Washburn University Ichabods

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball delivered a full 40-minute effort on Friday night in Day 1 of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Holiday Classic in Lawton, Okla., knocking off Western Colorado, 59-43.

Senior Payton Sterk led a balanced Washburn attack with 15 points in Friday's 59-43 tournament win over Western Colorado. [File photo/TSN]

Ichabod senior Payton Sterk opened the scoring in the game's first 15 seconds with a 3-pointer as 8-3 Washburn scored the first five points of the game.

The Mountaineers (5-4) responded with an 8-3 run to pull within three. Defensively the Ichabods were able to hold Western Colorado in check after that in the opening quarter as it shot just 25.0 percent overall, helping Washburn lead 15-9.  

Both sides slowed down to begin the second quarter with just nine total points in the first five minutes of action. With the lead at just two points the Ichabods got four in a row from senior Gabi Giovannetti in the final minutes of the quarter to lead 26-20 heading into the break.  

After trading baskets to open the third quarter Washburn pushed the lead to double figures, with Sterk drilling another 3-pointer to make it 35-25 at the 5:18 mark. An old-fashioned three-point play late in the quarter by Nia McKenzie made it a 15-point game as the Ichabod defense held the Mountaineers to under 30.0 percent shooting in the quarter once again. 

Western Colorado turned around its offensive attack in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, cutting the lead down to six points at the 5:08 mark. Ichabod junior Britany Kogbara put a stop to the run with an and-one conversion that started a 12-0 run for Washburn that lasted into the final minute of action as they went on to win, 59-43.  

The Ichabod offense shot 42.6 percent from the floor while going 5 of 11 from deep and 14-17 at the free throw line line in an all-around efficient effort. The defense was equally as stifling, holding the Mountaineers to just 31.9 percent  shooting and 5-18 from three-point range.  

Washburn won the turnover battle 22-14 leading to a 14-9 advantage in points off giveaways. They also had a 26-14 edge in paint scoring.  

Sterk led the Ichabods with 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting to go along with four steals.

Sophomore Brooke Gomez had a season-high 11 points on 5 of 6 shooting and three steals while Giovannetti had 10 points. Six players finished with five or more points while all 14 Ichabods logged minutes.  

Alyssa Eckroth had a team-high 10 points for Western Colorado.  

The Ichabods will finish off the tournament on Saturday, facing the host Cameron at 4 p.m.  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball heads to Lawton, Okla. this weekend for its final two non-conference games of the regular season, taking on Western Colorado at 5 p.m. Friday and Cameron at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Fairfield Inn and Suites Holiday Classic.

Washburn, 7-3 on the season, will be in Oklahoma this weekend for its final two non-conference games of the regular season. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN] 

Washburn is 7-3 on the season while Western Colorado enters Friday's game with a 5-3 record and Cameron enters its tournament 0-9.

Washburn coach Lora Westling wasn't pleased with the Ichabods' play, particularly in the first half, in Tuesday's non-conference game against Truman State, but the WU coach acknowledged that the fact that the Ichabods were still able to post a 16-point win without being at their best was a sign of continuing progress for the program.

"The win's huge and we've got to have that,'' Westling said. "I've been on the other side of effort like that and it's like a smack in the face twice, so I am proud that we did enough to find a way to win a region game.

"I know we've had a little adversity this week, but we'll be better. I know these kids, I know they want to do well, but we are also going to take this (the performance against Truman) very seriously and understand it's not acceptable.''  

Senior Yibari Nwidadah, who missed the Truman State game with an injury, averages a team-high 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds for Washburn while shooting 55.7 percent from the floor. Nwidadah is expected to play this weekend.

Senior Payton Sterk averages 12.6 points and a team-high 1.8 steals while hitting 17 3-pointers and senior Gabi Giovannetti averages 12.5 points with a team-high 20 3-pointers. 

Juniors Britany Kogbara and Madelyn Amekporfor average 8.7 and 6.4 points for the Ichabods. 

Four players cracked double figures for the Ichabods in Tuesday's win over Truman State, led by 18 points on 9 of 12 shooting by Kogbara, who added five rebounds and two blocks. Amekporfor had 13 points on 6-9 shooting, Giovannetti 12 points and Sterk 10. 

Senior Aniah Wayne scored seven points while adding a career-high 10 rebounds and swiping four steals.  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Junior Jack Bachelor led the way Wednesday as newly-named No. 1-ranked Washburn University men's basketball raced past No. 4 West Texas A&M, 74-48, in San Antonio as the Ichabods topped their second straight No. 4-ranked foe.

Junior Jack Bachelor scored a game-high 19 points Wednesday to join Washburn's 1,000-point club for career points. [File photo/TSN]

Bachelor's first basket of the game – a 3-pointer with 15:33 to go in the first half – pushed him over the career 1,000-point mark for his career at Washburn, becoming the 30th Ichabod in program history to reach 1,000 points.

The former Washburn Rural star went on to score a game-high 19 points, hitting 5 of 10 shots from the floor and going a perfect 6 of 6 at the free throw line while adding five assists. 

Bachelor now has 1,017 career points in 77 career games and he is tied with former teammate Michael Keegan at No. 24 overall on Washburn's all-time scoring chart.

Now 13-0 on the season, Washburn seized control in the opening minutes, answering an early West Texas A&M push with a 12-0 run midway through the first half to take control.

The Ichabods shot a sizzling 58.6 percent from the floor in the first half and knocked down seven three-pointers, opening up a commanding 44-24 advantage at the break.

The Ichabods turned 11 Buffs first-half turnovers into 19 points, leading to a 16-0 advantage in fastbreak points.

Bachelor and junior Jeremiah Jones led the Ichabods' first-half charge with with 10 points apiece while sophomore Tyson Ruud added nine points.

The Ichabods maintained control in the second half, weathering a brief West Texas A&M rally before responding with timely baskets and defensive stops.

Washburn outscored the Buffs 30-24 after the break, holding the Buffs to 33.3 percent shooting (6 of 18) shooting while continuing to generate offense off turnovers and in the paint.

The WU lead ballooned to as many as 27 points late.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University men's basketball continued its perfect start to the 2025-2026 season on Tuesday in San Antonio, taking a 78-66 win over then-No. 4 Lubbock Christian in the Ichabods' first of two games in the River City Classic.

Senior Brady Christiansen scored a career-high 21 points Tuesday as Washburn rolled to a 78-66 win over Lubbock Christian. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Moments after Tuesday's win over the Chapparals, 12-0 Washburn jumped from No. 2 to No. 1 in the national rankings. The Ichabods had been ranked No. 2 in every poll this season, but moved up to the top spot after Nova Southeastern fell to Palm Beach Atlantic last time out.

The Ichabods have been ranked in the top 10 in the last 19 polls dating back to last year and in the top five in the last 17 consecutive polls.

Washburn seized control early against Lubbock Christian behind hot perimeter shooting and strong work on the glass, shooting 58.6 percent from the floor and 46.7 percent from 3-point range in the opening half.

A pair of late 3-pointers helped Washburn turn a tight contest into a 43-34 halftime lead.

Washburn pushed the advantage to as many as 15 points early in the second half, using a 9-0 run capped by a fast-break finish and a second-chance three to take firm control at 53-38 with 15:43 remaining.

Lubbock Christian (9-2) trimmed the margin to four midway through the half, but the Ichabods responded by closing out the game on a 19-11 spurt, jump-started by a 3-pointer from Marcus Glock with 6:33 to play.

For the game, Washburn shot 46.6 percent from the field and an efficient 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, knocking down 12 3-pointers.

The Ichabods also capitalized at the foul line, hitting 12 of 16 free throws, while also earning an advantage in fastbreak points (16–5) and second-chance points (11–0).

Washburn finished with 32 rebounds and forced 14 turnovers, converting those miscues into 14 points.

Senior Brady Christiansen led the way for Washburn with a career-high 21 points on 6 of 12 shooting, including three triples, while going a perfect 6 for 6 at the free throw line and adding five rebounds.

Junior Jack Bachelor is now two points away from 1,000 career points after scoring 20 in Tuesday's 78-66 Washburn win over Lubbock Christian. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN] 

Junior Jack Bachelor added 20 points and drilled 5 of 8 attempts from 3-point range while also contributing four assists and three steals. Bachelor moved within two points of becoming the 28th member of the Washburn 1,000 point, lifting his career total to 998 points in 76 career games.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen posted 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting while adding six rebounds and three assists.

Junior Jeremiah Jones had eight points, a career-high nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

Lubbock Christian was led by Antonio Pusateri with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Amondo Miller Jr. added 16 points and nine boards.

On Wednesday, the Ichabods will face No. 4-ranked West Texas A&M at 1 p.m. in their second game in the River City Classic.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

There was very little that Washburn University women's basketball coach Lora Westling was happy about at halftime of Tuesday's home non-conference game against Truman State and Westling imparted that displeasure to her team in no uncertain terms.

Junior Britany Kogbara scored a team-high 18 points in her first Washburn start, helping lead the Ichabods to a 68-52 win over Truman State. {Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

And although Westling didn't get everything she was looking for out of her team in the second half, the Ichabods did plenty enough to take control on the way to a 68-52 victory in Lee Arena while improving to 7-3 on the season.

"It's sad that with the experienced group that we have, with that many seniors, that I have to raise my voice like that to get any sort of response,'' Westling said. "It's disappointing, but I'm glad it worked. Aniah (Wayne) came out and had a great second half with effort and I thought Britany (Kogbara) wanted the ball a little more, but we still didn't get as much as we needed.

"We had a great opportunity for some players to step up and show some things tonight and that level of effort and execution is just not to the standard that we've set here.''   

Early offense built a lead in the opening minutes for Washburn as the Ichabods led 9-6 after Kogbara, a junior, got a layup to go.

But the next six points went to the Bulldogs (4-6) to go in front. The Ichabods finished the opening quarter on a 5-0 run and led 16-14 after a 3-pointer by Wayne, a senior, with 32 seconds left in the quarter.  

Washburn extended its lead to 21-14 after senior Gabi Giovannetti connected from deep, but the Ichabod offense went cold and was held scoreless for the next five minutes as Truman State pulled within two.

The lead went back to the Bulldogs in the final minute before half as they went into the locker room leading 28-27 after both teams shot under 30 percent in the half. 

Washburn shot 28.6 percent in the second quarter while committing 12 first-half turnovers and giving up 18 first-half points to Truman State's Emajin McCallop, a former Ichabod. 

But Washburn came out of the break with the first five points to go in front and the lead quickly grew to double-digits with a triple by junior Madelyn Amekporfor at the 3:26 mark of the third quarter as part of a 15-0 run.

The Ichabods hit 8 of 15 shots in the third while holding the Bulldogs to 25 percent shooting and led 47-35 heading to the fourth quarter.  

The Washburn offense continued to churn in the fourth as the Ichabod lead reached 24 points before Truman State cut its final deficit to 16 points.

"I think we're very capable of bouncing back from adversity,'' Wayne said. "I think we kind of were shocked in the first half, but I think as a team we made sure to get in tight huddles and just know that we could do it and play our game.

"We had a big bounce back in the third quarter and that really set the tone for the rest of the game.''  

After a 41-point second half the Ichabods shot 43.5 percent for the game while holding the Bulldogs to 18-57 (31.6 percent) shooting overall. 

The rebounding battle was won 44-29 by Washburn, which led 42-24 in paint scoring as well.

Kogbara, making her first start for the Ichabods in the absence of injured senior star Yibari Nwidadah, led four players in double figures for the Ichabods with 18 points on 9 of 12 shooting while also adding five rebounds and two blocks.

"I wasn't nervous coming in,'' Kogbara said. "I've been in this position before and just knew I had to be aggressive.

"Me and Yibari, we've been competing since Day 1 in practice and we're different players, but we're kind of similar in many ways. I really love how she's been competing with me and she pretty much prepared me for this moment.'' 

Amekporfor had 13 points on 6 of 9 shooting while Giovannetti chippped in 12 points and senior Payton Sterk finished with 10.

Senior Aniah Wayne grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds with 7 points and four steals in Tuesday's 68-52 Washburn win over Truman State. [Photo by Doug Walker/Special to TSN]

Wayne scored seven points while adding a career and game-high 10 rebounds and registering four steals. 

"We've emphasized rebounding in practice and we know it can be a game changer,'' Wayne said. "Rebounding was big in this game and I think taking on that role was very important and just knowing that I could do it.''

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Austin Broadie

AUSTIN BROADIE, Washburn University

A 6-foot senior rightside hitter, Broadie was named a first-team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association after helping lead the Ichabods to a share of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association regular-season title and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The MIAA Player of the Year, Broadie registered 348 kills on the year with a .302 hitting percentage, 72 blocks and 72 digs. 

Dillon Claussen 

DILLON CLAUSSEN, Washburn University

Claussen, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, scored 21 points with 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocked shots Saturday as No. 2-ranked Washburn men's basketball improved to 11-0 on the season with a 78-72 double-overtime Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association victory over Central Missouri in Lee Arena. 

Malakyah Duncan

MALAKYAH DUNCAN, Topeka West

Duncan, a senior basketball standout, scored 23 points Friday, hitting 8 of 11 shots from the floor and 7 of 11 free throws, as No. 4-ranked (Class 5A) Topeka West remained unbeaten with a 71-57 United Kansas Conference road romp past No. 2-ranked Seaman. Duncan scored 17 points earlier in the week as the Chargers posted a 79-44 non-league win over Shawnee Mission West.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Saturday's 78-72 Washburn double-overtime Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association victory over Central Missouri included big individual offensive performances for both teams, including eight individual scorers who notched between 11 and 21 points.

But 7 -- the number of steals registered by Ichabod junior Jeremiah Jones -- was just as big as Washburn improved to 11-0 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

Junior Jeremiah Jones scored 13 points and had seven steals in Washburn's 78-72 double-overtime MIAA victory over Central Missouri on Saturday. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

A 6-foot-3 transfer from Mary, Jones scored 13 points in Saturday's win, but it was his seven steals that were his personal highlight of the day and a key factor in the Ichabods' come-from-behind win.

"It's just based off my instincts,'' Jones said. "I'm really watching people's eyes and trying not to gamble too much and give up easy plays, but just play my game.''

Jones leads the nation in total steals with 37 and is ranked seventh in steals per game at 3.36 per contest. Jones recorded a school-record eight in his first game as an Ichabod to open the season.

"I would rather get a steal than a shot, honestly, that how it feels for me,'' Jones said. "When I get a steal, it's a rush.''

"He's a great athlete and he's got great anticipation,'' Washburn coach Brett Ballard said. "And what I'm really proud of with JJ is that he's become better on the ball and then off the ball he's just got a knack for getting those steals.''

The Ichabods will now step out of MIAA play, traveling to San Antonio, Texas for the annual River City Holiday Classic.

Washburn will face No. 4 ranked Lubbock Christian at 11 a.m. on Tuesday before wrapping up the 2025 calendar year with a 1 p.m. contest on Wenesday against No. 8 ranked West Texas A&M.

Ballard said Saturday's thriller against the Mules should give the Ichabods a boost heading into this week's top-10 matchups.

"We've won some games in the 90s and we can do that, but sometimes in some of these games, especially in the MIAA, you're going to have to grind a few out and I think we showed that,'' Ballard said. "And just the response on a night when offensively it was kind of janky, our guys stayed resilient on the defensive end and that was good and I'm proud of them.''

Lubbock Christian fell for the first time this season in an 87-83 loss at Cameron last time out, dropping its record to 9-1 on the season.

The Ichabods lead the all-time series with the Chapps 1-0 after winning the only meeting on Nov. 26, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

West Texas A&M is 10-0 after defeating Texas-Dallas 94-82 last time out.

Washburn is 2-1 all-time against the Buffs, falling 98-93 in the last meeting in overtime in Las Vegas in Ballard's second season as the Ichabods' head coach.

The Ichabods are likely to move into the No. 1 ranking in the NABC poll this week after Nova Southeastern fell to Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday, 88-83.

fulltext

The Ichabods lead the NCAA Division II ranks in scoring margin at plus 31.2 points per game.

Washburn ranks seventh in field goal percentage at 51.7 percent and is also eighth in assists per game (19.5), seventh in assist/turnover ration (1.68) and first in rebound margin (plus 13.6).

Washburn has not been out-rebounded in a game.

WU sophomore Dillon Claussen is sixth in the nation in field goal percentage at 69.1 percent while junior Jack Bachelor  is 16th in the nation in total assists with 55 and fourth in assist to turnover ration at 3.93 to 1.

The Ichabods' 11-game winning streak is second in the nation behind Daemen, which has won its last 12.

Amondo Miller, Jr. leads Lubbock Christian with a 22.6 scoring average while hitting 20 of 43 3-point attempts. Kendal Dow is averaging 14.9 points while Antonio Pusateri is scoring 13.5 points per game, Alex Anamekwe is 12.2 points and Lucas Mercandino 11.2.

Undefeated West Texas A&M owns three wins over MIAA foes this season, posting an 87-75 win over Missouri Western, a 76-70 win over Pittsburg State and an 81-70 win over Central Oklahoma.

Fontaine Williams leads the team in scoring at 19.0 points per game, hitting 19 of 49 3-point attempts, while Brock Mishak is averaging 10.8 points, Camden Cowgill 10.7 and James Parlow, Jr. 10.6 points per game. Williams is a Wichita native and transferred from Barton County as did Parlow.

The Ichabods return to MIAA play on Jan. 3, hosting Emporia State.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball will wrap up a four-game homestand at 6 p.m. Tuesday against Truman State in Lee Arena.

Washburn will close out its four-game homestand with a Tuesday non-conference game against Truman State. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Washburn is 6-3 on the season after a 67-56 MIAA loss to Central Missouri on Saturday while Truman State moved to 4-5 after defeating Southwest Baptist 90-55 last time out.

Senior Yibari Nwidadah is averaging 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Ichabods while also shooting 55.7 percent from the floor. She swats away a team-high 1.1 blocks per game and has scored in double figures in six games.

With 253 career offensive rebounds Nwidadah is fourth in program history and she is 10th with 684 career total boards. Her career field goal percentage of .578 is the second best in program history. In scoring she ranks 15th among all Ichabods with 1,108 career points and is tied for 11th in program history with 68 career blocked shots. 

Senior Payton Sterk is also averaging 12.9 points while drilling 16 3-pointers and leads the Ichabods with 1.9 steals per game.

Senior Gabi Giovannetti averages 12.6 points for the Ichabods and has hit a team-high 18 3-pointers.

Giovannetti is eighth in program history with 130 career 3-pointers made. She is tied for 19th among all Ichabods with 54 blocked shots.

Junior Madelyn Amekporfor led Washburn with 16 points in Saturday's loss to Central Missouri on 5 of 11 shooting and grabbed a team-high five rebounds. 

Sterk added 10 points against the Jennies while Giovannetti added nine.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball played the entire fourth quarter without senior star Yibari Nwidadah as Central Missouri pulled away down the stretch for a 67-56 MIAA win over the Ichabods Saturday in Lee Arena.

Junior Madelyn Amekporfor led Washburn with 16 points, including three 3-pointers, in Saturday's 67-56 loss to Central Missouri. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Nwidadah, Washburn's leading scorer and rebounder, did not return after hitting her head on the floor after a collision late in the third quarter, but Ichabod coach Lora Westling refused to use Nwidadah's injury as an excuse as WU suffered its first conference loss.

"They're a big team, we knew that, and I think I'm most frustrated by just our lack of awareness,'' Westling said. "We knew what they were going to do and we let them to do it, and I think that's just poor execution of our game plan because we had some counters to their size, we didn't execute it.

"I thought we were really selfish tonight and trying to do a lot on our own. We've been doing a good job of getting into 17, 18 assists a game and we were back to eight tonight because we were trying to do too much. We just didn't have enough juice and energy and we can make all the execuses we want, but at the end of the day we didn't show up tonight and you're not going to beat anybody like that, let alone a really good team like Central.''   

The Jennies (6-3 overall, 2-1 MIAA) opened the game with the first five points, but Washburn (6-3, 2-1) was able to get going offensively, pulling ahead at 10-9 after a layup by Gabi Giovannetti at the 2:46 mark. Central Missouri kept connecting from outside, hitting 4 of 6 shots from 3-point range in the quarter to lead 18-12 after 10 minutes.  

Both sides traded baskets to begin the second quarter, the Ichabods pulled within three points after a steal and score by Nwidadah at the 5:02 mark. The Washburn offense bounced back after a slow first quarter to shoot 50.0 percent in the second.

The Ichabods went in front briefly in the final minute of the half after Payton Sterk hit a pair of free throws. The Jennies hit a free throw on the other end to forge a 29-29 tie at halftime.  

Washburn got five straight points from Aniah Wayne to go up 39-35 with 5:23 remaining in the third quarter, but the next six points came from the Jennies, who would lead by 45-42 heading to the fourth quarter.  

Sterk hit a jumper with 7:29 to go in regulation that tied the game up at 45, but the Ichabod offense slowed down while Central Missouri scored the next 10 points to lead by double figures inside of five minutes remaining. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University men's basketball's most experienced player came through huge when it mattered the most Saturday in Lee Arena.

Senior Brady Christiansen scored 8 of his 12 points in the second overtime as Washburn outlasted Central Missouri, 78-72. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Senior Brady Christiansen, who has played 104 games in an Ichabod uniform, scored eight of his 12 points in the second overtime period as the Ichabods outlasted Central Missouri 78-72 to improve to 11-0 overall and 3-0 in the MIAA.

Christiansen, who also grabbed a game-high eight rebounds with three assists, scored five straight points in the second OT to put Washburn in front 69-63 with 2:51 remaining in the second five-minute extra session and later drained a huge 3-pointer to give the Ichabods a 74-69 advantage with 59 seconds left.

"I kind of just got lost in the moment,'' Christiansen said. "I'm still a little bit lost for words right now, but I think when the team needed plays I was ready to step up.

"It's someone else's night every night, but credit to how tough we played on defense I think that was what really kept us in the game because we didn't shoot it worth a lick. They got 72 points in two overtimes and that's really good defense and coach is proud of that. It was a really good team-effort win.''

Washburn coach Brett Ballard wasn't surprised that his 6-foot-7 frontliner, who has been a steady performer for the Ichabods since his freshman season, came through in the clutch.

"He's always consistent and he really rises in big moments,'' Ballard said. "He made a huge shot in Florida when we needed it early in the season and this game those plays late, he's not afraid of that moment. He's put the time into it and I'm really happy for him because he's just been consistent for us for four years.'' 

The No. 2-ranked Ichabods erased multiple deficits, including a seven-point deficit with five minutes left in regulation and a five-point deficit in the first OT, to pull out their 22nd straight home victory.

The Ichabods finished the game with a decisive 15-9 advantage in the second overtime after the teams were deadlocked at 63 following the first extra period.

Washburn trailed by as many as seven points in the first half but closed the opening period strong and carried that momentum into the second half, where the game tightened into a possession-by-possession battle.

Washburn shot 42.3 percent in the second half and forced key turnovers late to send the game to overtime tied at 56.

Both teams scored 7 points in the first overtime to force a second extra session.

Washburn took control for good in the second overtime.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen led Washburn with 21 points in Saturday's 78-72 double-overtime win over Central Missouri. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Sophomore Dillon Claussen opened the period with a free throw and followed with strong finishes at the rim as part of a game-defining 9-0 run that stretched the lead to six.

Claussen capped the run with a fastbreak dunk off a Jeremiah Jones steal to push the margin to 78-69 in the final seconds.

Junior Jack Bachelor scored 16 points in Washburn's 78-72 double-overtime win over Central Missouri. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Junior Jeremiah Jones scored 13 points and had seven steals in Washburn's 78-72 double-overtime MIAA victory over Central Missouri. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Claussen led all Washburn scorers with 21 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and four blocks in 40 minutes. Bachelor chipped in 16 points while Jones finished with 13 points and seven steals.

Tyson Ruud provided a spark off the bench with nine points and seven boards.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The No. 2-ranked Washburn University men will play their final MIAA game of the 2025 calendar year on Saturday when the Ichabods host Central Missouri at 3 p.m. in Lee Arena.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen is averaging 16.9 points and 6.7 rebounds for No. 2-ranked Washburn men's basketball. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn moved to 10-0 overall and 2-0 in the MIAA with a 73-66 win over Fort Hays State last Saturday while Central Missouri enters the game 9-2 overall and 2-0 in league play after a 99-69 win over Nebraska-Kearney. The Mules defeated Fort Hays State 64-50 in their MIAA opener.

Washburn leads the all-time series 61-53 and Saturday's meeting will be the 115th between the two schools. The Ichabods have won the last three in the series and nine of the last 10.

The Ichabods lead the NCAA Division II ranks in scoring margin at plus 33.7 points per game and are fourth in field goal percentage at 52.7 percent. Washburn is third in rebound margin at plus 14.3 and second in scoring defense (59.6 points per game). Washburn has not been out-rebounded in a game.

WU junior Jack Bachelor is sixth in the nation in total assists with 52 and 14th in the nation in 3-pointers made with 27 and sophomore Dillon Claussen is third in the nation in field goal percentage at 72.3 percent and junior Jeremiah Jones is third in the nation in total steals with 30 and is ranked 10th in steals per game at 3.0 per contest.

The Ichabods' 10-game winning streak is tied for the second-longest in the nation with Daemen. The longest streak belongs to Nova Southeastern, which has won its last 29 games.

Washburn has won 21 home games in a row, the second-longest streak in the nation and the sixth-longest streak in Washburn program history. Nova Southeastern has won its last 91 games in a row at home.

Junior Bryson Smith finished with a Washburn-high 22 points against Fort Hays State while going 9-of-10 at the free throw line. He added five rebounds, one assist and four steals, scoring 18 of his 22 points in the second half.

Claussen scored 21 points against Fort Hays State on 7 of 10 shooting and knocking down 7 of 8 free throws while grabbing six rebounds.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Fresh off a win over No. 3-ranked Fort Hays State, Washburn University women's basketball remains at Lee Arena Saturday to host Central Missouri in a 1 p.m. MIAA contest.

Yibari Nwidadah, Washburn University 

Saturday's game will feature the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Teddy Bear Toss. Bears can be brought to the game or purchased at the entrance. 

Washburn is 6-2 overall and 2-0 in the MIAA after last Saturday's 67-64 win over Fort Hays State, which snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Tigers. Central Missouri moved to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the MIAA after defeating Nebraska Kearney 72-69 at home last Saturday.

Senior Yibari Nwidadah is averaging 14.0 points and 7.1 rebounds to lead Washburn while also shooting 55.3 percent from the floor. Nwidadah leads the MIAA and ranks 32nd nationally in field goal percentage.

With 252 career offensive rebounds Nwidadah is fourth in program history and in overall rebounding she is 10th with 680 career boards. Her career field goal percentage of .578 is the second best in program history. In scoring Nwidadah ranks 15th among all Ichabods with 1,104 career points. 

Senior Payton Sterk averages 13.3 points for the Ichabods while registering 1.8 steals per game and hitting 16 3-pointers.

Senior Gabi Giovannetti is averaging 13.0 points and is shooting a team-high 47.4 percent from deep with a team-high 18 3-pointers. Giovannetti leads the MIAA and is 14th nationally in 3-point percentage and is third in the conference in triples per game.

Giovannetti is eighth in program history with 130 career 3-pointers made.

Nwidadah registered her first double-double of the season in the win over Fort Hays State with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Giovannetti had 22 points with three 3-pointers.

Taylor Weishaar leads Central Missouri with a 15.3 scoring average and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Reese Schaaf is averaging 13.9 points for the Jennies and is shooting a team-high 44.0 percent from deep with 11 triples. 

Washburn takes a break from MIAA play host Truman State at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Washburn University soccer team's 2025 season came to an end Thursday evening with a 2-1 NCAA Division II semifinal defeat to Franklin Pierce in Colorado Springs.

Washburn soccer dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Franklin Pierce in Thursday's NCAA Division II semifinal in Colorado Springs. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

"Thought we played really well, thought we had a really good mentality, really proud of how our team played," Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "The program is in such a healthy place because the girls invest so much on a daily basis."

"These girls are so special,'' Washburn senior Shaye Taylor said. "This team was built on love, so much love in everything we did. I couldn't be more grateful -- these girls made it the best experience I've ever had." 

Washburn came out of the gates strong, as in the opening minute, freshman Leah Henke had a header go over the bar.

Washburn had six shots in the half, while the Ravens took four.

The second half would start the same, as Washburn had four shots in the opening 10 minutes with two on target

In the 66th minute WU freshman Kate Hinck, a Washburn Rural product, would open the scoring after a ball over the top from Sam Searcey.

Franklin Pierce would then score two goals 62 seconds apart to take a 2-1 lead late in the match and held off the Ichabods the rest of the way.

Hinck scored her seventh goal of the season while Searcey picked up her sixth assist.

Freshman goalkeeper made five saves in the match for Washburn.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Before the 2025 season ever started, Washburn University soccer coach Davy Phillips knew his Ichabods had the potential to field a good team this fall.

Washburn soccer celebrated after last Saturday's 3-2 Elite Eight road win over Missouri-St. Louis. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

"From the very beginning we talked as a team that the purpose and the goal of the team was to maximize our potential,'' Phillips said. "And I think the potential in this group has always been there, it was just working to maximinze that.''

And early in the conference season, the Ichabods discovered they could be really, really good.

"Out of conference play you're kind of still figuring out the groove of the team, and the strengths and the weaknesses  of each individual player, but by the time conference started and we tied (Central Oklahoma) and beat (Central Missouri), we were on a roll,'' said senior midfielder Belle Kennedy, the MIAA defensive player of the year and a third-team All-American. There was nothing stopping us once we found our chemistry.''

Washburn freshman Leah Henke, the conference freshman of the year, agreed.

"Coming out first game (of conference) we tied UCO and I think we played really, really good that game,'' Henke said. "And then we beat UCM off of (Mackinly Rohn's) goal very late in the game and it was like, 'Wow, we've got something really special here. We've got everything we need to go far.' ''

And now Washburn, which is in the NCAA Division II Final Four for the second time in three seasons, is just two wins away from being the best. 

"We just keep getting better and better and I think we can go all the way,'' Henke said. "I've felt it from the beginning of the tournament. I think we've just got to play our game, stick to our game model and do what we do best.''

"The cool thing about is the group is I still feel like we're growing,'' Phillips said.

Now 14-3-6 on the season, No. 1 seed Washburn will take on No. 4 seed Franklin Pierce in a 4 p.m. (Central time) national semifinal Thursday in Colorado Springs.

Washburn advanced to the Final Four with a 3-2 road win over Missouri-St. Louis last Saturday in the Elite Eight.

Henke scored the game-winning goal against the Tritons, recording her 12th goal of the season to moved her into fourth place in program history for goals in a single season.

"I didn't really expect all of this to happen, but I'm thankful for it,'' Henke said.

Washburn soccer displayed its NCAA Final Four sign after last Saturday's 3-2 win over Missouri-St. Louis. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

Shaye Taylor and Aubrey Tanksley scored Washburn's first two goals against UMSL while Ichabod freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley came up with five saves and now has 64 saves on the year with a save percentage of 82 percent. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Daniel Allen

DANIEL ALLEN, Washburn Rural

Allen, a junior, returned to high school swimming after a year away with three wins and a second-place finish in the season-opening Topeka West Invitational last Wednesday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium. Allen won the 200-yard freestyle and 100 butterfly individually and swam on the Junior Blues' winning 200 free relay and runnerup 400 free relay.

KaeVon Bonner

KAEVON BONNER, Seaman

A senior basketball standout, Bonner opened the 2025-2026 season with a 37-point performance in last Tuesday's 83-75 home United Kansas Conference victory over No. 2-ranked (Class 5A) Piper. Bonner hit 10 of 18 shots from the field with three 3-pointers while connecting on 14 of 17 free throws.

Malakyah Duncan

MALAKYAH DUNCAN, Topeka West

Duncan, a senior basketball standout, scored a game-high 26 points Friday as Topeka West opened the season with an 81-54 United Kansas Conference home romp past De Soto. Duncan hit 9 of 13 shots from the floor with three 3-pointers for the No. 7-ranked (Class 5A) Chargers.    

By RICK PETERSON

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Daniel Allen, Washburn Rural

DANIEL ALLEN, Washburn Rural -- A junior, Allen was a multiple Class 6A state medalist as a freshman in 2024 before taking a year away from high school swimming. Allen finished seventh in the 500-yard freestyle in the 2024 state meet and was part of Washburn Rural's third-place 200 free relay team. Allen won four gold medals in the 2024 city meet (200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay) and was second in the 200 IM and part of the winning 400 free relay team in the Centennial League meet.

Thomas Appuhn, Washburn Rural

THOMAS APPUHN, Washburn Rural -- Appuhn, a sophomore, was a first-team All-City honoree last season, swimming on Washburn Rural's winning 200-yard medley and 400 free relays in the city meet while also finishing second in the 200 individual medley and second in the 100 backstroke. Appuhn swam on the Junior Blues' runnerup 200 medley and 400 free relay teams in the Centennial League meet and placed third in the 100 backstroke.

Kinser Barbosa, Seaman

KINSER BARBOSA, Seaman -- A junior, Barbosa was the 2025 city champion in the 200-yard freestyle and as a member of the Vikings' winning 200 free relay last season while finishing second in the 100 butterfly and 200 medley relay. Barbosa finished third in the United Kansas Conference in the 100 butterfly and the 100 breaststroke and swam on the Vikings' second-place 200 medley relay and third-place 200 free relay. 

THERON CARLSON, Seaman -- Carlson opened his 2025-2026 season in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational, helping the Vikings post a fifth-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay and an eighth-place showing in the 400 free relay while finishing sixth in the 50 freestyle and the 100 free.

JOSH HOCHARD, Seaman -- Hochard, a second-team All-City selection in 2025, Hochard opened his season in last Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational, swimming on Seaman's fifth-place 200-yard medley relay.

ALEXANDER JEFFRIES, Washburn Rural -- Jeffries finished fourth in the 200-yard freestyle in the season-opening Topeka West Invitational last Wednesday and added an eighth-place finish in the 100 breaststroke.

JOSEPH JENSEN, Washburn Rural -- A second-team All-City selection last season, Jensen swam on Washburn Rural's winning 200-yard free relay in the season-opening Topeka West Invititional last Wednesday while also posting a seventh-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100 freestyle. 

QUINTEN JESSOP, Washburn Rural -- Jessop opened the 2025-2026 season with a strong performance in the Topeka West Invitational, swimming on Rural's winning 200-yard medley relay team and second-place 400 free relay. Jessop also finished eighth in the 50 freestyle and the 500 free.

PATRICK LUKE, Hayden -- Luke, a second-team All-City selection last season, anchored the Wildcats' fifth-place team in the 200-yard freestyle relay in last Wednesday's season-opening Topeka West Invitational.

Andres Morao-Jaspe, Washburn Rural

ANDRES MORAO-JASPE, Washburn Rural -- Morao-Jaspe, a junior, was an All-City repeater after winning four gold medals in the 2025 city meet as Rural won its sixth straight city team title. Morao-Jaspe won the 200-yard individual medley and the 500 freestyle and swam on the winning 200 medley and 400 free relays. Morao-Jaspe finished second in the Centennial League in the 500 free and third in the 200 individual medley and swam on Rural's second-place 200 medley and 400 free relays.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball achieved its biggest victory over a nationally-ranked team in more than 10 years on Saturday in Lee Arena, with the Ichabods taking a 67-64 MIAA thriller over No. 3 Fort Hays State, 67-64.

Washburn celebrates its 67-64 win over No. 3-ranked Fort Hays State Saturday in Lee Arena. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Getting a combined 46 points from seniors Yibari Nwidadah and Gabi Giovannetti, the Ichabods handed the Tigers their first loss of the season while ending a 10-game Fort Hays State winning streak in the series.

"It was a big one and I think it was a real testament to the work these seniors have done because when we need them down the stretch they just seem to keep showing up and now the confidence is coming that they've earned and they've worked really hard for,'' Washburn coach Lora Westling said.

"It was just a great team win and that's what we've been about this week.''  

Nwidadah notched her first double-double of the season with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Giovannetti scored 22 points with three assists and three 3-pointers and senior Payton Sterk contributed six points and five assists.

"Every day I'm just trying to be as dominant as I can,'' Nwidadah said. "I know that's my role on this team, so doing that I think makes our team as successful as we can be.''

It was a game of runs early on with Washburn, now 6-2 overall and 2-0 in the MIAA, throwing the first punch as the Ichabods led 8-1 after an inside bucket from Nwidadah.

Fort Hays State (7-1, 1-1) answered with the next 18 points in the game to lead 19-8. The Ichabods finished the opening quarter by scoring the final four points as they weathered the storm while shooting 4 of 18 from the field.  

The Tigers opened the second quarter by extending the lead back to 11 points at 28-17 with 6:28 to play, but shots started to fall for Washburn, which put together an 8-0 run that included two buckets by Britany Kogbara inside.

The game was tied in the final minute of the second quarter after a 3-pointer by Giovannetti and the Ichabods entered the locker room leading 35-32 after Nwidadah converted an and-one in the final seconds of the half.  

Fort Hays State quickly tied the game up in the third quarter, but Washburn had an answer with baskets from Nwidadah and Giovannetti.

In the final three minutes of the quarter the duo combined for eight straight points to give the Ichabods a double-digit lead for the first time at 51-40 with 1:41 to play in the third. Sterk beat the buzzer on a jumper to keep the lead at 10 (55-45) heading to the fourth.  

The first four points in the fourth came from Fort Hays State and the Tigers continued to cut away, with the lead at just two points at the 4:49 mark.

Minutes later Giovannetti got three the old fashioned way, stretching the lead to five. The basket was matched with a 5-0 run for Fort Hays State to tie the game with 44 seconds remaining.

Out of a timeout Nwidadah got a layup to fall inside and on the other end would come up with a block to help secure the second ranked victory of the season for Washburn.  

"We talked a lot about staying the course,'' Nwidadah said. "I think in any basketball game it's a game of runs, so we just had to stop their runs as much as we could and fight back as well.''

Even though Washburn is just two games into the conference season, Giovannetti said Saturday's win should give the Ichabods confidence moving forward.

"I've never beat Fort Hays the whole time I've been here, so it gives us a lot of confidence,'' Giovannetti said. "We just have a lot of confidence within our team and a lot of confidence in each other.'' 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University soccer team advanced to the NCAA Final Four with a 3-2 Saturday victory over Missouri-St. Louis in St. Louis.

Washburn soccer celebrates after Saturday's 3-2 Elite Eight road win over Missouri-St. Louis. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

Washburn soccer displays its NCAA Final Four sign after Saturday's 3-2 win over Missouri-St. Louis. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

With the win the 14-3-6 Ichabods avenged a 3-0 loss to the Tritons in Washburn's second game of the season.

"That was a great college soccer game,'' Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "UMSL is a good team that is tough to score on, and to get three today was such a big-time effort from the ladies."

"I thought we were really good for large spells of the game. We had to really earn it today and battle through some challenges that this game provided, but I'm so proud of our team and their character to battle back and find the game winner."

Washburn heads to the Final Four for the second time in program history, and for the second time in three years, traveling to Colorado Springs, Colo. to face Franklin Pierce in a 4 p.m. (Central time) semifinal on Thursday.

Washburn soccer poses for a team picture after earning a trip to the Final Four in Colorado Springs with Saturday's 3-2 win over Missouri-St. Louis. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]Following re-seeding for the Final Four, Washburn is the No. 1 seed and Franklin Pierce No. 4.

The opening 20 minutes were back and forth, with both teams having chances to score first.

The Ichabods would start to gain some momentum shortly with two shots in the 26th and 27th minute, both saved by the UMSL goalie, but after a corner was taken in the 39th minute by Bricelyn Betts that was fumbled by the UMSL goalie, Shaye Taylor would find the back of the net to put Washburn up, 1-0.

Just one minute, 19 seconds later, Aubrey Tanksley  would put the Ichabods up 2-0 heading into the halftime break. It was Tanksley's second goal of the season, coming in back-to-back matches.

The Tritons would not go down without a fight and would get one back in the 51st minute to cut the Ichabod lead to 2-1. UMSL would find an equalizer seven minutes later in the 58th minute from a cross that was headed in.

The Ichabods would respond right back four minutes later in the 62nd minute. After Leah Henke's initial shot was saved, Henke put away the rebound to put Washburn back on top 3-2.

It was the freshman's 12th goal of the year, moving her into the No. 4 spot all-time for goals in a single season, passing fellow Bishop Carroll product Khloe Schuckman, who had 11 in 2023.

The Ichabods outshot the Tritons 14-12 and had seven corners to just two taken by UMSL.

Washburn freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley registered six saves during the match.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

No. 2-ranked Washburn University's two closest games of the season have something in common, a clutch performance down the stretch from senior guard Bryson Smith.

Senior Bryson Smith scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half Saturday as Washburn Improved to 10-0 with a hard-earned 73-66 win over Fort Hays State. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Smith scored 18 of his team-high 22 points in the second half while hitting 9 of 10 free throws in the final 20 minutes as Washburn stayed perfect on the season with a 73-66 win over Fort Hays State in Lee Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Ichabods, 10-0 overall and 2-0 in the MIAA, trailed 34-33 at halftime and the game was tied at 58 with five minutes left before the Northeastern State transfer scored 11 points over the final 2:38, including a 7 of 8 showing at the free throw line in the final 46 seconds as the Ichabods held off the Tigers (5-3, 0-2).

"I feel like I'm one of the guys on the team that can be a closer for this team and help us get the win down the stretch and make good plays,'' Smith said.

Saturday's performance was reminiscent of Smith's early-season performance against Rockhurst when Smith scored 19 of his 22 points after after halftime and scored the go-ahead basket as WU rallied from a five-point deficit with 2:29 to play to take an 85-81 win.

"He's a good player and we knew that coming in,'' Washburn coach Brett Ballard said. "He's one of those guys that in these big games, he's not afraid of the moment.

"The thing with Bryson is he gets downhill and he's athletic enough to go finish. Sometimes you just need a guy to go create his own and that's kind of what he did tonight.''

Ballard first took notice of Smith and what he could do last season when Smith scored 10 points with 11 assists and three steals as Northeastern State handed Washburn an 88-84 defeat, one of only two regular-season losses for the Ichabods.

And when Smith entered the transfer portal, the Ichabods knew they wanted him on their side.

"We couldn't guard him, so we said, 'If you can't beat him, join him,' '' Ballard said with a laugh.

"I thought I controlled that game in the second half, so I feel that's why I'm here now,'' Smith said. "Coach saw that and wanted me to be here.''

Sophomore Dillon Claussen scored 21 points, including 13 in the first half of Saturday's 73-66 Washburn win over Fort Hays State. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Smith's big second half came after WU sophomore star Dillon Claussen scored 13 of his 21 points in the first half to carry the Ichabods.

Claussen went 7 of 10 from the field on the day and went 7 of 8 at the free throw line, grabbed six rebounds and registered four steals.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Washburn University soccer team will be in St. Louis Saturday for a 1 p.m. Elite Eight matchup against Missouri-St. Louis.

Aubrey Tanksley, Washburn

"We are all looking forward to (Saturday) and another chance we get to continue to grow together as a group,'' Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "Our ladies have been really good about leaning into our core values, and I'm expecting that to inspire another really positive performance for us.

"UMSL is well coached and a good team. (Saturday) should offer everything that an Elite 8 matchup should offer."

Washburn, 13-3-6, is coming off a 1-0 win over No. 4-seed St. Cloud State on Sunday to become Central Region champions for the second time in program history.

Washburn has 13 clean sheets this year, which is third most in program history.

Aubrey Tanksley scored the game-winning goal from a corner taken by Bricelyn Betts, which Tanksley headed home in the 75th minute.

Washburn goalkeeper Lili Everley has the second-most shutouts in a season in Washburn history, with 11.

The Tritons(15-4-2) are the No. 7 seed from the Midwest Region, beating crosstown rival and No. 4-seeded Maryville, 2-1 to advance to the Elite Eight.

UMSL leads the all-time series with Washburn, 3-1.

The two teams met earlier this season, with the Tritons taking a 3-0 decision in St. Louis.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball rode a fourth-quarter comeback to knock off Nebraska Kearney 71-65 Thursday night in Lee Arena in the Ichabods' MIAA opener.

Senior Yibari Nwidadah (32) celebrates a big basket late in the game in Washburn's come-from-behind 71-65 MIAA win over Nebraska-Kearney. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

While happy overall with the Ichabods' start to the season, Washburn coach Lora Westling has lamented the Ichabods' penchant for making things tougher than they need to be at times.

That bugaboo showed up again Thursday night, with the Ichabods trailing much of the game, but Washburn played its best when it needed it the most, taking control down the stretch.

"We've just got to settle in earlier and that's been a struggle,'' Westling said. "They'll respond and we'll put up a fight, we're not going to get kicked down, but we'd like to be a little more aggressive to start the fight.

"But I was really proud of our team down the stretch and I thought we got some big plays and especially some big stops. Our seniors didn't quit, they showed great resilience, and that's why you love to have seniors on your team.''

"We do definitely make it harder than we need to,'' WU senior Payton Sterk said. "but I think we do make it count when it's important and I think we were really good at dialing in our energy and really focusing in that second half and that's what won the game.''  

The Ichabods (5-2 overall, 1-0 MIAA) jumped out to an early 7-0 lead while holding the Lopers (4-5, 0-1) scoreless until the 6:22 mark.

A hoop from Britany Kogbara made it 11-4 Washburn with 3:37 left in the opening quarter, but Nebraska Kearney finished the quarter on an 11-3 run, including the final seven points to lead 15-14. 

Early in the second quarter Madelyn Amekporfor scored to put Washburn back in front, but the Lopers scored the next eight points as they held the Ichabods to 27.8-percent shooting from the floor in the quarter and Kearney held a 33-26 lead at the break.  

The deficit for Washburn reached nine points midway through the third quarter, but a bucket by senior Yibari Nwidadah started a 7-0 run to pull the Ichabods within two. 

Nebraska-Kearney led 49-47 going into the fourth stanza, but Washburn finally broke through to tie the game at 53 on a Kogbara basket.

Payton Sterk drove for a layup to put the Ichabods in front 58-56 with 5:48 to go.

The Lopers rallied to go back up by four, but Washburn answered with six in a row, the final four from senior Gabi Giovannetti.

An old fashioned three-point play by Nwidadah in the final minute put the Ichabods in front for good and the Ichabods held on to win, 71-65. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn's volleyball season came to an end Friday night with a 3-0 loss to No. 6 Concordia-St. Paul in the NCAA Central Region semifinals.

The Ichabods end the season with a 27-5 record after going 13-3 in the MIAA and winning a share of the MIAA regular-season championship.

Washburn's outstanding 2025 volleyball season ended Friday with a 3-0 loss to Concordia-St. Paul in an NCAA Central Region semifinal. [File photo/TSN]

The Golden Bears (28-5), the No. 2 seed in the region, took control late in the first set and went up 1-0 in the match with a 25-21 win. Sixth-seeded Washburn (27-5) led early in the second set before falling by the same score, 25-21. The Ichabods led deep into the third set but were unable to extend the match, falling 26-24.

Early in the first set it was back-and-forth with eight ties in the first 16 points.

Concordia-St. Paul created some space with three straight points to lead 15-12.

Shortly after Keilah Rivers knocked down a kill that pulled the Ichabods within one point at 17-16. Washburn stayed within two points until the Golden Bears secured the final two points of the set to win 25-21. Both teams hit over .270 in the set to open the match.

After CSP got the first point in the second, Washburn's Brooklyn Morrisey slashed a kill that started a 6-0 run.

Washburn held the lead until the Golden Bears won five straight points to go in front by one, 13-12. The deficit grew to as many as four points but the Ichabods hung around, pulling back within two at 23-21 on a Brynne Topolski kill off an assist from Sydney Conner. 

Once again the final two points went to Concordia-St. Paul to win the set.

Washburn jumped in front 7-4 in the third after Austin Broadie connected on a kill. The lead grew to seven points at 14-7 after a six-point burst that began with Morrisey taking a pass from Corinna McMullen to the floor for a kill.

The Golden Bears won six of the next eight points to pull within three at 16-13. The Ichabods recovered, going on a 6-4 run to lead 22-17 after Broadie and Bella Limback combined for a block.

CSP won four straight points, forcing two Washburn timeouts. The Ichabods still were able to reach match point at 24-23 after an attacking error, but the next three points went to the Golden Bears as they closed out the match.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

No. 6 seed Washburn started hot and stayed hot Thursday morning to pull off a 3-0 sweep over No. 3 seed Wayne State College in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Central Regional in Kearney, Neb.

No. 6 seed Washburn advanced to the second round of the NCAA volleyball tournament with a 3-0 sweep over No. 3 seed Wayne State. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

The Ichabods will face No. 2 seed Concordia-St. Paul in the regional semifinals at 4 p.m. on Friday.  

Friday marked the second straight season that Washburn defeated the region's No. 3 seed as the No. 6 seed in the tournament.

Washburn (27-4) won the opening set, 25-16. The Ichabods kept rolling in a 25-14 second-set win before closing out the match with a come-from-behind 25-22 win over the Wildcats (27-5).

From point one the Ichabods led, quickly building a 5-1 lead after Keilah Rivers slashed a kill. Wayne State battled to tie the set at 11, but Washburn responded by winning six of the next eight points to go in front 17-13 after a Brynne Topolski kill. Another kill by Topolski started what would become an 8-1 run to end the first set.  

The momentum carried over into the second set with Washburn in front 8-1 after an ace by Rivers. A 5-0 run shortly after put the lead into double-figures at 13-3. Autumn Gibbs served an ace that made it 18-7 as the Ichabods continued to roll. Brooklyn Morrisey finished off the set at 25-14 with a kill on a dish by Sydney Conner.  

The Wildcats found some life early in the third set, jumping out to a 7-3 lead that grew to 13-6 after four straight points. Kills by Emery Keebaugh and Austin Broadie started a 5-0 rally for the Ichabods but the Ichabods were met by four points in a row from Wayne State.

 Washburn trailed by as many as six more than midway through the set but would battle all the way back and tie things up at 20 after Keebaugh slashed another kill. From that point it was all Washburn as they finished the match on a 5-2 run with back-to-back kills by Broadie to move on. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The NCAA Volleyball Tournament begins for No. 7-ranked Washburn volleyball at 11 a.m. Thursday in Kearney, Neb., with the Ichabods facing off with No. 4-ranked Wayne State in a Central Region quarterfinal.

No. 7-ranked Washburn volleyball will open its NCAA Tournament bid at 11 a.m. Thursday against No. 4 Wayne State. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn is making its 19th appearance in the NCAA Tournament as the No. 6 seed in the Central Region and will face the No. 3 seeded Wildcats.

Wayne State College enters the tournament with a 27-4 record on the year after going 19-1 in the NSIC regular season. The Wildcats fell 3-1 to No. 11 St. Cloud State last time out in the semifinal round of the NSIC Tournament on Nov. 21.

The Ichabods head into the national tournament with a 26-4 record overall after posting a 13-3 mark inside the MIAA. Washburn dropped a 3-0 decision to Nebraska-Kearney in the MIAA Tournament championship on Nov. 22.

Washburn remains No. 7 in the most recent AVCA poll released on Nov. 24. The Ichabods received 886 total points in the poll.

MIAA Player of the Year Austin Broadie leads Washburn with 326 kills (3.23 per set) while hitting .312, third best on the team. She has started all 30 matches and also has racked up 67 blocks with 64 digs. The senior has 16 double-digit kill matches and ranks fifth in the MIAA. She is fifth among conference players in points per set and kills per set.

Bella Limback is slashing a team-high .457 with 202 kills (2.04 per set) while starting all 30 matches. She has also added 115 blocks (1.16 per set), also a team high, and served 13 aces. She has hit over .400 in 20 matches this season with four double-digit kill efforts. She is second in the nation and MIAA in hitting percentage. She is also is fifth in the MIAA in blocks per set and 31st in the nation.

Corinna McMullen has started all 30 matches this season and leads Washburn with 631 assists (6.36 per set). She has also chipped in 30 service aces, tied for the most on the team, while ranking second on the team with 265 digs (2.65 per set). The senior has delivered 17 matches of 20-plus assists with 12 double-doubles. She ranks eighth in the conference in assists per set.

Taylor Rottinghaus leads the Ichabods with 430 digs (4.26 per set). She has chipped in 112 assists while serving 30 aces as well, tied for the most on the team. The junior has five matches making at least 20 digs. She ranks seventh in the MIAA in digs per set and in total digs.

Delaney Miller leads Wayne State with 387 kills (3.83 kills per set) while hitting .292. She has played in 30 matches making 14 starts and is adding 50 digs with 22 blocks.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Washburn University women's basketball begins MIAA action at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Lee Arena, hosting Nebraska-Kearney.

 

Senior Payton Sterk (20) is averaging a team-high 14.3 points with 16- 3-pointers for Washburn, which opens MIAA play at home Thursday against Nebraska-Kearney. [File photo/TSN]

 

Senior Yibari Nwidadah is averaging 12.2 points and a team-high 6.7  rebounds for Washburn, which opens MIAA play at home Thursday against Nebraska-Kearney. [File photo/TSN]

Washburn is 4-2 on the season after being 2-4 at this point a year ago, but Ichabod coach Lora Westling knows there's still plenty of room for improvement for her team.

 

"Honesty, I just feel like we're making it a little harder than it needs to be right now,'' Westling said. "But that's part of the process, defining roles and having a little more consistency.

 

"I was proud of how we responded on Saturday (after a Friday loss) but we've got to figure out how to come out on top in those close games that we've lost.'' 

 

Washburn senior Yibari Nwidadah agreed.

 

"I think in our two losses there were definitely controllables, so we know what we need to work on to continue to be successful and continue on an upward trajectory,'' Nwidadah said. 

 

Nebraska-Kearney is 4-4 on the year and 0-0 in the MIAA after defeating Wayne State 69-59 last Saturday.

 

Senior Payton Sterk leads the Ichabods with a 14.3 scoring average while starting every game and playing a team-high 29.0 minutes per game. Sterk is averaging 2.2 steals and has made 16 3-pointers, which both also lead the team. She has scored 14-plus points in four games this season. Sterk ranks third in the MIAA and 34th nationally in 3-pointers, fifth in the MIAA in three-point percentage and fourth in steals.

Nwidadah averages 12.2 points in just 22.8 minutes per game and leads the team with 6.7 rebounds a game while also shooting 53.4 percent from the floor. She is first in the MIAA in field goal percentage. 

Senior Gabi Giovannetti averages 10.7 points and is shooting a team-high 44.4 percent from deep with 12 3-pointers, second most on the team. She also averages 4.5 rebounds and is second in the MIAA and 38th nationally in 3-point percentage and eighth in the conference in triples per game. 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The ultimate goal for Washburn University basketball this season is to make another run at an NCAA Division II championship after reaching the national semifinals a year ago.

But the immediate goal for Brett Ballard's Ichabods is to successfully defend their MIAA regular-season title, a quest that begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Lee Arena against Nebraska-Kearney.

Brett Ballard's 8-0 Washburn Ichabods will open MIAA play Thursday at home against Nebraska-Kearney. [File photo/TSN] 

"I told our guys I don't know that the people outside of our circle appreciate it as much as we do, but winning the conference is a big, big deal for us,'' Ballard said. "It was a huge deal last year and we're going to fight like heck to do it again this year.

"If you can win this conference, that's a memory these guys will have forever, so a new season kind of starts (Thursday) and we need to try to take care of business at home.''

Washburn is 8-0 after topping the 100-point mark for the second game in a row in a 115-30 win over Ottawa last Saturday in Lee Arena, setting several school records in the process.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Washburn University soccer team will be back in the state of Minnesota to take on No. 3-seed St. Cloud State in a 1 p.m. NCAA Sweet Sixteen matchup on Sunday afternoon.

Lili Everley, Washburn University

Leah Henke, Washburn University

"I'm very thankful that our team has earned the chance to continue to grow and get better in a Sweet Sixteen matchup versus a well-coached SCSU team," Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "I am confident that the character in this group is going to keep us focused on our mentality and performance as we get the opportunity to compete in the elements that national tournament games in Minnesota provide."

Washburn is coming off a 4-2 penalty shootout win over No. 1-seed Minnesota State last Sunday, where the Ichabods scored first in the opening 15 minutes, and the Mavericks equalized in the 60th minute.

Washburn has 12 clean sheets this year, which is third most in program history.

Freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley broke her season high in saves with eight in a 2-0 win over No. 5 seed Missouri Western in the Ichabods' NCAA opener, then broke it again with nine saves on Sunday, with four in overtime to keep the match all square and force PKs. Everley also recorded a save in PKs.

Leah Henke has scored 11 goals in her freshman season, which is tied for fourth in Washburn history for most goals in a single season, and second most by an Ichabod freshman.

Defenders Shaye Taylor and Rilyn Snyder played all 110 minutes against Minnesota State and are 17th and 18th in program history in minutes played in a single season.

Both players scored their first-ever collegiate goals this year, both were off free kicks.

St. Cloud State is 16-2-5 on the season, coming off a 3-0 win over No. 6-seed Pittsburg State 3-0 and a 2-1 victory in overtime over the No. 7 seed Central Missouri.

Sunday will be the first meeting between Washburn and St. Cloud State.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The Washburn University soccer team won the NCAA Central Region Championship Sunday with a 1-0 win over St. Cloud State in St. Joseph, Minn., and is advancing to the Elite Eight.

Washburn celebrates its NCAA Central Region championship in the snow Sunday in St. Joseph, Minn. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

"I thought our defensive organization was really good, thought we were hard to break down, and we believe that we will always have a chance to score a goal," Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "It's fun playing in these different environments that you don't usually play in. I'm proud of the team and how we attacked today with confidence and were so tough in the elements -- true warriors!"

"I think our grit plays a big part in it,'' Washburn senior Belle Kennedy said. "We don't take anything for granted, we accept all conditions, and any challenges we face."

Washburn, now 13-3-6, had shots in the opening two minutes by Grace Peterson and Kate Hinck that were saved.

In the last minute of the half, the Ichabods had three shots saved by the Huskies' goalie.

Washburn outshot St. Cloud, 8-1, and had five corners to just one by the Huskies in the opening 45 minutes.

It was a back-and-forth start to the second half, with both teams having a shot on goal in the opening 10 minutes.

Washburn would have a header by Peterson in the 68th minute put into the side netting.

The Ichabods finally got the breakthrough goal in the 75th minute from senior Aubrey Tanksley, who headed home a corner by Bricelyn Betts.

Tanksley's goal was her first of the season and seventh of her Washburn career while Betts recorded her third assist of the year.

Washburn was able to close out the match from there to win the region championship and move on to the Elite Eight for the second time in school history.

The Ichabods recorded their 13th clean sheet of the year.

Washburn outshot St. Cloud State, 12-5, and took seven corners in the match.

Freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley now has 10 shutouts on the season.

Washburn will take on the Midwest Region Champion, Missouri-St. Louis, in the Elite Eight on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four. The site and game time have yet to be confirmed.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The No. 2-ranked Washburn Ichabods left no doubt in a record-setting performance on Saturday afternoon, rolling to a 115-30 victory over Ottawa in Lee Arena as the Ichabods improved to 8-0 on the season.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen scored a game-high 20 points on 7 of 11 shooting from the field in Saturday's 115-30 Washburn win over Ottawa. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Junior Jeremiah Jones scored 18 points on 8 of 10 shooting and grabbed six rebounds in Washburn's 115-30 win over Ottawa Saturday in Lee Arena. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Washburn dominated in most every phase of the game, shooting 58 percent from the field, forcing 33 turnovers and outscoring the Braves 64-10 in the paint.

"I thought we respected the opponent and we were able to take their confidence away early, which is what you want to do against a team that you feel like you're probably a little more talented than,'' Washburn coach Brett Ballard said.

"I'm really happy with how we came out, business-like, and the respect level was there and then we took their confidence, so all three phases were good.''

The Ichabods will remain in Lee Arena next week to open their MIAA schedule, hosting Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday and Fort Hays State on Saturday.

After a brief 3-2 Ottawa lead, the Braves' only advantage of the day, Washburn went on a 19-0 run to take control.

By halftime the Ichabods had turned 23 Ottawa turnovers into 30 points, taking a huge 60-17 advantage into the break behind 52 percent shooting from the field and an 8-of-17 mark from 3-point range.

The second half was even more overwhelming as Washburn opened the period with a 26-0 run that ballooned the margin to 86 points, the team's largest lead of the day.

The Ichabods shot 66 percent in the final 20 minutes and registered 14 more steals and 30 additional points off turnovers.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen finished with 20 points, six rebounds, five steals, and two blocks while going 7 of 11 from the field.

Ichabod junior newcomer Jeremiah Jones added 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting, pulled down six rebounds and said he continues to feel more and more at ease in the Washburn system.

"It's definitely a stepping stone every game,'' Jones said. "No matter the competition I feel like the chemistry goes up every single game, our defensive intensity goes up every single game and I'm starting to get comfortable with the team.''

Junior Jack Bachelor scored 16 points with four 3-pointers in Washburn's 115-30 win over Ottawa Saturday in Lee Arena. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN] 

Junior Jack Bachelor recorded 14 points with four 3-pointers and six assists as the Ichabods drilled 13 three-pointers on the afternoon.

Sophomore Tyson Ruud slams home a dunk in Washburn's 115-30 win over Ottawa Saturday in Lee Arena. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]

Sophomore Tyson Ruud came off the bench to score 13 points and grab a game-high seven rebounds while Marcus Glock hit three threes and also finished with 13 points. 

Senior Sam Ungashick had eight points (two 3s), six assists, and five steals as Washburn's bench accounted for 49 points.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn closed out the month of November with a double-digit victory in Saturday's final game of the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic, knocking off Texas A&M-Kingsville, 62-48.

Senior Gabi Giovannetti scored a game-high 20 points on Saturday as Washburn improved to 4-2 with a 62-48 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville. [File photo/TSN]

Next up is Washburn's MIAA conference opener at 5:30 p.m. next Thursday against Nebraska-Kearney in Lee Arena.

For a second straight game Washburn (4-2) got out to a quick start, leading 9-5 with 4:08 left in the first quarter after Aniah Wayne came off the bench to knock down a 3-pointer.

The Javelinas (0-4) went on a 10-2 run from that point to go in front and lead 15-13 after one.

Payton Sterk put the Ichabods back in front hitting a trey to begin the second quarter. It was the start of a 15-2 run that took up much of the second quarter.

The final 11 points of the run came from Gabi Giovannetti, with her second connection from deep putting Washburn up 28-17. Kingsville scored the final five points of the quarter to cut its halftime deficit to 28-22.

The Ichabods established the paint early in the third quarter with back-to-back buckets by Yibari Nwidadah that started an 8-0 start to the half.

Sterk moved the offense to the outside, knocking down 3-pointers on three straight possessions to balloon the Washburn lead to 17 with 4:32 left in the third. A 5-0 run to end the quarter for a Washburn offense that shot 8 of 16 in the frame put the Ichabods in front 52-31 with 10 to play.

Midway through the fourth another 3-pointer by Sterk made it a 25-point game with the Ichabods in front. 61-36. The Javelinas picked up the pace in the final five minutes but never got closer than the 14-point final score.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The No. 2-ranked Washburn Ichabods will host the Ottawa Braves at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Lee Arena in their final tuneup up before opening MIAA play next week. 

Washburn is 7-0 after rolling to a 105-51 win over Friends on Tuesday while Ottawa is 5-3 this season after dropping an 84-69 decision to McPherson in its last outing.

Former Washburn Rural star Jack Bachelor is averaging a team-high 17.4 points and 5.0 assists for 7-0 Washburn men's basketball. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN

After facing an NAIA foe for the second straight game on Saturday, Washburn will open its MIAA season next Thursday against Nebraska-Kearney and next Saturday against Fort Hays State, with both games in Lee Arena.

"The good thing about this week is we're able to focus a little bit more on ourselves and it's a little more self-scouting than it is on the opponent,'' Washburn coach Brett Ballard said. "We've got to respect those guys, but this has been good to hopefully use this practice time to tighten things up.''

"We look at every day as you're getting better or you're getting worse,'' junior Jack Bachelor said. "So taking steps in practice, taking steps in games and just working together and keep getting better as a team and individually is our goal because we know this MIAA conference is the best in the country, so there's going to be no off nights.'' 

Washburn's players also got the chance to take a short Thanksgiving break from Wednesday afternoon until returning to practice on Friday.

"This is a little bit of a time for them to re-charge,'' Ballard said. "It's a quick break, but a little bit of a re-charge for the players.'' 

Both Bachelor and sophomore Dillon Claussen have cracked double figures in all seven games this season and sneior Bryson Smith has scored no fewer than 12 points in each of the last six games, including 22 points in a win over Rockhurst.

Bachelor is averaging a team-high 17.4 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 88.9 percent from the free throw line.

Claussen is averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds. 

Claussen led the way with 19 points against Friends, shooting 9 of 11 from the field while adding six rebounds, two steals, and a block. Bachelor followed with 16 points, six assists, five steals, and three rebounds, while hitting four 3-pointers, and Smith added 14 points, three assists, and three steals.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

After a fast start, Washburn University women's basketball couldn't overcome a second-half cold stretch as the Ichabods fell 53-49 in overtime to St. Mary's University in Day 1 of the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic in San Antonio.

 

 

Washburn senior Payton Sterk (20) scored a game-high 21 points in Friday's 53-49 loss to St. Mary's in the Thanksgiving Classic in San Antonio. [File photo/TSN]

  

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball will hit the floor Friday and Saturday in San Antonio, Texas, competing in the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic.

 

Senior Gabi Giovannetti notched her first collegiate double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in last Saturday's 66-44 Washburn win over MSU Denver. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

 

The 3-1 Ichabods will face St. Mary's at 6 p.m. on Friday and Texas A&M-Kingsville at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Bill Greehey Arena.

 

St. Mary's enters the week with a 3-0 record while Texas A&M University-Kingsville enters the tournament 0-2 on the year. 

 

Senior Yibari Nwidadah is averaging a team-high 13.8 points and 7.0 rebounds for Washburn in just 21.0 minutes per game on the season. Nwidadah has started every game and is shooting 63.9 percent from the floor. 

 

Senior Payton Sterk is also scoring in double figures for the Ichabods at 11.8 points per game and has hit seven 3-pointers.

 

Junior Britany Kogbara has provided a spark off the bench for the Ichabods, averaging 10.8 points and 4.3 points a game while shooting 64.5 percent from the field.

 

Senior Gabi Giovannetti is averaging 10.0 points and 5.3 rebounds with a team-high eight triples after recording her first career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in last Saturday's 66-44 win over Metropolitan State of Denver.

 

Sterk finished with 14 points while Kogbara had 12 points and five rebounds in Saturday's win.

 

Allie Garcia leads St. Mary's with an 11.7 scoring average while Christin Callens averages 10.3 points and Raynne averages a team-high 10 rebounds.

 

Justine Aguilar leads Texas A&M-Kingsville with a 9.5 scoring average.

 

Washburn will begin MIAA play next Thursday, hosting Nebraska-Kearney in a 5:30 p.m. contest in Lee Arena.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Tuesday's non-conference home game against NAIA foe Friends was definitely one that No. 2-ranked Washburn University was expected to win, and probably by a sizeable margin.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen scored a game-high 19 points on 9 of 11 shooting from the field in Tuesday's 105-51 win over Friends. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Junior Jack Bachelor scored 16 points with four 3-pointers, six assists and five steals in Tuesday's 105-51 win over Friends. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

But with the start of MIAA looming next week, Brett Ballard's Ichabods still had plenty of things they wanted to work on against the Falcons.

And it's safe to say the 7-0 Ichabods reached most all of those objectives in a 105-51 rout over the Falcons at Lee Arena.

"I thought we approached this thing with the right mindset and were pretty professional about how we executed tonight,'' Ballard said. "A lot of positives, and I thought that there were some things that we'd emphasized in practice this last week that stuck and we were able to accomplish a lot of the things that we had worked on.''  

Washburn delivered its highest point output of the early season with its 105-point outburst while five Ichabods cracked double figures.

The Ichabods controlled all 40 minutes, building a 25-point halftime lead (46-21) before exploding for 59 more points in the second half.

Washburn forced 20 Falcon turnovers, turning those mistakes into 29 points, while surrendering only five of its own.

Washburn piled up 66 points in the paint, 33 second-chance points and 25 fast-break points.

The Ichabods shot 52.5 percent for the game (42 for 80), while holding Friends to just 28.3 percent shooting overall and hammering the Falcons on the glass as well with a 52-35 rebounding advantage, grabbing 21 offensive rebounds.

Sophomore Dillon Claussen led the way with 19 points, hitting 9 of 11 shots while adding six rebounds, two steals, and a block, while junior Jack Bachelor had 16 points, six assists, five steals and three rebounds, while hitting four 3-pointers.

"I felt like we did what was expected of us,'' Claussen said. "We were supposed to win that game, but like coach has been saying the past couple of games, we have a ton to work on and our ceiling is way higher than we're at right now.''

"I thought we came out and played with good energy,'' Bachelor said. "Defense was a big emphasis in this game and I thought we guarded well. I thought we played hard, played together and shared the ball. I thought it was a successful night for sure.'' 

Bryson Smith added 14 points, three assists, and three steals, while Tyson Ruud came off the bench to tie his career-high with 13 points and freshman Amalachi Wilkins had 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds off the bench, reaching double figures for the second straight game.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University volleyball is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the 19th time in program history as the Ichabods earned the No. 6 seed in the Central Region.

Washburn heads to Kearney, Neb. on the campus of the No. 1 seed in the region and host of the eight-team tournament, Nebraska-Kearney.

Washburn's volleyball team reacts to being installed as the No. 6 Central Region seed for the NCAA Tournament in Kearney, Neb. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

The No. 7-ranked Ichabods will face the third seed and No. 4 nationally-ranked Wayne State College at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in a regional quarterfinal. 

The Ichabods are 26-4 on the year and finished 13-3 in the MIAA regular season, finishing tied for first with Nebraska-Kearney and Missouri Western to earn a share of the regular-season championship.  

Washburn is coming off a runnerup finish Saturday in the MIAA Tournament, dropping a 3-0 decision to No. 3 Nebraska-Kearney.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

No. 2-ranked Washburn University men's basketball returns to Lee Arena on Tuesday night to face Friends at 7 p.m. in the Ichabods' final game before the Thanksgiving break.

Washburn is 6-0 after a 90-54 win over William Jewell on Saturday in Liberty, Mo., with the 36-point win one shy of the largest win in the series history with the Cardinals.

 

Brett Ballard climbed to No. 2 on Washburn's career win list with Saturday's 90-54 road win at William Jewell. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]  

 In the win over William Jewell, Ichabod coach Brett Ballard moved into second place on the all-time win chart at Washburn, passing Glenn Cafer with his 173rd win on the Ichabod bench. Ballard is 173-79 in his ninth season, while Cafer was 172-145 in 12 seasons at Washburn.

 

Freshman Amalachi Wilkins led the Ichabods off the bench against William Jewell with 13 points on five of five shooting with four boards and two steals in 16 minutes of play. 

Friends is 5-2 on the season after defeating York, Neb., 77-55, last time out on the road.

 

The Falcons have the distinction of being the only team to defeat the Ichabods in a home opener in Lee Arena.

 

Friends topped the Ichabods, 89-88, on Nov. 16, 1990. Since then the Ichabods have won 36 consecutive home openers and Washburn is 40-1 overall in home openers after last Wednesday's 85-81 win over Rockhurst.

 

The Ichabods are fifth in scoring margin in the NCAA D2 ranks at plus 27.2 and fourth in field goal percentage at 54.4 percent.

 

Topekan Jack Bachelor is fifth in the nation in 3-pointers made with 18 while leading the MIAA and Dillon Claussen is eighth in the nation in double-doubles with two. Claussen is also 11th in the nation in field goal percentage at 73.3 and 17th in total rebounds with 45.

 

Jeremiah Jones is second in the nation in total steals with 19 and is ranked 13th in steals per game at 3.17 per contest.

 

Brady Christiansen (1) is set to play in his 100th career game for Washburn Tuesday night against Friends. [File photo/TSN]

Bachelor will be making his 50th consecutive start on Tuesday against Friends while Brady Christiansen will play in his 100th game as an Ichabod.

Washburn has a 17-game home court winning streak, which is tied for the fifth-longest in the D-II ranks.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University soccer advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen Sunday after outlasting top seed Minnesota State 4-2 in penalty kicks in Mankato, Minn.

Washburn soccer celebrates after Sunday's 4-2 penalty kick win over top seed Minnesota State in Mankato, Minn. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

"We have talked about the character in the team all year long, in overtime and the shootout, our character got to show a little bit,'' Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "We get another chance to grow together, continue to train together, and to play in meaningful games together.''

The Ichabods would come out controlling the match with their pressing style of soccer and would open the scoring in the 12th minute of the match, with MIAA freshman of the year Leah Henke converting after a save from the Mavericks' goalie after a shot by Grace Peterson.

Both teams took seven shots in the half, and both goalies had two saves at the break.

The Ichabods would come out with four shots in the opening 12 minutes of the second half, looking for a crucial second goal, but in the 60th minute, the Mavericks would find the equalizer through Maille Mathis, tying things up at 1-1.

The last 30 minutes of the match were back and forth between the teams. The Ichabods would take 13 shots in the second half while Minnesota State took six, and both had three shots on goal.

In the two 10-minute periods of overtime, the Mavericks would be in control, but could not find the back of the net as Washburn freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley would make four saves over the two OT periods to force penalty kicks. 

Washburn went up 1-0 in PKs on a conversion from Shaye Taylor, but Minnesota State pulled even on a shot from Maddix Archer.

Both keepers came up with saves before Lakin Rold put WU up 2-1.

After a Maverick miss, Mackinly Rohn put the Ichabods in front 3-1.

Courtney Kovacs converted for Minnesota State to cut the Maverick deficit to 3-2 but Washburn freshman Kate Hinck found the back of the net to end the match.

With the win, Washburn advances to the Sweet Sixteen for the second time in school history. 

The Ichabods are now 2-2 in penalty kicks in the NCAA tournament.

Everley made nine saves, breaking her season/career high that she previously set on Friday in a 2-0 win over Missouri Western.

Henke scored her 11th goal of the season, moving into a tie for fourth with Khloe Schuckman, who scored 11 goals during the 2023 campaign when the Ichabods were NCAA finalists. 

Washburn will take on the Huskies of St. Cloud State in the Sweet Sixteen at 1 p.m. Sunday in St. Joseph, Minn.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

 Washburn Ichabod soccer will square off with tournament host and No. 1 Central Region seed Minnesota State at 1 p.m. Sunday in Mankato, Minn.

Leah Henke, Washburn University
Kate Hinck, Washburn University

The Ichabods are 12-3-5 while Minnesota State is 18-1-3.

No. 4 seed Washburn is coming off a 2-0 first-round win over No. 5-seed Missouri Western while Minnesota State advanced with a 2-0 win over No. 8 Harding.

Freshman Leah Henke had a goal, her 10th of the season, and an assist in Friday's win while freshman Kate Hinck had Washburn's first goal of the game, her sixth of the season.

Sophomore Sam Searcey had the assist on Henke's goal against the Griffons and has five goals and four assists on the season.

The Ichabod defense recorded its 12th clean sheet of the year while freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley made a career-high eight saves in the match.

Defenders Rilyn Snyder and Shaye Taylor played all 90 minutes against Missouri Western and are one-two in minutes played for the Ichabods this season.

Minnesota State enters Sunday's match on a five-match unbeaten strea.

The Mavericks won the NSIC regular-season and conference tournament titles. They have three players tied for the team lead in goals with five apiece.

Sunday will be the first meeting between Minnesota State and Washburn.

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

The No. 2-rankded Washburn Ichabods rolled past William Jewell 90-54 Saturday in a dominant performance, improving to 6-0 on the season.

 

Freshman Amalachi Wilkins came off the bench to lead a balanced Washburn attack with 13 points in the Ichabods' 90-54 road win at William Jewell. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Washburn returns to action on Tuesday in Lee Arena, hosting Friends in a 7 p.m. contest.

 

Washburn's defense set the tone early Saturday, turning turnovers into transition points in an 11–2 start, highlighted by fast-break finishes from Bryson Smith and Dillon Claussen.

 

After Jewell briefly closed within eight, the Ichabods countered with a decisive 9-0 run midway through the first half, fueled by 3-pointers from Smith and Jack Bachelor and a tip-in from Amalachi Wilkins.

 

Washburn outscored Jewell 30-6 in the paint in the opening frame and carried a 40-25 lead into halftime.

 

The Ichabods blew the game wide open early in the second half, using an 18-0 surge to push the margin past 30.

 

Claussen threw down a dunk, Smith converted at the rim, and reserve guard Sam Ungashick added back-to-back transition buckets during the stretch.

 

Washburn's bench outscored Jewell's 38-25 overall, and the lead eventually swelled to 40 with just over a minute remaining.

 

Wilkins led the Ichabods off the bench with 13 points on 5 of 5 shooting with four boards and two steals in 16 minutes of play.

 

Wilkins led a balanced scoring attack with Claussen adding 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, Smith scoring 12 points with four assists and three steals and Bachelor contributing 12 points and a team-high five assists.

 

Brady Christiansen scoring 10 points with eight rebounds while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and Marcus Glock chipped in seven points and three assists off the bench.

 

Washburn dominated every major statistical category, winning points off turnovers, 35–6, points in the paint, 52–16, second-chance points, 15–3, and fastbreak points, 22–5.

 

The Ichabods also controlled the glass with a 44-19 rebounding advantage.

 
 

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University women's basketball turned a tight first half into a commanding victory Saturday at Lee Arena, riding a dominant third-quarter burst to a 66-44 win over Metropolitan State Denver in the wrapup of the Washburn Classic.

Senior Gabi Giovannetti notched her first collegiate double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday's 66-44 Washburn win over MSU Denver. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

The Ichabods moved to 3-1 on the season with their third straight win, using a balanced offensive effort and the dominant third-quarter stretch.

After taking a 33-23 lead into halftime, the Ichabods blew the game open with an 18-0 run in the third stanza, outscoring the Roadrunners 25-7 in the quarter.

"We had a nice run there,'' Washburn coach Lora Westling said. "I thought Nia McKenzie had some unbelievably impactful minutes off the ball defending and getting us in sytem. She's plus-29 on the day in 17 minutes and I thought she was the steady hand we kind of needed.

"What's really special with this team is how high the ceiling could be. They want to get better every day, we got good momentum going and hopefully here comes the fun part.'' 

Washburn shot a blistering 66.7 percent (10 of 15) in the third while holding MSU Denver to just 2 of 13.

By the end of the quarter, the Ichabods had extended their advantage to 58-30, their largest lead of the game at 28 points.

Senior Gabi Giovannetti led all scorers with 17 points, including a pair of momentum-changing treys in the third quarter, and added 10 rebounds and three steals, recording her first collegiate double-double in the process.

Senior Payton Sterk finished with 14 points, connecting twice from long range, and Britany Kogbara delivered 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.

Senior Yibari Nwidadah added seven points and eight boards and was named to the all-tournament team along with Giovannetti.

"We're still building our character,'' Giovannetti said. "We've got a new point guard mixing in, so we're just trying to stay as sharp as we can, just to get to a championship level of play.

"We wanted to come out this weekend and defend our homecourt, especially with it being new, and there's just a lot of motivators.'' 

By RICK PETERSON

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By RICK PETERSON

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Washburn University soccer coach Davy Phillips became the school's all-time wins leader on Friday in Mankato, Minn. as the Ichabods advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 2-0 victory over Missouri Western.

Davy Phillips became Washburn soccer's career wins leader on Friday with a 2-0 NCAA Central Region win over Missouri Western. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

Freshman standouts Kate Hinck and Leah Henke scored Washburn's goals, one in each half, as the Ichabods improved to 12-3-5 and advanced to Sunday's 1 p.m. game to face No. 1 seed and regional host Minnesota State-Mankato.

Phillips picked up Washburn win No. 91 to take over the top spot on the school's career victory list.

"I thought they played really, really well,'' Phillips said. "I thought the girls brought a terrific mentality and put on a really good performance today. Really happy with what they could do on the field today." 

The opening 10 minutes were controlled by the Griffons, who attempted two shots on goal in that span.

Freshman Kate Hinck scored the only goal Washburn would need in Friday's 2-0 Central Region win over Missouri Western. [File photo/TSN]

It would be a back-and-forth game until the 33rd minute when Hinck took a pass from fellow freshman Henke and found the back of the net to give Washburn a 1-0 halftime advantage. Freshman goalkeeper Lili Everley made four saves in the opening 45 minutes.

Washburn would start the second half with three shots in the opening five minutes, with two of them being on goal.

Freshman Leah Henke scored her 10th goal of the season in Friday's 2-0 Washburn Central Region win over Missouri Western. [File photo/TSN]

The Ichabods would continue to apply pressure and broke through again in the 65th minute with Henke scoring off an assist from sophomore Sam Searcey. 

Washburn, which battled Western to an 0-0 tie in the regular season, out-shot the Griffons 15-14, and both teams had eight shots on goal.

Everley made a career-high eight saves in the match.

Henke scored her 10th goal of the season, putting her fifth in Washburn history for most goals in a single season, and second-most by a freshman in a single season behind Jessica Mainz's 13 goals in 2005.

Hinck, the former Wasburn Rural star, recorded her sixth goal of her freshman campaign, tying her for 18th for the most goals for WU in a single season.

By RICK PETERSON

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By RICK PETERSON

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Washburn women's basketball made a splashing debut inside the new Lee Arena on Friday night, cruising to a 70-47 win over Southwest Baptist in the opening day of the Washburn Classic.

Washburn senior Yibari Nwidadah led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds as the Ichabods rolled to a 23-point win over Southwest Baptist Friday night. [File photo/TSN]

The Ichabods will wrap up the tournament on Saturday, facing Metropolitan State of Denver at 4 p.m.  

The first seven points in Friday game came from 2-1 Washburn, starting with a 3-pointer by Payton Sterk on the first possession.

Washburn held the Bearcats (1-2) scoreless until the 5:49 mark in the first quarter.

After Southwest Baptist got within five Washburn scored 10 points in a row, going up 22-7 after Aniah Wayne knocked down a trey. Behind an 8 of 14 shooting effort the Ichabods built a 22-10 lead after one.  

A layup by senior Yibari Nwidadah with 2:29 to go before half put Washburn up 37-18, its largest lead of the game to that point. The Bearcats finished the half on a 7-2 run to go into the break down by 14.  

Out of the break the Ichabods quickly pushed the lead back up to 19 with Britany Kogbara scoring on the inside. Washburn's defense stepped up in the third, holding Southwest Baptist to just 4 of 14 shooting in the quarter. Nwidadah got a buzzer-beating and-one conversion to go, wrapping up the quarter by extending the Ichabod lead to 20 at 54-34 with her free throw.  

The first nine points in the fourth came by Washburn, with the lead reaching 30 points after Gabi Giovannetti drilled a 3-pointer on an assist by Brooke Gomez with 5:50 to play.

All 14 Ichabods logged action on the night as the Ichabods eased into the 23-point win.

By RICK PETERSON

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The No. 2-ranked Washburn Ichabods will be back on the road Saturday as they travel to Liberty, Mo. to face the William Jewell Cardinals at 3 p.m.

Bryson Smith scored 22 points, including the go-ahead basket, in Washburn's 85-81 win over Rockhurst Wednesday night. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]

Washburn enters the game 5-0 after topping Rockhurst 85-81 on Wednesday in Lee Arena.

William Jewell is coming off a 77-72 win over Emporia State on Wednesday and is 2-1 this season.

With Wednesday's win over the Hawks, the Ichabods improved to 40-1 all-time in their home openers, including 35 straight wins.

Junior guard Jack Bachelor, a Washburn Rural product, leads the nation in 3-pointers made with 16 and sophomore Dillon Claussen is eighth in the nation in double-doubles with two. Claussen is also 13th in the nation in field goal percentage at 78.4 and eighth in total rebounds with 40.

Jeremiah Jones leads the nation in total steals with 18 and is ranked 13th in steals per game at 3.60 per contest.

Justice Sutton leads William Jewell in scoring with a 17.7 scoring average.

Isaac Patterson is scoring 14.7 points per game with a team-high 7.0 rebounding average and Kyle Scharbrough is scoring 12.7 points a game.

The Ichabods lead the William Jewell series 14-7 after winning 81-73 last season in Topeka.

The Ichabods have lost their last two games played in Liberty, with their last win coming on Dec. 1, 1988 in a 76-58 win.

Washburn turned a five-point deficit with 2:29 to play into Wednesday's four-point win over Rockhurst.

The Ichabods outscored the Hawks 11-2 to end the game, led by Smith's driving layup with 51 seconds remaining to give the Ichabods a 81-79 lead.

After a key defensive stop, Tyson Ruud hit a free throw to extend the WU lead to three and Sam Ungashick came up with a steal in the final seconds and sank two free throws with three seconds left to seal the win.

Smith led the Ichabods with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bachelor added 17 points and three assists and Claussen scored 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Ruud came off the bench for 13 points and six rebounds.

Washburn returns home to face Friends on Tuesday and will host Ottawa next Saturday.

By RICK PETERSON

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Senior star Yibari Nwidadah and the 1-1 Washburn women will host the Washburn Classic Friday and Saturday in the new Lee Arena. [File photo/TSN]

By RICK PETERSON

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Washburn University soccer will face MIAA foe Missouri Western at 10 a.m. Friday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in Mankato, Minn.

Washburn soccer will open its NCAA Tournament bid at 10 a.m. Friday in Mankato, Minn. against Missouri Western. [Photo courtesy of Washburn Athletics]

The 11-3-5 Ichabods are the No. 4 seed in the Central Region while 12-2-7 Missouri Western is the No. 5 seed. 

"I'm very proud of this year's team and the journey that we have been on to earn the chance to compete on the national stage tomorrow,'' Washburn coach Davy Phillips said. "I'm excited for the ladies to execute our brand of soccer and continue to grow within our game model as we compete for a national championship.

"Missouri Western is a good team and well coached and it should be a really high-level college soccer game.''

Washburn enters the match after failing to win their past two matches, both against rival Emporia State, with a scoreless draw on Senior Day and a 3-2 loss in the first round of the MIAA Tournament.

Washburn and Missouri Western met earlier this year in St. Joseph, Mo., where the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Washburn's defense has been its focal point, allowing just three goals during the MIAA regular season and scoring 20 during that span. The Ichabods allowed only 60 shots on goal all season, while they put 125 shots on goal.

Defenders Rilyn Snyder and Shaye Taylor are one-two in minutes played this season while senior Belle Kennedy anchors the Ichabods from the heart of the midfield.

The Washburn Rural alum earned MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and All-MIAA first-team honors.

Washburn is led in goals and points by freshman Leah Henke, who has nine goals on the year and has added an assist.

Sophomore Sam Searcey has five goals and four assists while freshman Kate Hinck has also found the back of the net five times this year and junior Mackinly Rohn has three goals and an assist. Hinck and Rohn are both former Washburn Rural stars.

The Griffons are coming off an MIAA Tournament title, which booked their place in the NCAA Tournament.

Washburn leads the all-time series with Western, 16-12-1. The Ichabods have won five of the last eight matches with the Griffons.

The Washburn-Missouri Western winner will advance to a 1 p.m. match on Sunday to face the winner between No. 1 seed Minnesota State-Mankato and No. 8 seed Harding. 

By RICK PETERSON

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