Sports – Page 420 – North Platte Post Archive

Huskers Settle for 1-1 Tie Against Rutgers

Posted on September 25, 2014

Lincoln, Neb. – Nebraska (4-4-2) and No. 25 Rutgers each scored in the first half, but couldn’t break a 1-1 tie the rest of the way at the Nebraska Soccer Field on Thursdayevening.

Senior Mayme Conroy scored the Huskers’ lone goal of the game in the 37th minute off an assist from Jourden Casey. The goal marked Conroy’s third of the season as she headed it in from five yards out.

NU’s goal came after the Scarlet Knights got on the scoreboard in the 15th minute as Brianne Reed scored off a deflection at the near corner of the box. Nebraska goalkeeper Kelly Schatz didn’t give up a goal the rest of the way and compiled seven saves for the game, a new career high.

Schatz earned three of her saves in the second half after one in the first half. She added two in the first overtime and one in the second overtime to preserve the tie.

Despite the Huskers being outshot in the first half, 4-2, they responded by taking seven shots in the second half, while the Scarlet Knights took four. Katie Kraeutner and Caroline Gray each had a shot on goal. Conroy took three shots for the game, while Jaycie Johnson and Haley Hanson each took two.

The Huskers complete their two-game home stand on Sunday in a 2 p.m. match against Maryland on the Big Ten Network.

Huskers Ready for Illini in Big Ten Opener

Posted on September 25, 2014

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its preparations for their Saturday night Big Ten opener with the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursdayafternoon, as the Huskers completed a 50-minute walk-thru inside of the Hawks Championship Center.

Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini met with the media afterward, noting that the Huskers have had a good week of preparation leading up the game Saturdaynight.

“We’ve had a good week of preparation,” Pelini said. “It’s been a good attention to detail. We’re looking forward obviously to starting Big Ten play.”

After a shaky start defensive start in the first few games, Pelini is happy with the progress the linebackers have made since the victory over Miami last weekend.

“We’ve definitely had a good week,” he said. “I mean it always depends how they’re going to come out and choose to play us, but we could definitely end up in multiple packages. We just have to see how it plays out. Our linebackers have had a good week.”

Pelini announced that junior linebacker David Santos will most likely not see any action Saturday night due to an injury suffered last Saturday against Miami. So far this season, Santos has made 11 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles. The Spring, Texas, native also had an interception against Miami last weekend.

With the absence of Santos, look for senior walk-on Trevor Roach of Elkhorn, Neb. to step in and fill the position. Roach played a key role during NU’s last game against Miami, forcing a fumble that senior cornerback Josh Mitchell recovered and returned for a touchdown.

The Nebraska football team will have one more practice Friday afternoon before its Saturday night game. Nebraska’s Homecoming game against the Fighting Illini kicks off at 8 p.m. (central) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. BTN will carry the TV coverage.

NWTF Sponsors National Hunting and Fishing Day

Posted on September 25, 2014

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) encourages everyone to participate in National Hunting and Fishing Day by introducing new individuals to the variety of outdoor opportunities available this weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, NWTF-sponsored National Hunting and Fishing Day events will take place across the country allowing the general public to experience hunting, fishing and shooting sports while learning about America’s conservation successes.

“Our country has a rich heritage of hunting and fishing and National Hunting and Fishing Day helps celebrate the tradition,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “Invite someone to join you. If you have no experience in the outdoors, step outside your comfort zone and find an event near you. You may be surprised to find out the important role that hunters and anglers play in the conservation of our wildlife and other natural resources.”

The NWTF Hunting Heritage Programs — JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen — host events throughout the year to help people of all ages and experience levels enjoy a day outdoors. NWTF events feature expert instructors who guide participants in the safe participation of a wide range of activities, including shooting, archery and fishing. To find an NWTF Hunting Heritage event in your area, visit www.nwtf.org/in_your_state.

Outdoorsmen and women are responsible for the majority of conservation funding. The NWTF realizes the introduction and creation of hunters through National Hunting and Fishing Day events and NWTF Hunting Heritage Programs will ensure the future of our habitat and wildlife.

The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

To learn more about the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, visit www.nwtf.org.

Chiefs’ Reid Hopeful Charles Available vs Pats

Posted on September 25, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid expects star running back Jamaal Charles to be ready for Monday night’s game against the New England Patriots.

Charles was back on the practice field Thursday after missing last week’s game against the Dolphins with a high ankle sprain. Charles practiced a bit last week and made the trip to Miami, but he spent the game on the sideline in street clothes.

Reid said that a decision on Charles won’t be made until closer to game time, but he sounded optimistic that one of the game’s most dynamic players will be on the field.

Still, there’s a good chance Charles will share carries with Knile Davis once he returns. Davis ran for 132 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins.

Pelini Named Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

Posted on September 25, 2014

Lincoln – University of Nebraska center Mark Pelini is among the semifinalists for the 2014 William V. Campbell Trophy announced Thursday.

Pelini, a senior from Youngstown, Ohio, anchors a Husker offensive line which leads the Big Ten and ranks eighth in the country in total offense (559.8 ypg.). The Huskers also rank in the top-10 nationally in sacks allowed (one, fourth), rushing yards per game (329.0 ypg., fifth) and scoring offense (45.5 ppg., 10th). A three-year letterwinner, Pelini saw time at center in 2013 and has started each of the first four game this season for the unbeaten Huskers.

In the classroom, he is a two-time academic All-Big Ten selection and has been named to Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll five times during his tenure at Nebraska. Pelini was named to both the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team and Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2014 for his community outreach work. Pelini has volunteered his time with School is Cool Week, Husker Heroes, Husker Hotline, Super Hero Day, NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 and local school and hospital outreach activities.

The National Football Foundation (NFF) Awards Committee will select up to 16 finalists and award $18,000 scholarships that can be used for the honorees’ postgraduate educations. The recipients will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 30, and one of the finalists will be selected as the Campbell Trophy winner on Dec. 9.

The nominees must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

Nebraska leads the nation with 22 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes, most recently Spencer Long in 2013.

UNO Athletics Hall of Fame to Induct 4 New Members

Posted on September 25, 2014

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A class of two men and two women will be inducted into the Nebraska-Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame next month.

The inductees are volleyball player Tracy Ankeny, soccer player Stephanie Kruse, football player Marv Nevins and wrestler Les Sigman. They’ll be honored during the Night of Honor hosted by the UNO Alumni Association on Oct. 9.

Ankeny was a two-time first-team All-American in the late 1990s. Kruse was the 2002 North Central Conference player of the year. Nevins was a lineman on Omaha University’s 1955 Tangerine Bowl team. Sigman was part of three national championship teams from 2003-06 and the winningest wrestler in school history.

Wieland gets 1st Win, Padres beat Rockies 4-3

Posted on September 24, 2014

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Joe Wieland earned his first big league win, and Tommy Medica hit a three-run home run and a replay-aided double to lead the San Diego Padres to a 4-3 victory against Colorado in their home finale Wednesday night.

The Padres notched their 76th win with four games to go, matching their victory total from each of the last two seasons.

It was San Diego’s 48th home win, setting the franchise single-season record at Petco Park, which opened in 2004.

Colorado’s Justin Morneau went 0 for 3 to see his NL-leading average drop two percentage points to .317. Pittsburgh’s Josh Harrison went 1 for 5 to drop to .316.

Wieland (1-0) was making his second start and fourth appearance since May 6, 2012. He underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in July 2012, forcing him to miss all of 2013 and part of this season.

Huskers Open Big Ten Play With Sweep of Iowa

Posted on September 24, 2014

Lincoln – The No. 8 Nebraska volleyball team opened Big Ten play with a sweep of Iowa on Wednesday night before 8,151 fans at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, 25-18, 25-13, 31-29.

The Huskers improved to 7-3 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten, while Iowa fell to 8-4 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten play.

Kadie Rolfzen led the Huskers with 15 kills and seven digs. Her twin, Amber Rolfzen, had 10 kills on 16 attacks for a career-high .625 hitting percentage. Alicia Ostrander also had 10 kills, and Melanie

Keil had a career-high-tying eight kills while hitting .538. Mary Pollmiller dished out 34 assists and Justine Wong-Orantes added seven digs.

Alexa Ethridge keyed the Huskers in the first set, serving a 5-0 run that included two of her match-high three service aces to break a 7-7 tie and give the Huskers a 12-7 lead. The Huskers eventually strung together a 9-1 run for a commanding 16-8 lead before claiming the 25-18 win after Iowa scored four straight with the Huskers at set point. Nebraska hit .417 in the opening frame, while Iowa hit .344.

Kadie Rolfzen had six kills quickly in set two as the Huskers built a 17-9 lead with Pollmiller serving a 6-0 run. Keil had three of her kills in the second set to lift Nebraska to the 25-13 victory. The Huskers hit even better in set two, finishing at .429. The story was much different for Iowa though, as the Hawkeyes hit -.040 after their hot start to the match.

The Huskers jumped out to a 15-11 lead in set three, but the Hawkeyes rallied with a 5-0 run to take a 16-15 lead. The run came courtesy of a Nebraska service error and three straight attacking errors. The Big Red committed another service error with the score tied at 18-18, but Ostrander tied it again with her ninth kill of the match. Two Iowa attacking errors put Nebraska up 21-19, but Iowa came back and took a 24-23 lead after Kadie Rolfzen’s swing went just beyond the back line. After a timeout, Kadie Rolfzen tied it at 24-24 with a tip shot, but Iowa earned set point again with a kill from Alex Lovell. After Lovell served into the net to even the score, Iowa committed a net violation to give the Huskers set point with a 26-25 lead. But the teams continued to battle back and forth until Kadie Rolfzen killed for a 30-29 lead, and NU finished off the sweep on a double-stuff block by Meghan Haggerty and Amber Rolfzen.

The Huskers hit .347 for the match, while Iowa hit .202. Nebraska outdug Iowa 26-24 and outblocked the Hawkeyes 8-5. Haggerty led the way with six.

The two teams meet again on Saturday in Iowa City for a 7 p.m. match.

Indians Keep Playoff Pulse Going, Beat Royals 6-4

Posted on September 24, 2014

CLEVELAND (AP) — Yan Gomes hit a three-run homer, Michael Brantley got three more hits and the Cleveland Indians stayed in the AL wild-card chase for at least one more day with a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

A loss would have eliminated the Indians, but after blowing a 3-0 lead, they rallied and moved within 3½ games of Kansas City and Oakland in the wild-card standings. There are four days left in the regular season.

The Royals, who haven’t made the playoffs since 1985, fell two games behind first-place Detroit in the AL Central.

Zach McAllister (4-7) pitched 2 1-3 scoreless innings and Cody Allen worked the ninth for his 23rd save.

No. 14 NPCC Lady Knights Sweep Concordia University JV

Posted on September 24, 2014

North Platte – The No. 14 North Platte Community College Lady Knights (14-5) returned to action Tuesday night with a three set sweep of the Concordia University JV 25-19, 25-22, 25-22. The Lady Knights cruised to the victory behind strong performances from the usual suspects of Samantha Kennedy, Joli Hopping and Erica Goodwin.

Kennedy paced the Lady Knights with 13 kills to go along with 10 digs. Hopping was the only Lady Knight in double-figures for assists finishing with 31 while Goodwin recorded 17 digs. Valerie Most and Samantha Byrn each recorded 10 kills while Aryn Mesinger also had 15 digs.

The Lady Knights retutn to action on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. as they travel to Beatrice to take on Region IX Division II foe Southeast Community College. Over the weekend North Platte then travels to Overland Park, Kan. to play in the Johnson County Invite where they will face No. 4 Johnson County Community College on Friday, September 26 at 3:00 p.m. and No. 11 Cowley County Community College at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, September 27, the Knights finish up the Invite by facing No. 7 Kirkwood Community College at 9:00 a.m. and Coffeyville Community College at 11:00 a.m.