MSSU's Kiprop breaks school record to open outdoor season

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

St. Louis, Mo. -- Vincent Kiprop set a new facility record and broke his own MSSU outdoor 5k record by 22 seconds as he opened up the 2017 outdoor season in style at the Washington University Invite today.

Kiprop finished the race in an NCAA automatic qualifying time of 13:53.74, 34 seconds in front of the second-place finisher in the race. The time is the fastest overall in Division II this year, and is the second-fastest time in the NCAA in all divisions.

Kiprop was one of seven Lions' men running in the event. Tyler Rush finished 24th in a time of 14:58.32, while Jared Haltom was 32nd in a time of 15:04.15. Mike Shanahan was 48th, while Josh Webb placed 58th. Cody Berry was 87th and Ryan Drendel placed 102nd.

On the women's side, Christian Provence led the way with a 12th-place finish in a time of 17:32.37. Cynthia Torres was 18th in a time of 17:39.12, while Sierra Wells was 26th with a time of 17:59.72. Sierra Gray was 31st in a time of 18:10.69.

The rest of the Southern track and field team will compete tomorrow at the ESU Relays in Emporia.

Sallie Beard inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Springfield, Mo. -- Former Missouri Southern coach and Athletic Director Sallie Beard was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame today as part of the fourth-annual Women's Sports Luncheon presented by the Bee Payne-Stewart Foundation.

The induction ceremony took place at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center. Beard was one of four individuals going into the Hall of Fame, joining Evangel University women's basketball coach Leon Neal, former Missouri women's basketball coach Joann Rutherford, and former Lockwood High School volleyball coach Cheryl Shores. The Hall also honored Jodie Adams with the President's Award, as well as recognize eight individuals of the inaugural Wynn Award, named after longtime Missouri State Administrator Dr. Mary Jo Wynn.

"If you had told me when I was a student at Missouri Southern that I would have been fortunate enough to have the career that I would have, I wouldn't have believed you," Beard said. "As I reflect on my career I feel very fortunate to have the breadth of experience I was afforded. I am humbled and honored by the Missouri sports hall of fame deciding to recognize my career."

Beard served Missouri Southern State University as both coach and Athletic Director for 37 years before her retirement in 2009. She single-handedly created women's athletics at Missouri Southern when she started the first women's sports teams, serving as head coach of basketball, softball, tennis, and track and field. For 25 years, she was the Women's Athletic Director. In 2001, she was named the first Athletic Director to oversee both the men's and women's athletic programs at MSSU.

Always one to lead by example, Beard served on numerous NCAA Division II committees, among them: Degree Completion, Convention and Planning, Identity, Nominating and Voting, and Athlete Reinstatement. She served on the association-wide NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics, where she was assigned the responsibility of developing Title IX interpretive language for the Office of Civil Rights. From 2005 to 2009 she was a member of the Division II Management Council. Beard has also been a leader in the MIAA, serving as vice president before her election in 1999 to a two-year term as Conference President, the first athletics director to be chosen for that position.

Beard helped usher in a new era in MSSU Athletics when the university moved from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and the MIAA in 1989. She oversaw significant facility improvements at Southern, most notably the Lionpride Restoration Project, adding new turf, lighting, and track and field surfaces to Fred G. Hughes Stadium; the construction of the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center (a basketball and indoor track facility); and the Lea Kungle and Gene Wild softball fields. Missouri Southern consistently ranked among the best academically in the MIAA. Under Beard's leadership, athletes recorded an Academic Success Rate of 87 percent, a full 36 percent higher than the general student population at MSSU.

In 2014 Beard was awarded the Nike Lifetime Achievement Award by NACWAA, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators. She is a member of the Missouri Southern State University Athletics Hall of Fame, Joplin Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2010 she was inducted into the inaugural class of the MIAA Hall of Fame.

After her retirement, Beard's administrative skills were once again called into action. Following the 2011 tornado that struck Joplin, she became deeply involved in the rebuilding effort, organizing housing for the many volunteers who came to her city. In 2015 Beard was appointed to the Joplin Schools Board of Education. She is a member of Kiwanis and serves as a volunteer with the United Way Circles of Joplin.

Beard and her late husband Larry are the parents of two children, Meghan Klosterman and Andrew Beard, and five grandchildren.

"This is a very well-deserved honor for someone that has dedicated such a large part of her life to supporting the Green and Gold like Sallie has," said MSSU Athletic Director Jared Bruggeman. "Sallie was part of the athletic department for 37 years and she can be looked at as one of the pioneers of women's athletics at Missouri Southern as well as in the world of women's collegiate athletics. Her hard work, particularly early in her career has helped pave the way for many student-athletes over our school's history."

Beard is now the sixth former coach/administrator or student-athlete from Missouri Southern to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. She joins Tom Rutledge, Dr. Pat Lipira, Robert Corn, Warren Turner and Rod Smith.

"Sallie Beard interviewed & hired me in 1981," Lipira said. "She is the primary reason that I remained at MSSU for my entire career. What an amazing pioneer and role model for young women! This is an honor long overdue."

Lions baseball falls to SBU 3-2

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Bolivar, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern Baseball team got a great start from Seth Mesey, but couldn't get the bats going, as the Lions fell 3-2 today in the series opener at Southwest Baptist.

Southern (19-13, 11-7 MIAA) got a pair of hits each from Tyler Sutherland and Brett Graham, while Sutherland drove in a run and Graham scored once. Danny Biggs had a hit, while Richie Gorski had a hit and an RBI. Dave Prost scored a run and Alec Alvarez had a hit.

Mesey started and went all eight innings, allowing just seven hits and three runs, while striking out two and walking one.

SBU (19-9, 9-7 MIAA) got a home run from Hunter Hisky, while Caleb Sneed went 2-4.

The Bearcats got on top with a run in the bottom of the third, but the Lions answered right back with a run in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Gorski.

The Bearcats got two runs in the sixth and the Lions answered back with an RBI from Sutherland in the seventh, but couldn't complete the comeback.

The two teams will be back in action tomorrow with a double-header beginning at noon.

MSSU softball uses long ball to sweep Nebraska-Kearney

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Hastings, Neb. - The Missouri Southern Softball Lions completed the four-game "weekend" road sweep with a pair of extra inning wins over Nebraska-Kearney Friday afternoon at the Smith Softball Complex.

The Lions traveled to Hastings, Neb. after the Nebraska-Kearney softball field was determined to wet for play after having their weekend series moved from Friday and Saturday to Thursday at Fort Hays State and Friday against UNK.

In the first game, Southern (17-24, 6-6 MIAA) got things going in the first inning with a two-run home run from junior Myranda Stewart that scored senior Sarah Morrison who reached on a 3-2 walk.

Nebraska-Kearney (6-32, 3-9 MIAA) got one run back in the bottom of the second with a solo home run to left by Halle Gydesen. The Lions answered right back in the top of the third with a RBI ground out by Stewart that scored junior Abi Corbett. Corbett reached on an error by the Lopers' third baseman to lead off the inning.

The score stayed 3-1 in favor of Southern until the bottom of the seventh with a dropped fly ball in right led to a game tying home run from Molly Stern with two outs.

The Lions answered in the top of the extra frame that started with a walk to sophomore Ashley Caldarella. Following a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Angel Badalamenti that moved Caldarella to second, Caldarella was advanced to third by a wild pitch. A ground ball to the UNK second baseman by freshman Erika Lutgen gave Southern the 4-3 lead.

The home half of the eighth saw UNK threaten with runners on first and second and one out before a pitching change by Lions' head coach Melissa Chmielewski. Chmielewski brought in sophomore Taurean Guzman to relieve senior Sydney Koch and Guzman promptly got two ground ball outs to end the game.

Stewart accounted for three of the four Southern runs going 1-for-3 with three RBIs. Koch got the win going seven and a third innings allowing three runs, one earned, on seven hits with four strike outs. Guzman pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief for the save.

In the "night cap" it was UNK that got on the board first with a two-run home run in the home half of the second by Emilee Jonas.

Southern managed just two hits off the UNK starter, Sara Sempek, until the top of the sixth. The Lions threatened in the sixth with runners on the corners and two outs, after a pair of infield singles, but UNK got out of the jam with a fly ball to left off the bat of the MSSU pinch hitter, freshman Emily Harris.

In the seventh the Lions did a little more than just threaten as they plated a pair of runs on a sacrifice fly to center from junior Shelby Friend and Badalamenti scoring on a wild pitch to force the extra inning.

In the eighth, Morrison got things going with a one out single to center and stole second. Freshman Elizabeth Windsor moved Morrison to third on a single to right before both Lions scored on Stewart's second home run of the day to make the final 5-2.

Freshman Mikaela Cox got the start in the circle for the Lions going two innings allowing both runs, earned, on three hits. Guzman pitched six innings in relief to get the win and held the Lopers to nine hits with a strike out.

Southern will be back in action on Tuesday, April 4th as they host Southwest Baptist in a MIAA double header. First pitch from The Pat Lipira Softball Complex is scheduled for 3 p.m.

MSSU softball sweeps doubleheader at Fort Hays

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Hays, Kan. - Missouri Southern Softball swept a pair of MIAA games at Fort Hays State Thursday afternoon winning 12-3 in five innings and 5-4 at Tiger Stadium.

Missouri Southern (15-24, 4-6 MIAA) almost recreated their seventh inning against Fort Hays State (9-25, 2-6 MIAA) from the West Texas A&M Tournament but came one run shy in the third inning in game one, the Lions scored nine runs in the top of the seventh in Canyon for the 16-14 come from behind win on Feb. 11th.

Southern got things started in the second inning with a double to left center from junior Shelby Friend that scored sophomore Angel Badalamenti. Sophomore Kylie Wesbrooks stepped into the batter's box next and laced a double to center to score both Friend and freshman Erika Lutgen to make it 3-0.

Fort Hays state got a run back in the bottom half of the second with a RBI double of their own to cut the lead to 3-1 after two innings of play.

The flood gates opened in the top of the third as Southern struck for eight runs on six hits and two Tiger errors. Senior Sarah Morrison started the inning off with a single to center and promptly stole second. Freshman Elizabeth Windsor moved Morrison to third on a single to left and she also stole second on the next play.

Junior Myranda Stewart worked the count to 3-1 before sending a shot to deep left center for a two RBI double. Sophomore Ashley Caldarella laid down a bunt single that put runners on the corners with no outs. A single to right center on an 0-1 pitch by Badalamenti scored Stewart and chased the Fort Hays starting pitcher, Carrie Clarke, with the Lions leading 6-1.

The relief pitcher, Lexie Kimminau, was welcomed to the game with a sacrifice bunt by Lutgen that scored Caldarella. With no outs and runners on first and second Friend singled through the left side of the FHSU defense and scored Badalamenti from second to make it 8-1.

Wesbrooks grounded into a fielder's choice that put out Lutgen headed to third for the first out of the inning. Junior Abi Corbett walked to load the bases and brought up freshman Emily Harris to pinch hit for Morrison. During Harris' at bat the Lions scored one on a wild pitch and Harris would reach after a 2-2 strike out on another wild pitch that scored Wesbrooks for a 10-1 lead.

On the next pitch Harris stole second and a fielding error by the Tiger shortstop allowed Corbett to score from third to make it 11-1 at the end of the third.

Southern tacked one more run on in the fourth that was started by a single back to the FHSU pitcher by Badalamenti and a hit by pitch to Lutgen put runners on first and second with no outs. Friend came up to the plate looking for her third hit and third RBI of the game and sent a 1-0 pitch through the left side for just those to make it 12-1.

Following a Missouri Southern error in the bottom of the fourth, Tess Gray hit a two-run home run over the left field fence to make the final score 12-3.

Senior Sydney Koch went the five innings for the win allowing three FHSU runs, two earned, on five hits with a pair of strike outs.

In game two, Southern got things started in the first inning as they manufactured a run after Corbett led off with an infield single to third base and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Morrison. Corbett scored during Windsor's at bat when the throw on her stolen base sailed into left field.

Fort Hays would get the run back in the home half of the first with a RBI double down the left field line from Veronica Knittig.

The Lions broke the tie in the second with a solo home run from Caldarella and a RBI single to left from Wesbrooks, her third RBI on the day, to make it 3-1.

The Tigers plated three runs in the bottom of the third to take their first lead of the day at 4-3 before Wesbrooks connected on a double to right center in the top of the fourth for her fourth RBI of the day to tie the game at 4-4.

The scored stayed tied at 4-4 until the top of the sixth when Lutgen led off with a double to center and moved to third on a ground out from Wesbrooks. Corbett singled to left on the next at bat to score Lutgen before being thrown out at second trying to stretch it into a double.

With a 5-4 lead headed to the bottom of the sixth sophomore Taurean Guzman got the first FHSU batter to ground out to Stewart at second before Ashley Beavers singled up the middle. With Beavers on first Jeni Mohr flied out to left and Guzman got Bailey Kennedy to ground out to Caldarella to send the game to the seventh.

The Lions were poised to add at least another run in the top of the seventh until the FHSU second baseman, Lily Sale, climbed the ladder to rob Stewart of a double and a RBI and then doubled off Windsor at first to send the game into the home half of the seventh.

With a one out double to left center by Knittig, Missouri Southern head coach Melissa Chmielewski made a switch in the circle and brought in Koch to close out the game. Koch got Boxberger to go down looking and Candace Bollig to ground out back to the circle for the save.

Guzman went six and a third allowing four runs, all earned, on 10 hits with a walk and two strike outs.

Southern will be back in action tomorrow as they travel to Hastings, Nebraska and the Smith Softball Complex. Game times tomorrow have been pushed back to 2 p.m.

MSSU baseball falls to Central Oklahoma 3-0

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team was on the wrong side of a pitcher's duel today as the Lions fell 3-0 at home to Central Oklahoma.

Southern (19-12, 11-6 MIAA) out hit the Bronchos (18-10-1, 8-9 MIAA) 8-6, but the Lions left 13 on base. Max Hogan and Richie Gorski had two hits each, while Danny Biggs, Dave Prost, Walker Whitworth and Alec Alvarez had a hit each.

Will Bausinger started and went six innings, scattering five hits and allowing two earned runs, while striking out four and walking one to earn the tough-luck loss. He fell to 2-3 on the season. Brandon Saddler threw the final three innings and allowed just one hit and one run, while striking out a batter.

The Bronchos got two hits from Kyle Miskovsky, while Jon Kamies had a home run and two runs scored.

UCO got a run in each of the third, sixth and eighth innings.

The Lions had their chances, but Southern left two or more runners on four times in the game.

Southern will be back in action this weekend as the Lions travel to Southwest Baptist for a three-game series beginning on Thursday.

MSSU's Connor Neil ties for first at St. Edward's Invitational

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Austin, Texas - Junior Connor Neil shot a final round of 3-under 67 to finish in a tie for first place at the St. Edward's Invitational Tuesday afternoon at the Onion Creek Country Club.

Neil, who finished with a three round total of 204 (71-66-67), tied 23rd ranked Jared Baker (72-68-64) at 6-under. Neil finished with the runner-up trophy after a two hole play off with Baker. Neil led the Lions, who moved up one spot in the final round into eighth place. "Connor played exceptionally from tee to green and made a lot of puts this week," said head coach Mike Wheeler. "His work ethic is outstanding and [he] is always ready to give his best."

Senior Taylor Lansford had one of the biggest moves in the final round moving up 23 spots after a 1-under 69 into a tie for 12th at 4-over 214. Fellow senior Cameron Hamilton stayed put in a share of 43rd with a 4-over 74 in the final round for a three round total of 221 (11-over). Freshman Chase Rogers and senior Phillip Roller rounded out the team scoring with totals of 230 and 241, respectively.

Southern finished in eighth with a three round total of 869 (290-289-290), seven shots ahead of 43rd ranked West Texas A&M. Midwestern State won the team title with a two day total of 849 (282-285-282) and was followed by day one leader Cameron (275-280-297) and Texas A&M International (291-276-285) at 852. Rounding out the top five was 37th ranked St. Mary's at 854 (284-286-284) and the hosts 50th ranked St. Edward's at 855 (286-284-285).

Dallas Baptist dropped two spots into sixth with a total of 860 followed by Texas A&M-Commerce at 867.The Lions and West Texas A&M were the next two and were followed by Oklahoma Christian at 879, Lubbock Christian 882, Western New Mexico 897, and Rogers State at 899.

Southern will be back in action next week as they head to the Henderson State/Southern Bancorp Invitational at the Big Creek Golf Club in Mt. Home, Arkansas.

MSSU softball weekend schedule moved up

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. - The weekend schedule for the Missouri Southern softball team has been moved up one day due to forecasted weather in Hays, Kan. and Kearney, Neb.

The games originally scheduled for Friday vs. Fort Hays State have been moved to Thursday, while the games Saturday vs. Nebraska-Kearney have been moved to Friday. Game times will stay the same with first pitch at FHSU scheduled for 3 p.m. and the first pitch at UNK scheduled at noon.

Stay tuned to mssulions.com or follow us on twitter @mososports for any further weather updates.

Watch Joplin-Webb City baseball live at 4:30 p.m.

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Changes made in this week's MSSU baseball schedule

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team has adjusted its midweek schedule with Central Oklahoma due to impending weather in the Joplin area.

Due to the forecast for Wednesday afternoon, the scheduled game between the Lions and the Bronchos has been pushed up to Tuesday afternoon with a first-pitch scheduled for 1 pm from Warren Turner Field.

Stay tuned to www.mssulions.com for any further changes should they occur.

MSSU golf in ninth after opening day of St Edward's Invitational

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Austin, Texas - The Missouri Southern Lions Men's Golf sits in ninth place after the opening day of the St. Edward's Invitational at the Onion Creek Country Club.

Junior Connor Neil started the day with a 1-over 71 with four birdies in the opening round and followed that performance up with a second round 4-under 66 that included five birdies and one bogey. Neil sits in third place in the individual medalist race with a day one total of 137. Senior Taylor Lansford carded a two round 145 (73-72) while fellow senior Cameron Hamilton tallied a 7-over 147 (71-76). Freshman Chase Rogers carded a two round 150 (75-75) and senior Phillip Roller rounded out the team scoring with a 153 (77-76).

Cameron University leads the team standings with a 555 (275-280) followed by Midwestern State (282-285) and Texas A&M International (291-276) at 567. Dallas Baptist sits in fourth at 568 (288-280) followed by the hosts 50th ranked St. Edward's (286-284) and 37th ranked St. Mary's (284-286) at 570 to round out the top five.

Seven through 13 goes 43rd ranked West Texas A&M (573), Texas A&M-Commerce (574), Southern, Oklahoma Christian (581), Lubbock Christian and Western New Mexico (588), and Rogers State (590).

Twenty-eighth ranked Hagen Barmassee of Rogers State and Dario Gabriel of Cameron lead the individual medalist race with a 4-under 136. Neil sits in third with a 137 and is followed by 22nd ranked Joaquain Arguelles of Dallas Baptist and Devin Tovey of Cameron round out the top five with a 2-under 138.

The final round will take place Tuesday morning with an 8:30 a.m. shot gun start. Southern will be paired with West Texas A&M and Texas A&M-Commerce. Live results will be at mssulions.com.

Pittsburg State hires former Mizzou Coach Kim Anderson

(From Pittsburg State University Athletics)

Pittsburg State University officials formally introduced Kim Anderson as the school's 15th head men's basketball coach today at a Press Conference/Welcome Event at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

Anderson's first day on the job at Pitt State will be April 10.

Anderson, 61, comes to Pittsburg State after serving the past three seasons as head basketball coach at his alma mater, the University of Missouri. He has a 301-162 (.650) career collegiate coaching record.

Prior to his assignment at Mizzou, Anderson coached 12 seasons at MIAA rival University of Central Missouri, leading the Mules to the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship as well as two additional Division II Final Four appearances (2007, 2009) while compiling a 274-95 (.743) record at the school.

Anderson led UCM to seven trips to the NCAA Division II National Tournament and seven 20-win seasons. In his final season with the Mules he guided the squad to a 30-5 overall record and the D2 national title. His Mules teams captured six MIAA regular season titles (2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) and four MIAA Tournament titles (2005, 2007, 2009, 2013). He was selected the MIAA Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2010, and the NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 2014.

Anderson also spent three years as the Big 12 Conference's Assistant Commissioner/Men's Basketball, directing the officiating program and postseason tournament, and 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Mizzou (1983-85 & 1992-99) and Baylor (1986-91) under former Pitt State head coach Gene Iba.

A native of Sedalia, Mo., Anderson played basketball at the University of Missouri from 1973-77 under legendary coach Norm Stewart. He was a first-team All-Big Eight selection as a senior in 1977 as well as the Big Eight co-Player of the Year that season.

Following his collegiate playing career, Anderson went on to be drafted in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers, playing 21 games for the late Dr. Jack Ramsey during the 1978-79 season. He later completed his professional playing career in Italy and France until returning to assist the Tigers in 1982.

Anderson is a member of numerous Hall of Fames around the state of Missouri. He was inducted into the University of Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield in 2005 as a student-athlete. He was later inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his coaching accomplishments in 2012. In 2006 he was named to the Mizzou Basketball All-Century Team in a fan vote. Most recently, he was honored to the MIAA's Hall of Fame in 2015.

Anderson earned a bachelor's degree in education (BSed) from Mizzou in 1979 and a master's of science degree (MS) in education from the school in 1981.

Anderson and his wife of 39 years, Melissa, have two sons, Ryan, an Assistant Sports Information Director at North Dakota State University, and Brett, who recently was hired as Team Administrator/External Operations/Ticket Sales at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Ressel named MSSU women's basketball coach

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern Athletics Director Jared Bruggeman has announced that interim women's basketball head coach Ronnie Ressel will continue to lead the program.

"Coach Ressel has proven that he has the coaching skills, dedication, work ethic and strong relationship with the student-athletes, administration, coaches and staff during a challenging year plagued with injuries," said Bruggeman. "We are pleased to announce that he will continue to lead the program."

Coach Ressel spent last season as the interim head coach for the women's basketball program following three years as the associate head coach. During his time on the women's basketball sidelines the Lions have advanced to four straight MIAA Post-Season tournaments. Coach Ressel has also coached a three-time All-MIAA selection in Sharese Jones and a two-time All-MIAA selection in Deb Holcomb.

"Extremely honored and excited about the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program here at Missouri Southern.," said Ressel. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics Jared Bruggeman and President Marble for this opportunity. This is a dream come true for me to come back to my alma mater and be the head coach".

Prior to moving over to the women's basketball staff, Coach Ressel was an assistant coach for the men's program under Robert Corn for 11 years. In those 11 years with the Lions, Ressel helped the team to a 204-145 record, including 11-straight appearances in the MIAA Postseason Tournament. The Lions played in the conference tournament title game in 2005 and again in 2011. He was elevated to the position of men's Associate Head Coach in 2010-11, and was instrumental with his help in development of the guards and overall program at Southern. Former Lion Skyler Bowlin was the MIAA's Player and Defender of the Year in 2011, and was a four-time member of the MIAA's All-Defensive team. He is the Lions' all-time leader in three-pointers and ranks fourth all-time in scoring and second in free-throw percentage. He was selected to three different All-American teams, while being named All-Region and the Region Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for National Player of the Year.

At Rend Lake College, Ressel produced a record of 118-92 and was named Great Rivers Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1996. A year later, Ressel led Rend Lake to a GRAC co-championship.

Also during his stint at Rend Lake, he served as assistant softball coach and coordinator of the Rend Lake Fitness Center. Since 1997, he had served as Region 24 Women's Basketball Division I Committee Chairman.

Prior to taking over Rend Lake's women's program, he served as assistant men's basketball coach from 1992-95 after serving one season as a student assistant for Lions head coach Robert Corn in 1991-92.

Ressel enjoyed his share of success throughout his playing and coaching careers. A two-year letterman at Missouri Southern, he averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He led the Lions in assists in both the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons and was awarded the Don Gross Leadership Award following his senior campaign.

Southern baseball bangs out 17 hits in 10-5 win over Washburn

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team banged out 17 hits and ten runs en route to a 10-5 win over Washburn Sunday to take the series over the Ichabods.

The Lions (19-11, 11-5 MIAA) were led by a 4-5 performance from Tyler Sutherland as he had a single in his first four at-bats. Sutherland drove in one run and scored three times. Brett Graham went 3-4 with three RBIs and a run scored, while Max Hogan and Joe Paulino had three hits each with Paulino driving in two and scoring once. Danny Biggs had two hits, an RBI and a run, while Richie Gorski scored twice.

Washburn (16-11, 8-8 MIAA) got a 3-4 day from Tanner Triggs as he scored twice.

The Ichabods scored a run in the top of the first, but the Lions answered back with five in the bottom half of the inning. Sutherland started the inning off with a hit, while Biggs and Hogan followed suit, with Hogan driving in Sutherland. Graham singled home Biggs, while Million drove in both Graham and Gorski. Paulino added an RBI single scoring Million to end the scoring.

The Lions added a run in the second with an RBI single from Graham, but Washburn answered back with two in the top of the fifth to make the score 6-3. Southern, however, added four runs in the bottom of the inning to go up 10-3. Paulino, Sutherland, Biggs and Graham all had RBIs in the inning.

Washburn added two more in the sixth, but wouldn't get any closer.

The Lions will be back in action on Wednesday when Southern plays host to Central Oklahoma. First pitch from Warren Turner Field is slated for 3 pm.

MSSU softball drops pair to Pitt State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Pittsburg, Kan. - The Missouri Southern Softball Lions dropped both non-conference games at Pittsburg State Sunday afternoon at the PSU Softball Complex.

Game One
Game one was scoreless heading into the fifth before Southern struck first. Junior Myranda Stewart led off the inning with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from red-shirt sophomore Bailey Skelton. With two outs, senior Sarah Morrison singled back to the pitcher to move Stewart to third before junior Abi Corbett singled back up the middle to score Stewart and make it 1-0. Pittsburg State made a pitching change following a wild pitch that moved Morrison to third and the new Gorilla pitcher walked sophomore Ashley Caldarella to load the bases. After loading the bases, sophomore Angel Badalamenti was struck by a 1-2 pitch to score Morrison and give Southern the 2-0 lead headed into the bottom of the fifth.

The Gorillas led off the home half with a solo home run down the left field line followed by a walk to force a Missouri Southern pitching change. PSU scored four more times after the pitching change to make it 5-2 after five innings of play. Pittsburg State added one more in the sixth inning to make the final score 6-2.

The Lions managed just five hits in the opener with Corbett collecting two of them and her second triple in as many days. Senior Sydney Koch got the start inside the circle for the Lions going four innings, she faced two batters in the fifth, allowing two runs on four hits. Sophomore Taurean Guzman pitched two innings in relief and suffered the loss allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits with a strike out.

Game Two
Southern also struck first in the "night cap" of the non-conference double header with a pair of runs in the first inning that came on a single to center by freshman Emily Harris. Harris' single scored Badalamenti, singled to second base, and freshman Elizabeth Windsor, reached on an error by the shortstop. Pittsburg State cut the early lead in half in the home part of the inning on a RBI double to center.

The score stayed 2-1 until the bottom of the fourth when Pittsburg State scored on a seeing eye single through the left side of the Missouri Southern infield to make it 2-2.

The Lions regained the lead in the top of the fifth that started with a lead off double from Stewart. Stewart was sacrificed over by Harris and scored on a single to right center by freshman Erika Lutgen. A double to center by sophomore Kylie Wesbrooks scored Lutgen and a sacrifice back to the pitcher by Morrison scored Caldarella, who reached on a fielding error by the Gorilla third baseman, to make it 5-2.

Pittsburg State made it 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth with their second lead off home run of the day and scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth for the 9-5 win.

Southern collected 12 hits in the second game with two each coming from Lutgen and Morrison and three from Wesbrooks. Harris tallied two of the five RBIs for the Lions while Stewart and Lutgen each had a double and Wesbrooks had a pair.

Freshman Mikaela Cox got the start for Southern in game two and went five and a third innings allowing all nine runs on 11 hits. Koch pitched two-thirds in relief holding the Gorillas to just one hit.

Up Next
Southern will resume MIAA play this weekend with a road trip to Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney. Friday's games against FHSU are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. and Saturday's contests at UNK have a scheduled start of noon.

MSSU golfers head to Austin for two-day tournament

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Austin, Texas - The Missouri Southern Men's Golf Team concludes their Spring Break road trip with a two day tournament at the St. Edward's Invitational at the Onion Creek Country Club.

The Lions are coming off a their fourth best round of the season, 295, in the final round of the Broncho Invitational at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City. The five player for Southern will be the same with seniors Taylor Lansford, Cameron Hamilton, and Phillp Roller joined by junior Connor Neil and freshman Chase Rogers.

Neil is averaging 75.3 per round in his 16 rounds this season and was Southern's highest finisher at the Broncho Invitational, tied for 12th. Lansford is scoring 74.2 per round and is coming off his second lowest finish of the season. Hamilton is making his second spring appearance and has a 76.0 scoring average and finished the Broncho Invitational in a tie for 35th. Rogers is making his seventh appearance this season and has a scoring average of 77.6 in 14 rounds of play. Roller is making just his third appearance, second as a squad member, for the Lions and has his third lowest round in the final round at the Broncho Invitational last week.

The Onion Creek Country Club is a 6,530 yard par 70 course in Austin, Texas. Joining the Lions at the St. Edward's Invitational are the host Hilltoppers, St. Mary's (Texas), Dallas Baptist, Western New Mexico, West Texas A&M, Texas A&M International, Texas A&M-Commerce, Cameron, Oklahoma Christian, Rogers State, Lubbock Christian, Midwestern State, and Texas State.

About Onion Creek (from onioncreekclub.com)
Onion Creek Club is one of the most historic clubs in the Central Texas area, established in 1974 by Austin native Jimmie Connolly and Legendary Golfer Jimmy Demaret. Jimmy Demaret is quoted as saying "Nature put it here, all I did was manicure it". Jimmy Demaret had the vision to let the lay of the land dictate the course layout, and with that simple understanding of course design created a beautiful and challenging course that top professionals to beginners enjoy to this day.

In the mid 90's Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore lent a hand in shaping an additional nine to complete the twenty seven hole layout as we know it today. Onion Creek Club has had quite a history and is known for the "Birthplace of the Senior Tour" back in 1979 the first "Legends of Golf" was held at Onion Creek Club and the rest is history. Onion Creek Club also hosted three LPGA Tour Events 1999, 2000, and 2001. Today Onion Creek is a host site for the UIL State Championships, numerous junior competitions, and a qualifying site for the Men's U.S. Open.

Live Results for the St. Edward's Invitational can be found HERE or by logging on to mssulions.com.

MSSU baseball falls to Washburn 6-4

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team got down early and couldn't rally back as the Lions lost 6-4 today to visiting Washburn University.

Southern (18-11, 10-5 MIAA) got a home run from Richie Gorski as he went 1-5 at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored. Brett Graham had a double and two hits, driving in one, while Dave Prost, Todd Hinkley and Danny Biggs had a hit each. Hinkley hit a home run, as well.

Dan Hawk started for the Lions and had a tough time finding location in the first as the Ichabods (16-10, 8-7 MIAA) touched him up for three in the opening inning. But Hawk settled down and went seven and a third. Will Bausinger threw an inning and two thirds of hitless relief of Hawk.

The Ichabods got two hits each from Brett Nickle and Blake Tomasino.

After Washburn got on the board with three in the first, the Lions answered back with an RBI double from Graham to cut the score to 3-1.

Washburn had two more in the fourth to go up 5-1 before back-to-back home runs from Gorski and Hinkley cut the Washburn lead to one (5-4) after four. The Ichabods added a run in the eighth for the final tally.

The two teams will be back in action tomorrow afternoon for the series finale. First-pitch from Turner field is slated for 1 pm.

MSSU softball splits doubleheader with Pittsburg State

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern softball team picked up a split with visiting Pittsburg State today as the Lions won game one 2-1 in extra innings, before dropping game two 2-1.

The Lions (13-22, 2-6 MIAA) got a pair of hits from Erika Lutgen in the opener, while Abi Corbett, Ashley Caldarella, Shelby Friend and Myranda Stewart had a hit each.

Southern got a great game in the circle from Sydney Koch as the senior went ten innings, scattering six hits and allowing just one run, while striking out four and walking two.

PSU (23-9, 4-2 MIAA) got a run in the fourth to go up 1-0, before an RBI single from Friend in the fifth, scoring Caldarella tied it up.

Neither team scored for four more innings, and in the tenth, the Lions got Taurean Guzman on second to start the inning, via the international tie breaker. She moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from Friend and Guzman scored the winning run on a throwing error form the catcher.

In game two, the Gorillas scored a run in the third, before a bunt RBI from Angel Badalamenti in the bottom half of the inning, scored Corbett to tie the game.

Pitt, however, scored a run in the fourth that proved to be the game-winner. The Lions threatened in the seventh with a pair of runners aboard, but couldn't score.

Badalamenti and Stewart had a pair of hits each, while Corbett, Caldarella and Bailey Skelton had one hit each.

Mikaela Cox started and went five innings, striking out two and walking just one. She moved to 3-5 on the season. Guzman threw the final two innings.

The two teams will be back at it tomorrow in Pittsburg in a double-header starting at 2 pm. The games will not be MIAA contests.

Weather forces changes in MSSU softball schedule

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern Head Softball Coach Melissa Chmielewski has announced changes to the weekend softball schedule with Pittsburg State due to forecasted weather.

The games originally scheduled for a conference doubleheader today in Joplin and a nonconference doubleheader in Pittsburg on Saturday have been pushed back one day due to weather in our area. The game times will remain the same on Saturday with the conference doubleheader having a first pitch at 2 p.m. from the Pat Lipira Softball Complex.

For further updates check mssulions.com or follow us on twitter @mososports.

Graham drives in six as MSSU baseball downs Washburn 13-10

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern baseball team scored 11 runs over the first three innings and Brett Graham had six RBIs as the Lions defeated visiting Washburn 13-10 at Warren Turner Field tonight.

Southern (18-10, 10-4 MIAA) wins its sixth game in a row as the Lions got home runs from Graham, Tyler Sutherland and Todd Hinkley. Graham went 4-5 at the plate with six RBIs and two runs scored. Sutherland was 2-5 with a pair of RBIs and runs scored, while Hinkley was 2-2 with three runs scored and two RBIs to go with a pair of walks. Richie Gorski and Alec Alvarez had two hits each, while Gorski scored twice.

The Lions got a solid pitching effort from Seth Mesey. After going down 5-0 after the first inning, he settled down and went six and two thirds of an inning, striking out four and walking two to get the win and move to 2-1 on the season. Colin Chandler threw an inning and two thirds, striking out two, while Cody Smith threw the ninth to pick up save number three of the season.

Washburn (15-10, 7-7 MIAA) fot four hits from Riley Krane as he drove in three and scored three times, as well.

Washburn scored five in the first with the big blast coming in the form of a grand slam from Tanner Triggs.

The Lions answered back, however, with Graham's three-run blast in the bottom of the first to make the score 5-3. After Washburn added two more in the top of the second, the Lions scored five in the bottom half of the inning. A bases-clearing double from Graham highlighted the inning the saw RBIs from Gorski and Dave Prost, as well.

Sutherland's homer in the third scored two and Hinkley added an unearned run to put the Lions up 11-7 after three.

Washburn added a run in the fourth and another in the top of the seventh to cut the lead to two (11-9), but Hinkley's two-run homer in the bottom half of the inning, put the game away. The Ichabods added a run in the eighth, but it wasn't enough.

The two teams will be back at it tomorrow afternoon with first-pitch scheduled for 1 pm.

Hogan, Gorski homer as MSSU downs Central Oklahoma 9-3

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Edmond, Okla. -- Max Hogan hit his tenth home run of the year and Richie Gorski added his sixth as the Missouri Southern baseball team took out Central Oklahoma 9-3 today in MIAA action in Edmond.

The Lions (17-10, 9-4 MIAA) wins its fifth in a row and moves into third place in the MIAA standings.

Hogan led the way for the Lions with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. Dave Prost went 2-5 with three RBIs and a double, while Gorski had a home run. Alec Alvarez went 2-5 with two runs scored, while Tyler Sutherland went 2-4 with an RBI and two runs. Danny Biggs and Mike Million both scored a run each.

Central Oklahoma (16-8-1, 6-7 MIAA) had four with two hits each.

Southern got on the board in the first as Sutherland and Biggs had back-to-back singles before Hogan's home run to go up 3-0.

UCO added a run in the second and another in the fourth, before Gorski's home run in the fifth put the Lions up 4-2 after five. The Lions added two more in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Sutherland and an unearned run from Alvarez.

After another run from the Bronchos cut the Lions' lead to three (6-3) the Lions got a bases-clearing double from Prost in the eighth to put the game away.

Dan Hawk started and went one and two thirds of an inning before giving way to Brandon Saddler. Saddler threw four and a third, striking out three and walking none, while allowing just two runs to pick up his first win of the year (1-0). Collin Chandler and Will Bausinger threw the final three innings.

The Lions will be back in action this weekend as Southern hosts a three-game series with Washburn University from Warren Turner Field.

MSSU softball drops doubleheader to Central Missouri

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Softball team dropped their MIAA home openers to Central Missouri, 6-4 and 9-5, Wednesday afternoon at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex.

Game One
Southern took the lead early in the opening game with a RBI sacrifice bunt from junior Shelby Friend that scored fellow junior Abi Corbett for the 1-0 lead. Central Missouri tied the game in the top half of the second on a fielder's choice sacrifice bunt back to the pitcher that scored the Jennies' runner from third.

The Lions retook the lead in the bottom of the third off a triple down the right field line from sophomore Ashley Caldarella that scored Corbett and sophomore Angel Badalamenti singled home Caldarella to make it 3-1. The score remained 3-1 until the top of the sixth when Central Missouri scored five runs on four hits and two Missouri Southern errors for the 6-3 lead.

The Lions rallied in the bottom of the sixth that started with a four pitch walk to Badalamenti followed by a single up the middle from Friend. Freshman Erika Lutgen sacrificed the runners to second and third. Junior Myranda Stewart grounded out to second and scored Badalamenti to make the final score of 6-4.

Game Two
The Lions struck early in the night cap with three runs in the bottom of the opening frame on a single to right by Lutgen that scored Corbett and a two RBI single down the left field line by Stewart that scored both Friend and Caldarella.

UCM scored a run in the second, third, and fourth to tie the game at 3-3 before Southern broke the tie in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Badalamenti that scored Corbett. Central Missouri scored three runs in the sixth and seventh for the 9-5 win.

On The Day
Both Corbett and Badalamenti finished the day hitting .500, Corbett finished 4-for-8 while Badalamenti went 2-for-4. Stewart led the team with three RBIs while Friend and Badalamenti each had two RBIs.

Sophomore Taurean Guzman led the Lions with a 0.00 ERA allowing three runs, all unearned, on seven hits in five and a third innings for work. Senior Sydney Koch went five and two-thirds innings in game one allowing six runs, two earned, on eight hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

Up Next
Southern will be back in action on Friday, weather permitting, against Pittsburg State in a conference double header at Pat Lipira Softball Complex. First pitched is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Royals' Alcides Escobar returns from World Baseball Classic

MSSU golf finishes seventh at Broncho Invitational

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Missouri Southern Men's Golf team finished seventh at the Broncho Invitational presented by RCB Bank at the Gaillardia Country Club Tuesday afternoon.

Junior Connor Neil paced the Lions with a three round total of 226 (77-75-74) and a share of 16th, while seniors Taylor Lansford (74-82-74) and Cameron Hamilton (79-77-74) finished with a share of 35th with a two day total of 230. Freshman Chase Rogers finished four strokes back and senior Phillip Roller rounded out the team scoring with a 245.

Central Missouri won the team title with a three round total of 875 followed by Henderson State at 896 and hosts Central Oklahoma at 903. Texas A&M International finished fourth at 906 and Southwestern Oklahoma State rounded out the top five with a total of 913.

Brendon Jelley of Oklahoma State took individual medalist honors with a three round total of 210 (73-71-66) and Central Missouri's Cole Dillon finished second with a 216 (77-71-68).

Southern will be back in action next week as they travel to Austin, Texas to take part in the St. Edward's Invitational hosted by St. Edward's University at the Onion Creek Country Club.

MSSU pole vaulter named MIAA Field Athlete of the Week

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Mo. -- Missouri Southern sophomore pole vaulter Emily Presley has been named the MIAA Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week as announced by the League office Monday.

Presley, a native of St. Clair, Mo., picked up an NCAA Automatic Qualifying Mark as the Lions outdoor track and field teams opened up the season at the ESU Spring Invite. Presley tied her career-best in the event with a height of 13-03.50 to win and place her number one on the national list early on in the season.

The Lions will be off until March 31 when they are at Washington University.

MSSU baseball vs. Central Oklahoma postponed

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Joplin, Mo. -- Due to unforeseen travel issues the scheduled MIAA baseball game between Missouri Southern and Central Oklahoma has been postponed until tomorrow.

Originally slated for today at 3 pm in Edmond, the game has now been postponed until tomorrow, March 22 at 3 pm.

Southern's C. J. Carr named second team all-region

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Mo. -- Missouri Southern junior guard CJ Carr has been named a second-team All-Central Region pick today by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

Carr was a second-team All-MIAA pick and was a member of this year's All-MIAA Tournament Team. This year, Carr led the team in scoring from start to finish. Carr averaged 19.2 points, 5.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game, while starting in every game and averaging 36 minutes per contest.

Carr put himself in the Southern record books this season as he set a new MSSU single-game record with 16 assists against Pittsburg State on Feb. 4. He also became the second-highest single game scorer in the history of the program as he scored 47 points in a double-overtime win over Minnesota State earlier this season. Carr finished the regular-season sixth in the MIAA in scoring.

Carr led the MIAA in assists per game, steals per game, total assists, total field goal attempts, total minutes and total steals this year, while ranking third in minutes per game. He is 17th in Division II total field goal attempts, while ranking 19th in both total steals and total assists. He ranks 23rd nationally in assists per game, while ranking 26th in total minutes and 31st in steals per game.

Carr also helped the Lions set a new single-season record for three pointers made as the team knocked down 250. The Lions are also the only team so far do defeat Northwest Missouri as the Bearcats are in the Elite Eight as the No. 2 seed nationally. In that game, Carr scored 26 points, going 12-18 from the field with three assists and three steals.