By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College bowling programs took on their toughest test of the early season this past weekend at the tier-I Mid-States Championships held in Wichita, KS.

Facing teams across the NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA ranks, the Cougars were one of three NJCAA programs competing over the two-day event with the Lady Cougars mending a 21st placing and Barton men settling for a 24th place result over six individual and 16-baker games.

The Cougars will have the weekend off before wrapping up the first half of the season Nov. 2 and 3 at the Bronco Open held in Hastings, Neb.

Women's Recap Battling against 24 teams, the Barton women tallied the 21st most pin destruction 6967 over Saturday's six individual games and 16 baker games on Sunday.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/bios/scott_chailyn_l3ju">Chailyn Scott</a>&nbsp;coordinated the Cougars six-fielded lineup with a 58th place finish in the stacked 188 participant field. Scott averaged a six-game total 165.8 with a third game highest single round score 193.

Tossing a 931 for 70th best, freshman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/bios/thetford_jaelinn_ac5t">JaeLinn Thetford</a>&nbsp;delivered the team's highest individual round 209 in the second game while finishing with a six game 155.2 average.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/bios/weeks_ellie_eosi">Ellie Weeks</a>&nbsp;slipped 10-pins back in 74th carding a six game 921 to conclude Barton's top 100 placers.

Earning both titles on the weekend was Wichita State University as the host Shockers outlasted the 24 teams with a top pin fall 8673 before running through the eight-seeded tournament in defeating No. 3 seeded Sam Houston State University in four head to head games.

Grace Bringham of Savannah College of Art and Design-Savannah topped the 188-participant field with a six game 1240 while Wichita State University's Sara Dueque took the runner-up spot with 1235 pins and teammate Piper Reams following in third at 1232.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/files/MidStatesChampionshipsWomensFullResults.pdf">Complete Women's Mid-States Championship Results</a>

Men's Recap On the men's side Barton compiled a two-day total pin fall 7,970 for 24th best in the 31-team field falling 132 pins back of a top 20 finish.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/bios/lindsley_logan_zox5">Logan Lindsley</a>&nbsp;directed the Cougars individually with a 15th place performance in the 308-competitor field carding a six-game total 1266. Producing four of his six games over the 200-mark, Lindsley amassed an average 211 per 10-frames with a team second best game 231 in the opening round.

Fielding a junior varsity squad,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/bios/sanchez_khalil_okhs">Khalil Sanchez</a>&nbsp;directed the second entered Cougar team falling just outside of a top 50 performance in 53rd. Producing two games over 200, Sanchez destroyed 1130 pins in his six tossed games and carded the highest individual round between the two Barton teams with a sixth game 257.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/bios/brown_cole_h7of">Cole Brown</a>&nbsp;completed the top-100 placings for the Cougars in 99th bowling a six game 1004 for an average 167 per 10-frames.

Accounting for the fourth most pin fall throughout the tournament, Newman University claimed the team crown besting the eight-seeded bracket knocking off top seeded rival Wichita State University in the semifinals after the Shockers piled up a tournament best 9729.

Earning the individual title was Wichita State University's junior varsity entrée Josh Hammons destroying a six game tournament best 1436.

<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/files/MidStatesChampionshipsMensFullResults.pdf">Complete Men's Mid-States Championship Results</a>

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College bowling programs took on their toughest test of the early season this past weekend at the tier-I Mid-States Championships held in Wichita, KS.Facing teams across the NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA ranks, the Cougars were one of three NJCAA programs competing over the two-day event with the Lady Cougars mending a 21st placing and Barton men settling for a 24th place result over six individual and 16-baker games.The Cougars will have the weekend off before wrapping up the first half of the season Nov. 2 and 3 at the Bronco Open held in Hastings, Neb.Women's Recap Battling against 24 teams, the Barton women tallied the 21st most pin destruction 6967 over Saturday's six individual games and 16 baker games on Sunday.Sophomore&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/bios/scott_chailyn_l3ju">Chailyn Scott</a>&nbsp;coordinated the Cougars six-fielded lineup with a 58th place finish in the stacked 188 participant field. Scott averaged a six-game total 165.8 with a third game highest single round score 193.Tossing a 931 for 70th best, freshman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/bios/thetford_jaelinn_ac5t">JaeLinn Thetford</a>&nbsp;delivered the team's highest individual round 209 in the second game while finishing with a six game 155.2 average.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/bios/weeks_ellie_eosi">Ellie Weeks</a>&nbsp;slipped 10-pins back in 74th carding a six game 921 to conclude Barton's top 100 placers.Earning both titles on the weekend was Wichita State University as the host Shockers outlasted the 24 teams with a top pin fall 8673 before running through the eight-seeded tournament in defeating No. 3 seeded Sam Houston State University in four head to head games.Grace Bringham of Savannah College of Art and Design-Savannah topped the 188-participant field with a six game 1240 while Wichita State University's Sara Dueque took the runner-up spot with 1235 pins and teammate Piper Reams following in third at 1232.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbowl/2024-25/files/MidStatesChampionshipsWomensFullResults.pdf">Complete Women's Mid-States Championship Results</a>Men's Recap On the men's side Barton compiled a two-day total pin fall 7,970 for 24th best in the 31-team field falling 132 pins back of a top 20 finish.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/bios/lindsley_logan_zox5">Logan Lindsley</a>&nbsp;directed the Cougars individually with a 15th place performance in the 308-competitor field carding a six-game total 1266. Producing four of his six games over the 200-mark, Lindsley amassed an average 211 per 10-frames with a team second best game 231 in the opening round.Fielding a junior varsity squad,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/bios/sanchez_khalil_okhs">Khalil Sanchez</a>&nbsp;directed the second entered Cougar team falling just outside of a top 50 performance in 53rd. Producing two games over 200, Sanchez destroyed 1130 pins in his six tossed games and carded the highest individual round between the two Barton teams with a sixth game 257.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/bios/brown_cole_h7of">Cole Brown</a>&nbsp;completed the top-100 placings for the Cougars in 99th bowling a six game 1004 for an average 167 per 10-frames.Accounting for the fourth most pin fall throughout the tournament, Newman University claimed the team crown besting the eight-seeded bracket knocking off top seeded rival Wichita State University in the semifinals after the Shockers piled up a tournament best 9729.Earning the individual title was Wichita State University's junior varsity entrée Josh Hammons destroying a six game tournament best 1436.<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbowl/2024-25/files/MidStatesChampionshipsMensFullResults.pdf">Complete Men's Mid-States Championship Results</a>

Barton Bowling completes early season test at Mid-States Championships

The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are acquiring three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams haven’t announced the trade.

The Chiefs are sending a conditional fifth-round pick to the Titans, according to NFL Network.

The 32-year-old Hopkins gives Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs another playmaker to help replace injured receiver Rashee Rice. Hopkins was in his second season with the Titans after spending his first seven in Arizona and three in Houston.

Hopkins had 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown this season.

He has 943 career receptions for 12,528 yards and 79 TDs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729687534959.jpeg" alt="Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Jaylon Jones (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)" />
 <figcaption>Tennessee Titans' DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Jaylon Jones (40) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)</figcaption>
 </figure>The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are acquiring three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams haven’t announced the trade.The Chiefs are sending a conditional fifth-round pick to the Titans, according to NFL Network.The 32-year-old Hopkins gives Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs another playmaker to help replace injured receiver Rashee Rice. Hopkins was in his second season with the Titans after spending his first seven in Arizona and three in Houston.Hopkins had 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown this season.He has 943 career receptions for 12,528 yards and 79 TDs.

Chiefs acquire 3x All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Titans

The Kansas State High School Activities Association has released brackets for all of its substate volleyball tournaments scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26. The winner of each substate will advance to the state tournament the following week. Numbers below pertain to seedings based on team records throughout the regular season.

Class 5A at Great Bend No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 15 Goddard, 1 p.m. No. 7 Hays vs No. 10 Valley Center (20 minutes after GB match) Finals set for 20 minutes following Hays/Valley Center match.

Class 3A at Hoisington No. 1 Hoisington vs No. 4 Smoky Valley, 2 p.m. No. 2 Holcomb vs No. 3 Lakin (20 minutes after Hoisington match) Finals set for 20 minutes following Holcomb/Lakin match.

Class 2A at Ellinwood No. 1 Ellinwood vs No. 4 Sterling, 2 p.m. No. 2 TMP vs No. 3 Phillipsburg (20 minutes after Ellinwood match) Finals set for 20 minutes following TMP/Phillipsburg match.

Class 1A Div. I and Div. II substate brackets have not been released. Two-time defending champion Little River has advanced in Div. I. St. John was also a regional champion in Div. I, and Macksville was a regional runner-up to advance. Otis-Bison was a regional champion in Div. II, and Pawnee Heights was a regional runner-up.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729688638922.jpeg" alt="Coach Greg Maxwell and the Ellinwood Lady Eagles" />
 <figcaption>Coach Greg Maxwell and the Ellinwood Lady Eagles</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post SportsThe Kansas State High School Activities Association has released brackets for all of its substate volleyball tournaments scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26. The winner of each substate will advance to the state tournament the following week. Numbers below pertain to seedings based on team records throughout the regular season.Class 5A at Great Bend No. 2 Great Bend vs No. 15 Goddard, 1 p.m. No. 7 Hays vs No. 10 Valley Center (20 minutes after GB match) Finals set for 20 minutes following Hays/Valley Center match. Class 3A at Hoisington No. 1 Hoisington vs No. 4 Smoky Valley, 2 p.m. No. 2 Holcomb vs No. 3 Lakin (20 minutes after Hoisington match) Finals set for 20 minutes following Holcomb/Lakin match. Class 2A at Ellinwood No. 1 Ellinwood vs No. 4 Sterling, 2 p.m. No. 2 TMP vs No. 3 Phillipsburg (20 minutes after Ellinwood match) Finals set for 20 minutes following TMP/Phillipsburg match.Class 1A Div. I and Div. II substate brackets have not been released. Two-time defending champion Little River has advanced in Div. I. St. John was also a regional champion in Div. I, and Macksville was a regional runner-up to advance. Otis-Bison was a regional champion in Div. II, and Pawnee Heights was a regional runner-up.

Area substate volleyball brackets for Oct. 26

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James gave his 20-year-old son a pep talk before they rose from the Lakers bench. Amid rising cheers, they walked together to the scorer’s table — and then they stepped straight into basketball history. LeBron and Bronny became the first father and son to play in the NBA together Tuesday night during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=apnews+lakers&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1028US1028&amp;oq=apnews+lakers&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MggIARAAGBYYHjIKCAIQABiiBBiJBTIKCAMQABiiBBiJBTIKCAQQABiABBiiBDIGCAUQRRg8MgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDExODBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;' season opener, fulfilling a dream set out a few years ago by LeBron, the top scorer in league history. “That moment, us being at the scorer’s table together and checking in together, it’s a moment I’m never going to forget,” LeBron said. “No matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I get older or whatever, I will never forget that moment.” Father and son checked into the game against Minnesota simultaneously with four minutes left in the second quarter, prompting a big ovation from a home crowd aware of the enormity of the milestone. The 39-year-old LeBron had already started the game and played 13 minutes before he teamed up with his 20-year-old son for about 2 1/2 minutes of action.

TOKYO (AP) — Jake Flint and his girlfriend Jessica Griffiths are on vacation in Japan from England. They were milling around a Tokyo sporting goods store this week that boasts the largest array of MLB gear in Japan, much of which carries the Los Angeles Dodgers brand. The name and image of superstar Shohei Ohtani are everywhere in the store — on caps, t-shirts, jerseys, stuffed animals — as all of Japan prepares to watch the World Series.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-japan-ohtani-yamamoto-darvish-b30ddfd02bde995816e55e8c163a9427">Television ratings in Japan</a>&nbsp;have set records as the Dodgers and Ohtani prepare to face the New York Yankees. The first game is Friday evening in the United States, which will be Saturday morning in Japan. Ohtani has stoked national pride, even among Japanese who don’t care about baseball.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-japan-youth-baseball-tokyo-5088edf93270589269f2621c1eebd866">Youth players in Japan</a>&nbsp;adore him and newscasts often lead with him, even though the country is voting on Sunday in critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-election-campaign-ishiba-1d98dfc9af7e455ee4c15a0d3ac6f72d">parliamentary elections.</a>

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston crowd chanted “One more 3!” The Celtics did their best, firing up 13 shots from 3-point range in an attempt to break the NBA record for 3s in a game — and missing them all. In the end, all the defending champions could do in&nbsp;their 132-109 victory over the New York Knicks&nbsp;on Tuesday night was tie the record of 29 3s made by Milwaukee in 2020. “It was almost like we got jinxed or something,” said Jaylen Brown, who scored 23 points and was 5 of 9 from 3-point range but tossed up an airball with a chance to break the record. “When we were just playing, having fun, playing our style of basketball, everything was going in,” Brown said. “The crowd got into it, and we started hunting them, we couldn’t even hit the bright side of the barn.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-freeman-dodgers-mets-1e94909328bab3dd8d8f55f0cf2d32e4">Freddie Freeman</a>&nbsp;is penciling himself into the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for their World Series opener against the New York Yankees. “I don’t think there’s any question in anybody’s mind that I will be in the lineup for Game 1,” he said Tuesday during a Zoom news conference. Of course, the final lineup decision rests with manager Dave Roberts after discussions with the front office. By Game 1 on Friday, Freeman will have had a week since running on his sprained right ankle in NL Championship Series Game 5 against the New York Mets. The All-Star first baseman missed Games 4 and 6 of the NLCS. Freeman was 3 for 18 against the Mets after hitting .286 in the NL Division Series against San Diego. “I’m obviously compromised with my ankle, so if I’m not in the lineup on that day that means the best option is with our guys,” Freeman said. “I haven’t played three games and I think they’re averaging about nine runs a game without me in there. I have great confidence in everybody.”

TUESDAY SCORES National Basketball Association Boston 132, NY Knicks 109

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James gave his 20-year-old son a pep talk before they rose from the Lakers bench. Amid rising cheers, they walked together to the scorer’s table — and then they stepped straight into basketball history. LeBron and Bronny became the first father and son to play in the NBA together Tuesday night during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=apnews+lakers&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1028US1028&amp;oq=apnews+lakers&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MggIARAAGBYYHjIKCAIQABiiBBiJBTIKCAMQABiiBBiJBTIKCAQQABiABBiiBDIGCAUQRRg8MgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDExODBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Los Angeles Lakers</a>&nbsp;' season opener, fulfilling a dream set out a few years ago by LeBron, the top scorer in league history. “That moment, us being at the scorer’s table together and checking in together, it’s a moment I’m never going to forget,” LeBron said. “No matter how old I get, no matter how my memory may fade as I get older or whatever, I will never forget that moment.” Father and son checked into the game against Minnesota simultaneously with four minutes left in the second quarter, prompting a big ovation from a home crowd aware of the enormity of the milestone. The 39-year-old LeBron had already started the game and played 13 minutes before he teamed up with his 20-year-old son for about 2 1/2 minutes of action.TOKYO (AP) — Jake Flint and his girlfriend Jessica Griffiths are on vacation in Japan from England. They were milling around a Tokyo sporting goods store this week that boasts the largest array of MLB gear in Japan, much of which carries the Los Angeles Dodgers brand. The name and image of superstar Shohei Ohtani are everywhere in the store — on caps, t-shirts, jerseys, stuffed animals — as all of Japan prepares to watch the World Series.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-japan-ohtani-yamamoto-darvish-b30ddfd02bde995816e55e8c163a9427">Television ratings in Japan</a>&nbsp;have set records as the Dodgers and Ohtani prepare to face the New York Yankees. The first game is Friday evening in the United States, which will be Saturday morning in Japan. Ohtani has stoked national pride, even among Japanese who don’t care about baseball.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-japan-youth-baseball-tokyo-5088edf93270589269f2621c1eebd866">Youth players in Japan</a>&nbsp;adore him and newscasts often lead with him, even though the country is voting on Sunday in critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-election-campaign-ishiba-1d98dfc9af7e455ee4c15a0d3ac6f72d">parliamentary elections.</a>BOSTON (AP) — The Boston crowd chanted “One more 3!” The Celtics did their best, firing up 13 shots from 3-point range in an attempt to break the NBA record for 3s in a game — and missing them all. In the end, all the defending champions could do in&nbsp;their 132-109 victory over the New York Knicks&nbsp;on Tuesday night was tie the record of 29 3s made by Milwaukee in 2020. “It was almost like we got jinxed or something,” said Jaylen Brown, who scored 23 points and was 5 of 9 from 3-point range but tossed up an airball with a chance to break the record. “When we were just playing, having fun, playing our style of basketball, everything was going in,” Brown said. “The crowd got into it, and we started hunting them, we couldn’t even hit the bright side of the barn.”LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-freeman-dodgers-mets-1e94909328bab3dd8d8f55f0cf2d32e4">Freddie Freeman</a>&nbsp;is penciling himself into the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for their World Series opener against the New York Yankees. “I don’t think there’s any question in anybody’s mind that I will be in the lineup for Game 1,” he said Tuesday during a Zoom news conference. Of course, the final lineup decision rests with manager Dave Roberts after discussions with the front office. By Game 1 on Friday, Freeman will have had a week since running on his sprained right ankle in NL Championship Series Game 5 against the New York Mets. The All-Star first baseman missed Games 4 and 6 of the NLCS. Freeman was 3 for 18 against the Mets after hitting .286 in the NL Division Series against San Diego. “I’m obviously compromised with my ankle, so if I’m not in the lineup on that day that means the best option is with our guys,” Freeman said. “I haven’t played three games and I think they’re averaging about nine runs a game without me in there. I have great confidence in everybody.”TUESDAY SCORES National Basketball Association Boston 132, NY Knicks 109LA Lakers 110, Minnesota 103

Wednesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.

“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.

“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”

Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.

“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.

He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.

Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.

“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.

Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.

Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.

Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.

The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.

Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.

He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.

In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.

In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.

He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.

During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.

In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.

“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”

He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. <a href="https://t.co/MXeBlDzDWJ">pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848930562515615870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. <a href="https://t.co/zXhOF8cRCP">pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848942975432462707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.He became a U.S. citizen in 2015.Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" with Mike Courson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-2LQ557XyK0?si=e-b3ul3cVoWCZZ08" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- "Voice of the Cardinals" Cole Reif- Barton Volleyball coach Megan Besecker- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" with Mike Courson- Tuesday Sports Headlines- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

The Barton Community College women's basketball team has been tabbed to finish third in the Jayhawk Conference for the upcoming 2024-25 season according to the league member coaches' voting.

The Lady Cougars finished last season 22-10 after reaching the Region VI Semifinals for a sixth straight year before bowing out to eventual NJCAA National Champion and 2025 conference favorite Hutchinson Community College.

Picked to defend their title, the nation's top ranked Blue Dragons claimed 10 of the 12 first-place votes while No. 14 Dodge City Community was tabbed to finish runner-up with the Cougars' claiming one first place vote in third. Garden City Community College received the final top place vote in picked fourth as Butler Community College rounded out the top five predictions.

Head Coach Alan Clark enters his ninth season at the helm, returning just one starter from last season forward&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/onugha_vivian_7u24">Vivian Onugha</a>. Three total players return from last season with guards&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/simpson_brittany_jg44">Brittany Simpson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_macie_q6c0">Macie Smith</a>&nbsp;also returning.

The Lady Cougars will begin the season in Hobbs, New Mexico against a pair of top-10 programs opening on Friday, November 1 against No. 8 Odessa College followed against host No. 7 New Mexico Junior College on Saturday November 2.

Barton will then head to the Hutchinson Classic November 8th and 9th before hosting their home opener in the annual Cougar Booster Club Classic held November 15-16 against Gogebic Community College followed by Redlands Community College on Saturday.

Clark and the Cougars open conference play November 20 hosting the top ranked Blue Dragons of Hutchinson, followed by road trips to Garden City and Cloud County before winding up November welcoming Cowley to the Barton Gym.

Just one home contest dots the December calendar coming on the 5th against Butler.

Following the month-long holiday break, the Cougars kickoff the second half of the season January 8 as Fort Hays Tech Northwest comes to the Barton Gym.

Special event night's planned to date are: January 29 or February 5 – Community Engagement Night, February 12 – Pink Out Night, and February 15 – Hall of Fame Day.

Tickets for reserved seating, as well as, parking passes, Booster Club memberships, and Cougar Den memberships are currently on sale with information found at BartonSports.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729601803221.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College women's basketball team has been tabbed to finish third in the Jayhawk Conference for the upcoming 2024-25 season according to the league member coaches' voting.The Lady Cougars finished last season 22-10 after reaching the Region VI Semifinals for a sixth straight year before bowing out to eventual NJCAA National Champion and 2025 conference favorite Hutchinson Community College.Picked to defend their title, the nation's top ranked Blue Dragons claimed 10 of the 12 first-place votes while No. 14 Dodge City Community was tabbed to finish runner-up with the Cougars' claiming one first place vote in third. Garden City Community College received the final top place vote in picked fourth as Butler Community College rounded out the top five predictions.Head Coach Alan Clark enters his ninth season at the helm, returning just one starter from last season forward&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/onugha_vivian_7u24">Vivian Onugha</a>. Three total players return from last season with guards&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/simpson_brittany_jg44">Brittany Simpson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2024-25/bios/smith_macie_q6c0">Macie Smith</a>&nbsp;also returning.The Lady Cougars will begin the season in Hobbs, New Mexico against a pair of top-10 programs opening on Friday, November 1 against No. 8 Odessa College followed against host No. 7 New Mexico Junior College on Saturday November 2.Barton will then head to the Hutchinson Classic November 8th and 9th before hosting their home opener in the annual Cougar Booster Club Classic held November 15-16 against Gogebic Community College followed by Redlands Community College on Saturday.Clark and the Cougars open conference play November 20 hosting the top ranked Blue Dragons of Hutchinson, followed by road trips to Garden City and Cloud County before winding up November welcoming Cowley to the Barton Gym.Just one home contest dots the December calendar coming on the 5th against Butler.Following the month-long holiday break, the Cougars kickoff the second half of the season January 8 as Fort Hays Tech Northwest comes to the Barton Gym.Special event night's planned to date are: January 29 or February 5 – Community Engagement Night, February 12 – Pink Out Night, and February 15 – Hall of Fame Day.Tickets for reserved seating, as well as, parking passes, Booster Club memberships, and Cougar Den memberships are currently on sale with information found at BartonSports.com.

Barton Women's Basketball picked third in KJCCC Coaches' Poll

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The bullseye for the Barton men's basketball team entering the 2024-25 season has been lessened ever so slightly as the Cougars have been picked No. 2 in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll.

Coming off a prior season of completing the championship trifecta capped by the program's first ever national title, Barton's high expectations also include the defense of the KJCCC as voted on by member coaches.

The Cougars were voted first on eight of the thirteen first-place votes, followed by Hutchinson, ranked No. 15 in the national poll, in garnering two first-place votes and No. 19 preseason ranked Garden City picking up a pair of top votes for a third place prediction.&nbsp; Cowley received one top place vote in picked fourth and will start the season ranked No. 25 in the poll as Coffeyville rounds out the top five predictions and is receives national poll votes.

On the national scale, Barton follows South Plains College's top spot as Daytona State College, 2024 national runner-up Triton College, and Trinity Valley Community College follow the Cougars in rounding out the predicted top-five.

Replacing its starting five but returning highly touted players off the bench&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/kindell_keandre_xyju">Keandre Kindell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/moss_brent_th5a">Brent Moss</a>, Barton looks to continue its 27-game win in its season opener Friday, November 8 against Labette Community College in the Hutchinson Classic.&nbsp; Concluding the Classic on Saturday against Southwest Christian College, Barton's home opener will be Tuesday, November 12 against North Platte Community College.

November 15-16 the Cougars host the Booster Club Classic taking on Northern Oklahoma College-Enid on Friday followed by Harry S Truman College out of Chicago on Saturday.

Barton opens conference play November 20 hosting Hutchinson, followed by road trips to Garden City and Cloud County before winding up November welcoming Cowley to the Barton Gym.&nbsp;

Just one home contest dots the December calendar coming on the 5th&nbsp;against Butler.

In a shake-the-holiday-rust-off contest slated January 4th&nbsp;hosting 21st&nbsp;ranked Mineral Area College, the Cougars return to conference play January 8 as Fort Hays Tech Northwest comes to town.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721747138913.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe bullseye for the Barton men's basketball team entering the 2024-25 season has been lessened ever so slightly as the Cougars have been picked No. 2 in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll.Coming off a prior season of completing the championship trifecta capped by the program's first ever national title, Barton's high expectations also include the defense of the KJCCC as voted on by member coaches.The Cougars were voted first on eight of the thirteen first-place votes, followed by Hutchinson, ranked No. 15 in the national poll, in garnering two first-place votes and No. 19 preseason ranked Garden City picking up a pair of top votes for a third place prediction.&nbsp; Cowley received one top place vote in picked fourth and will start the season ranked No. 25 in the poll as Coffeyville rounds out the top five predictions and is receives national poll votes.On the national scale, Barton follows South Plains College's top spot as Daytona State College, 2024 national runner-up Triton College, and Trinity Valley Community College follow the Cougars in rounding out the predicted top-five.Replacing its starting five but returning highly touted players off the bench&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/kindell_keandre_xyju">Keandre Kindell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2024-25/bios/moss_brent_th5a">Brent Moss</a>, Barton looks to continue its 27-game win in its season opener Friday, November 8 against Labette Community College in the Hutchinson Classic.&nbsp; Concluding the Classic on Saturday against Southwest Christian College, Barton's home opener will be Tuesday, November 12 against North Platte Community College.November 15-16 the Cougars host the Booster Club Classic taking on Northern Oklahoma College-Enid on Friday followed by Harry S Truman College out of Chicago on Saturday.Barton opens conference play November 20 hosting Hutchinson, followed by road trips to Garden City and Cloud County before winding up November welcoming Cowley to the Barton Gym.&nbsp;Just one home contest dots the December calendar coming on the 5th&nbsp;against Butler.In a shake-the-holiday-rust-off contest slated January 4th&nbsp;hosting 21st&nbsp;ranked Mineral Area College, the Cougars return to conference play January 8 as Fort Hays Tech Northwest comes to town.Special event night's planned to date are: January 29 or February 5 – Community Engagement Night, February 12 – Pink Out Night, and February 15 – Hall of Fame Day.Tickets for reserved seating, as well as, parking passes, Booster Club memberships, and Cougar Den memberships are currently on sale with information found at BartonSports.com.

Defending champions Barton men picked second nationally, first in KJCCC

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Jackson, who may be playing the best football of his career, made it look easy.&nbsp;The two-time MVP threw for 281 yards and five touchdowns Monday night, helping the Baltimore Ravens overcome an early double-digit deficit and extend their winning streak to five games with a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost their top two receivers to injuries. “I’m proud of him. I’m happy for him. He’s a great leader, a great player.” coach John Harbaugh added. ”He’s the ultimate competitor on a level with the greatest competitors I’ve ever seen.” Jackson improved improved to 23-1 against NFC teams, the best mark by a quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. He’s 3-0 against the Bucs (4-3), who faded after taking a 10-0 lead with help from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1848520199999230363" target="_blank">the 100th TD reception</a>&nbsp;of Mike Evans’ career.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona’s Kyler Murray rolled out to his left before turning on the jets, beating a Chargers defender to the sideline and then&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals/status/1848561020400505045" target="_blank">coasting for a spectacular 44-yard touchdown</a>, casually holding the ball with one hand like it was a backyard game. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon admitted that’s not the way his players are taught to protect the ball. Then again, Gannon didn’t teach Murray how to run like that, either. “Until he fumbles, I’ll let him ride,” Gannon said with a wry grin. “That was a pretty spectacular play.” Murray ran for the game-changing touchdown early in the fourth quarter and then led the Cardinals on a drive that set up Chad Ryland’s 32-yard field goal as time expired, and Arizona rallied for a 17-15 win over Los Angeles on Monday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart joined the New York Liberty two years ago with one goal in mind: to bring the long-suffering franchise it’s first championship. WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones soon joined her and the pair helped the Liberty accomplish their mission, a year after they suffered a disappointing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-aces-2641244f7287f5832dbe18d26c4475a2">loss in the Finals</a>&nbsp;to Las Vegas. “The wait was so, so, so worth it,” Stewart said. “We talked about it two years ago when it was free agency, and we wanted to come together. You look back and me, JJ, (Courtney Vandersloot), we all came together to win a championship. Last year we lost in the Finals. But look at us, now we’re here.” Now with the core group mostly intact, winning more championships might be in the future for Stewart and the Liberty after Sunday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-lynx-liberty-score-game-5-64d2a724bc33bbec219dee826b5376ca">67-62 overtime victory</a>&nbsp;against the Minnesota Lynx in the deciding Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.

CLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a>&nbsp;won’t finish the season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback for the second straight year. He’s injured again, and the Browns have new problems.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deshaun-watson-browns-76623d8f8713c4b8dc569b485d9d4593">Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon</a>&nbsp;in the first half of Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati, collapsing as he began to run and leading some Browns fans to cheer while the divisive QB laid on the ground writhing in pain. The team feared Watson’s year was over and an MRI on Monday confirmed the rupture. The Browns said Watson will have surgery this week and miss the rest of the season but “a full recovery is expected.” Watson’s injury is a blow to the Browns (1-6), who have lost five straight after making the playoffs last year.

MONDAY SCORES National Football League Baltimore 41, Tampa Bay 31

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723542041782.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Jackson, who may be playing the best football of his career, made it look easy.&nbsp;The two-time MVP threw for 281 yards and five touchdowns Monday night, helping the Baltimore Ravens overcome an early double-digit deficit and extend their winning streak to five games with a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost their top two receivers to injuries. “I’m proud of him. I’m happy for him. He’s a great leader, a great player.” coach John Harbaugh added. ”He’s the ultimate competitor on a level with the greatest competitors I’ve ever seen.” Jackson improved improved to 23-1 against NFC teams, the best mark by a quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. He’s 3-0 against the Bucs (4-3), who faded after taking a 10-0 lead with help from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1848520199999230363" target="_blank">the 100th TD reception</a>&nbsp;of Mike Evans’ career.GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona’s Kyler Murray rolled out to his left before turning on the jets, beating a Chargers defender to the sideline and then&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals/status/1848561020400505045" target="_blank">coasting for a spectacular 44-yard touchdown</a>, casually holding the ball with one hand like it was a backyard game. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon admitted that’s not the way his players are taught to protect the ball. Then again, Gannon didn’t teach Murray how to run like that, either. “Until he fumbles, I’ll let him ride,” Gannon said with a wry grin. “That was a pretty spectacular play.” Murray ran for the game-changing touchdown early in the fourth quarter and then led the Cardinals on a drive that set up Chad Ryland’s 32-yard field goal as time expired, and Arizona rallied for a 17-15 win over Los Angeles on Monday night.NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart joined the New York Liberty two years ago with one goal in mind: to bring the long-suffering franchise it’s first championship. WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones soon joined her and the pair helped the Liberty accomplish their mission, a year after they suffered a disappointing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-aces-2641244f7287f5832dbe18d26c4475a2">loss in the Finals</a>&nbsp;to Las Vegas. “The wait was so, so, so worth it,” Stewart said. “We talked about it two years ago when it was free agency, and we wanted to come together. You look back and me, JJ, (Courtney Vandersloot), we all came together to win a championship. Last year we lost in the Finals. But look at us, now we’re here.” Now with the core group mostly intact, winning more championships might be in the future for Stewart and the Liberty after Sunday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-lynx-liberty-score-game-5-64d2a724bc33bbec219dee826b5376ca">67-62 overtime victory</a>&nbsp;against the Minnesota Lynx in the deciding Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.CLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a>&nbsp;won’t finish the season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback for the second straight year. He’s injured again, and the Browns have new problems.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deshaun-watson-browns-76623d8f8713c4b8dc569b485d9d4593">Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon</a>&nbsp;in the first half of Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati, collapsing as he began to run and leading some Browns fans to cheer while the divisive QB laid on the ground writhing in pain. The team feared Watson’s year was over and an MRI on Monday confirmed the rupture. The Browns said Watson will have surgery this week and miss the rest of the season but “a full recovery is expected.” Watson’s injury is a blow to the Browns (1-6), who have lost five straight after making the playoffs last year.MONDAY SCORES National Football League Baltimore 41, Tampa Bay 31Arizona 17, LA Chargers 15

Tuesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Despite the No. 9 ranking in Class 5A, the Great Bend High School volleyball team finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the 5A West standings to earn a No. 2 seed behind top-ranked Topeka-Seaman. On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Lady Panthers will host No. 7 seed Hays, No. 10. seed Valley Center, and No. 15 seed Goddard in substate action.

Action begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at GBHS as Great Bend takes on Goddard. Hays and Valley Center will follow on the single court 20 minutes following the first match. The winners of both semifinals will meet 20 minutes after the second semifinal to determine which school will be represented at state.

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students K-12.&nbsp;

The Lady Panthers reset the school record for wins in a season at 33-2 after Saturday's Western Athletic Conference title run in Garden City. Through 35 matches, senior Cassie Ellegood leads the team with 239 kills. Sophomore Kya Behr and senior Kara Feist are neck and neck with 187 and 184, respectively. Behr has 716 assists on the season and enters substate action just 29 kills shy of a school record for assists in a season. 

Ellegood leads the team with 47 aces and is just two aces shy of moving into the school's top-10 list for most aces in a season. Junior Ava Kaiser has 35 aces and Behr 33. Kaiser also leads the defense with 304 digs, followed by 256 from freshman Mikala Minton and 249 from Behr. Sophomore Alex Mayers has also reached 200 on the season with 217 digs. Feist leads the defense at the net with 70 blocks, followed by 49 from Cassie Ellegood and 39 from freshman Micah Ellegood.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729521999059.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDespite the No. 9 ranking in Class 5A, the Great Bend High School volleyball team finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the 5A West standings to earn a No. 2 seed behind top-ranked Topeka-Seaman. On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Lady Panthers will host No. 7 seed Hays, No. 10. seed Valley Center, and No. 15 seed Goddard in substate action.Action begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at GBHS as Great Bend takes on Goddard. Hays and Valley Center will follow on the single court 20 minutes following the first match. The winners of both semifinals will meet 20 minutes after the second semifinal to determine which school will be represented at state.Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for students K-12.&nbsp;The Lady Panthers reset the school record for wins in a season at 33-2 after Saturday's Western Athletic Conference title run in Garden City. Through 35 matches, senior Cassie Ellegood leads the team with 239 kills. Sophomore Kya Behr and senior Kara Feist are neck and neck with 187 and 184, respectively. Behr has 716 assists on the season and enters substate action just 29 kills shy of a school record for assists in a season. Ellegood leads the team with 47 aces and is just two aces shy of moving into the school's top-10 list for most aces in a season. Junior Ava Kaiser has 35 aces and Behr 33. Kaiser also leads the defense with 304 digs, followed by 256 from freshman Mikala Minton and 249 from Behr. Sophomore Alex Mayers has also reached 200 on the season with 217 digs. Feist leads the defense at the net with 70 blocks, followed by 49 from Cassie Ellegood and 39 from freshman Micah Ellegood.

Times finalized for Class 5A substate volleyball in Great Bend

After an easy match one at Monday's Class 3A regional volleyball tournament at the Hoisington Activity Center, the No. 6 Lady Cardinals survived a 3-set scare to beat Ellsworth before finishing the quad at 3-0 with an easy win against Cimarron. Hoisington moves to 35-4 overall and will host a Class 3A substate on Saturday.

As the No. 1 seed Monday, the Lady Cards quickly dispatched No. 16 seed Lyons 25-7, 25-10. Coming off a 3-set win against No. 8 Cimarron, the Bearcats dropped the first set to Hoisington 25-13 but came back to win the second set 25-18. Perhaps needing the third set to keep the substate in Hoisington on Saturday, the Lady Cards answered with a 25-9 third set, then defeated Cimarron 25-11, 25-11. With a win over Lyons in the other late match, Ellsworth also secured a spot in substate action Saturday.

Heading into Monday's regional, sophomore Sofia Simic remained the big force at the net with 548 kills on the season. Junior Kelsi Maier was next on the team with 170, and sophomore Kinley Wilkens had 122. Simic also accounted for 138 of the team's 242 aces on the season, followed by 41 from senior Ellie Crawford. Maier and sophomore Addison Hanzlick led the team with 47 and 44 blocks, respectively. Crawford had a team-high 556 assists, followed by sophomore Brynn Tarlton with 271. Senior Gabby Reif has been a force in the back row with 267 digs, followed by 192 from Simic and 155 from Crawford.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729563502912.jpeg" alt="Lady Cardinal sophomore Sofia Simic goes up for a kill against Lyons during Monday's regional win at the Activity Center. Hoisington claimed the regional title with a 3-0 record and will host a Class 3A substate bracket on Saturday." />
 <figcaption>Lady Cardinal sophomore Sofia Simic goes up for a kill against Lyons during Monday's regional win at the Activity Center. Hoisington claimed the regional title with a 3-0 record and will host a Class 3A substate bracket on Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAfter an easy match one at Monday's Class 3A regional volleyball tournament at the Hoisington Activity Center, the No. 6 Lady Cardinals survived a 3-set scare to beat Ellsworth before finishing the quad at 3-0 with an easy win against Cimarron. Hoisington moves to 35-4 overall and will host a Class 3A substate on Saturday.As the No. 1 seed Monday, the Lady Cards quickly dispatched No. 16 seed Lyons 25-7, 25-10. Coming off a 3-set win against No. 8 Cimarron, the Bearcats dropped the first set to Hoisington 25-13 but came back to win the second set 25-18. Perhaps needing the third set to keep the substate in Hoisington on Saturday, the Lady Cards answered with a 25-9 third set, then defeated Cimarron 25-11, 25-11. With a win over Lyons in the other late match, Ellsworth also secured a spot in substate action Saturday.Heading into Monday's regional, sophomore Sofia Simic remained the big force at the net with 548 kills on the season. Junior Kelsi Maier was next on the team with 170, and sophomore Kinley Wilkens had 122. Simic also accounted for 138 of the team's 242 aces on the season, followed by 41 from senior Ellie Crawford. Maier and sophomore Addison Hanzlick led the team with 47 and 44 blocks, respectively. Crawford had a team-high 556 assists, followed by sophomore Brynn Tarlton with 271. Senior Gabby Reif has been a force in the back row with 267 digs, followed by 192 from Simic and 155 from Crawford.

No. 6 Hoisington beats Ellsworth in 3 sets; wins Class 3A regional

One mistake will end a perfect score on the volleyball court. Yet the No. 2 Lady Eagles led Hill City 23-0 in the first set of Monday's Class 2A regional action at Ellinwood High School. The Lady Eagles went on to beat the Ringnecks 25-2, 25-4, then downed No. 9 seed Hoxie 25-12, 25-17, and defeated No. 8 seed Stanton County 25-8, 25-11 to finish at 3-0 as regional champions. Hoxie posted a 2-1 record to advance to next week's substate as a regional runner-up.

Ellinwood improves to 37-3 on the season and hosts a Class 2A substate Saturday at 2 p.m.

Entering Monday's regional, Kennedy Behnke, the lone senior on the squad, led the team with 220 kills. Junior Kyndal Moore had 195 kills and junior Regan Widener 180. Behnke also led the team with 94 blocks and 56 aces, followed by 50 aces from Widener and 41 from sophomore Alyvia Batchman. Freshman Mette Maxwell led the team with 427 assists with Batchman adding 337. Sophomore Bennett Jacobs has been the leading defender in the back row with 270 digs, followed by 149 each from Batchman and sophomore Reece Stickney, and 147 from Maxwell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729561269352.jpeg" alt="No. 2 Ellinwood went 3-0 at Monday's Class 2A regional at home to improve to 37-3 on the season and earn a home substate on Saturday." />
 <figcaption>No. 2 Ellinwood went 3-0 at Monday's Class 2A regional at home to improve to 37-3 on the season and earn a home substate on Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOne mistake will end a perfect score on the volleyball court. Yet the No. 2 Lady Eagles led Hill City 23-0 in the first set of Monday's Class 2A regional action at Ellinwood High School. The Lady Eagles went on to beat the Ringnecks 25-2, 25-4, then downed No. 9 seed Hoxie 25-12, 25-17, and defeated No. 8 seed Stanton County 25-8, 25-11 to finish at 3-0 as regional champions. Hoxie posted a 2-1 record to advance to next week's substate as a regional runner-up.Ellinwood improves to 37-3 on the season and hosts a Class 2A substate Saturday at 2 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729561402573.jpeg" alt="Junior Regan Widener (5) and senior Kennedy Behnke (4) go up for a block against Hill City in Monday's Class 2A regional tournament in Ellinwood." />
 <figcaption>Junior Regan Widener (5) and senior Kennedy Behnke (4) go up for a block against Hill City in Monday's Class 2A regional tournament in Ellinwood.</figcaption>
 </figure>Entering Monday's regional, Kennedy Behnke, the lone senior on the squad, led the team with 220 kills. Junior Kyndal Moore had 195 kills and junior Regan Widener 180. Behnke also led the team with 94 blocks and 56 aces, followed by 50 aces from Widener and 41 from sophomore Alyvia Batchman. Freshman Mette Maxwell led the team with 427 assists with Batchman adding 337. Sophomore Bennett Jacobs has been the leading defender in the back row with 270 digs, followed by 149 each from Batchman and sophomore Reece Stickney, and 147 from Maxwell.

Ellinwood wins regional; No. 2 Lady Eagles host 2A substate Saturday

The Barton Community College men's soccer team overcame a 2-0 deficit just 15-minutes minutes into action Saturday afternoon before rallying with late goals in each half to salvage a 2-2 draw with No. 7 Cowley College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

The result keeps the Cougars in third place of the conference standings 5-4-1 and 9-6-2 overall while the Tigers remain atop the league standings at 8-0-3 and 10-1-3 on the season.

Barton will hit the road for a two-game road trip with the first stop beginning Wednesday evening at Garden City Community College in a 4:00 p.m. kick before concluding the regular season next Saturday at Seward County Community College.

Cowley started its two-goal hole for the Cougars just 3:25 into the contest as Soto Nakazono's cross, aided by a 20mph-plus wind, shaped perfectly to doink in off the far post for a shocking net shaker. Eleven minutes later Renan Syrio slipped behind the Cougar defense from Joao Magalhaes' through ball to win the 1v1 battle against goalkeeper&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>.

Trailing 2-0 just 14:28 into the contest, freshman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/kinjo_sho_o6yv">Sho Kinjo</a>'s second net finder of the year swung momentum onto the Cougar side with 8:34 remaining in the opening half, volleying&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/onofre_arthur_bfab">Arthur Onofre</a>'s header near post initially created off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s cross in trimming the deficit to 2-1.

Flipping field direction for the second half wind benefit, the Cougars produced multiple scoring chances ultimately breaking through in the 80th minute as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>'s forced turnover at midfield set up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/shiraishi_eriya_x1w1">Eriya Shiraishi</a>'s through ball to Diego Giminez for a left footed far post strike from the eighteen for his fifth of the season.

Eyeing a tie result, Barton was forced to withstand one final Tiger attack with three seconds remaining following a Cougars foul occurring 30-yards away with the Cowley free kick drawing high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729516977265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College men's soccer team overcame a 2-0 deficit just 15-minutes minutes into action Saturday afternoon before rallying with late goals in each half to salvage a 2-2 draw with No. 7 Cowley College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.The result keeps the Cougars in third place of the conference standings 5-4-1 and 9-6-2 overall while the Tigers remain atop the league standings at 8-0-3 and 10-1-3 on the season.Barton will hit the road for a two-game road trip with the first stop beginning Wednesday evening at Garden City Community College in a 4:00 p.m. kick before concluding the regular season next Saturday at Seward County Community College.Cowley started its two-goal hole for the Cougars just 3:25 into the contest as Soto Nakazono's cross, aided by a 20mph-plus wind, shaped perfectly to doink in off the far post for a shocking net shaker. Eleven minutes later Renan Syrio slipped behind the Cougar defense from Joao Magalhaes' through ball to win the 1v1 battle against goalkeeper&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/bergamin_gabriel_93fg">Gabriel Bergamin</a>.Trailing 2-0 just 14:28 into the contest, freshman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/kinjo_sho_o6yv">Sho Kinjo</a>'s second net finder of the year swung momentum onto the Cougar side with 8:34 remaining in the opening half, volleying&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/onofre_arthur_bfab">Arthur Onofre</a>'s header near post initially created off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/voinier_maxence_ehjk">Maxence Voinier</a>'s cross in trimming the deficit to 2-1.Flipping field direction for the second half wind benefit, the Cougars produced multiple scoring chances ultimately breaking through in the 80th minute as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/pacheco_hugo_9r7l">Hugo Pacheco</a>'s forced turnover at midfield set up&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/msoc/2024-25/bios/shiraishi_eriya_x1w1">Eriya Shiraishi</a>'s through ball to Diego Giminez for a left footed far post strike from the eighteen for his fifth of the season.Eyeing a tie result, Barton was forced to withstand one final Tiger attack with three seconds remaining following a Cougars foul occurring 30-yards away with the Cowley free kick drawing high.

Barton Men's Soccer rallies back from 2-0 deficit to tie No. 7 Cowley

- Great Bend Panther color analyst Shawn Behr recaps Friday's Western Athletic Conference showdown between the Panthers and Hays High.

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports with GBHS cross country coach Lyles Lashley

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693997740304.jpeg" alt="Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Monday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MBRDB3luH4E?si=RkvqGQcL9iLn_siN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>- Great Bend Panther color analyst Shawn Behr recaps Friday's Western Athletic Conference showdown between the Panthers and Hays High.- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther sports with GBHS cross country coach Lyles Lashley- Weekend Sports Headlines- Sounds of the Weekend

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

Goals in each half Saturday afternoon lifted the Barton Community College women's soccer team to a 2-0 upset victory over No. 15 Cowley College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Completing a stretch of three straight against ranked opponents, the victory moves the Cougars to 6-5-3 in conference play and 8-5-3 overall while the Tigers drop to 9-3-1 in league play and overall.

Barton will wrap up the regular season next week with a pair of road contests beginning Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. against Garden City Community College before traveling to Seward County Community College on Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff.

Aided behind a 20-mph south breeze at their backs, Barton played aggressors in the opening stanza holding a 10-3 edge in shots through the opening 45-minutes.

Friendly fire coming off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/methman_kayla_tv0d">Kayla Methman</a>'s throw in with 2:38 left in the opening half furnished the Cougars' game winning goal with Cowley's clearing attempt sailing into the net for an own goal.

Minimizing the Tiger attack in the second half limiting Cowley to just six shots despite the wind advantage,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/potter_katie_wgdw">Katie Potter</a>&nbsp;delivered the dagger with 1:01 remaining out racing the defensive backline to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;sent in ball with a left foot chip shot over Cowley's keeper Marin Peoples.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>, improved to 7-4-3 between the pipes, rejecting all five shot attempts while the sophomore netminder and the stout backline delivered the team's third shutout of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729516880993.jpeg" alt="Ines Mahiaoui" />
 <figcaption>Ines Mahiaoui</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoGoals in each half Saturday afternoon lifted the Barton Community College women's soccer team to a 2-0 upset victory over No. 15 Cowley College at the Cougar Soccer Complex.Completing a stretch of three straight against ranked opponents, the victory moves the Cougars to 6-5-3 in conference play and 8-5-3 overall while the Tigers drop to 9-3-1 in league play and overall.Barton will wrap up the regular season next week with a pair of road contests beginning Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. against Garden City Community College before traveling to Seward County Community College on Saturday for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff.Aided behind a 20-mph south breeze at their backs, Barton played aggressors in the opening stanza holding a 10-3 edge in shots through the opening 45-minutes.Friendly fire coming off&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/methman_kayla_tv0d">Kayla Methman</a>'s throw in with 2:38 left in the opening half furnished the Cougars' game winning goal with Cowley's clearing attempt sailing into the net for an own goal.Minimizing the Tiger attack in the second half limiting Cowley to just six shots despite the wind advantage,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/potter_katie_wgdw">Katie Potter</a>&nbsp;delivered the dagger with 1:01 remaining out racing the defensive backline to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/silva_leticia_f680">Leticia Quadros</a>&nbsp;sent in ball with a left foot chip shot over Cowley's keeper Marin Peoples.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wsoc/2024-25/bios/tanaka_mio_fiw7">Mio Tanaka</a>, improved to 7-4-3 between the pipes, rejecting all five shot attempts while the sophomore netminder and the stout backline delivered the team's third shutout of the season.

Barton Women's Soccer knocks off No. 15 Cowley in home finale

Oregon became the fourth team this season to hold the No. 1 ranking in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press college football poll</a>, moving into the top spot on Sunday for the first time in 12 years after Texas lost at home to Georgia.

Vanderbilt made its first appearance since the 2013 season, at No. 25, and defending national champion Michigan fell out after a second straight loss dropped it to 4-3.

Unbeaten Oregon followed its one-point home win over Ohio State with its first road shutout in 32 years, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-purdue-score-61955c4a3e638637571b6ed5d20154e7">35-0 rout of Purdue</a>, and received 59 of 61 first-place votes.

Georgia, which has won three straight games since its loss to Alabama, made a three-spot jump to No. 2 on the strength of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-texas-score-6fa78bb172ca85ce554d09e4d9906a6d">30-15 win at previously No. 1 Texas.</a>&nbsp;The Bulldogs got the other two first-place votes.

No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Ohio State were idle Saturday and held their spots. Texas dropped to No. 5 after Georgia held it 28 points under its scoring average.

Miami prevailed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-hurricanes-louisville-cardinals-score-6edb0a60b40d6db182e1b800c6f846f3">wild game at Louisville</a>&nbsp;and remained No. 6, and Tennessee rose four spots to No. 7 following its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-tennessee-score-1f25b5b2aac8b88a47906b4399fd2b17">win over Alabama.</a>&nbsp;LSU, Clemson and Iowa State rounded out the top 10.

No team this season has held the No. 1 spot for more than three straight weeks. Georgia topped the poll in the preseason but a one-point win at unranked Kentucky in Week 3 bumped the Bulldogs out. Texas took over for two weeks, then gave way to Alabama following the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-football-score-e0282bfb6c7459898afd324042750ac3">Crimson Tide's win over Georgia.</a>

Alabama lasted one week at No. 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-vanderbilt-football-score-upset-ap-poll-a468641fca71fb58f7fc5ed235d48d82">getting upset at Vanderbilt</a>&nbsp;after its win over Georgia. That allowed Texas to return to the top for two weeks.

Chip Kelly was coach of the only other Oregon teams to reach No. 1. The 2012 Ducks, led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, were in the top spot for one week in November 2012 after following a 10-0 start with a loss to Stanford. The 2010 team, which lost to Auburn in the BCS title game, spent six weeks at No. 1.

This marks the first time since 2012 that four teams will play a game as the No. 1 team in the same season. Oregon was among the four that year. The others were Southern California, Alabama and Notre Dame. The other seasons since 2000 with four or more No. 1 teams were 2007 (4), 2008 (6) and 2010 (4).

Tennessee's 24-17 win over Alabama produced the biggest moves in the poll. The Volunteers jumped from No. 11 to No. 7. The Crimson Tide dropped eight spots to No. 15, their lowest ranking since 2010.

Texas' loss to Georgia was the first by a No. 1 team at home against a top-five opponent since Miami beat Florida State 17-16 in 1991.

Vanderbilt’s previous ranking was No. 24 in the final poll of the 2013 season. The Commodores, who beat Ball State to improve to 5-2, are off to their best start since opening 5-0 in 2008. That also was the last time Vandy was ranked in the regular season.

Michigan, which scored its fewest points in a game since 2014 in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-michigan-football-score-2d3607edb207097979ed3dde29d82b93">21-7 loss at Illinois</a>, had been ranked in 54 consecutive polls since 2021.

SEC 9 — (Nos. 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25).

—No. 20 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon. The Illini play the top-ranked team for the first time since 2007. They won 28-21 at Ohio State that year.

—No. 5 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt. First matchup since these teams met 12 times between 1899-1928. Commodores haven't beaten two Top 25 opponents in the same season since 2008.

—No. 8 LSU at No. 14 Texas A&amp;M. This has become one of the SEC's better series lately. The teams have split their last three meetings.

—No. 12 Notre Dame at No. 24 Navy. This will be the 11th time in 97 meetings, and first since 2019, that both teams are ranked when they meet.

—No. 21 Missouri at No. 15 Alabama. Nothing comes easily for either team this season. The two-loss Crimson Tide haven't dropped three games before November since 2006.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729517183848.jpeg" alt="Oregon head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with fans after his team defeated Purdue in an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)" />
 <figcaption>Oregon head coach Dan Lanning celebrates with fans after his team defeated Purdue in an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)</figcaption>
 </figure>Oregon became the fourth team this season to hold the No. 1 ranking in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">The Associated Press college football poll</a>, moving into the top spot on Sunday for the first time in 12 years after Texas lost at home to Georgia.Vanderbilt made its first appearance since the 2013 season, at No. 25, and defending national champion Michigan fell out after a second straight loss dropped it to 4-3.Unbeaten Oregon followed its one-point home win over Ohio State with its first road shutout in 32 years, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-purdue-score-61955c4a3e638637571b6ed5d20154e7">35-0 rout of Purdue</a>, and received 59 of 61 first-place votes.Georgia, which has won three straight games since its loss to Alabama, made a three-spot jump to No. 2 on the strength of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-texas-score-6fa78bb172ca85ce554d09e4d9906a6d">30-15 win at previously No. 1 Texas.</a>&nbsp;The Bulldogs got the other two first-place votes.No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Ohio State were idle Saturday and held their spots. Texas dropped to No. 5 after Georgia held it 28 points under its scoring average.Miami prevailed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-hurricanes-louisville-cardinals-score-6edb0a60b40d6db182e1b800c6f846f3">wild game at Louisville</a>&nbsp;and remained No. 6, and Tennessee rose four spots to No. 7 following its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-tennessee-score-1f25b5b2aac8b88a47906b4399fd2b17">win over Alabama.</a>&nbsp;LSU, Clemson and Iowa State rounded out the top 10.No team this season has held the No. 1 spot for more than three straight weeks. Georgia topped the poll in the preseason but a one-point win at unranked Kentucky in Week 3 bumped the Bulldogs out. Texas took over for two weeks, then gave way to Alabama following the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-football-score-e0282bfb6c7459898afd324042750ac3">Crimson Tide's win over Georgia.</a>Alabama lasted one week at No. 1,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-vanderbilt-football-score-upset-ap-poll-a468641fca71fb58f7fc5ed235d48d82">getting upset at Vanderbilt</a>&nbsp;after its win over Georgia. That allowed Texas to return to the top for two weeks.Chip Kelly was coach of the only other Oregon teams to reach No. 1. The 2012 Ducks, led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, were in the top spot for one week in November 2012 after following a 10-0 start with a loss to Stanford. The 2010 team, which lost to Auburn in the BCS title game, spent six weeks at No. 1.<h2>Poll points</h2>This marks the first time since 2012 that four teams will play a game as the No. 1 team in the same season. Oregon was among the four that year. The others were Southern California, Alabama and Notre Dame. The other seasons since 2000 with four or more No. 1 teams were 2007 (4), 2008 (6) and 2010 (4).Tennessee's 24-17 win over Alabama produced the biggest moves in the poll. The Volunteers jumped from No. 11 to No. 7. The Crimson Tide dropped eight spots to No. 15, their lowest ranking since 2010.Texas' loss to Georgia was the first by a No. 1 team at home against a top-five opponent since Miami beat Florida State 17-16 in 1991.<h2>In-and-out</h2>Vanderbilt’s previous ranking was No. 24 in the final poll of the 2013 season. The Commodores, who beat Ball State to improve to 5-2, are off to their best start since opening 5-0 in 2008. That also was the last time Vandy was ranked in the regular season.Michigan, which scored its fewest points in a game since 2014 in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-michigan-football-score-2d3607edb207097979ed3dde29d82b93">21-7 loss at Illinois</a>, had been ranked in 54 consecutive polls since 2021.<h2>Conference call</h2>SEC 9 — (Nos. 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25).Big Ten — 5 (Nos. 1, 3, 4, 13, 20).ACC — 4 (Nos. 6, 9, 19, 22).Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 10, 11, 16).American — 2 (Nos. 23, 24).Mountain West — 1 (No. 17).Independent — 1 (No. 12).<h2>Ranked vs. Ranked</h2>—No. 20 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon. The Illini play the top-ranked team for the first time since 2007. They won 28-21 at Ohio State that year.—No. 5 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt. First matchup since these teams met 12 times between 1899-1928. Commodores haven't beaten two Top 25 opponents in the same season since 2008.—No. 8 LSU at No. 14 Texas A&amp;M. This has become one of the SEC's better series lately. The teams have split their last three meetings.—No. 12 Notre Dame at No. 24 Navy. This will be the 11th time in 97 meetings, and first since 2019, that both teams are ranked when they meet.—No. 21 Missouri at No. 15 Alabama. Nothing comes easily for either team this season. The two-loss Crimson Tide haven't dropped three games before November since 2006.

AP Top 25: Oregon is No. 1 for first time since 2012; K-State to No. 16

The 5th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team chalked up its 21st sweep of the season with a 3-0 victory Saturday evening hosting Seward County Community College (25-17, 25-16, 25-21).

Barton closed out both of the first two sets with a big stretch of points, six straight to secure the opener followed by nine straight for a 2-0 match lead.&nbsp; Tied at nineteen in the third, the Cougars broke away from the set's eighth gridlock with a trio of points in going on to wrap up its fifth straight victory in the series.

The bounce-back victory improves Barton to 11-1 in KJCCC play and 24-2 on the year while Seward County falls to 4-8 and 8-14 overall.

Next up is Wednesday's trip to Dodge City Community College for a 6:30 p.m. first serve.

Barton's offense was efficient on the night on a .363 attack led by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>'s .412 with 10 kills as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;had a .381 percentage on a team leading 11 kills.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>&nbsp;accounted for a team high four blocks while offensively put down 5 kills on 8 swings for a .625 efficiency.

Overall, the Cougars had 46 kills,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;with 7 kills on a .389 attack with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;adding 6 kills each.

Keying the 6-2 offense were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>'s 21 assists with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;putting up 19 assists and served up three of the team's nine aces.

Mariana Silva led the Saints with 14 kills on a .258 efficiency as the team overall combined for just .1565.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729516777030.jpeg" alt="Phoebe Reyes attacking the ball against Seward County" />
 <figcaption>Phoebe Reyes attacking the ball against Seward County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe 5th ranked Barton Community College volleyball team chalked up its 21st sweep of the season with a 3-0 victory Saturday evening hosting Seward County Community College (25-17, 25-16, 25-21).Barton closed out both of the first two sets with a big stretch of points, six straight to secure the opener followed by nine straight for a 2-0 match lead.&nbsp; Tied at nineteen in the third, the Cougars broke away from the set's eighth gridlock with a trio of points in going on to wrap up its fifth straight victory in the series.The bounce-back victory improves Barton to 11-1 in KJCCC play and 24-2 on the year while Seward County falls to 4-8 and 8-14 overall.Next up is Wednesday's trip to Dodge City Community College for a 6:30 p.m. first serve.Barton's offense was efficient on the night on a .363 attack led by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wierzbicki_anna_emil">Anna Wierzbicki</a>'s .412 with 10 kills as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_phoebe_zp2h">Phoebe Reyes</a>&nbsp;had a .381 percentage on a team leading 11 kills.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/olander_aubrey_49pp">Aubrey Olander</a>&nbsp;accounted for a team high four blocks while offensively put down 5 kills on 8 swings for a .625 efficiency.Overall, the Cougars had 46 kills,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/thompson_mya_yeos">Mya Thompson</a>&nbsp;with 7 kills on a .389 attack with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/danenberg_naya_4891">Naya Danenberg</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/nixon_kassidy_bbcx">Kassidy Nixon</a>&nbsp;adding 6 kills each.Keying the 6-2 offense were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stankovic_elena_icdc">Elena Stankovic</a>'s 21 assists with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartoncc.prestosports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/reyes_maurin_5w3d">Maurin Reyes</a>&nbsp;putting up 19 assists and served up three of the team's nine aces.Mariana Silva led the Saints with 14 kills on a .258 efficiency as the team overall combined for just .1565.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No. 5 Cougars cruise to 21st sweep in home victory over Seward County

NEW YORK (AP) — As confetti fell and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” blared through the arena, the New York Liberty celebrated the end of a long odyssey. The team that always fell short, starting from their days in Madison Square Garden, through detours to Radio City Music Hall and Westchester County Center, finally found their way to the top. Start spreading the news, indeed: There’s finally a pro basketball champion in New York again after a 67-62 overtime win over Minnesota in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night. “I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Breanna Stewart said. “Credit to Minnesota, they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-ionescu-stewart-jones-mvp-7d8f7f2d8a709049b24dc3a81c5c02b5">Jonquel Jones scored 17 points</a>&nbsp;to lead New York, which was one of the original franchises in the league. The Liberty made the WNBA Finals five times before, losing each one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-aces-2641244f7287f5832dbe18d26c4475a2">including last season</a>. This time they wouldn’t be denied, although it took an extra five minutes.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s tumultuous tenure with Cleveland has taken another significant turn. His third season appears to be over. The embattled quarterback was carted off the field Sunday with a right Achilles tendon injury he suffered on a noncontact play against the Cincinnati Bengals.&nbsp;Following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-browns-score-nfl-d65469abdef4c685e53673ade2ba3d14">Cleveland’s 21-14 loss</a>, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said it “looks like” Watson’s injury is serious and will end his season. The team was still awaiting test results, but all indications are that Watson won’t play again in 2024. Watson, who has not lived up to expectations in his two-plus seasons with Cleveland,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/1848066906638717227" target="_blank">went down without being touched on a second-down play</a>&nbsp;with 1:26 left in the first half. He dropped back to pass at the Cincinnati 21-yard line. When he planted, his right leg buckled and he dropped to the ground.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-34410cd526afe2ac765d6f8ec40984d9">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;carried the injury-riddled Los Angeles Dodgers to baseball’s best record during the regular season. Tommy Edman joined the team in late July and helped them reach the World Series. It’s been that kind of year for the big-spending Dodgers. When Ohtani isn’t amazing with his power at the plate and prowess on the basepaths, someone else is stepping up. Edman and Will Smith homered to send&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-ohtani-dodgers-ab72976b8a07809c1f74af28618dced1">Ohtani into the World Series for the first time</a>, and the Dodgers eliminated the New York Mets with a 10-5 victory in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series on Sunday night. Los Angeles opens the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-dodgers-a0996d2d1906deafe38b2b15dc26ad0b">World Series against the New York Yankees</a>&nbsp;on Friday.

ZURICH (AP) — Former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema are among more than 100 women’s soccer players who have signed an open letter protesting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa">FIFA’s</a>&nbsp;sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco. The letter calls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-saudi-arabia-aramco-a62b1ce2c0372a602fd9909a548d27fe">the deal</a>, which includes sponsorship at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-2027-fifa-brazil-715931c7a235886e47a21498ec5d2229">2027 Women’s World Cup</a>&nbsp;in Brazil, “much worse than an own goal,” citing Saudi Arabia’s record on the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people and the impact of Aramco’s oil and gas production on climate change. Sauerbrunn voiced concern for women who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-speech-crackdown-manahel-alotaibi-d95a2f17dbb4928228543f0f07b7bfec">imprisoned</a>&nbsp;in Saudi Arabia. “The safety of those women, the rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money,” Sauerbrunn said in comments via campaign group Athletes Of The World.

SUNDAY SCORES Major League Baseball Playoffs LA Dodgers 10, NY Mets 5&nbsp; &nbsp; Los Angeles will face NY Yankees in World Series that begins Friday

National Football League Jacksonville 32, New England 16

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707734642080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — As confetti fell and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” blared through the arena, the New York Liberty celebrated the end of a long odyssey. The team that always fell short, starting from their days in Madison Square Garden, through detours to Radio City Music Hall and Westchester County Center, finally found their way to the top. Start spreading the news, indeed: There’s finally a pro basketball champion in New York again after a 67-62 overtime win over Minnesota in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night. “I’ve been manifesting this moment for awhile, There’s no feeling like it,” Breanna Stewart said. “Credit to Minnesota, they gave us a tough series. The fans have been amazing everywhere we’ve gone. To bring a championship to New York, first ever in franchise history it’s an incredible feeling. I can’t wait to continue to celebrate with the city. It’s going to be bonkers.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-ionescu-stewart-jones-mvp-7d8f7f2d8a709049b24dc3a81c5c02b5">Jonquel Jones scored 17 points</a>&nbsp;to lead New York, which was one of the original franchises in the league. The Liberty made the WNBA Finals five times before, losing each one,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-aces-2641244f7287f5832dbe18d26c4475a2">including last season</a>. This time they wouldn’t be denied, although it took an extra five minutes.CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s tumultuous tenure with Cleveland has taken another significant turn. His third season appears to be over. The embattled quarterback was carted off the field Sunday with a right Achilles tendon injury he suffered on a noncontact play against the Cincinnati Bengals.&nbsp;Following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bengals-browns-score-nfl-d65469abdef4c685e53673ade2ba3d14">Cleveland’s 21-14 loss</a>, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said it “looks like” Watson’s injury is serious and will end his season. The team was still awaiting test results, but all indications are that Watson won’t play again in 2024. Watson, who has not lived up to expectations in his two-plus seasons with Cleveland,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/1848066906638717227" target="_blank">went down without being touched on a second-down play</a>&nbsp;with 1:26 left in the first half. He dropped back to pass at the Cincinnati 21-yard line. When he planted, his right leg buckled and he dropped to the ground.LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-baseball-playoffs-2024-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-34410cd526afe2ac765d6f8ec40984d9">Shohei Ohtani</a>&nbsp;carried the injury-riddled Los Angeles Dodgers to baseball’s best record during the regular season. Tommy Edman joined the team in late July and helped them reach the World Series. It’s been that kind of year for the big-spending Dodgers. When Ohtani isn’t amazing with his power at the plate and prowess on the basepaths, someone else is stepping up. Edman and Will Smith homered to send&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-ohtani-dodgers-ab72976b8a07809c1f74af28618dced1">Ohtani into the World Series for the first time</a>, and the Dodgers eliminated the New York Mets with a 10-5 victory in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series on Sunday night. Los Angeles opens the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-dodgers-a0996d2d1906deafe38b2b15dc26ad0b">World Series against the New York Yankees</a>&nbsp;on Friday.ZURICH (AP) — Former U.S. national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema are among more than 100 women’s soccer players who have signed an open letter protesting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa">FIFA’s</a>&nbsp;sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabian state oil giant Aramco. The letter calls&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-saudi-arabia-aramco-a62b1ce2c0372a602fd9909a548d27fe">the deal</a>, which includes sponsorship at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-world-cup-2027-fifa-brazil-715931c7a235886e47a21498ec5d2229">2027 Women’s World Cup</a>&nbsp;in Brazil, “much worse than an own goal,” citing Saudi Arabia’s record on the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people and the impact of Aramco’s oil and gas production on climate change. Sauerbrunn voiced concern for women who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-speech-crackdown-manahel-alotaibi-d95a2f17dbb4928228543f0f07b7bfec">imprisoned</a>&nbsp;in Saudi Arabia. “The safety of those women, the rights of women, LGBTQ+ rights and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money,” Sauerbrunn said in comments via campaign group Athletes Of The World.SUNDAY SCORES Major League Baseball Playoffs LA Dodgers 10, NY Mets 5&nbsp; &nbsp; Los Angeles will face NY Yankees in World Series that begins FridayNational Football League Jacksonville 32, New England 16Detroit 31, Minnesota 29Buffalo 34, Tennessee 10Seattle 34, Atlanta 14Indianapolis 16, Miami 10Green Bay 24, Houston 22Cincinnati 21, Cleveland 14Philadelphia 28, NY Giants 3LA Rams 20, Las Vegas 15Kansas City 28, San Francisco 18Washington 40, Carolina 7Pittsburgh 37, NY Jets 15

Monday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tommy Edman and Will Smith homered to send Shohei Ohtani into the World Series for the first time, and the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the New York Mets with a 10-5 victory in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series on Sunday night.

The Dodgers clinched their record 25th NL pennant and first at home since 1988, when they beat the Mets in seven games. They moved on to their 22nd World Series — 13th in Los Angeles — and first since 2020, when they beat Tampa Bay during the pandemic-delayed season.

Next up for Ohtani and Co. is Aaron Judge and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-yankees-al-pennant-a3825277e6999d0af8cb8309521845d6">New York Yankees</a>, who are back in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-dodgers-a0996d2d1906deafe38b2b15dc26ad0b">World Series</a>&nbsp;for the 41st time and first in 15 years. Game 1 is Friday at Dodger Stadium, pitting Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) — MLB's top home-run hitters this season.

“It’s kind of what the people wanted, what we all wanted,” Dodgers star Mookie Betts said. “It’s going to be a battle of two good teams, a lot of long flights across the country.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tommy Edman and Will Smith homered to send Shohei Ohtani into the World Series for the first time, and the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the New York Mets with a 10-5 victory in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series on Sunday night.The Dodgers clinched their record 25th NL pennant and first at home since 1988, when they beat the Mets in seven games. They moved on to their 22nd World Series — 13th in Los Angeles — and first since 2020, when they beat Tampa Bay during the pandemic-delayed season.Next up for Ohtani and Co. is Aaron Judge and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-playoffs-yankees-al-pennant-a3825277e6999d0af8cb8309521845d6">New York Yankees</a>, who are back in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-series-yankees-dodgers-a0996d2d1906deafe38b2b15dc26ad0b">World Series</a>&nbsp;for the 41st time and first in 15 years. Game 1 is Friday at Dodger Stadium, pitting Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) — MLB's top home-run hitters this season.“It’s kind of what the people wanted, what we all wanted,” Dodgers star Mookie Betts said. “It’s going to be a battle of two good teams, a lot of long flights across the country.”It’ll be the 12th time the storied franchises meet in the World Series and the first in 43 years. The Yankees have beaten the Dodgers eight times, while the Dodgers’ three championships against the Bronx Bombers came in 1955, 1963 and 1981.“It’s the place that I’ve dreamt of playing all my life,” Ohtani said through a translator, “and to be able to finally come to this stage and be able to play and hopefully win it is my next goal.”Ohtani, playing his first season with the Dodgers after agreeing to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohtani-dodgers-mlb-0462c7dcd08a5afedd92912ba69f8e8a">record-breaking contract</a>&nbsp;in free agency, had two hits and scored two runs in Game 6. He hit .364 with two homers and six RBIs in the NLCS.Not bad for his first postseason after spending six years with the Los Angeles Angels, who never had a winning record or reached the playoffs during his tenure.Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen struck out Brandon Nimmo, Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso swinging in the eighth in his first two-inning outing since the 2021 NLCS.The Dodgers briefly trailed 1-0 before cleanup hitter Edman came up big.He drove in the Dodgers' first four runs and his 11 RBIs in the NLCS tied a franchise record set by Corey Seager in 2020 against Atlanta. Edman, who the NLCS MVP award, joined the Dodgers at the July trade deadline from St. Louis.The Dodgers eliminated the Mets on their second try in the series. They outscored New York 40-26 in the six games. None of the games were close, with the Dodgers earning two shutouts.The Mets came within two wins of reaching the World Series after a 22-33 start.The Dodgers led 2-1 in the first on Edman’s double into the left-field corner off Sean Manaea that scored Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández, who both singled. Hernández snapped an 0-for-18 skid in the NLCS. Manaea needed 34 pitches to get through the first.Facing two strikes in the third, Edman sent a 406-foot shot to left-center for a two-run drive. A walk to Max Muncy and two outs later, Smith homered 416 feet to center off Phil Maton, extending the lead to 6-1.The Mets cut their deficit to 6-3 in the fourth. With two out, Vientos hit a two-run homer — his fifth of the postseason — off Ryan Brasier. Vientos’ first career grand slam highlighted the Mets’ series-tying win in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium.New York twice failed to cash in with the bases loaded. Trailing 6-3 in the sixth, Jesse Winker flied out against Evan Phillips to end the inning. Down a run in the third, the Mets loaded the bases against Anthony Banda only for Jeff McNeil to strike out swinging.A clearly amped Michael Kopech opened the bullpen game for the Dodgers for his first career playoff start. He promptly issued a leadoff walk to Francisco Lindor and then threw a wild pitch. With two outs, Alonso had a two-strike flare to second base and Lindor scored on a throwing error by second baseman Chris Taylor for a 1-0 lead.The Dodgers, whose starting pitching has been decimated by injuries, used seven pitchers in finishing off the Mets, whose $332 million payroll was the biggest in baseball.Manaea lasted just two innings, giving up five runs and six hits. The left-hander struck out two and walked two. His revamped delivery baffled the Dodgers in Game 2, when Manaea limited them to two earned runs over five innings, but they had no such trouble Sunday.Alonso had two hits and drove in a run in what could have been his final game for the Mets. The first baseman is eligible for free agency after the World Series.The Dodgers, who were eliminated in the Division Series the last two years, spent a combined $1 billion last winter to sign Ohtani and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to lucrative long-term contracts in hopes of winning the franchise’s eighth World Series title.The sellout crowd of 52,674 included Tom Hanks, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Magic Johnson, Rob Lowe, Josh Groban, Jenny McCarthy and Vanessa Bryant.TRAINER’S ROOMDodgers: 1B Freddie Freeman sat out for the third time in the postseason because of his sprained right ankle. He also missed Game 4 of the NLCS and Game 4 of the NLDS.