MSSU soccer plays to 1-1 tie with Rockhurst in season opener

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kansas City, Mo. - The Missouri Southern women's soccer team found itself down a goal at the half, but was able to get in position for a score to tie the game five minutes into the second period to kick off the first match of the season with a tie (1-1) versus Rockhurst inside Bourke Field Friday evening.

The Lions' (0-0-1) goal came after Carina Calderon took two dribbles past the blue line into the Hawks zone and launched one that ricocheted in-between freshman Bailey Belcher and a defender. It then landed in front of senior Julia Liberty who came forward a couple steps and poked it in the right corner for a 1-1 tied in the 51st minute of the match.


RU (0-0-1) got on the board first when Ellie Guttman secured the rebound in front of the net and sent the ball right back to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead with 15 minutes left in the first period upon MSSU's goalkeeper Luz Galindo making the initial save off a free kick by Cathy Rometti.

Galindo recorded 110 minutes between the posts, seeing 25 total shot attempts and making 10 saves on 11 shots faced. Southern as a team took 11 shots, but played lockdown defense in the second half to force the end result.

Lions head to Springfield on Sunday, Sept. 2nd to face Drury University inside the Curry Sports Complex - Harrison Stadium at 7:00 pm.

MSSU soccer to open with road matches Friday, Sunday

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern women's soccer team kicks off the 2018 season with pair of non-conference road matches this weekend beginning at Rockhurst on Friday, Aug. 31 and then Drury University two days later on Sunday, Sept. 2.

The Lions are coming off a 4-2 victory over Missouri S&T in exhibition match to get set for the regular season. Sophomore Carina Calderon led the squad with two goals from long distance. Seniors Alex McCord and Julia Liberty each added a goal during the preparation.

The Rundown Friday: at Rockhurst - Bourke Field - 6:30 pm
Sunday: at Drury - Curry Sports Complex-Harrison Stadium - 7:00 pm

TV/Stream:
RU - http://www.glvcsn.com/rockhurst/
DU - none
Live Stats:
RU - http://www.sidearmstats.com/rockhurst/wsoc/
DU - http://www.sidearmstats.com/drury/wsoc/

What the Opponents are Bringing to the Battle! 

Rockhurst
Series: RU leads 4-3-2
Great Lakes Valley Conference ... Tenth (7-9-1 overall / 5-8-1 GLVC) ... picked sixth in their conference pre-season poll ... retained ten starters from last year's squad ... kicked off last season by defeating he Lions 3-1 in Joplin ... head coach Greg Herdlick enters his 20th season at the helm of the Hawks with a .616 winnings percentage (201-119-34).

Drury
Series: DU leads 3-0
Great Lakes Valley Conference ... Ninth (7-8-2 overall / 5-8-1 GLVC) ... picked 12th in their conference pre-season poll ... retained 14 letter winners (seven started eight or more games) ... won 4-0 in the team's last meeting against the Lions in 2015 in Springfield ... head coach Alf Bilbao enters his 13th season with a .541 winnings percentage (113-82-33) and a GLVC champions back in 2007.

Next Stretch
Southern returns to Hal Bodon field for its home opener against Harding University of the Great American Conference (GAC) on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:00 pm.

MSSU men's, women's cross country rank nationally

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's and women's cross country teams have started the season amongst the regional and national cross country rankings as the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its national polls today.

The Southern men open the season as the third-ranked team in the Central Region, while ranked 20th nationally. The Lions are the top-ranked team from the MIAA and only men's team in the top 25. Southern was recently picked to win the MIAA Title in the preseason coaches poll.

The Southern women will open the season as the 10th-ranked women's team in the Central Region. The Lions were recently picked to finish third in the MIAA preseason coaches poll.

Both the Southern men and women will open up the 2018 season this Saturday as the Lions travel to Bolivar to compete in the SBU Invite at Bolivar Municipal Golf Course. The women's race will begin at 8:30 am, while the men will begin at 9 am.

MSSU football to open season at University of Nebraska-Kearney

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern football team will open up the 2018 season this Thursday night when the Lions travel to Kearney, Nebraska to take on the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Kickoff time from Cope Stadium is slated for 6 pm.

Game Information

Team Records: MSSU - 0-0, 0-0 MIAA | UNK 0-0, 0-0 MIAA
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2018
Kick-Off: 6 pm, CT
Location: Kearney, Neb.
Site: Foster Field/Ron and Carol Cope Stadium (5,250)
Series Record: UNK leads 9-7
Coaches: Denver Johnson (3-30 at MSSU, 72-96 overall) | Josh Lynn (3-8 at UNK, 30-33 overall)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: Fox Sports Joplin 101.3, 101.7 and AM 1560; 88.7 FM KXMS - Mike McClure, Play-by-Play, Scott Boudreaux, Color
Video Webcast: http://www.themiaanetwork.com/mssulions
Live Stats: https://lopers.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Lions on Facebook: Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mosofootball

The Series: Nebraska-Kearney holds a 9-7 record in the overall series, however the two teams have only played each other four times since the 1988 season (three Lions wins) the last year Southern participated as a member of the NAIA and the Central States Intercollegiate Conference. The series features one of the most unique situations as both teams historically have been better at the other team's facility. The Lions are 2-6 at home, while 5-3 in Kearney. UNK won the first four meetings, but Southern took the next three. The Lions have won three out of the last four meetings.

The Dish On The Gorillas: The Lopers were picked tenth in both the MIAA Coaches and Media preseason polls. UNK won three games last year under first-year head coach Josh Lynn, including defeating the Lions 16-6 in Joplin. The Lopers are led offensively by Dayton Sealey as the running back carried the ball 53 times last season for 259 yards and five scores. Quarterback Alex McGinnis saw minimal action, but is the top returning passer with 84 yards on 6-11 passing and a touchdown. He also carried the ball 14 times for 31 yards and a score. Through the air, the Lopers are led by Alex Harms and Austan Daniels. Harms caught 19 passes for 282 yards and a score, while Daniels had 15 catches for 155 yards. Sealey had nine catches out of the backfield for 142 yards and a score. Defensively, the Lopers return Sal Silvio who had 81 tackles last season, including 13.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks, while also notching two forced fumbles and one interception. Dallas Vaughn and Zach Sullivan had 63 and 60 tackles each, while both had a sack and Sullivan recorded 6.5 tackles for a loss. The Lopers will be at Central Oklahoma next week for a 7 pm kickoff.

A Victory vs. Nebraska-Kearney Would: keep the trend of the road team winning in the series. It would be the Lions sixth win in Kearney and would stop a 13-game losing streak for the Lions.

NFL Representation: The Lions will have Brandon Williams as the lone MSSU alum in the NFL this season. Williams has blossomed into one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL and last season became one of the highest-paid, as well, signing a five-year, $54 million contract. .

NFL Executive: Former Lion and former NFL wide receiver James Thrash is in his second season serving as the NFL and NFLPA's Appeals Officer. He hears all appeals for the NFL regarding on-field player discipline. Thrash played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.

Lions On Radio: The Lions will partner with Fox Sports Joplin this year as Southern can now be heard on three separate FM stations, as well as an AM station. Fox Sports Joplin will air the Lions' games on 101.3 and 101.7 FM, as well as AM 1560. MSSU's KXMS 88.7 will also simulcast the games giving the Lions a larger reach in the four-states than they've ever had.

Tough League/Region: The MIAA has three teams in the coaches top 25 this week. Fort Hays State and Northwest Missouri are tied at No. 5, while Central Missouri is at No. 18. The Super Region Three, which the Lions are a part of, has eight teams in the top 25. There are 15 teams total that are either ranked or receiving votes in the poll from the region.

Lions On TV: Missouri Southern's KGCS will air every Lions home game live this year during the season. They will also re-broadcast the games on Sunday evenings at 7 pm.

Lions On The Web: All of MSSU's football games are carried live online as part of the MIAA Network. Fans can go to www.mssulions.com to view live and on-demand games.

Streaming Options: Fans now have even more options to view the Lions online in their homes and on the road. Not only can you view on your computer, fans can now view The MIAA Network on its over the top apps for either Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Android TV.

NCAA Team Stats Rankings: Last season, the Lions ranked 17th in fewest penalties and and fewest penalty yards per game, while ranking 14th in fewest penalties per game and 21st in fewest penalty yards. The team also ranked 29th in blocked kicks, 44th in kickoff return defense and 58th in fumbles lost (fewest).

MIAA Team Stats Rankings: Last season, Southern was second in the MIAA in fewest penalties and penalty yards and per game stats in those categories. The Lions also ranked third in the MIAA in blocked kicks, while ranking fourth in kickoff return defense and sixth in fumbles lost (fewest).

Individual Stats Rankings: Individually, Roc Robbins ranked 13th in blocked kicks and 34th in fumbles recovered.

Returning All-MIAA: Robbins, as well as offensive linemen Mike Dzierzega and Aaron Leo and defensive back Carter Rees were all named All-MIAA last year.

Legion of Boom: The Lions should have a very formidable linebacking corps as two of the top three tacklers from last season (Roc Robbins and Akel Beard), as well as the top tackler from 2016 (Justin Legier) will anchor the position this season.

Welcome Back Joe: Former Lion Joe Bettasso has returned to the Green and Gold as the Defensive Coordinator. Bettasso played for Southern from 2002 - 2005 and later was a student assistant coach for the Lions.

Weather Report: The weather report for the Kearney area on Thursday calls for a high of 81 and cloudy conditions with a 20 percent chance of precipitation.

Inside Pitch: Where should Cardinals use Adam Wainwright?

Veteran St. Louis Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright is nearing the end of his rehab appearances in the minor leagues and will soon return to the active roster.

In this episode of Inside Pitch with St. Louis Post-Dispatch Cardinals columnists Jeff Gordon and Ben Frederickson discuss newly named Manager Mike Shildt's intriguing problem.


On one hand, Wainwright has pitched 17 innings during his rehab assignment and not given up a run and only allowed seven hits, striking out 18.

But who do you replace in the starting rotation?

Or do you go with a six-man rotation and give extra rest time to some of the youngsters who are not used to throwing as many innings?

Chiefs changing tailgating policies

The Kansas City Chiefs will be making some changes in their tailgating policy this season.

The Chiefs are following some recommendations that have been made by the NFL, which will include removal of people who are there for the tailgating but who do not have ticket to the games and some changes in where tailgating can take place.

The accompanying video is from KC Action News 41.

St. Louis Cardinals officially name Mike Schildt manager

(From the St. Louis Cardinals)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced this afternoon that they have named Mike Shildt as the team's Field Manager, removing his interim title.

Since being named to his position as interim manager on July 15, Shildt has piloted the Cardinals to a 26-12 mark – the most wins amongst all Major League teams during that time period - and he has helped steer the Cardinals into the postseason race, currently holding the top position in the National League Wild Card standings.

"We are pleased to name Mike Shildt as the St. Louis Cardinals manager," stated Cardinals' Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Bill DeWitt, Jr. "Mike is a veteran member of the Cardinals organization who has demonstrated strong leadership and coaching traits, formed by his many years of experience in the game, including his 15 years in the Cardinals system. The team's focused, high-level style of play under Mike is a standard that his teams consistently displayed during his prior years in the minors, and it has continued here at the Major League level."

"Mike Shildt has made many stops throughout the Cardinals organization, and today he achieves another position – Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals," stated Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. "Over the past 15 years, Mike has been mentored by many great baseball men including George Kissell, Tony La Russa and Mark DeJohn. Now he has an opportunity to share his insights throughout the entire organization."

Shildt, 50, has been a member of the Cardinals organization since 2004 and had served on the team's Major League coaching staff the past two (2017-18) seasons. The North Carolina native managed for eight seasons in the Cardinals farm system where his clubs won league championships in 2010 and 2011 with Johnson City of the rookie Appalachian League and in 2012 with Springfield of the Texas League (AA). Prior to taking the Cardinals reins in July, Shildt had most recently managed in 2016 with Memphis of the Pacific Coast League (AAA).

Shildt became the 50th manager in franchise history when he was named to the interim position last month.

Former Cardinal/MSU first baseman Luke Voit wins shot at starting role with Yankees

Former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Luke Voit, once a standout at Missouri State University, has received an opportunity to shine on Major League Baseball's biggest stage and is making the most of it.

Voit followed a two home run performance in a game last week with another home run in a 5-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles Sunday and Manager Aaron Boone says the 27-year-old will receive a lot more playing time.



From the New York Post:

“It’s like Christmas morning,” Voit said. “It’s great for my confidence. This is the first time I’ve actually got an opportunity in the big leagues. I’ve always been a bench player. It feels good to get consistent at-bats.”

Voit is expected to start tonight when the Yankees open a series against the Chicago White Sox.

MSSU volleyball drops two matches at Warrensburg

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Warrensburg, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern volleyball team dropped a pair of matches in the final day of the 2018 Peggy Martin Classic, falling 3-0 to Truman State and 3-1 to No. 4 Florida Southern.

Southern (0-4) opened the day with a pair of tough opponents, beginning with Truman State (3-1) as the Bulldogs won in straight sets. Individual set scores were 22-25, 22-25 and 14-25. The Lions finished the day with 4th-ranked Florida Southern and fell three sets to one. Individual scores in the nightcap were 20-25, 25-16, 16-25 and 14-25.

Against Truman, the Lions were led by Shaylon Sharp as the freshman had a match-high 12 kills. Janelle Brehm had 11 kills and 11 digs for a double-double, while Morgan Nash dished out 26 assists. Lydia Wiegand had a match-high 18 digs.

The Lions hit .123 in the match ahd had three team blocks.

Truman was led by Ellie Kaat with 11 kills. Saavy Hughes had 31 assists.

In the second match of the day, the Lions held tough with the fourth-ranked Mocs in the first two sets, taking set two, but couldn't hold on. Brehm had 15 kills and 17 digs for her second double-double of the day. Nash dished out 28 assists and had 15 digs, while Sharp, Kylee Kaaihue and Katie Paine all had ten digs each. CC Pollard had five blocks as the team had seven team blocks. The Lions had 66 digs and hit .153 in the match.

FSC (1-3) got 23 kills from Nicole Mattson and 50 assists from Bethany Besancenez.

Southern will be off next weekend, but will play host to Missouri S&T on September 4 inside Young Gymnasium. First serve is slated for 6 pm.

Pitt State October 20 football game against Central Missouri selected for NCAA Showcase

(From Pittsburg State University Athletics)

The NCAA announced today (Aug. 24) that Pittsburg State University's home football game against the University of Central Missouri on Oct. 20 has been selected for the NCAA Showcase.

The contest is part of 19 regular-season football games that will be showcased on either ESPN3 or NCAA social media as part of a new media agreement intended to promote the division on several platforms throughout the academic year.

The Gorillas match-up against the Mules will be distributed through a hybrid model used for local television and online distribution. The games also will be available on The MIAA Network.

More details regarding broadcast information will be released at a later date.

"We are excited to be a part of the 2018 NCAA Showcase and the opportunity it presents to showcase the Gorillas, the PSU campus and Gorilla Nation on a national platform," PSU athletic director Jim Johnson said. "We feel like we have the best game day atmosphere in Division II and we're always eager to expose a larger audience to the Pitt State experience."

Kickoff for the game will move from 2 p.m. (CDT) to 2:05 p.m.

Holliday returns to Rockies, belts pinch single against Cardinals

Former St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday is back in the major leagues again after being called up by his original team, the Colorado Rockies, Thursday.

Holliday collected his first hit in his second stint with Colorado, a pinch-hit single in tonight's 7-5 loss to St. Louis.


In the accompanying Fox Sports Midwest video, Holliday describes his feelings at being back with the Rockies and playing against the team he helped lead to a World Series championship in 2011.

MSSU soccer downs Missouri S&T 4-2

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern soccer team scored four goals on the night toward a 4-2 victory over the Missouri S&T Miners inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium Friday evening.

The Lions jumped out to a 1-0 lead after a straight-away goal by sophomore Carina Calderon at the 22:59 mark of the first period. MS&T responded a couple moments later with a goal to tie it up at 1-1.

Then with three minutes left in the first period, senior center-mid Alex McCord found the ball during a scramble within the box off a corner kick and just loaded up right in front to give the Lions the lead back (2-1) heading into the second period.

Calderon added another goal at the 40-minute mark in the second period to put the Lions in front by two, followed up with a goal by Julia Liberty from 20 yards away to close out the scoring as the defense limited the Miners to zero goals despite allowing nine shots in the third and final period.

Southern opens the regular season on the road in Kansas City to face Rockhurst University on Aug. 31 at 6:30 pm.

MSSU volleyball loses opener at Warrensburg

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Warrensburg, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern volleyball team dropped a pair of opening matches today at the Peggy Martin Classic hosted by the University of Central Missouri.

The Lions (0-2) dropped the first match of the day to Drury (1-1), three sets to none. Individual set scores were 16-25, 23-25 and 14-25. Southern dropped the second match to 14th-ranked Arkansas Tech (1-1) three sets to none. Individual set scores were 23-25, 23-25 and 20-25.

Against Drury, the Lions were led by Janelle Brehm as the sophomore had 14 kills and nine digs. Morgan Nash had a double-double with 20 assists and 10 digs, while Bridgette Jaeger had a team-high 15 digs. Lydia Wiegand had nine digs, while Shaylon Sharp and Alicia Pickett had five and four kills, respectively. 

Drury had two in double-figure kills with 11 from Bentley Mara, while Kendra Sater had 29 assists.

Against Arkansas Tech, Brehm once again led the Lions with 11 kills and eight digs. Nash had 22 assists and eight digs, while Jaeger had a match-high 17 digs.

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow with a match at 11 am against Truman and another at 5 pm against No. 4 Florida Southern.

MSSU men's cross country picked first, women's team third in MIAA preseason poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)


The Missouri Southern men were picked first and the women third as the MIAA released its preseason cross country coaches poll this afternoon.

The men finished third at last year's MIAA Championship and went on to finish second at the NCAA Regional, qualifying for their fifth NCAA National Championship in the last six years. The men had three All-MIAA performers last year and two return in Nickson Kiptoo and Josh Webb. Kiptoo was the runner-up in last year's championship.

The women placed fourth at last year's MIAA Championship. The Lions had four runners in the top 30 of the race last season and return two of them as Ashley Kuykendall was seventh, earning All-MIAA honors and Sarah Usher was 27th.

The men earned 94 points and picked up four of the possible ten first-place votes to be picked as the favorites to win the league this year. Central Missouri and Lindenwood tied for second, while Nebraska-Kearney was fourth and both Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State were tied for fifth. Emporia State was seventh, followed by Washburn, Northwest Missouri, Southwest Baptist and Missouri Western.

Pittsburg State was the overwhelming favorite to win the league, earning 11 of the possible 12 first-place votes. Southwest Baptist was second, but had just one more point than the Lions whow were third. Fort Hays State was fourth, followed by Nebraska-Kearney, Washburn, Central Missouri, Northwest Missouri, Missouri Western, Central Oklahoma, Emporia State, Lindenwood and Lincoln to round out the poll.

Southern opens up the season on September 1 as both men and women travel to Bolivar to compete in the SBU Invitational.

2018 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Missouri Southern (4) - 94
T-2. Central Missouri (3) - 75
T-2. Lindenwood (3) - 75
4. Nebraska Kearney (1) - 72
T-5. Fort Hays State - 54
T-5. Pittsburg State - 54
7. Emporia State - 52
8. Washburn - 46
9. Northwest Missouri - 44
10. Southwest Baptist - 28
11. Missouri Western - 11

2018 MIAA Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Pittsburg State (11) - 143
2. Southwest Baptist (1) - 121
3. Missouri Southern - 120
4. Fort Hays State (1) - 113
5. Nebraska Kearney - 99
6. Washburn - 95
7. Central Missouri - 75
8. Northwest Missouri - 64
9. Missouri Western - 53
T10. Central Oklahoma - 46
T10. Emporia State - 46
12. Lindenwood - 27
13. Lincoln - 12

Pittman, Randolph among among nine inductees to Webb City Athletic Hall of Fame

(From Webb City Schools)

The Webb City R-7 Schools, in cooperation with the Webb City R-7 Schools Foundation, is proud and excited to announce the Athletic Hall of Fame Class for 2018.

With over 100 years of athletic competition, the school has been represented by many outstanding athletes, coaches and teams.

This class featuring nine (9) individuals (listed below) will be formally inducted during a dinner on Saturday, October 6, 2018. This event, which will conclude the homecoming/alumni weekend events, will be held at the Cardinal Dome on the campus of Webb City High School, with dinner served at 7 p.m.


Recognition Ceremony will be Saturday, October 6, 2018. Tickets are required and can be purchased at the Webb City R-7 Administrative office, located at 411 N. Madison, Webb City, MO. Price of the ticket is $35.

The 2018 inductees are listed below:

Dean Wilson ‘57
Robert Fisher ‘87
Chuck Pittman ‘88
Gary Webster ‘90
Stacy Randolph ‘92
Stephen Crane ‘94
Sarah (Pyle) Knisley ‘95
Hailey (Stanley) Burpo '98
Richard Correll

MSSU soccer to open regular season Friday at home

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern soccer team prepares for the regular season with a exhibition against the Missouri S&T Miners on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7:00 pm inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

The Lions were picked sixth in the MIAA preseason coaches' poll after placing fifth last year with a 5-9-4 record and its first tournament appearance since 2012.

The team brings back a veteran group of five seniors in Jeannine Escobar, Julia Liberty, Alex McCord, Maria Sturluson, and Denine Tahbaz, to go along with five juniors and 10 sophomores that all contributed to produce eight matches of not allowing a goal.

MST closed out the 2017 season by winning two of its final four games, including a 1-0 victory over Wisconsin-Parkside in the team's finale despite finishing with a 2-13-1 overall record as part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

Live Stats will be available and the link can be found under upcoming events as well as the schedule for the specific event.

Future Matches at Hal Bodon

With construction taking place in the vicinity, we will be using the gate in the corner near the scoreboard as the main entrance for fans coming out to watch the Lions. The gate located behind both benches will be limited to teams, coaches, and administrators at all times with one other gate for restroom access.

Southern plays its first home match against Harding on Sept. 7 at 6:00 pm.

MSSU volleyball to open season at Warrensburg

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern volleyball team will open up the 2018 season tomorrow morning as they travel to Warrensburg to compete in the Peggy Martin Challenge, hosted by the University of Central Missouri.

All matches will take place inside the Multipurpose Building on the UCM campus. The Lions will play Drury University at 9 am on Friday morning to open the day and then will face off with 14th-ranked Arkansas Tech at 5 pm.

Southern will then take on Truman State at 11 am on Saturday, before facing off with fourth-ranked Florida Southern at 5 pm that night.

The Lions were picked 9th in the MIAA preseason poll and are under first-year head coach Kalie Mader. Southern returns three All-MIAA players in Alicia Pickett, Janelle Brehm and Morgan Nash.

Live stats and a tournament home page can be accessed in the story links at the top of the page.

***
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Albert Pujols returning to St. Louis

Albert Pujuls will return to Busch Stadium next year for the first time since the 2011 World Series when the Los Angeles Angels come to town.

The Cardinals unveiled their 2019 schedule today. The official news release, which does not mention Pujols, is printed below:

The St. Louis Cardinals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s league-wide release, announced their 2019 regular season schedule. The home opener for the Redbirds is set for Thursday, April 4 against the San Diego Padres as part of a seven-game home stand with San Diego (April 4, 6-7) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (April 8-11). The Cardinals will open their 2019 season on the road with a four-game series at Milwaukee against the division rival Brewers beginning on Thursday, March 28, followed by a two-game series at Pittsburgh (April 1 & 3). The season opener on March 28 against the Brewers represents the first time in franchise history that the Cardinals will begin the season at Milwaukee. The two teams have faced each other three times previously on Opening Day (2004, 2003 & 1999), all in St. Louis. The March 28 season opener will also be the earliest in franchise history. 

The 2019 season will feature 26 home series and 26 road series, including 14 weekend series at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals will host the Chicago Cubs for two weekend series (May 31-June 2 & September 27-29), including the final series of the 2019 regular season, and one mid-week series (July 30-August 1) at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals 20-game interleague schedule will feature a pair of two-game home-and-home series with in-state rival Kansas City (May 21-22 at Busch Stadium & August 13-14 at Kansas City) and with the Oakland Athletics (June 25-26 at Busch Stadium & August 3-4 at Oakland). In addition, the Cardinals will host three-game home series against the Los Angeles Angels (June 21-23) and Houston Astros (July 26-28), and will play three-game road series at Texas (May 17-19) and at Seattle (July 2-4).

The Cardinals will make future announcements regarding game times, ticket pricing and ticket availability for the 2019 season.

Cardinals 2019 Schedule

Cardinals welcome back Matt Adams

The St. Louis Cardinals claimed first baseman/outfielder Matt "Big City" Adams off waivers from the Washington Nationals today, returning him to the team he called home until this year.

In a tweet, Adams said he noticed something special was happening with the Cardinals when the Nationals played in St. Louis recently and he is happy to be a part of it.

His old friend and teammate Matt Carpenter jokingly said that he rejected Adams' pleas for the magic salsa that has accompanied the Cardinals' drive back to contention for a playoff berth.

"Now my friend, I shall bathe you in it," Carpenter tweeted.

When I faced @Cardinals last week, I felt there was something special happening with this team. I can’t believe I actually get to be a part of it now! Excited to put the birds on the bat back on and play in front of Cardinal Nation again! Let’s Go Cards!! pic.twitter.com/G0eellIhIC

— Matt Adams (@BigCityForReal) August 21, 2018

Matt Adams “Big City” wanted some salsa when the Nationals were in town last week..Cordially I had to deny him of that request due to conflicting interests.. Now my friend I shall bathe you in it! #ItsGottaBeTheSalsa🍅🌶🔥

— Matt Carpenter (@MattCarp13) August 21, 2018

Back-to-back ninth inning homers by Gyorko, Carpenter lift Cardinals to 5-3 win over Dodgers

Back-to-back home runs by Jedd Gyorko and Matt Carpenter broke a 3-3 tie in the ninth and Bud Norris struck out the side in the bottom of the inning for his career-high 25th save as the Cardinals continued their hot streak with a 5-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday evening.

The four-hour plus West Coast game lasted a bit long for those who had to work this morning, but those who stayed with the game until the end were amply rewarded.

The video is from Fox Sports Midwest.

***

Coleman, Lankford, Brecheen inducted into Cardinals Hall of Fame

One of the best things the St. Louis Cardinals ownership has done in recent years has been the establishment of the Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Three former players, 1940s starting pitcher Harry Brecheen, base stealing wonder Vince Coleman and Ray Lankford, were inducted into the Hall of Fame Saturday. Normally, Cardinals fans who couldn't be in St. Louis for the ceremony would be able to watch it that day on Fox Sports Midwest, but because the Cardinals game was on FS1, the induction ceremony wasn't shown until Monday night.



A highlight of that ceremony was the long, but touching, speech given by Coleman, the only major league baseball player to ever steal 100 or more bases in three consecutive years.

In the speech, Coleman told what the Cardinals meant to him, singling out his manager Whitey Herzog, Cardinal legends Willie McGee and Ozzie Smith and naming nearly every player who played with him on those Whitey Ball teams of the '80s.

It has been more than three decades since Coleman recorded one of the most incredible rookie seasons in the history of major league baseball.

It seems like it was only yesterday.

Springfield radio station to carry Pittsburg State football games

(From Pittsburg State University Athletics)

Pittsburg State University football fans will have two new options when it comes to following their Gorillas this season.

The Gorilla Sports Network, a partnership between the university and Pittsburg-based My Town Media, Inc., has added 92.7-FM, KWME in Wichita, Kansas and 107.5-FM/1550-AM, KRZD in Springfield, Missouri to its list of affiliates.

The new stations will broadcast Pitt State football games, including full pre and post-game coverage, throughout the 2018 season.

"Our vision has always been to create a radio network as far reaching and dynamic as our university," said Jim Johnson, director of intercollegiate athletics. "Our partnership with My Town Media is turning that vision into a reality."

In addition to Wichita and Springfield, fans can also listen to Gorilla football on radio stations in Kansas City (94.5-FM/1510-AM, KCTE), Joplin (103.5-FM, KWXD), Pittsburg (100.7-FM, KSHQ), Parsons (93.5-FM, KLKC) and Independence (102.9-FM, KBIK) or listen online at www.espn100.7.com.

"Pittsburg State fans expect the very best," said Bill Wachter, general manager of My Town Media. "And that's exactly what we're delivering through the Gorilla Sports Network. We now have affiliates in four of our region's largest metropolitan areas and we're continuing to explore options to expand into new markets. We're excited for what the future holds for both the Gorillas and for the Gorillas Sports Network."

The Gorillas open the season at home at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, against the University of Central Oklahoma. The "Voice of the Gorillas," Eddie Lomshek will return to the broadcast booth for his 14th year behind the mic along with fellow broadcast team members B.J. Harris and Zac Dickey.

Fans can get a preview of the 2018 season during the first live broadcast of The Coach Tim Beck show on Monday, August 27 at 6 p.m. at the Two Brothers Mining Company Restaurant located within the Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg.

Fans are encouraged to attend The Coach Beck Show in person or listen live on either ESPN 100.7-FM or online at www.espn1007.com. The broadcast can also be found on the "Gorilla Experience" smartphone app which is available for free download in both the Apple and Android app stores.

Webb City fall athletic teams to be introduced at community pep rally

(From the Webb City School District)

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MSSU soccer picked sixth in MIAA preseason poll

(From MSSU Athletics News)

The Missouri Southern soccer team has been picked sixth in the 2018 Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Coaches Preseason Poll the league announced Monday morning.

The Lions, who were picked 11th in 2017, finished 5-9-4, earning the program's first MIAA tournament appearance since 2012 and placed fifth in the final MIAA standings.
The team brings back a veteran group of four seniors in Jeannine Escobar, Julia Liberty, Maria Sturluson, and Denine Tahbaz to go along with six juniors and ten sophomores that all contributed to produce eight matches of not allowing a goal, which includes forcing Fort Hays State into penalty kicks to close out the first round of postseason play last year.

Defending NCAA and MIAA champions Central Missouri led the poll with 121 points with all but one first-place vote. Missouri Western received the other first-place vote while accumulating 108 points at the number two spot.

August 31 marks the first official match as the team travels to Kansas City to face Rockhurst University at 6:30 pm. Then take on Drury on Sept. 2 at 7 pm before playing its first home match inside Hal Bodon Field against Harding University on Sept. 7 at 6:00 pm.

Below is the list of the entire poll (1-12).

2018 MIAA Women's Soccer Poll
1. Central Missouri (11) - 121
2. Missouri Western (1) - 108
3. Northeastern State - 98
4. Fort Hays State - 88
5. Central Oklahoma - 85
6. Missouri Southern - 66
7. Washburn - 62
8. Emporia State - 45
9. Lindenwood - 43
10. Northwest Missouri - 40
11. Nebraska Kearney - 23
12. Southwest Baptist - 14

MSSU volleyball picked ninth in pre-season poll

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern volleyball team has been picked 9th in the MIAA preseason coaches poll the league announced today. 

The Lions finished last season 11-20 overall and 4-14 in the MIAA, finishing 9th in the final standings. Southern welcomes in a new coaching staff in head coach Kalie Mader and assistant Abolanle Onipede. Mader comes to the Lions after a successful stint at Blinn College in Texas, while Onipede played for Mader at Blinn and went on to finish her career at the University of Alabama. 

The Lions return three All-MIAA players in Alicia Pickett, Janelle Brehm and Morgan Nash to the squad. The trio helped the Lions to the program's best overall record since 2010 and the best conference finish since 2011. The team ranked fifth in the league in total blocks and 32nd nationally. 
The Missouri Southern volleyball team has been picked 9th in the MIAA preseason coaches poll the league announced today. The Lions finished last season 11-20 overall and 4-14 in the MIAA, finishing 9th in the final standings. Southern welcomes in a new coaching staff in head coach Kalie Mader and assistant Abolanle Onipede. Mader comes to the Lions after a successful stint at Blinn College in Texas, while Onipede played for Mader at Blinn and went on to finish her career at the University of Alabama. The Lions return three All-MIAA players in Alicia Pickett, Janelle Brehm and Morgan Nash to the squad. The trio helped the Lions to the program's best overall record since 2010 and the best conference finish since 2011. The team ranked fifth in the league in total blocks and 32nd nationally. Pickett led the MIAA and ranked 18th nationally in blocks per set, while ranking second in the MIAA and sixth nationally in total blocks. Brehm had a stellar freshman campaign as she was second in the MIAA in attacks per set and total attacks, while ranking fifth in kills per set and seventh in points per set. Nash ranked fifth in the MIAA in assists per set and total assists, while ranking 54th nationally in total assists. Nebraska-Kearney was the preseason favorite to win the league, earning eight of the 11 first-place votes (one coach did not fill out a ballot). Missouri Western was second with two first-place votes, followed closely by Central Oklahoma at fourth and Central Missouri at fifth. Washburn picked up the other first-place vote and was sixth, followed by Northwest Missouri, Emporia State, Southern, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays State and Southwest Baptist to round out the poll. The Lions begin the 2018 season next weekend, competing in the Peggy Martin Classic at the University of Central Missouri. Southern will take on Drury and Arkansas Tech on day one and Truman and Florida Southern on day two. 2018 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll Nebraska Kearney (8) - 108 Missouri Western (2) - 94 Central Oklahoma - 92 Central Missouri - 85 Washburn (1) - 72 Northwest Missouri - 67 Lindenwood - 60 Emporia State - 50 Missouri Southern - 30 Pittsburg State - 30 Fort Hays State - 27 Southwest Baptist - 11 *Not All School Returned Ballots
Pickett led the MIAA and ranked 18th nationally in blocks per set, while ranking second in the MIAA and sixth nationally in total blocks. 
Brehm had a stellar freshman campaign as she was second in the MIAA in attacks per set and total attacks, while ranking fifth in kills per set and seventh in points per set. Nash ranked fifth in the MIAA in assists per set and total assists, while ranking 54th nationally in total assists. 

Nebraska-Kearney was the preseason favorite to win the league, earning eight of the 11 first-place votes (one coach did not fill out a ballot). Missouri Western was second with two first-place votes, followed closely by Central Oklahoma at fourth and Central Missouri at fifth. Washburn picked up the other first-place vote and was sixth, followed by Northwest Missouri, Emporia State, Southern, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays State and Southwest Baptist to round out the poll. 

The Lions begin the 2018 season next weekend, competing in the Peggy Martin Classic at the University of Central Missouri. Southern will take on Drury and Arkansas Tech on day one and Truman and Florida Southern on day two. 

2018 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll 
Nebraska Kearney (8) - 108
Missouri Western (2) - 94
Central Oklahoma - 92
Central Missouri - 85
Washburn (1) - 72
Northwest Missouri - 67
Lindenwood - 60
Emporia State - 50
Missouri Southern - 30
Pittsburg State - 30
Fort Hays State - 27
Southwest Baptist - 11
*Not All School Returned Ballots

MSSU names Hallie Blackney interim softball coach

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Missouri Southern Athletic Director Jared Bruggeman has announced that Hallie Blackney has been named the Interim Head Softball Coach.

Blackney joined the staff in late July and will serve in an Interim capacity while a national search for a head coach is conducted. She replaces Melissa Chmielewski who decided to leave the program to become an assistant with North Dakota State.

"We were active within the hiring process, prior to Melissa's (Chmielewski) departure and knew Hallie would be a good fit with our department," Bruggeman said. "We are extremely pleased to have her on staff and know she will work well during this time of transition."

Blackney comes to Southern after two seasons with Division I George Washington University. In 2018, Blackney helped guide the program to a record 33 wins and a return to the A-10 Championship behind a nationally ranked offense that averaged more than six runs per game. The Colonials set new program bests for batting average (.328), on-base percentage (.394), slugging percentage (.493), hits (493), runs (331), home runs (42), total bases (741), steals (108) and more.

Thanks to that impressive production, GW equaled a program record with its six A-10 postseason honorees.

In her first season in 2017, Blackney helped GW to a then-record 28 victories, including 11 in A-10 play. The Colonials set program records for hits (426), batting average (.302), RBI (243), extra-base hits (125), total bases (626), slugging percentage (.444), fewest strikeouts (201) and best fielding percentage (.964).

Blackney joined the Colonials after serving as assistant coach at the University of South Dakota for three seasons. Blackney coached 15 All-Summit League selections, three NFCA All-Region honorees and one academic All-American for the Coyotes.

Blackney helped South Dakota amass 72 wins during her tenure and worked primarily with the hitters, leading the squad to a Summit League-record 77 home runs in 2015, ranking 17th nationally.

Prior to her stint at South Dakota, Blackney helped the Fort Wayne Mastodons in Indiana claim a Summit League Tournament Title to earn a trip to NCAA Regionals during her two years as assistant coach.

Blackney began her Division I coaching experience at Southeast Missouri State University during the 2011-12 season. She is a 2008 graduate of Truman State University where she was an All-MIAA utility player. She served as a graduate assistant coach at Division II Bemidji State University from 2009-11.

"I would like to thank Jared Bruggeman, Karesa Burr, and Melissa Chmielewski for the opportunity to become a member of the Lion family," Blackney said. Having grown up in the MIAA as a student-athlete, I have great respect for the schools, coaches, and student-athletes. I am so grateful to be back in my home state and cannot wait to get to work with our team."

MSSU men's basketball to begin Little Lions Camp later this month

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will once again have its Little Lions Camp this year beginning in late August and running through early October.

Little campers will have the opportunity to improve their basketball skills during eight evening sessions where they will be taught and mentored by the MSSU coaching staff and players. The first 40 registered will receive a free Lion basketball and all participants will receive a Little Lions t-shirt.

The camps are for grades kindergarten through 8th and are for both boys and girls. The eight sessions will run from 6:30 pm till 8 pm on August 29, September 5,12, 19, 26, and October 3, 10 and finishing with a display at MOSO Madness (date yet to be determined).

Cost for the sessions will vary from either $125 for all eight essions, $110 for seven sessions, $100 for six sessions or $75 for four sessions.

For more information, please contact Sam McMahon at 417-818-5505 or by email at mcmahon-s@mssu.edu.

***

MSSU Fall Sports Kickoff set for August 25

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Athletic Department will host its 2018 Fall Sports Kickoff on August 25, at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

All fans are invited to come to Fred G. Hughes stadium to see a free public football practice as well as performances by the Lions' cheerleaders and Lion Pride Marching Band! The first 250 fans inside the stadium will also receive a free Lions Baseball hat!

Free sports posters will be available and the fall sports teams will sign autographs throughout the night. Also, there will be food trucks on hand to feed fans!

The complete event schedule is below:

Event Schedule:
6:00- Stadium Opens/DJ music/Food Trucks
6:30- Cheer performance
6:45- Band performance
7:00- Football team takes the field
7:15- Cross Country Autographs
7:30- Soccer Autographs
8:30- Football Practice Ends and Football Autographs

Sixth annual Crowder Rodeo announced

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College is pleased to announce its 6th Annual Crowder College Roughrider Scholarship Rodeo, Roughrider Arena, August 17 & 18 at 7:30 pm. nightly. Roughrider Arena is located at 608 Field Ave., Neosho.

The event will attract the top performers of the American Cowboys Rodeo Association (ACRA) and the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) with participants competing for prize money in their respective events. Special events will include a youth mutton bustin’ starting at 7:00 p.m., registration at 6:30 p.m. each night.

Entertainment for the evening will feature Rodeo Clown and Champion Barrel Man Mike “Goobie” Smith and Sophia Duch, 10 year-old trick rider and mounted shooter from Stillwell, OK. Both acts are nationally known and will provide a variety of entertainment for the evening.

Big Horn Rodeo Company, Lamar, OK, will provide the stock for the rodeo. Friday night has been designated Military and Public Service Member Appreciation night. Those with a military id or Public Service Badge will receive free admission. Saturday evening will be “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night, with Breast Cancer survivors being honored.

Indigo Sky Casino and Bordertown Casino and Arena are the Title Sponsors for the event along with numerous local businesses that have joined forces with Crowder to make this rodeo a success. The funds raised through this event will be used to provide scholarships for students, travel seminar expenses and agricultural department projects.

Advance tickets: Adults $10, Children (ages 6-12) $8 and children age 5 & under are free. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Crowder College Bookstore or by calling 417.455.5720. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. nightly with tickets available for $12 and $10 respectively. Spectators are encouraged to come early to browse the local vendor booths and to take advantage of the full menu of concessions provided by the Crowder Agriculture Department. Smoked chicken dinners including baked beans, coleslaw, bread, and drink will be available for $6.

For more details about the arena, rodeo or sponsorships please call the Crowder Agriculture Department at 417.455.5720. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roughriderrodeo.

MSSU football begins preseason practice Monday

(From MSSU Lions Athletics)

The Missouri Southern football team will start up fall preseason practice this Monday night inside of Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

The Lions will report to campus on Saturday and Sunday this weekend with meetings on both days. Monday will be the first full day of workouts with meetings and physicals throughout the day and practice number one starting at 7:30 pm.

Southern will have 12 preseason practices before the first day of school on August 20. The Lions will have four days of practices without full pads before the first day of full pads on August 10. Four practices with full pads will take place in the preseason.

As always, fans are welcome and encouraged to watch all practices as they are open to the public. Media should be reminded that coach and player availability are preferred before practice as players and coaches will be available approximately 20-30 minutes before posted practice time. To ensure availability, please contact Media Relations Director Justin Maskus by phone (625-9359) or email maskus-j@mssu.edu prior to practice.

The complete practice schedule is listed below. The Lions open up the season on August 30 at Nebraska-Kearney and play their home opener on September 8 at 6 pm inside Hughes Stadium.

Preseason Practice Schedule

8/6: 7:30 pm (helmets)
8/7: 9 am (helmets)
8/8: 9 am (shells)
8/9: 9 am (shells)
8/10: 9 am (full pads)
8-/11: 7:30 pm (full pads)
8/13: 9 am (shells)
8/14: 9 am (shells)
8/15: 9 am (full pads)
8/16: 9 am (shells)
8/17: 9 am (shells)
8/18: 7:30 pm (full pads)
8/20: First day of school - no practice
8/21: begin normal practice schedule (3:30 pm weekdays/ 7:30 pm weekends)

MSSU men's, women's track place five on All-Academic team

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern men's and women's track and field teams had five individuals named to the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team and both teams earned the Team Award, the organization announced recently.

To earn the honor, student-athletes had to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and have reached a provisional or automatic qualifying standard for the NCAA Championships in either the indoor or outdoor seasons.

The men had three individuals earn the honor (Jordyn Manier, Kyle Parr and Matt Willis), while the women were represented by Jordan Banker and Allie Heckemeyer.

In total, 308 men and 405 women throughout NCAA Division II earned individual honors.

In order to earn the Scholar Team Award, teams must have maintained a cumulative 3.00 GPA during the season. The Southern men had a 3.05 GPA, while the women had a 3.54 GPA. A total of 216 programs earned the team award.