The McPherson Tennis Invitational would be tough any time during the season, but might be especially tough as the second tournament of the year. Reigning Class 4A champion McPherson cruised to the title Thursday with 56 points, followed by Goddard Eisenhower with 48 points. The Lady Panthers scored 20 points for seventh.

Eisenhower's Rachel Davis placed ninth in 5A last year. She dominated the field Thursday, outscoring four components by a combined 32-5 tally for the win. 

Great Bend's Kaylin Wahlmeier opened her day with an 8-3 win against McPherson before falling to McPherson's eventual fourth-place finisher 8-1. Wahlmeier lost an 8-6 battle to Valley Center before falling to Newton 8-4 in the seventh-place match.

Lakyn Smith dropped her opener to Sacred Heart's Katie Weiss 8-1. Weiss placed fifth in doubles in Class 3-2-1A last fall. She picked up an 8-4 win over McPherson to advance to the 13th-place match where she lost an 8-7 (5) thriller to another McPherson player.

In doubles action, Samantha Mayers and Taylor Lashley opened with an 8-4 loss to Newton. The girls defeated Sacred Heart 8-1 in the next round, but lost a pair of 8-4 matches to McPherson and Derby to finish the day at 1-3 for 12th place.

Danica Strickland and Kylie McCormick were blanked 8-0 by McPherson in round one. The pair followed with losses 8-5 and 8-2 losses to Derby's squads to finish 14th.

The McPherson Tennis Invitational would be tough any time during the season, but might be especially tough as the second tournament of the year. Reigning Class 4A champion McPherson cruised to the title Thursday with 56 points, followed by Goddard Eisenhower with 48 points. The Lady Panthers scored 20 points for seventh.Eisenhower's Rachel Davis placed ninth in 5A last year. She dominated the field Thursday, outscoring four components by a combined 32-5 tally for the win. Great Bend's Kaylin Wahlmeier opened her day with an 8-3 win against McPherson before falling to McPherson's eventual fourth-place finisher 8-1. Wahlmeier lost an 8-6 battle to Valley Center before falling to Newton 8-4 in the seventh-place match.Lakyn Smith dropped her opener to Sacred Heart's Katie Weiss 8-1. Weiss placed fifth in doubles in Class 3-2-1A last fall. She picked up an 8-4 win over McPherson to advance to the 13th-place match where she lost an 8-7 (5) thriller to another McPherson player.In doubles action, Samantha Mayers and Taylor Lashley opened with an 8-4 loss to Newton. The girls defeated Sacred Heart 8-1 in the next round, but lost a pair of 8-4 matches to McPherson and Derby to finish the day at 1-3 for 12th place.Danica Strickland and Kylie McCormick were blanked 8-0 by McPherson in round one. The pair followed with losses 8-5 and 8-2 losses to Derby's squads to finish 14th.

Wahlmeier leads Lady Panther netters in McPherson

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Great Bend senior Kaiden Esfeld ran third at state last October. With the two runners ahead of him gone to graduation, Esfeld is now on an even shorter list to contend for a state title later this fall. Thursday he set the tone for the season, setting a Lake Barton course record for his first win of the season. Addy Nicholson, Marissa Boone, and Eliana Beckham had top-four finishes to lead the Lady Panthers to the win.

Esfeld won by 33 seconds in 16:09.6, beating out Garden City senior Devin Chappel, last year's fourth-place finisher in Class 6A. The Panthers fielded a full team for the first time since last year's home opener, scoring 171 points for sixth. Garden City dominated the meet, placing all five scorers in the top seven for just 23 points.

Panther sophomore Ismael Ramirez ran 36th in 19:54, followed by junior Thomas Henrikson in 41st in 20:25, and junior Braylon Moore in 21:04 in 50th. Junior Bradon Suppes capped team scoring in 53rd with a time of 21:49.

The junior Nicholson paced the girls' race in 20:41.3, with Boone following in 20:51 for the silver. Beckham ran fourth in 21:36 to miss the bronze by 13 seconds. Sophomore Reese King missed the top-10 by three seconds in 22:15, and sophomore Kate Welcher capped team scoring in 21st. Welcher missed the top-20 by less than half a second in 23:03.4 after a late push to catch reigning state qualifier Olivia Mancino-Hinde from Salina South at the finish line.

Great Bend finished with 37 points for the team victory. Garden City placed second with 43 points, and Hays scored 84 points for third.

The Panther runners will see some of the state's best when they compete under the stars at next Thursday's Olathe North Twilight meet. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662060670769.jpeg" alt="Great Bend senior Kaiden Esfeld set a new course record in Thursday's season opener." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend senior Kaiden Esfeld set a new course record in Thursday's season opener.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGreat Bend senior Kaiden Esfeld ran third at state last October. With the two runners ahead of him gone to graduation, Esfeld is now on an even shorter list to contend for a state title later this fall. Thursday he set the tone for the season, setting a Lake Barton course record for his first win of the season. Addy Nicholson, Marissa Boone, and Eliana Beckham had top-four finishes to lead the Lady Panthers to the win.Esfeld won by 33 seconds in 16:09.6, beating out Garden City senior Devin Chappel, last year's fourth-place finisher in Class 6A. The Panthers fielded a full team for the first time since last year's home opener, scoring 171 points for sixth. Garden City dominated the meet, placing all five scorers in the top seven for just 23 points.Panther sophomore Ismael Ramirez ran 36th in 19:54, followed by junior Thomas Henrikson in 41st in 20:25, and junior Braylon Moore in 21:04 in 50th. Junior Bradon Suppes capped team scoring in 53rd with a time of 21:49.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662060123515.jpeg" alt="GBHS junior Addy Nicholson and sophomore Marissa Boone took the top-two spots in the girls' race." />
 <figcaption>GBHS junior Addy Nicholson and sophomore Marissa Boone took the top-two spots in the girls' race.</figcaption>
 </figure>The junior Nicholson paced the girls' race in 20:41.3, with Boone following in 20:51 for the silver. Beckham ran fourth in 21:36 to miss the bronze by 13 seconds. Sophomore Reese King missed the top-10 by three seconds in 22:15, and sophomore Kate Welcher capped team scoring in 21st. Welcher missed the top-20 by less than half a second in 23:03.4 after a late push to catch reigning state qualifier Olivia Mancino-Hinde from Salina South at the finish line.Great Bend finished with 37 points for the team victory. Garden City placed second with 43 points, and Hays scored 84 points for third.The Panther runners will see some of the state's best when they compete under the stars at next Thursday's Olathe North Twilight meet.

Esfeld, Nicholson lead Panther runners at home

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633018940705.jpeg" alt="Kansas Volleyball Association Pre-Season rankings" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Volleyball Association Pre-Season rankings</figcaption>
 </figure>Class 6A1. Olathe Northwest2. Blue Valley North3. Washburn Rural4. Blue Valley West5. Lawrence-Free State6. Blue Valley7. Blue Valley Northwest8. Shawnee Mission Northwest9. Wichita Northwest10. HutchinsonClass 5A1. St. Thomas Aquinas2. St. James Academy3. Lansing4. Maize South5. Topeka-Seaman6. Bishop Carroll7. Mill Valley8. Spring Hill9. Goddard-Eisenhower10. Andover CentralClass 4A1. Andale2. Bishop Miege3. Circle4. Baldwin5. Ottawa6. Augusta7. Louisburg8. McPherson9. Abilene10. ClearwaterClass 3A1. Heritage Christian2. Nemaha Central3. Cheney4. Beloit5. Goodland6. Riverton7. Silver Lake8. Trinity Academy9. Phillipsburg10. Smoky ValleyClass 2A1. Smith Center2. Hillsboro3. Ellinwood4. Garden Plain5. Jefferson County North6. Sedgwick7. St. Mary’s-Colgan8. Valley Heights9. Maranatha Christian10. InmanClass 1A – Division 11. Spearville2. Little River3. Pretty Prairie4. Centralia5. Kiowa County6. Victoria7. South Central8. Goessel9. Sylvan-Lucas10. LakesideClass 1A – Division 21. Hanover2. Lebo3. Attica4. Central Plains5. Linn6. Bucklin7. Argonia8. Golden Plains9. Dighton10. Wheatland-Grinnell

KVCA Volleyball rankings

Bluefield State 35, Johnson C. Smith 34, OT

Frostburg St. 21, American International 7

Valdosta St. 36, Keiser University Seahawks 21

Texas A&amp;M Commerce 52, Lincoln Oaklanders 7

EAST Bluefield State 35, Johnson C. Smith 34, OTCalifornia (Pa.) 35, Fairmont St. 15Fordham 48, Wagner 31Frostburg St. 21, American International 7Gannon 47, Charleston (WV) 13New Hampshire 31, Monmouth (NJ) 21Pace 31, East Stroudsburg 16Pittsburgh 38, West Virginia 31Rhode Island 35, Stony Brook 14Shepherd 48, S. Connecticut 7St. Anselm 28, Millersville 10West Liberty 21, Clarion 14Wheeling Jesuit 25, Seton Hill 11SOUTH Barton 17, Chowan 3Campbell 29, The Citadel 10ETSU 44, Mars Hill 7FIU 38, Bryant 37, OTFurman 52, North Greenville 0Gardner-Webb 56, Limestone 21Samford 27, Kennesaw St. 17Tennessee 59, Ball St. 10Tusculum 70, St. Augustines 13UAB 59, Alabama A&amp;M 0UCF 56, SC State 10UT Martin 42, W. Illinois 25Valdosta St. 36, Keiser University Seahawks 21Virginia Union 77, Va. Lynchburg 0Virginia-Wise 41, Ferrum 9Wake Forest 44, VMI 10West Georgia 38, Carson-Newman 7Wilmington (Ohio) 52, S. Virginia 27MIDWEST Akron 30, St. Francis (Pa.) 23, OTAshland 31, Notre Dame (Ohio) 14Augustana (SD) 28, Concordia (St.P.) 14Black Hills St. 17, Dickinson St. 2Colorado Mesa 37, William Jewell 14Concordia (Moor.) 14, Valley City St. 12Emporia St. 42, Northeastern St. 17Ferris St. 36, Cent. Washington 20Glenville St. 44, Quincy 15Grand Valley St. 25, Colorado Mines 22Illinois College 38, Lakeland 20Indiana St. 17, North Alabama 14, OTMcKendree 31, N. Michigan 24, OTMichigan Tech 23, Wis.-Platteville 13Minn. Duluth 31, SW Minnesota 21Minnesota 38, New Mexico St. 0Minnesota St. 37, Bemidji St. 34Missouri 52, Louisiana Tech 24Missouri Western 35, Cent. Oklahoma 0N. Illinois 34, E. Illinois 27NW Missouri St. 33, Fort Hays St. 19Neb.-Kearney 24, Missouri Southern 7Northern St. 30, Upper Iowa 0Penn St. 35, Purdue 31Pittsburg St. 21, Cent. Missouri 10S.D. Mines 43, Missouri S&amp;T 20Saginaw Valley St. 72, WV Wesleyan 0Sioux Falls 27, Minn. St. (Moorhead) 14Toledo 37, LIU Brooklyn 0Trine 38, Anderson (Ind.) 0Washburn 45, Lincoln (Mo.) 3SOUTHWEST Abilene Christian 28, Lamar 14Angelo St. 35, Chadron St. 0Ark.-Monticello 40, S. Nazarene 26Harding 29, East Central 12Henderson St. 30, SW Oklahoma 13Missouri St. 27, Cent. Arkansas 14Oklahoma St. 58, Cent. Michigan 44Ouachita Baptist 42, Oklahoma Baptist 32SE Oklahoma 41, Arkansas Tech 34, 2OTTarleton St. 29, MVSU 13Texas A&amp;M Commerce 52, Lincoln Oaklanders 7FAR WEST Arizona St. 40, N. Arizona 3E. New Mexico 34, N.M. Highlands 18Fresno St. 35, Cal Poly 7S. Utah 44, St. Thomas (Minn.) 13San Jose St. 21, Portland St. 17Weber St. 41, W. Oregon 5

Thursday night college football scores

New
York	79	52	.603	_	_	6-4	L-1	45-20	34-32

Tampa
Bay	72	57	.558	6	+2	8-2	W-3	42-23	30-34

Toronto	70	59	.543	8	_	5-5	L-1	38-29	32-30

Baltimore	69	61	.531	9½	1½	7-3	W-2	37-24	32-37

Boston	64	68	.485	15½	7½	4-6	W-2	32-34	32-34

Cleveland	68	61	.527	_	_	4-6	L-2	33-27	35-34

Minnesota	67	62	.519	1	3	5-5	L-1	40-29	27-33

Chicago	65	66	.496	4	6	3-7	W-2	32-35	33-31

Kansas
City	53	79	.402	16½	18½	4-6	L-2	32-37	21-42

Detroit	50	81	.382	19	21	5-5	L-3	29-38	21-43

Houston	84	47	.641	_	_	7-3	W-3	43-20	41-27

Seattle	73	58	.557	11	+2	7-3	W-4	35-28	38-30

Texas	58	72	.446	25½	12½	4-6	L-5	28-38	30-34

Los
Angeles	57	74	.435	27	14	5-5	W-1	28-37	29-37

Oakland	49	83	.371	35½	22½	4-6	L-2	22-43	27-40

New
York	84	48	.636	_	_	6-4	W-2	45-21	39-27

Atlanta	81	51	.614	3	+8	6-4	W-2	44-25	37-26

Philadelphia	73	58	.557	10½	+½	7-3	W-1	39-30	34-28

Miami	55	75	.423	28	17	3-7	L-4	26-38	29-37

Washington	45	86	.344	38½	27½	4-6	W-2	22-47	23-39

St.
Louis	76	55	.580	_	_	6-4	W-1	42-22	34-33

Milwaukee	69	61	.531	6½	3	5-5	L-1	35-26	34-35

Chicago	56	75	.427	20	16½	4-6	W-1	28-38	28-37

Cincinnati	51	78	.395	24	20½	3-7	L-1	27-38	24-40

Pittsburgh	49	81	.377	26½	23	2-8	L-1	26-36	23-45

Los
Angeles	90	40	.692	_	_	6-4	L-2	45-16	45-24

San
Diego	73	59	.553	18	_	7-3	W-3	35-28	38-31

Arizona	62	68	.477	28	10	7-3	W-1	35-33	27-35

San
Francisco	61	68	.473	28½	10½	2-8	L-7	34-32	27-36

Colorado	56	76	.424	35	17	3-7	L-2	36-32	20-44

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayNew
York	79	52	.603	_	_	6-4	L-1	45-20	34-32Tampa
Bay	72	57	.558	6	+2	8-2	W-3	42-23	30-34Toronto	70	59	.543	8	_	5-5	L-1	38-29	32-30Baltimore	69	61	.531	9½	1½	7-3	W-2	37-24	32-37Boston	64	68	.485	15½	7½	4-6	W-2	32-34	32-34Central DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayCleveland	68	61	.527	_	_	4-6	L-2	33-27	35-34Minnesota	67	62	.519	1	3	5-5	L-1	40-29	27-33Chicago	65	66	.496	4	6	3-7	W-2	32-35	33-31Kansas
City	53	79	.402	16½	18½	4-6	L-2	32-37	21-42Detroit	50	81	.382	19	21	5-5	L-3	29-38	21-43West DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayHouston	84	47	.641	_	_	7-3	W-3	43-20	41-27Seattle	73	58	.557	11	+2	7-3	W-4	35-28	38-30Texas	58	72	.446	25½	12½	4-6	L-5	28-38	30-34Los
Angeles	57	74	.435	27	14	5-5	W-1	28-37	29-37Oakland	49	83	.371	35½	22½	4-6	L-2	22-43	27-40___NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayNew
York	84	48	.636	_	_	6-4	W-2	45-21	39-27Atlanta	81	51	.614	3	+8	6-4	W-2	44-25	37-26Philadelphia	73	58	.557	10½	+½	7-3	W-1	39-30	34-28Miami	55	75	.423	28	17	3-7	L-4	26-38	29-37Washington	45	86	.344	38½	27½	4-6	W-2	22-47	23-39Central DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwaySt.
Louis	76	55	.580	_	_	6-4	W-1	42-22	34-33Milwaukee	69	61	.531	6½	3	5-5	L-1	35-26	34-35Chicago	56	75	.427	20	16½	4-6	W-1	28-38	28-37Cincinnati	51	78	.395	24	20½	3-7	L-1	27-38	24-40Pittsburgh	49	81	.377	26½	23	2-8	L-1	26-36	23-45West DivisionW	L	Pct	GB	WCGB	L10	Str	Home	AwayLos
Angeles	90	40	.692	_	_	6-4	L-2	45-16	45-24San
Diego	73	59	.553	18	_	7-3	W-3	35-28	38-31Arizona	62	68	.477	28	10	7-3	W-1	35-33	27-35San
Francisco	61	68	.473	28½	10½	2-8	L-7	34-32	27-36Colorado	56	76	.424	35	17	3-7	L-2	36-32	20-44

Friday MLB Standings

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State took a 12-7 lead in the second quarter, but No. 2/4 ranked Northwest Missouri State scored 26 unanswered points to build a 33-12 lead. The Bearcats went on to win by a score of 33-19 Thursday night (Sept. 1) in the 2022 season opener. Chance Fuller moved to the top of the career passing yards list in FHSU history and found All-America tight end Hunter Budke for a pair of touchdowns in the game.

The Tigers made a few too many key mistakes a team cannot make against a top-10 ranked team early on, which allowed the Bearcats to cash in on golden opportunities and extend the current best home field win streak in NCAA Division II to 13 games. The Tigers were starting to gain momentum on the first drive of the night, but a fumble turned the ball over to the Bearcats at the FHSU 42. A couple of Tiger penalties shortened the field even more and the Bearcats scored the first touchdown of the night a few moments later.

The Tigers shook off the first few mistakes and put together a 65-yard drive that resulted in a 29-yard Emanuel Aguilar field goal. The Tigers shut down the next Bearcat drive and trailed 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers then marched another 52 yards to set up a 47-yard field goal by Aguilar, pulling within one point of the Bearcats.

The Tiger defense stood tall once again forcing the Bearcats to punt and Alex Schremmer nearly took his return back for a touchdown, finally tackled at the NWMSU 11 after a 55-yard return. That set up the first of two touchdown connections between Fuller and Budke, a 10-yard strike to put the Tigers on top 12-7 with 8:01 remaining before halftime.

The Bearcats had to settle for a field goal on their ensuing drive and FHSU still held control at 12-10, but then a sack and a short punt gave NWMSU just a 31-yard field to work with. The Bearcats capitalized and a touchdown put them back into the lead at 17-12 with 1:28 to go in the second quarter. Then another untimely fumble at the end of an electric 52-yard kick return gave the Bearcats the ball again. They went down and tacked on a field goal just before halftime, taking a 20-12 lead to the locker room.

The Bearcats used that late first-half momentum throughout the third quarter to tack on two touchdowns and take control of the game 33-12. Fuller found Budke for the second touchdown strike, another 10-yarder, early in the fourth quarter. The Tiger defense held the Bearcats in check primarily throughout the fourth quarter, but the offense came up a bit short on opportunities to cut into the lead further.

Fuller finished the night with 309 passing yards, completing 36-of-61 attempts. He now leads the all-time passing yards list at FHSU with 7,876, going past the old mark of 7,682 set by his predecessor Jacob Mezera in 2018.

Manny Ramsey finished with a team-high 90 receiving yards, while Trevor Watts caught 10 balls for 88 yards. Defensively, Makel Williams had a team-best seven tackles in his first contest as a Tiger, while 2021 team tackle leader Myles Menges added six.

Northwest Missouri State produced 148 of its 396 yards in the game in the third quarter. Neither Bearcat quarterback finished with more than 100 passing yards and Kevin Dominique had a team-best 86 rushing yards. Isaac Vollstedt led the Bearcats in tackles with nine, while adding one sack. Zach Howard had three sacks in the game for the Bearcats.

Fort Hays State looks to bounce back in its home opener on Thursday night (Sept. 8) against Missouri Western. The Griffons will enter at 1-0 on the year after a 35-0 win over Central Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662112685616.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State took a 12-7 lead in the second quarter, but No. 2/4 ranked Northwest Missouri State scored 26 unanswered points to build a 33-12 lead. The Bearcats went on to win by a score of 33-19 Thursday night (Sept. 1) in the 2022 season opener. Chance Fuller moved to the top of the career passing yards list in FHSU history and found All-America tight end Hunter Budke for a pair of touchdowns in the game.The Tigers made a few too many key mistakes a team cannot make against a top-10 ranked team early on, which allowed the Bearcats to cash in on golden opportunities and extend the current best home field win streak in NCAA Division II to 13 games. The Tigers were starting to gain momentum on the first drive of the night, but a fumble turned the ball over to the Bearcats at the FHSU 42. A couple of Tiger penalties shortened the field even more and the Bearcats scored the first touchdown of the night a few moments later.The Tigers shook off the first few mistakes and put together a 65-yard drive that resulted in a 29-yard Emanuel Aguilar field goal. The Tigers shut down the next Bearcat drive and trailed 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. The Tigers then marched another 52 yards to set up a 47-yard field goal by Aguilar, pulling within one point of the Bearcats.The Tiger defense stood tall once again forcing the Bearcats to punt and Alex Schremmer nearly took his return back for a touchdown, finally tackled at the NWMSU 11 after a 55-yard return. That set up the first of two touchdown connections between Fuller and Budke, a 10-yard strike to put the Tigers on top 12-7 with 8:01 remaining before halftime.The Bearcats had to settle for a field goal on their ensuing drive and FHSU still held control at 12-10, but then a sack and a short punt gave NWMSU just a 31-yard field to work with. The Bearcats capitalized and a touchdown put them back into the lead at 17-12 with 1:28 to go in the second quarter. Then another untimely fumble at the end of an electric 52-yard kick return gave the Bearcats the ball again. They went down and tacked on a field goal just before halftime, taking a 20-12 lead to the locker room.The Bearcats used that late first-half momentum throughout the third quarter to tack on two touchdowns and take control of the game 33-12. Fuller found Budke for the second touchdown strike, another 10-yarder, early in the fourth quarter. The Tiger defense held the Bearcats in check primarily throughout the fourth quarter, but the offense came up a bit short on opportunities to cut into the lead further.Fuller finished the night with 309 passing yards, completing 36-of-61 attempts. He now leads the all-time passing yards list at FHSU with 7,876, going past the old mark of 7,682 set by his predecessor Jacob Mezera in 2018.Manny Ramsey finished with a team-high 90 receiving yards, while Trevor Watts caught 10 balls for 88 yards. Defensively, Makel Williams had a team-best seven tackles in his first contest as a Tiger, while 2021 team tackle leader Myles Menges added six.Northwest Missouri State produced 148 of its 396 yards in the game in the third quarter. Neither Bearcat quarterback finished with more than 100 passing yards and Kevin Dominique had a team-best 86 rushing yards. Isaac Vollstedt led the Bearcats in tackles with nine, while adding one sack. Zach Howard had three sacks in the game for the Bearcats.Fort Hays State looks to bounce back in its home opener on Thursday night (Sept. 8) against Missouri Western. The Griffons will enter at 1-0 on the year after a 35-0 win over Central Oklahoma.

Tigers Come Up Short Against No. 2 Ranked Bearcats

CHICAGO (AP) —
Andrew Vaughn and A.J. Pollock each cracked a two-run homer and
singled, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on
Thursday.

Leury Garcia and
Elvis Andrus added two hits and an RBI apiece for the White Sox, who
won their second straight following a five-game slide to climb back
within a game of .500 (65-66).

Chicago improved to
2-1 under bench coach Miguel Cairo, who is filling in as manager
while Tony La Russa is on indefinite leave to undergo tests for an
unspecified health issue.

The defending AL
Central champions, who began the day five games behind first-place
Cleveland, held a players-only meeting before the game. Chicago is
seeking its third straight playoff appearance.

“It's no secret,
you know, we haven't played really good baseball this year,” said
Pollock, who went deep for the second straight game. “We've
underperformed and I feel like there's been times where we put a lot
into it and it hasn't worked out and it's been really deflating.

“But at the same
time, we're got to keep showing up. We've got to keep pushing and
pushing. We know we've got the group. We know we've got the players
that can make that run. I mean, we can't wait. This is it.”

The White Sox have
31 games left, starting with a three-game home series against
second-place Minnesota.

Many of Chicago's
big offensive names have been injured or just fizzled during much of
2022. But the White Sox were a little pluckier at the plate in three
games against Kansas City, hitting seven homers and taking 11 walks.

“They're not
chasing bad pitches,” Cairo said. "And when they see it's
right, they're swinging.

“If we hit the
ball in the strike zone, be careful with this offense. This offense
is dangerous.”

Johnny Cueto (7-6)
allowed one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking none and
striking out five. The 36-year-old right-hander rebounded from a
rough outing last Friday when he allowed seven runs in five innings
to Arizona.

Five Chicago
relievers combined to throw two-hit ball the rest of the way.

“Today we played
hard,” Cueto said through a translator. “Right now, we're playing
with excitement and hype. I think the team really has chemistry right
now and we just need to go running on that.”

Vaughn’s homer was
his 15th, matching his total last year as a rookie. Chicago is 4-10
since reaching a season-high five games above .500 on Aug 16.

Kansas City rookie
infielder Michael Massey had a double in his first three-hit game.
The 24-year-old, who made hit major league debut on July 13, finished
3-for-3 with a walk.

Massey, from
Chicago's southwest suburbs, grew up a White Sox fan and had friends
and family in the stands for the series.

Fellow Royals rookie
Drew Waters had a single and double for his third multi-hit game in
nine since making his debut on Aug. 22. The 23-year-old right fielder
also made a leaping catch against the wall on Pollock’s drive to
end the second.

Daniel Mengden (0-1)
yielded three runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings in his fifth
appearance and first start for the Royals this season. The righty was
recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game.

Kansas City jumped
ahead 1-0 in the third. Waters scored from third when M.J. Melendez
grounded into a forceout at second.

Chicago came back
with three in the bottom half. Andrus drove in a run with a single
and Vaughn followed with a deep drive to left on the Mengden’s
first pitch to him.

Filling in for the
injured Yoán Moncada at third, Garcia made a running catch with his
back to the infield on Ryan O’Hearn’s pop down the left field
line in the top of the sixth.

The White Sox upped
their lead to 5-1 in the sixth on RBI singles from Garcia and Romy
Gonzalez. Pollock went deep in the eighth.

Both teams added
players as rosters expanded to 28 for September

The Royals selected
Mengden and recalled OF Nate Eaton from Triple-A Omaha. The White Sox
recalled RHP Matt Foster and OF Adam Haseley from Triple-A-Charlotte.

White Sox CF Luis
Robert is travelling to Florida for the birth of his second child and
probably will return within a week, Cairo said. Robert has been
limited to defensive replacement and pinch-running roles as he
recovers from left wrist soreness.

Royals: C Salvador
Perez was returned to the starting lineup behind the plate after
sitting out Wednesday with lower back tightness.

White Sox: DH Eloy
Jiménez left with right leg soreness in the seventh inning.

Royals: LHP Daniel
Lynch (4-9, 4.70 ERA) will face Tigers RHP Drew Hutchison (2-7, 4.01)
at Detroit on Friday.

White Sox: RHP Davis
Martin (2-4, 4.62) faces visiting Minnesota's Sonny Gray (7-4, 3.04)
in Friday's series opener.

CHICAGO (AP) —
Andrew Vaughn and A.J. Pollock each cracked a two-run homer and
singled, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on
Thursday.Leury Garcia and
Elvis Andrus added two hits and an RBI apiece for the White Sox, who
won their second straight following a five-game slide to climb back
within a game of .500 (65-66).Chicago improved to
2-1 under bench coach Miguel Cairo, who is filling in as manager
while Tony La Russa is on indefinite leave to undergo tests for an
unspecified health issue.The defending AL
Central champions, who began the day five games behind first-place
Cleveland, held a players-only meeting before the game. Chicago is
seeking its third straight playoff appearance.“It's no secret,
you know, we haven't played really good baseball this year,” said
Pollock, who went deep for the second straight game. “We've
underperformed and I feel like there's been times where we put a lot
into it and it hasn't worked out and it's been really deflating.“But at the same
time, we're got to keep showing up. We've got to keep pushing and
pushing. We know we've got the group. We know we've got the players
that can make that run. I mean, we can't wait. This is it.”The White Sox have
31 games left, starting with a three-game home series against
second-place Minnesota.Many of Chicago's
big offensive names have been injured or just fizzled during much of
2022. But the White Sox were a little pluckier at the plate in three
games against Kansas City, hitting seven homers and taking 11 walks.“They're not
chasing bad pitches,” Cairo said. "And when they see it's
right, they're swinging.“If we hit the
ball in the strike zone, be careful with this offense. This offense
is dangerous.”Johnny Cueto (7-6)
allowed one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings, walking none and
striking out five. The 36-year-old right-hander rebounded from a
rough outing last Friday when he allowed seven runs in five innings
to Arizona.Five Chicago
relievers combined to throw two-hit ball the rest of the way.“Today we played
hard,” Cueto said through a translator. “Right now, we're playing
with excitement and hype. I think the team really has chemistry right
now and we just need to go running on that.”Vaughn’s homer was
his 15th, matching his total last year as a rookie. Chicago is 4-10
since reaching a season-high five games above .500 on Aug 16.Kansas City rookie
infielder Michael Massey had a double in his first three-hit game.
The 24-year-old, who made hit major league debut on July 13, finished
3-for-3 with a walk.Massey, from
Chicago's southwest suburbs, grew up a White Sox fan and had friends
and family in the stands for the series.Fellow Royals rookie
Drew Waters had a single and double for his third multi-hit game in
nine since making his debut on Aug. 22. The 23-year-old right fielder
also made a leaping catch against the wall on Pollock’s drive to
end the second.Daniel Mengden (0-1)
yielded three runs on five hits in 2 2/3 innings in his fifth
appearance and first start for the Royals this season. The righty was
recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the game.Kansas City jumped
ahead 1-0 in the third. Waters scored from third when M.J. Melendez
grounded into a forceout at second.Chicago came back
with three in the bottom half. Andrus drove in a run with a single
and Vaughn followed with a deep drive to left on the Mengden’s
first pitch to him.Filling in for the
injured Yoán Moncada at third, Garcia made a running catch with his
back to the infield on Ryan O’Hearn’s pop down the left field
line in the top of the sixth.The White Sox upped
their lead to 5-1 in the sixth on RBI singles from Garcia and Romy
Gonzalez. Pollock went deep in the eighth.ROSTER EXPANSIONBoth teams added
players as rosters expanded to 28 for SeptemberThe Royals selected
Mengden and recalled OF Nate Eaton from Triple-A Omaha. The White Sox
recalled RHP Matt Foster and OF Adam Haseley from Triple-A-Charlotte.DAD DUTIESWhite Sox CF Luis
Robert is travelling to Florida for the birth of his second child and
probably will return within a week, Cairo said. Robert has been
limited to defensive replacement and pinch-running roles as he
recovers from left wrist soreness.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador
Perez was returned to the starting lineup behind the plate after
sitting out Wednesday with lower back tightness.White Sox: DH Eloy
Jiménez left with right leg soreness in the seventh inning.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP Daniel
Lynch (4-9, 4.70 ERA) will face Tigers RHP Drew Hutchison (2-7, 4.01)
at Detroit on Friday.White Sox: RHP Davis
Martin (2-4, 4.62) faces visiting Minnesota's Sonny Gray (7-4, 3.04)
in Friday's series opener.

Vaughn, Pollock homer, White Sox beat Royals 7-1

Expectations are high for the Ellinwood Lady Eagle volleyball team this fall. After a fourth-place finish at the Class 2A state tournament last year, Ellinwood enters the new season ranked No. 3 behind Smith Center and Hillsboro. Tuesday night, the Lady Eagles opened the season by sweeping Wichita Independent in a best-of-five match 25-7, 25-11, 25-10.

Seniors Gabby Jacobs and Brittany Simpson combined for 25 kills in the win. Senior Bella Baker and sophomore Kennedy Behnke each added five kills. Jacobs, one of KSHSAA Covered's 25 Western Kansas Volleyball Players to Watch, led the service game with six aces. Baker and junior Caylee Rowan split another six aces. Baker accounted for 32 of the team's 38 assists in the sweep. Jacobs also paced the defense with nine digs, while Behnke and Rowan added seven and six respectively.

The test gets a little more difficult tonight as Ellinwood travels to Beloit to face the fourth-ranked Lady Trojans (3A). The teams will also play Ellsworth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662059837887.jpeg" alt="Lady Eagle seniors Brittany Simpson (14) and Gabby Jacobs at state last year." />
 <figcaption>Lady Eagle seniors Brittany Simpson (14) and Gabby Jacobs at state last year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Expectations are high for the Ellinwood Lady Eagle volleyball team this fall. After a fourth-place finish at the Class 2A state tournament last year, Ellinwood enters the new season ranked No. 3 behind Smith Center and Hillsboro. Tuesday night, the Lady Eagles opened the season by sweeping Wichita Independent in a best-of-five match 25-7, 25-11, 25-10.Seniors Gabby Jacobs and Brittany Simpson combined for 25 kills in the win. Senior Bella Baker and sophomore Kennedy Behnke each added five kills. Jacobs, one of KSHSAA Covered's 25 Western Kansas Volleyball Players to Watch, led the service game with six aces. Baker and junior Caylee Rowan split another six aces. Baker accounted for 32 of the team's 38 assists in the sweep. Jacobs also paced the defense with nine digs, while Behnke and Rowan added seven and six respectively.The test gets a little more difficult tonight as Ellinwood travels to Beloit to face the fourth-ranked Lady Trojans (3A). The teams will also play Ellsworth.

No. 3 Ellinwood downs Independent in volleyball opener

Kickoff: 6 p.m. Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)

1) K-State opens its 127th season of football on Saturday when the Wildcats host South Dakota in a 6 p.m. contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It is the third time in the last eight years the Wildcats and Coyotes will open up a season after having previously met in the 2015 and 2018 season openers. K-State won the 2015 contest, 35-0, before earning a come-from-behind 27-24 victory in 2018.

2) Running back Deuce Vaughn returns for his junior year after being named a Consensus All-American in 2021, the 11th in school history. He is one of just six Consensus All-Americans returning from last season and the first Wildcat to return after a Consensus All-America campaign since David Allen in 1999. He could move into the top 10 in school history in career all-purpose yards on Saturday, needing 57 yards.

3) Senior Adrian Martinez will start at quarterback for the Wildcats after spending the previous four seasons at Nebraska. He is the first K-State quarterback to start a season opener after transferring from a Division I school since Matt Miller (Texas A&amp;M) started the 1994 opener. However, he is the first ever to come straight from one Division I school and start the next year's season opener.

4) K-State returns seven starters on defense from a year ago, a majority of those coming along the defensive line and at cornerback. Expected to start on Saturday after starting 10 or more games last season are nose guard Eli Huggins, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and corners Ekow Boye-Doe and Julius Brents. Also, safety TJ Smith is back after starting seven games a year ago.

5) Known for its special teams prowess, K-State brings back both of its primary returners in Malik Knowles (kickoffs) and Phillip Brooks (punts), each of whom have garnered All-America status in their disciplines during their careers. Sixth-year punter Ty Zentner is also back, while Chris Tennant, who ended the year as the primary place kicker, returns for his true sophomore season.

76.0 – Winning percentage by Chris Klieman, which ranks third nationally among coaches who have led programs at least nine years.

+56 – K-State's scoring margin in the fourth quarter of games last year, which ranked second in the Big 12.

11.2 – Points allowed per game trimmed by the Cats from 2020 (32.2) to 2021 (21.0) after the switch to a 3-3-5 alignment.

6 – Consecutive 100-yard rushing games by Deuce Vaughn dating back to last season's TCU contest.

1.22 – Turnovers per game by the Wildcats since 2012, the third lowest among all Power 5 programs behind Alabama and LSU.

• Entering its 127th year of football, Kansas State holds an all-time record of 86-35-5 (70.2%) in season openers, including a 28-4 (87.5%) mark since 1990.

• Chris Klieman, who enters his 10th year as a head coach, has earned a 7-2 (77.8%) record in season openers.

• All-time, Kansas State is 93-28-5 (75.8%) in home openers, while head coach Chris Klieman is 7-2 (77.8%) in home openers as a head coach.

• Since 1990, K-State holds a 92-18 (83.2%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

• That stretch includes a 78-8 (90.7%) mark at home. During those 30 years (excluding the one-game non-conference schedule in 2020), the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 17 times and unblemished marks at home on 24 occasions, which included last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662044169906.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Game 1South Dakota vs. rv/rv K-StateDate: Saturday, September 3, 2022Kickoff: 6 p.m. Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)Series: K-State leads, 5-0THE TOP 51) K-State opens its 127th season of football on Saturday when the Wildcats host South Dakota in a 6 p.m. contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It is the third time in the last eight years the Wildcats and Coyotes will open up a season after having previously met in the 2015 and 2018 season openers. K-State won the 2015 contest, 35-0, before earning a come-from-behind 27-24 victory in 2018.2) Running back Deuce Vaughn returns for his junior year after being named a Consensus All-American in 2021, the 11th in school history. He is one of just six Consensus All-Americans returning from last season and the first Wildcat to return after a Consensus All-America campaign since David Allen in 1999. He could move into the top 10 in school history in career all-purpose yards on Saturday, needing 57 yards.3) Senior Adrian Martinez will start at quarterback for the Wildcats after spending the previous four seasons at Nebraska. He is the first K-State quarterback to start a season opener after transferring from a Division I school since Matt Miller (Texas A&amp;M) started the 1994 opener. However, he is the first ever to come straight from one Division I school and start the next year's season opener.4) K-State returns seven starters on defense from a year ago, a majority of those coming along the defensive line and at cornerback. Expected to start on Saturday after starting 10 or more games last season are nose guard Eli Huggins, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and corners Ekow Boye-Doe and Julius Brents. Also, safety TJ Smith is back after starting seven games a year ago.5) Known for its special teams prowess, K-State brings back both of its primary returners in Malik Knowles (kickoffs) and Phillip Brooks (punts), each of whom have garnered All-America status in their disciplines during their careers. Sixth-year punter Ty Zentner is also back, while Chris Tennant, who ended the year as the primary place kicker, returns for his true sophomore season.STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS76.0 – Winning percentage by Chris Klieman, which ranks third nationally among coaches who have led programs at least nine years.+56 – K-State's scoring margin in the fourth quarter of games last year, which ranked second in the Big 12.11.2 – Points allowed per game trimmed by the Cats from 2020 (32.2) to 2021 (21.0) after the switch to a 3-3-5 alignment.6 – Consecutive 100-yard rushing games by Deuce Vaughn dating back to last season's TCU contest.1.22 – Turnovers per game by the Wildcats since 2012, the third lowest among all Power 5 programs behind Alabama and LSU.TEAM NOTESCATS IN LID LIFTERS• Entering its 127th year of football, Kansas State holds an all-time record of 86-35-5 (70.2%) in season openers, including a 28-4 (87.5%) mark since 1990.• Chris Klieman, who enters his 10th year as a head coach, has earned a 7-2 (77.8%) record in season openers.HOME OPENERS• All-time, Kansas State is 93-28-5 (75.8%) in home openers, while head coach Chris Klieman is 7-2 (77.8%) in home openers as a head coach.NON-CONFERENCE NOTABLES• Since 1990, K-State holds a 92-18 (83.2%) record in regular-season non-conference games.• That stretch includes a 78-8 (90.7%) mark at home. During those 30 years (excluding the one-game non-conference schedule in 2020), the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 17 times and unblemished marks at home on 24 occasions, which included last season.

K-State Kicks Off 2022 by Hosting South Dakota

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The changing Big 12 Conference plans to enter into discussions with ESPN and Fox about a potential early extension of its media rights deal that still has two more football seasons left after this one.

New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said Wednesday that given the changing landscape of college athletics, the league welcomes “the opportunity to engage with our partners to determine if an early extension is in the best interest of all parties."

An early negotiation for the Big 12 could be significant, given that the Pac-12 board of directors a month ago authorized pushing up negotiations for its next media rights agreements after the decision by UCLA and Southern California to leave for the Big Ten. The Pac-12′s current deal expires in 2024.

The Big 12's deal with ESPN and Fox goes through the 2024-25 academic year. That also is the latest that Oklahoma and Texas, the league's only football national champions, will leave to join the expanding Southeastern Conference.

ESPN said in a statement that the network does "regularly engage in conversation around the future with all of our partners, but to be clear, we have not opened the contractual negotiation window with the Big 12 at this time.”

That window for exclusive and formal negotiations with ESPN and Fox is still about 18 months away, in early 2024, if there are no changes before then to the deal that began in September 2012 after the league went to its current 10-team configuration.

Football independent BYU, along with American Athletic Conference schools Cincinnati, Houston and UCF join the Big 12 next summer. BYU, Cincinnati and Houston were all ranked in the preseason AP college football poll, matching the number of current Big 12 members in the Top 25.

The Big 12's announcement came two weeks after the Big Ten reached seven-year agreements with Fox, CBS and NBC to share the rights to the conference’s football and basketball games. That deal is worth about $7 billion.

“The Big 12 has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with its multi-media rights holders, and I look forward to having these conversations,” Yormark said.

The Big 12 in June said that it would distribute a record $426 million of revenue to its 10 schools for the 2021-22 school year, a nearly 25% increase over the previous year. That was also about 10% higher than the then-record $388 million for 2018-19 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference officials said then that revenues were expected to increase again over the next two years. When the four new schools join the Big 12 next summer, the league will spread across eight states and three time zones.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The changing Big 12 Conference plans to enter into discussions with ESPN and Fox about a potential early extension of its media rights deal that still has two more football seasons left after this one.New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said Wednesday that given the changing landscape of college athletics, the league welcomes “the opportunity to engage with our partners to determine if an early extension is in the best interest of all parties."An early negotiation for the Big 12 could be significant, given that the Pac-12 board of directors a month ago authorized pushing up negotiations for its next media rights agreements after the decision by UCLA and Southern California to leave for the Big Ten. The Pac-12′s current deal expires in 2024.The Big 12's deal with ESPN and Fox goes through the 2024-25 academic year. That also is the latest that Oklahoma and Texas, the league's only football national champions, will leave to join the expanding Southeastern Conference.ESPN said in a statement that the network does "regularly engage in conversation around the future with all of our partners, but to be clear, we have not opened the contractual negotiation window with the Big 12 at this time.”That window for exclusive and formal negotiations with ESPN and Fox is still about 18 months away, in early 2024, if there are no changes before then to the deal that began in September 2012 after the league went to its current 10-team configuration.Football independent BYU, along with American Athletic Conference schools Cincinnati, Houston and UCF join the Big 12 next summer. BYU, Cincinnati and Houston were all ranked in the preseason AP college football poll, matching the number of current Big 12 members in the Top 25.The Big 12's announcement came two weeks after the Big Ten reached seven-year agreements with Fox, CBS and NBC to share the rights to the conference’s football and basketball games. That deal is worth about $7 billion.“The Big 12 has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with its multi-media rights holders, and I look forward to having these conversations,” Yormark said.The Big 12 in June said that it would distribute a record $426 million of revenue to its 10 schools for the 2021-22 school year, a nearly 25% increase over the previous year. That was also about 10% higher than the then-record $388 million for 2018-19 before the COVID-19 pandemic.Conference officials said then that revenues were expected to increase again over the next two years. When the four new schools join the Big 12 next summer, the league will spread across eight states and three time zones.

Big 12 looks to potential early extension of media rights

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — When Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett texted Brett Rypien on cutdown day asking him to drop by the team’s facilities, the former Boise State star had a sinking feeling that he’d been cut coming out of camp again.

“That’s never a good sign, so I wasn’t too optimistic about the whole situation,” Rypien said Wednesday.

The news wasn’t what Rypien or many others expected, however: Hackett told him he had beaten out veteran Josh Johnson to serve as Russell Wilson’s primary backup.

“Pretty emotional moment for me,” said Rypien, who was the Broncos’ No. 3 QB last season behind Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock and never got into a regular-season game.

Rypien appeared headed for the practice squad again when Johnson took most of the snaps behind Wilson in training camp and played well in the preseason.

“I think Josh is probably somewhat disappointed,” Rypien said. “And I think he has a right to be. I think he had a great camp. He played really well. From my standpoint, I’m obviously excited that it went my way this year. But I know I’ve got to keep working hard.”

Asked what he thinks tipped things in his favor, Rypien said, “I don’t know. I think I tried to show consistency. And, you know, being the same guy every single day coming out with an attitude and a focus to get better. And ultimately, I think I did that.”

That’s exactly what won him the job, Hackett said.

“It was a very hard decision for all of us, for our entire staff,” Hackett said. “So much respect for Josh and ‘Ryp.’ I think that just from a consistency standpoint, ‘Ryp’ edged him out just a little bit.

“But it doesn’t say that we wouldn’t be absolutely ecstatic to have Josh go in for a game if we needed to. So, it was definitely a very close competition.”

Rypien has played in four NFL games, including one start, for the Broncos over the last three seasons.

A lot has been made of Hackett’s approach to training camp, which included sitting most of his starters, especially Wilson, for the entire preseason.

“It was awesome. You know, really I felt like this was my first true preseason of getting a lot of action,” he said. “In 2020, we didn’t have one and then last year you know, I came in the fourth quarter and I think really only had like one drop-back pass on first and second down the entire preseason.

“So, for me, I wanted to go out there and showcase what I do best and that’s be a drop-back passer and be a pocket passer and I was able to do that. I was able to get a lot of great reps.”

Notes: WR Tyrie Cleveland, who missed most of camp with a throat injury, returned to practice Wednesday as did OL Billy Turner (knee) and OLB Randy Gregory (shoulder surgery). ... Troy Aikman, who will broadcast the Broncos’ opener at Seattle on “Monday Night Football,” said he was impressed with WR K.J. Hamler’s play against the Vikings in the preseason finale, his first game action since undergoing hip and knee surgeries. Hackett concurred: “He’s very fearless,” Hackett said.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — When Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett texted Brett Rypien on cutdown day asking him to drop by the team’s facilities, the former Boise State star had a sinking feeling that he’d been cut coming out of camp again.“That’s never a good sign, so I wasn’t too optimistic about the whole situation,” Rypien said Wednesday.The news wasn’t what Rypien or many others expected, however: Hackett told him he had beaten out veteran Josh Johnson to serve as Russell Wilson’s primary backup.“Pretty emotional moment for me,” said Rypien, who was the Broncos’ No. 3 QB last season behind Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock and never got into a regular-season game.Rypien appeared headed for the practice squad again when Johnson took most of the snaps behind Wilson in training camp and played well in the preseason.“I think Josh is probably somewhat disappointed,” Rypien said. “And I think he has a right to be. I think he had a great camp. He played really well. From my standpoint, I’m obviously excited that it went my way this year. But I know I’ve got to keep working hard.”Asked what he thinks tipped things in his favor, Rypien said, “I don’t know. I think I tried to show consistency. And, you know, being the same guy every single day coming out with an attitude and a focus to get better. And ultimately, I think I did that.”That’s exactly what won him the job, Hackett said.“It was a very hard decision for all of us, for our entire staff,” Hackett said. “So much respect for Josh and ‘Ryp.’ I think that just from a consistency standpoint, ‘Ryp’ edged him out just a little bit.“But it doesn’t say that we wouldn’t be absolutely ecstatic to have Josh go in for a game if we needed to. So, it was definitely a very close competition.”Rypien has played in four NFL games, including one start, for the Broncos over the last three seasons.A lot has been made of Hackett’s approach to training camp, which included sitting most of his starters, especially Wilson, for the entire preseason.For Rypien, it was a godsend.“It was awesome. You know, really I felt like this was my first true preseason of getting a lot of action,” he said. “In 2020, we didn’t have one and then last year you know, I came in the fourth quarter and I think really only had like one drop-back pass on first and second down the entire preseason.“So, for me, I wanted to go out there and showcase what I do best and that’s be a drop-back passer and be a pocket passer and I was able to do that. I was able to get a lot of great reps.”Notes: WR Tyrie Cleveland, who missed most of camp with a throat injury, returned to practice Wednesday as did OL Billy Turner (knee) and OLB Randy Gregory (shoulder surgery). ... Troy Aikman, who will broadcast the Broncos’ opener at Seattle on “Monday Night Football,” said he was impressed with WR K.J. Hamler’s play against the Vikings in the preseason finale, his first game action since undergoing hip and knee surgeries. Hackett concurred: “He’s very fearless,” Hackett said.

Brett Rypien surprise winner as Russell Wilson’s backup

The 16th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team racked up for a trio of goals in each half for a 6-0 conference opening victory over Garden City Community College Wednesday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.

Rebounding from its' first blemish of the season coming to 2nd ranked Tyler on Sunday, the Cougars improve to 4-1 on the season while the Broncbusters suffer their first loss of the season dropping to 4-1 overall. Barton will return to the pitch Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. as they welcome in Western Wyoming Community College.

Aya Saiki's long ball followed by Sofia Morales' touch pass initiated the opening tally at the 18th minute with reigning NJCAA National Player of the Week Nina Norshie finishing off the play sneaking a 15-yard missile just inside the far post.

Six minutes later Morales was on the receiving end in beating Broncbusters keeper Ava Wilson in a 1-on-1 battle created off Hinano Nakagawa's directed header placed into the eighteen.

Excellent passing in the 38th minute capped the opening half scoring with Morales again originating the play on a long ball to Shivani Balram's one-touch through ball from the left side finding the unmarked Norshie's foot placing a perfect strike inside the upper-90 far post.

Holding a 10-3 shot advantage after the opening 45-minutes, the Cougar offense remained in attack mode in the second half firing off 17 more shots in the final 45 minutes.

Rin Sato became the third Cougar net seeker, cleaning up Alicia Solis' blocked shot attempt for her second of the year stretching the Barton lead to 4-0 fifteen minutes into the second half..

Recording a hat trick in three of her first four games, Norshie again achieved the feat for the fourth time in five games striking far post created from Ondine Manceau's cross coming in the 71st minute.

Norshie's defensive pressure created the final tally with 18:40 left as the freshman forced a turnover setting up a near post net shaker for her fourth of the day and 17th of the season.

Nia Baker (4-1) guarded the pipes for 50:46 of the contest, denying the lone shot faced on frame, with reserve net minders Ashley Melendez and Raianny Lopes each providing time in the Cougars net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662025723050.jpeg" alt="Barton women's soccer player Belen Guerrero drives through Garden City defenders-Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton women's soccer player Belen Guerrero drives through Garden City defenders-Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The 16th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team racked up for a trio of goals in each half for a 6-0 conference opening victory over Garden City Community College Wednesday afternoon at the Cougar Soccer Complex.Rebounding from its' first blemish of the season coming to 2nd ranked Tyler on Sunday, the Cougars improve to 4-1 on the season while the Broncbusters suffer their first loss of the season dropping to 4-1 overall. Barton will return to the pitch Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. as they welcome in Western Wyoming Community College.Aya Saiki's long ball followed by Sofia Morales' touch pass initiated the opening tally at the 18th minute with reigning NJCAA National Player of the Week Nina Norshie finishing off the play sneaking a 15-yard missile just inside the far post.Six minutes later Morales was on the receiving end in beating Broncbusters keeper Ava Wilson in a 1-on-1 battle created off Hinano Nakagawa's directed header placed into the eighteen.Excellent passing in the 38th minute capped the opening half scoring with Morales again originating the play on a long ball to Shivani Balram's one-touch through ball from the left side finding the unmarked Norshie's foot placing a perfect strike inside the upper-90 far post.Holding a 10-3 shot advantage after the opening 45-minutes, the Cougar offense remained in attack mode in the second half firing off 17 more shots in the final 45 minutes.Rin Sato became the third Cougar net seeker, cleaning up Alicia Solis' blocked shot attempt for her second of the year stretching the Barton lead to 4-0 fifteen minutes into the second half..Recording a hat trick in three of her first four games, Norshie again achieved the feat for the fourth time in five games striking far post created from Ondine Manceau's cross coming in the 71st minute.Norshie's defensive pressure created the final tally with 18:40 left as the freshman forced a turnover setting up a near post net shaker for her fourth of the day and 17th of the season.Nia Baker (4-1) guarded the pipes for 50:46 of the contest, denying the lone shot faced on frame, with reserve net minders Ashley Melendez and Raianny Lopes each providing time in the Cougars net.

16th ranked Barton women knock off unbeaten Garden City to cruise in KJCCC opener

The 13th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team got off to a solid start in conference play Wednesday afternoon at Cougar Field registering a 4-1 victory over Garden City Community College.

Improving to 4-1 overall Barton next heads to La Junta, Colorado, for its second weekend in a row of back-to-back matches. The Cougars will take on Trinidad State College at 6:00 p.m. Saturday before facing host Otero College at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Garden City's loss drops the Broncbusters to 2-3-0 on the season and will look to regroup Friday against the reserve squad of York College.

Despite outshooting Garden City 12-5 in the opening 45-minutes, Barton would rattle the net just once in the opening stanza coming in the 14th minute as the brilliant play of Francesco Boher's chip pass and Tajay Grant's through ball producing a six-yard far post strike from the charging Victor Lucca for his first of the season.

The Cougar offense came out hot from the intermission, lighting up the scoreboard with three tallies in less than a three minute span with two coming just 22 seconds apart.

A penalty kick started the scoring just over seven minutes into the second half with Grant capitalizing on the 12-yard 1-v-1 attempt against Garden City's keeper Branko Kanacki after getting taken down charging in from the left side of the eighteen.

Just 22 seconds later Genildo Postimo widened the Cougar lead to three dialing up a free-kick beauty from 25-yards out placing it perfectly under the crossbar and over the outstretched gloves of Kanacki.

Barton's final lamp lighter came with 34:07 remaining with Grant striking for a second time banking a loose ball from Boher's corner kick off a Broncbuster defender.

Holding a clean sheet for 89:42, the bid for a shutout would disperse with a mere 18 seconds remaining as Soulo Letsoalo's cross found the Broncbusters' leading scorer Theom Samba sneaking behind the Cougar defense for a perfectly placed headerto the back of the net.

Barton again outshot Garden City in second half play, launching 10 shots to the Broncbusters five. Shots on frame had Barton with five as Garden City put two between the pipes.

Dennis Bottcher improved to 3-1 in net for the Cougars rejecting his lone shot faced in 63:03 of action while Victor Goscinski patrolled the net in the final 26:57 denying one of his two shots faced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662025462804.jpeg" alt="Barton men's soccer player Genildo Postimo drives past Garden City's Hedi Achab-Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton men's soccer player Genildo Postimo drives past Garden City's Hedi Achab-Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>The 13th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team got off to a solid start in conference play Wednesday afternoon at Cougar Field registering a 4-1 victory over Garden City Community College.Improving to 4-1 overall Barton next heads to La Junta, Colorado, for its second weekend in a row of back-to-back matches. The Cougars will take on Trinidad State College at 6:00 p.m. Saturday before facing host Otero College at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Garden City's loss drops the Broncbusters to 2-3-0 on the season and will look to regroup Friday against the reserve squad of York College.Despite outshooting Garden City 12-5 in the opening 45-minutes, Barton would rattle the net just once in the opening stanza coming in the 14th minute as the brilliant play of Francesco Boher's chip pass and Tajay Grant's through ball producing a six-yard far post strike from the charging Victor Lucca for his first of the season.The Cougar offense came out hot from the intermission, lighting up the scoreboard with three tallies in less than a three minute span with two coming just 22 seconds apart.A penalty kick started the scoring just over seven minutes into the second half with Grant capitalizing on the 12-yard 1-v-1 attempt against Garden City's keeper Branko Kanacki after getting taken down charging in from the left side of the eighteen.Just 22 seconds later Genildo Postimo widened the Cougar lead to three dialing up a free-kick beauty from 25-yards out placing it perfectly under the crossbar and over the outstretched gloves of Kanacki.Barton's final lamp lighter came with 34:07 remaining with Grant striking for a second time banking a loose ball from Boher's corner kick off a Broncbuster defender.Holding a clean sheet for 89:42, the bid for a shutout would disperse with a mere 18 seconds remaining as Soulo Letsoalo's cross found the Broncbusters' leading scorer Theom Samba sneaking behind the Cougar defense for a perfectly placed headerto the back of the net.Barton again outshot Garden City in second half play, launching 10 shots to the Broncbusters five. Shots on frame had Barton with five as Garden City put two between the pipes.Dennis Bottcher improved to 3-1 in net for the Cougars rejecting his lone shot faced in 63:03 of action while Victor Goscinski patrolled the net in the final 26:57 denying one of his two shots faced.

13th ranked Cougars open KJCCC play with 4-1 victory over Garden City

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched four-hit ball through seven innings, Elvis Andrus hit a tiebreaking home run in the fifth and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Wednesday night to snap a five-game losing streak.

Lynn (4-5), who was reinstated from the bereavement list before the game, didn’t walk a batter and struck out eight for the fifth time this season. The Royals had scored 24 runs in their previous two games.

Chicago (64-66) won for the first time under bench coach Miguel Cairo, who served his second game as acting manager while Tony La Russa is on indefinite leave while he undergoes tests performed by his personal doctors in Arizona to address an unspecified health issue.

“After the last out, he always says, ’twenty-seven outs,’ “ Cairo said. “ ‘And until that last out, you cannot feel comfortable until they get that last out.’

“That’s the feeling. Big deep breath, and let it go and do it again (Thursday).”

The Royals (53-78) lost for the third time in five games. Rookie Bobby Witt hit his 19th home run off Lynn in the fourth, a shot to center that traveled an estimated 441 feet.

Witt’s homer was the 58th hit by a Royals rookie this season, extending the franchise record of 56 set in their inaugural season in 1969.

The Royals didn’t score again until two out in the ninth on a triple by Michael A. Taylor and a single by Michael Massey. Chicago’s Liam Hendriks struck out Hunter Dozier to earn his 29th save.

“Obviously everybody is a little down when you lose your manager,” Lynn said. “You hope that everything is good and everything checks out good. He has some stuff he has to take care of, and we have to do our part to stay in this race.”

Lynn retired the first 10 batters before Witt’s homer, and he immediately loaded the bases before coaxing Dozier to ground into an inning-ending double play.

That turned out to be the break the Sox needed, as AJ Pollock led off the bottom of the fourth by poking a low, outside pitch over the right field fence to tie the game.

Lynn is 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his last four starts.

Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (2-10) threw 26 pitches in the first and loaded the bases before getting Pollock to pop to first and Yasmani Grandal to line out to right. Grandal returned from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game.

Bubic walked three of the first seven batters he faced, but was undone by the homers. Andrus hit his home run two pitches after missing a pitch on a hit-and-run play that resulted in Romy Gonzalez getting thrown out at second.

Bubic has allowed four homers in his last two starts after pitching 24 consecutive innings without allowing a homer. He is 0-4 lifetime against the Sox, despite posting a 2.76 ERA in nine games.

“He made good pitches when he had to get us out of trouble,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He was in a mess from the top, but made the pitches, and guys made the plays behind him.”

The Sox added two insurance runs in the seventh on a grounder by Andrus and a two-out single by Jose Abreu.

Andrus became the 13th Sox player to bat leadoff, tying a franchise record set in 1976.

“It was a good game for us to go out there and compete and do it for (La Russa), knowing that every time we play good, he’s going to feel a lot better,” Andrus said.

Royals: C Salvador Perez (back tightness) was scratched from the lineup and is listed as day to day. “The longer he sat around after his pregame routine, it tightened up,” Matheny said.

White Sox: CF Luis Robert (left wrist soreness) missed his fifth consecutive start and remains day to day, Cairo said. Robert entered in the ninth as a defensive replacement.

White Sox: To make room for Lynn and Grandal, LHP Tanner Banks and C Carlos Perez were optioned to Charlotte.

Royals: Will start RHP Daniel Mengden (0-0, 2.08) to face Chicago in Thursday’s series finale. Mengden will be promoted from Triple-A Omaha, where he is 6-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 21 appearances.

White Sox: Will start RHP Johnny Cueto (6-6, 2.98). Cueto allowed a season-high seven runs in five innings Friday in a loss to the Diamondbacks.

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched four-hit ball through seven innings, Elvis Andrus hit a tiebreaking home run in the fifth and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Wednesday night to snap a five-game losing streak.Lynn (4-5), who was reinstated from the bereavement list before the game, didn’t walk a batter and struck out eight for the fifth time this season. The Royals had scored 24 runs in their previous two games.Chicago (64-66) won for the first time under bench coach Miguel Cairo, who served his second game as acting manager while Tony La Russa is on indefinite leave while he undergoes tests performed by his personal doctors in Arizona to address an unspecified health issue.“After the last out, he always says, ’twenty-seven outs,’ “ Cairo said. “ ‘And until that last out, you cannot feel comfortable until they get that last out.’“That’s the feeling. Big deep breath, and let it go and do it again (Thursday).”The Royals (53-78) lost for the third time in five games. Rookie Bobby Witt hit his 19th home run off Lynn in the fourth, a shot to center that traveled an estimated 441 feet.Witt’s homer was the 58th hit by a Royals rookie this season, extending the franchise record of 56 set in their inaugural season in 1969.The Royals didn’t score again until two out in the ninth on a triple by Michael A. Taylor and a single by Michael Massey. Chicago’s Liam Hendriks struck out Hunter Dozier to earn his 29th save.“Obviously everybody is a little down when you lose your manager,” Lynn said. “You hope that everything is good and everything checks out good. He has some stuff he has to take care of, and we have to do our part to stay in this race.”Lynn retired the first 10 batters before Witt’s homer, and he immediately loaded the bases before coaxing Dozier to ground into an inning-ending double play.That turned out to be the break the Sox needed, as AJ Pollock led off the bottom of the fourth by poking a low, outside pitch over the right field fence to tie the game.Lynn is 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his last four starts.Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (2-10) threw 26 pitches in the first and loaded the bases before getting Pollock to pop to first and Yasmani Grandal to line out to right. Grandal returned from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game.Bubic walked three of the first seven batters he faced, but was undone by the homers. Andrus hit his home run two pitches after missing a pitch on a hit-and-run play that resulted in Romy Gonzalez getting thrown out at second.Bubic has allowed four homers in his last two starts after pitching 24 consecutive innings without allowing a homer. He is 0-4 lifetime against the Sox, despite posting a 2.76 ERA in nine games.“He made good pitches when he had to get us out of trouble,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He was in a mess from the top, but made the pitches, and guys made the plays behind him.”The Sox added two insurance runs in the seventh on a grounder by Andrus and a two-out single by Jose Abreu.Andrus became the 13th Sox player to bat leadoff, tying a franchise record set in 1976.“It was a good game for us to go out there and compete and do it for (La Russa), knowing that every time we play good, he’s going to feel a lot better,” Andrus said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: C Salvador Perez (back tightness) was scratched from the lineup and is listed as day to day. “The longer he sat around after his pregame routine, it tightened up,” Matheny said.White Sox: CF Luis Robert (left wrist soreness) missed his fifth consecutive start and remains day to day, Cairo said. Robert entered in the ninth as a defensive replacement.TRANSACTIONSWhite Sox: To make room for Lynn and Grandal, LHP Tanner Banks and C Carlos Perez were optioned to Charlotte.UP NEXTRoyals: Will start RHP Daniel Mengden (0-0, 2.08) to face Chicago in Thursday’s series finale. Mengden will be promoted from Triple-A Omaha, where he is 6-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 21 appearances.White Sox: Will start RHP Johnny Cueto (6-6, 2.98). Cueto allowed a season-high seven runs in five innings Friday in a loss to the Diamondbacks.

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