo. Briggs ended the rally with her second kill. Trailing 11-4, the Supernovas went to the bench as recent signee and opposite Samedy made her Omaha debu. She earned her first kill as a Supernovas two points later. Thomas-Ailara secured a block and kill in back-to-back points to extend the Mojo lead back to 14-6. The Supernovas gained momentum behind the bench reinforcements, building a 6-2 run behind a Samedy kill and ace to make it 16-12. Two-straight blocks from San Diego extended the lead back to 20-14, but Omaha rallied for a 4-0 run with de la Cruz, Nuneviller and Samedy each recording a kill. Thomas-Ailara hammered another kill. Samedy earned two more kills to make the score 24-22 Mojo, but the Minnesota graduate committed a service error to give the Mojo a 25-22 set win.&nbsp;San Diego hit .135 with five more blocks and one ace. Thomas Ailara stacked five more kills to her total with Johnson and Vander Weide each adding three.&nbsp;Omaha hit .140 with two blocks and one ace. Samedy paced the offense with six kills on a .417 clip in her debut set with Briggs adding three kills before being taken out for Nuneviller.&nbsp;Set 4:&nbsp;The Supernovas gained their first lead since the first set with the opening two points which included one of Davis' two blocks. San Diego took advantage of two Omaha errors to tie the set up at two, but de la Cruz earned consecutive kills. Nuneviller added her first kill of the set a few points later. De la Cruz delivered another kill to make it 10-8 Omaha. Nuneviller began a 5-0 run for Omaha with a back-row kill and later secured a block. A de la Cruz service error ended the run, but the damage was done as the Supernovas led 15-9. Nuneviller added two more kills to her set total to make it 18-12 Omaha. The Mojo rallied for a 4-0 run as Johnson added a kill and the Supernovas committed a pair of hitting errors to cut the lead down to 20-18 forcing an Omaha timeout. De la Cruz got a touch for her sixth kill of the set to end the run. She followed that point by securing her league-leading 26th ace of the season. Samedy added another kill to stamp a 3-0 run and force a San Diego timeout with a 23-18 lead. Nuneviller tooled a block to make it set point Omaha before she terminated her sixth kill of the set to give the Supernovas a 25-21 set win and force a decisive fifth.Omaha hit .213 with a pair of blocks and once ace. Nuneviller and de la Cruz were the dynamic duo as each tallied six kills in the set while Samedy added three.&nbsp;San Diego recorded a clip of .098 with four more blocks and zero aces. Johnson earned four of the team’s nine kills in the set.&nbsp;Set 5:&nbsp;Thomas-Ailara reentered the match and made her presence known with two kills off the bat to give San Diego a quick 3-1 lead. Samedy and Nuneviller recorded back-to-back kills to tie it up. Johnson put down another kill which was followed by an Omaha double hit to give the Mojo a two-point lead again. The two teams rallied back and forth, but San Diego gained the upper hand with a 5-0 run behind four kills and a block from Thomas-Ailara to make it 12-6 Mojo. A service error ended the run, but the Mojo’s 20th block gave them match point. Davis recorded a block, but Thomas-Ailara ended the match with her 22nd kill.&nbsp;The Supernovas are back at home for their next match on Friday, April 26 with Omaha hosting the Grand Rapids Rise at the CHI Health Center. First serve is set for 8:30 p.m. CDT with Omaha making its debut on CBS Sports Network. Fans can also listen to all the action on the Supernovas Radio Network led by the flagship station 93.7 The Ticket.&nbsp;

Omaha falls to San Diego in five sets as Samedy Makes Supernovas Debut

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you for the opportunity! <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMattRhule?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMattRhule</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Callaghan_NEB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Callaghan_NEB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerCoachTW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HuskerCoachTW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rob_Dvoracek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rob_Dvoracek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachEJbarthel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachEJbarthel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HuskerFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HuskerFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/DuQrAXe1Au">pic.twitter.com/DuQrAXe1Au</a>&mdash; Vincent Genatone (@genatone_v) <a href="https://twitter.com/genatone_v/status/1782910443041780088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Huskers add former North Platte High superstar Vince Genatone

DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray didn't even see the biggest basket of his career. At least not live, he didn't.

Murray swished a step-back 15-footer over Anthony Davis at the buzzer Monday night, giving the Denver Nuggets a stunning 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and capping a comeback from a 20-point second-half deficit.

Murray tumbled into the Nuggets' bench along with Davis just as his shot fluttered in the net and the roar from the crowd shook Ball Arena.

“I just lost my balance and fell. I think A.D. was in my way or somebody was in my way and I just heard everybody scream and that's how I knew it went in," said Murray, who was mobbed by his teammates after his bucket gave the reigning NBA champions their 10th consecutive win over the Lakers.

More importantly, it gave Denver a 2-0 lead in a Western Conference first-round series that shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night.

Murray missed 13 of his first 16 shots and was easily the most flustered, frazzled and frustrated of all his teammates when it appeared the Nuggets would lose to the Lakers for the first time in 494 days.

“I told my teammates when I was struggling, ‘I’m gonna look for y'all,' and every single one of them told me to keep shooting,” recounted Murray, who did just that, going 6 for 8 for 14 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 20 points.

“They told me to stay aggressive and keep looking for it, keep hunting and when I had the ball with 2 seconds left, I knew once I had made a couple, the next one should go down, as well.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone chose not to call a timeout after Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound off LeBron James' missed 3-pointer with 13 seconds left and the game knotted up at 99.

“We got the stop. Tie game. Why let them get set?” Malone reasoned. “Because, when they can get set and they switch out everything, you might not even get the ball inbounds. So, I wanted to make sure we could just flow into it and let our best players make plays.”

Murray faked like he was going to take a 3-pointer, got A.D. to close and then beat him to his spot along the right baseline for the clear look.

“That's Jamal Murray right there," Malone said. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he's never shying away from the moment, the spotlight. And that was just an incredible play.”

Nikola Jokic said Murray “made the tough shots today and he missed the easy ones. It was that kind of game.”

Asked to go though that final sequence, Davis demurred, saying simply, “Jamal Murray made a shot,” then standing up, dropping the mic — not figuratively — and walking off from the postgame podium.

Jokic posted a triple-double with 27 points, 20 boards and 10 assists. Porter added 22 points and Aaron Gordon 14 for Denver.

Davis led the Lakers with 32 points, James had 26 points plus a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakers-nuggets-nba-score-852aa29e2f83f98414c806ec203af643">major beef with the officiating</a>&nbsp;and D’Angelo Russell added 23 with a career playoff-high seven 3s, including six in the first half to help the Lakers build a 59-44 lead at the break.

The Lakers stretched their advantage to 68-48 two minutes into the second half and they still led by 10 entering the fourth quarter.

“I don't have a 20-point play,” Malone said. “You've got to just keep chipping away.”

That they did, finally tying it at 95-all on Porter's 3-pointer with 1:15 left before the frenzied final minute.

“A 20-point lead in this league, it's not safe, especially against the defending champion,” James said. “We've got to do better. But we had our chances.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713898974443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Jamal Murray didn't even see the biggest basket of his career. At least not live, he didn't.Murray swished a step-back 15-footer over Anthony Davis at the buzzer Monday night, giving the Denver Nuggets a stunning 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and capping a comeback from a 20-point second-half deficit.Murray tumbled into the Nuggets' bench along with Davis just as his shot fluttered in the net and the roar from the crowd shook Ball Arena.“I just lost my balance and fell. I think A.D. was in my way or somebody was in my way and I just heard everybody scream and that's how I knew it went in," said Murray, who was mobbed by his teammates after his bucket gave the reigning NBA champions their 10th consecutive win over the Lakers.More importantly, it gave Denver a 2-0 lead in a Western Conference first-round series that shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday night.Murray missed 13 of his first 16 shots and was easily the most flustered, frazzled and frustrated of all his teammates when it appeared the Nuggets would lose to the Lakers for the first time in 494 days.“I told my teammates when I was struggling, ‘I’m gonna look for y'all,' and every single one of them told me to keep shooting,” recounted Murray, who did just that, going 6 for 8 for 14 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 20 points.“They told me to stay aggressive and keep looking for it, keep hunting and when I had the ball with 2 seconds left, I knew once I had made a couple, the next one should go down, as well.”Nuggets coach Michael Malone chose not to call a timeout after Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound off LeBron James' missed 3-pointer with 13 seconds left and the game knotted up at 99.“We got the stop. Tie game. Why let them get set?” Malone reasoned. “Because, when they can get set and they switch out everything, you might not even get the ball inbounds. So, I wanted to make sure we could just flow into it and let our best players make plays.”Murray faked like he was going to take a 3-pointer, got A.D. to close and then beat him to his spot along the right baseline for the clear look.“That's Jamal Murray right there," Malone said. “He can struggle, he can struggle, he can struggle. He sees one go in and he's never shying away from the moment, the spotlight. And that was just an incredible play.”Nikola Jokic said Murray “made the tough shots today and he missed the easy ones. It was that kind of game.”Asked to go though that final sequence, Davis demurred, saying simply, “Jamal Murray made a shot,” then standing up, dropping the mic — not figuratively — and walking off from the postgame podium.Jokic posted a triple-double with 27 points, 20 boards and 10 assists. Porter added 22 points and Aaron Gordon 14 for Denver.Davis led the Lakers with 32 points, James had 26 points plus a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakers-nuggets-nba-score-852aa29e2f83f98414c806ec203af643">major beef with the officiating</a>&nbsp;and D’Angelo Russell added 23 with a career playoff-high seven 3s, including six in the first half to help the Lakers build a 59-44 lead at the break.The Lakers stretched their advantage to 68-48 two minutes into the second half and they still led by 10 entering the fourth quarter.“I don't have a 20-point play,” Malone said. “You've got to just keep chipping away.”That they did, finally tying it at 95-all on Porter's 3-pointer with 1:15 left before the frenzied final minute.“A 20-point lead in this league, it's not safe, especially against the defending champion,” James said. “We've got to do better. But we had our chances.”

Murray sinks Lakers at buzzer to give Nuggets 2-0 series lead

(AP) Zach Wilson was expected to be the face of the franchise for the New York Jets. Instead, he became a symbol of disappointment.

And now, the 2021 second overall draft pick will get the chance to rejuvenate his career with the Denver Broncos.

The Jets traded Wilson to the Broncos on Monday, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The Jets are sending Wilson and a seventh-round pick in this week’s NFL draft to the Broncos for a sixth-rounder, the person said.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams haven’t announced the deal. NFL Network first reported the trade.

The Jets are parting ways with Wilson after three disappointing seasons. ESPN reported New York and Denver are splitting Wilson’s $5.5 million salary for this season as part of the deal.

Wilson came to the Jets with massive expectations after he was selected out of BYU because of his exceptional athletic ability and knack for making throws on the run from various arm angles. But he struggled mightily in his first two seasons in New York before the Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers to be their starter last offseason.

When Rodgers went down for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut, Wilson took over as the starter again — and was unable to play with consistency or effectiveness while showing few signs of improvement from his first two years.

After being benched twice in his second season, Wilson was again sent to the sideline after 10 games. He sat out for two games while Tim Boyle was ineffective in two starts. The Jets turned back to Wilson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-wilson-siemian-rodgers-quarterbacks-768041dfe0b2af5a181a14d6ba6d2ea9">found himself in the headlines</a>&nbsp;when The Athletic reported he was reluctant to step back into his role as the starter because of potential injury concerns. Wilson denied that later in the week and said he was excited to start again.

He returned with perhaps the best performance of his career, going 27 of 36 for 301 yards — his third career game of 300 or more yards — and two touchdowns in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-jets-score-wilson-1ad9c2d71113d328ce5340192052e3af">New York’s 30-6 victory</a>&nbsp;over Houston. Wilson was named the AFC offensive player of the week, but suffered a concussion the following week in the first half of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-dolphins-score-rodgers-77260c584a56842a833edcdea67952c5">Jets’ 30-0 loss at Miami on Dec. 17</a>.

“I thought he had a great OTAs, a great training camp,” coach Robert Saleh said late in the season. “I thought he battled. He fought. He’s a fighter, he really is. Obviously there’s things that he wishes he could have back and I know there’s a lot of things he improved on. Some things were out of his control.

“I’ve said it and I’ll say it again: I think he’s going to have a long career in this league.”

Rodgers is back this season, and the Jets signed veteran Tyrod Taylor last month to be his primary backup. The original plan last year was for Wilson to sit behind Rodgers and learn, and then perhaps take over again. But Rodgers’ injury changed all that.

“It’s just an unfortunate series of events that occurred,” Saleh said.

General manager Joe Douglas told reporters during the NFL combine in Indianapolis in February that the Jets had given Wilson and his agents permission to seek a trade. Douglas reiterated that last Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-zach-wilson-joe-douglas-d78ce5ed46db1972f368b9a08d64050b">calling Wilson an “asset”</a>&nbsp;while also saying New York was open to trading him.

And now, Wilson will look to restart his career in Denver.

He joins a quarterback room that also includes Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci after Russell Wilson was released last month after two seasons with the Broncos and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver currently holds the 12th overall pick and could still be in the market for a quarterback.

The Broncos have a lot of other needs, however, and if they don't select a quarterback, it will be Wilson and Stidham in a training camp tussle to see who gets the job. Stidham is a fifth-year pro who has a 1-3 record as a starter. He went 1-1 after the Broncos benched Russell Wilson for the final two games last season. DiNucci lost his only NFL start back in 2020 with Dallas.

Stidham was the 13th quarterback to start for Denver since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season. The Broncos haven't been back to the playoffs since and have posted seven consecutive losing seasons, including last year's 8-9 under first-year coach Sean Payton.

The Broncos, who are on the hook for $37.79 million of Russell Wilson's $39 million salary in 2024 — which is in addition to $85 million in dead cap charges over the next two seasons — are unlikely to pick up the $22.4 million fifth-year option on Zach Wilson's rookie contract, meaning he will likely be a free agent next offseason.

Wilson went 12-21 in 33 games as a starter, throwing for 6,293 yards and 23 touchdowns with 25 interceptions. He has a 57% career completion percentage and 73.2 passer rating, ranking among the NFL’s worst in both categories in all three of his seasons. Wilson also has five touchdown runs.

(AP) Zach Wilson was expected to be the face of the franchise for the New York Jets. Instead, he became a symbol of disappointment.And now, the 2021 second overall draft pick will get the chance to rejuvenate his career with the Denver Broncos.The Jets traded Wilson to the Broncos on Monday, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The Jets are sending Wilson and a seventh-round pick in this week’s NFL draft to the Broncos for a sixth-rounder, the person said.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams haven’t announced the deal. NFL Network first reported the trade.The Jets are parting ways with Wilson after three disappointing seasons. ESPN reported New York and Denver are splitting Wilson’s $5.5 million salary for this season as part of the deal.Wilson came to the Jets with massive expectations after he was selected out of BYU because of his exceptional athletic ability and knack for making throws on the run from various arm angles. But he struggled mightily in his first two seasons in New York before the Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers to be their starter last offseason.When Rodgers went down for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut, Wilson took over as the starter again — and was unable to play with consistency or effectiveness while showing few signs of improvement from his first two years.After being benched twice in his second season, Wilson was again sent to the sideline after 10 games. He sat out for two games while Tim Boyle was ineffective in two starts. The Jets turned back to Wilson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-wilson-siemian-rodgers-quarterbacks-768041dfe0b2af5a181a14d6ba6d2ea9">found himself in the headlines</a>&nbsp;when The Athletic reported he was reluctant to step back into his role as the starter because of potential injury concerns. Wilson denied that later in the week and said he was excited to start again.He returned with perhaps the best performance of his career, going 27 of 36 for 301 yards — his third career game of 300 or more yards — and two touchdowns in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texans-jets-score-wilson-1ad9c2d71113d328ce5340192052e3af">New York’s 30-6 victory</a>&nbsp;over Houston. Wilson was named the AFC offensive player of the week, but suffered a concussion the following week in the first half of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-dolphins-score-rodgers-77260c584a56842a833edcdea67952c5">Jets’ 30-0 loss at Miami on Dec. 17</a>.And he didn’t play again.“I thought he had a great OTAs, a great training camp,” coach Robert Saleh said late in the season. “I thought he battled. He fought. He’s a fighter, he really is. Obviously there’s things that he wishes he could have back and I know there’s a lot of things he improved on. Some things were out of his control.“I’ve said it and I’ll say it again: I think he’s going to have a long career in this league.”It won’t be with the Jets, though.Rodgers is back this season, and the Jets signed veteran Tyrod Taylor last month to be his primary backup. The original plan last year was for Wilson to sit behind Rodgers and learn, and then perhaps take over again. But Rodgers’ injury changed all that.“It’s just an unfortunate series of events that occurred,” Saleh said.General manager Joe Douglas told reporters during the NFL combine in Indianapolis in February that the Jets had given Wilson and his agents permission to seek a trade. Douglas reiterated that last Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-zach-wilson-joe-douglas-d78ce5ed46db1972f368b9a08d64050b">calling Wilson an “asset”</a>&nbsp;while also saying New York was open to trading him.And now, Wilson will look to restart his career in Denver.He joins a quarterback room that also includes Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci after Russell Wilson was released last month after two seasons with the Broncos and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver currently holds the 12th overall pick and could still be in the market for a quarterback.The Broncos have a lot of other needs, however, and if they don't select a quarterback, it will be Wilson and Stidham in a training camp tussle to see who gets the job. Stidham is a fifth-year pro who has a 1-3 record as a starter. He went 1-1 after the Broncos benched Russell Wilson for the final two games last season. DiNucci lost his only NFL start back in 2020 with Dallas.Stidham was the 13th quarterback to start for Denver since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season. The Broncos haven't been back to the playoffs since and have posted seven consecutive losing seasons, including last year's 8-9 under first-year coach Sean Payton.The Broncos, who are on the hook for $37.79 million of Russell Wilson's $39 million salary in 2024 — which is in addition to $85 million in dead cap charges over the next two seasons — are unlikely to pick up the $22.4 million fifth-year option on Zach Wilson's rookie contract, meaning he will likely be a free agent next offseason.Wilson went 12-21 in 33 games as a starter, throwing for 6,293 yards and 23 touchdowns with 25 interceptions. He has a 57% career completion percentage and 73.2 passer rating, ranking among the NFL’s worst in both categories in all three of his seasons. Wilson also has five touchdown runs.The move is reminiscent of how the Jets moved on from Sam Darnold in 2021, trading him to Carolina just a few weeks before New York drafted Wilson. Darnold was the third overall pick out of Southern California in 2018, but — like Wilson — failed to live up to the lofty expectations.