WNCC, Black Hills State split softball games

The Western Nebraska Community College and Black Hills State University softball teams each collected big hits as the two teams split a doubleheader Tuesday at Volunteer Field in Scottsbluff.

WNCC’s Jessica McNabb slapped a fifth-inning triple to help the Cougars and Natasha Dypchey struck out eight Yellow Jackets as the Cougars came back for a 4-3 in game one.

In the nightcap, Black Hills pounded out eight hits in the sixth and seventh innings, including a solo home run from Brittany Montgomery, to register a 7-4 win.

WNCC coach Maria Winn-Ratliff and Black Hills State coach Amy Gurney both saw some good things out of the doubleheader.

“The good thing was we played well against their No. 1 pitcher (Jessica Clark) who was coming off being the DAC pitcher of the week,” WNCC coach Maria Winn-Ratliff said. “I thought in the second game Jessica Pexton threw a great game up until the sixth inning. We just couldn’t play enough defense behind her. Good teams, when you make mistakes will make you pay for it. That is what they did to us. They are a little shell-shock. We have always been the comeback team and today, we couldn’t do what we needed to do.”

Gurney said her team never gave up and kept fighting to the end.

“We played pretty solid. They are fighters and they kept battling back even when they were down. It was a good game for us,” she said. “I told them they need to start off the games that way instead of waiting until the end of the innings to do that. But it worked. I think hitting is contagious and one hit led to another, so that was good for us.”

Actually, both teams had big hits to jumpstart the offenses. In game one, WNCC took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a two hits by Lauren Mills and Jessica McNabb, and two walks and an error.

Black Hills came back to grab a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning. With one out, Liberty Bell reached base on a fielding error. Then, with two outs, Amber Vidger was hit by a pitch followed by a run-scoring single by Kelli Graham and a 2-run double by Montgomery.

WNCC came right back in the bottom of the frame. Jessica Ventoza led off with a slap single followed by McNabb’s triple down the rightfield line. Two batters later, Ashley Eichelberger singled to score McNabb with the go-ahead run.

Dypchey picked up the win for the Cougars allowing three hits, while walking two and striking out eight. Jessica Clark, who was the DAC pitcher of the week with 25 strikeouts in 35 innings last week, took the loss. Clark allowed eight hits, while striking out five.

WNCC’s McNabb and Mills led the way at the plate with 2-for-3 performances. McNabb had a triple, run scored and RBI, while Mills had two singles. No other player on either team had multiple hits.

The second game was a pitcher’s dual between WNCC’s Pexton and BHSU’s Vidgar. Vidgar picked up the win allowing just three runs on seven hits, while striking out five. The only damage the Cougars managed against Vidgar was in the third inning. After McNabb and Ventoza reached base on a hitsbatsman and a single, Eichelberger blasted a home run over the leftfield fence to put WNCC up 3-0.

The lead stayed that way through 5 2/3 innings as Pexton was throwing a gem shutting out the Yellow Jackets until Montgomery blasted a solo home run over the leftfield fence. That opened the flood gates as the Yellow Jackets had four straight hits, including run-scoring doubles by Clark and Sam Lore to tie the game at 3-3.

Black Hills came back with four more runs in the seventh inning on three hits, three walks and an error. The big hit was a Montgomery single that scored the go-ahead run.

WNCC had one last ditch hope in their last at bat. With two outs, Amanda Hensley hit a solo home run that hit the scoreboard, but it wasn’t enough.

Kara Ryman led the Cougars with a 2-for-3 performance, while Lore, Montgomery and Jaime Bentley each collected two hits for the Yellow Jackets.

Gurney said these were two good games. "Both are two very good teams and I credit Western Nebraska, they put a good team on the field with strong hitters in the batter’s box,” she said. “It was a good contest for us.”

Winn-Ratliff said that her team will have to learn from Tuesday’s contest and get ready for the rest of the games this week.

“Hopefully, we will get our games in with Wyoming on Thursday. The weather is a little scary right know and then we have Trinidad on Friday,” she said. “We have to mentally prepare ourselves and whoever is on the mound, we have to play defense behind them and support them with run production and defensive plays.”

Friday’s contests are Region IX games, and WNCC is still in the hunt for winning the league title.

“We are sitting in a good spot and that is a little bit hit or miss a little bit,” Winn-Ratliff said. “They hit the ball real well and they have a real nice pitcher. If we don’t do what we are suppose to do, they will come up and beat us.”

Game One
Black Hills 000 030 0 – 3 3 1
WNCC 020 020 x – 4 8 1
WP – Dypchey, LP – Clark; 2B – WNCC 1 (Ryman), BHSU 1 (Montgomery); 3B – WNCC 1 (McNabb).

Game Two
Black Hills (9-11) 000 003 4 – 7 11 0
WNCC (18-11) 003 000 0 – 4 7 2
WP – Vidgar, LP – Pexton; 2B – BHSU 2 (Lore, Clark); HR – WNCC 2 (Eichelberger, Hensley), BHSU 1 (Montgomery).

WNCC baseball sweeps Otero Sunday

LaJUNTA, Colo. – The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team kept it’s bid for hosting the Region IX tournament in May alive after sweeping Otero Junior College in a doubleheader 9-5 and 7-2 Sunday.

The Cougars moved to 6-2 in league play with Sunday’s wins and trail Northeastern Junior College, who is 5-1 in league play. NJC played McCook Monday in Sterling, Colo. WNCC and NJC will hook up in a four-game series Saturday and Sunday at Cleveland Field.

WNCC played much better Sunday then Saturday when they won 4-2 and 3-2. In Sunday’s contests, Gering’s Travis Lindhorst belted a 3-run home run in the fifth inning to open up a 9-3 lead.

WNCC pounded out 10 hits in the win including a 3-for-4 performance from Marco Moreno, and a 2-for-4 performance from Carson Cook. Cook also drove in three runs, stored twice and had two stolen bases. Moreno had one RBI and one stolen base.

Lindhorst, though, was the big hitter with the 3-run shot in the fifth inning.

Greg Crowe picked up the win going 3 2/3 innings. Crowd, the righthander from Parker, Colo., allowed three hits, struck out three and walked three.

In the second game, Todd Stachura pitched a complete game, scattering seven hits, while striking out two. Stachura gave up just two runs, one being earned.

Offensively, the Cougar bats stayed hot by scoring three times in the opening inning only to see Otero bounce back with two of their own for a 3-2 first-inning score. Stachura settled down after the first baffling the Rattler hitters.

WNCC, in the meantime, pounded 10 hits in the win. Abraham Cervantez paced the Cougars with a 2-2 performance, including a double and one RBI. Gilbert Gonzalez continued his torrid hitting with a 3-for-4 performance with three RBIs and two stolen bases.

Daniel Martinez and Richie Stewart also hit with authority. Stewart went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Martinez was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases.

WNCC, now 11-15 on the season, will host Northeastern Junior College this weekend.

Region IX Baseball Standings
Region IX Overall
Team Record Record
NE Colorado 5–1 16 -7-1
Western Neb. 6-2 11-15
McCook C.C. 3-3 11-9
Lamar C.C. 4-4 15-14
Trinidad State 3-5 18-16
Otero J.C. 1-7 3-15

Monday’s Games
McCook at Northeastern JC
Wednesday’s Games
Northeastern JC at Colorado State
McCook at Hastings College
Friday’s Games
Trinidad State at Otero
McCook at Lamar
Saturday’s Games
Trinidad State at Otero
Northeastern JC at WNCC
McCook at Lamar
Sunday’s Games
Northeastern JC at WNCC

Stellar pitching sparks Cougars

Submitted by Alex Helmbrecht
Star-Herald Sports Reporter
For more stories on WNCC athletics, check out the print edition of the Star-Herald or visit them online.

La JUNTA, Colo. - Western Nebraska Community College starting pitcher Phillips Orta pitched a complete game to lead the Cougars to their 4-2 win over Otero Junior College during the first game of their doubleheader Saturday in La Junta, Colo.

In the second game, WNCC rallied from a 2-0 deficit after five innings and scored three runs in the final two innings to clip Otero, 3-2. Dan Bauer got the win after coming in relief of starting pitcher Jeff McDonald.

"It's always good to win a conference doubleheader on the road," WNCC coach Mike Jones said. "And since we won both of them today we're going into (today's) games with Otero with a lot of momentum."

Orta, who improved his record to 3-2 on the season, helped the Cougars withstand three costly errors, which resulted in two Otero runs in the first inning, as he struck out three and allowed just one hit after the opening inning. Orta also struck out three, while walking one.

"I'm very pleased with how Phillips pitched," Jones said. "He did a nice job of keeping his composure on the mound after a bad defensive first inning. He did an outstanding job pitching."

WNCC's Marco Moreno led the Cougars from the plate with a 2 for 4 outing, including a triple. Moreno also knocked in a run. Chris Hook's lone hit - a single in the fourth inning - scored two runs that gave the Cougars the lead for good at 3-2, and WNCC's Gilbert Gonzalez scored two runs and hit a double.

In the second game, the Cougars found themselves down 2-0 after five innings, but they scored two runs in the top of the sixth to tie the game and Gonzalez scored the winning run in the top of the seventh to give WNCC its 3-2 win.Gonzalez, Daniel Martinez and Eneldis Vazquez all belted doubles for the Cougars.

Bauer, who serves as WNCC's closer, pitched 1 1/3 innings to get the win. He relived McDonald with the tying run on third base. But Bauer struck out Otero's batter to end the Rattlers' threat. In the seventh inning, Bauer sat the Rattlers' down in order and he fanned two of the four batters he faced in the game.

"Dan's been a real nice closer for us and he's come in and pitched well during some clutch spots," Jones said. "Today he had to really reach back and he came in and mowed them down."

Game One
WNCC 000 301 0 - 4 7 3
Otero 200 000 0 - 2 2 1
WP - Orta (3-2); LP - Hershman; 3B - Moreno; 2B - Gonzalez.

Game Two
WNCC (8-15) 000 002 1 - 3 7 0
Otero 010 010 0 - 2 7 1
WP - Bauer; LP - Vierra; 2B - Gonzalez, Martinez, Vazquez.

WNCC announces five summer volleyball camps

Western Nebraska Community College volleyball coach Chris Green will be conducting five volleyball camps over the summer.

Green will conduct a team camp for high school teams June 25-26. This camp is for high school teams only and costs $25 per participant. No fundamental sessions will be held. Instead, teams will play other teams in competition. Only 12 varsity and 12 junior varsity teams will be allowed.

Camp participants will receive a T-shirt.The other four camps are skills camps. The first skills camp is for young girls in the fourth through 6^th grade on June 22-23. The camp will run from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 the first day and from 8:30-11:30 a.m. the second day. The cost of the camp is $50.

The middle school skills camp for girls in the 7^th and 8^th grades will be held July 2-3. There will be both a morning and afternoon session both days. The cost is $60 per camper and included a camp T-shirt.

The high school skills camp will be held July 5-6 for girls from 9^th to 12^th grades. The cost is $60 for two sessions both days from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m.

The skills camps will give the participants an opportunity to develop and fine tune the fundamental skills and techniques in serving, blocking, hitting, passing, setting and defense. The skill camps are limited to 36 participants each session.

The final volleyball camp will be a setter/hitter camp July 9 and 10 for players in the 11^th and 12^th grade. This camp costs $75 and will be an intense camp with a lot of reps and one-on-one instruction. Hitters need to be physically prepared for heavy use of shoulders and legs. This camp is limited to 24 hitters and 12 setters.

Green, who has guided the Cougar women to eight straight national tournaments including a runner-up finish this past fall, will guide the camps. Green will be assisted by assistant coach Amy Winters and past, current and incoming members of the Cougar volleyball team.

Camp registration forms can be downloaded from the WNCC athletic website at sports.wncc.net. For more information on the camp, contact Green at 308-635-6028 or at greenc@wncc.net.

WNCC soccer camps set for July 23-27

Western Nebraska Community College in cooperation with the RECCOS Futbal Club will be sponsoring two soccer camps July 23-27 at the Alan C. Landers Soccer Complex in Scottsbluff.

The first camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for recreational players for all ages. Recreational players are individuals that want to improve their soccer skills. The cost is $80 per camper for ages 9 and above, and &70 for ages 8 and under. Included in the cost will be a camp T-shirt and camp ball.

The second camp will be for advanced, competitive players ages 9 and up. The camp will run from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and costs $80 per camper. This camp will be more structured in learning the game of soccer. Included in the cost will be a camp T-shirt and camp ball.

There will be a discount of $10 per person if more than one person in a family signs up for the advanced camp. Also, campers that attend both camps can do so for $130.

The camps will be instructed by WNCC men’s and women’s soccer coach Todd Rasnic and assistant coaches Nate Rock and Jim Miller. Former and current Cougar men’s and women’s soccer players will also help with the camp.

Camp registrations can be downloaded off the WNCC athletic website at sports.wncc.net. For more information on the soccer camp, contact Rasnic at 308-635-6150 or at rasnict@wncc.net.

WNCC softball splits with Paradise Valley

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team paradise in Arizona didn’t end the way they wanted after splitting with Paradise Valley Community College in the team’s games for their Spring Break trip.

The Cougars started things off well, registering a 4-0 win against the Pumas as Natasha Dypchey earned the win scattering seven hits while striking out two.

The nightcap wasn’t rosy as Paradise Valley scored six early runs to earn the split 8-2. WNCC drops to 17-10 on the season with their next games Tuesday at home against Black Hills State.

In the opener, WNCC registered 13 hits in posting the win. The Cougars scored first in the second inning as Kara Ryman and Amanda Torimaru each collected singles. Lauren Mills then scored Ryman with a base hit for the 1-0 lead.

Actually that was all WNCC needed as Dypchey was throwing well. But the Cougars added insurance runs with single runs in the third, fourth and seventh inning.

Amanda Hensley started things in the third inning with a single and later scored on a Ryman base hit.

The fourth inning say Dypchey start things with a walk followed by singles by Mills and Jessica Ventoza. Ventoza’s single scored Dypchey for the 3-0 lead.

The final insurance run came as Ashley Eichelberger singled and then scored on Ryman’s double – the only extra base hit by the Cougars.

Ryman and Mills led the Cougars from the plate. Ryman went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and a run, while Mille was 3-for-3 with an RBI> Ventoza was the only other player with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The second game didn’t go WNCC’s way early on. The Pumas scored twice in the first and four times in the second to run to a 6-0 lead. WNCC sliced the lead to 6-2 with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The Cougars, who had seven hits for the game, had two in the fourth inning by Eichelberger and Dypchey, while Hensley had a clutch single in the fifth inning to spark the Cougar’s comeback.

The comeback, though, wouldn’t happen as Paradise Valley had single runs in the fifth an sixth innings for the win.

Jessica Pexton took the loss in the circle striking out one and walking four. Dypchey came in relief in the fourth inning and struck out four Pumas.

Hensley was the only Cougar in double figures with a 2-for-4 day. Ryman also had a good game going 1-for-1 with two walks, a sacrifice and an RBI.

Game One
WNCC 011 100 1 – 4 13
Paradise Valley 000 000 0 – 0 7
WP – Dypchey; 2B – Ryman.

Game Two
WNCC (17-10) 000 110 0 – 2 7
Paradise Valley (12-18) 240 011 x – 8 14
LP – Pexton.

WNCC baseball falls to Seward County

Submitted by JEREMY Woznick
Star-Herald Sports Reporter
(For more added coverage and daily Cougar stories, visit the Star-Herald online at www.starherald.com).

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team ran into another strong pitching performance Tuesday afternoon against Seward County Community College during the fourth day of its spring break road trip.

After scoring only two runs in a loss to Glendale Community College on Monday, the Cougars were limited to only one run through eight innings Tuesday before falling 7-3. The loss dropped the Cougars to 2-4 on their Arizona swing and 7-15 overall.

"Their [Seward County's] lefthander did a good job of keeping our offense in check," WNCC coach Mike Jones said. "We didn't have a lot of good swings at pitches today and he did a nice job of mixing up his pitches. Take nothing away from Seward County, but I didn't think we played with much intensity and that was a little disappointing."

WNCC jumped in front 1-0 in the top of the second before Seward County answered with a run in its half of the second and went ahead for good with a run in the fourth and three more in the fifth.

Trailing 7-1 entering the ninth, the Cougars plated a pair of runs in the top of the inning.
Offensively in the game, WNCC was led by JayC Perez. Perez went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Gilbert Gonzalez went 2-for-4 and Chris Hook finished with a double and two runs scored.

Cesar Perez took the loss on the mound for the Cougars after pitching three and two/thirds innings. Perez allowed four runs on seven hits. After a day off today, WNCC wraps up its spring break trip Thursday against Phoenix College in Phoenix.

Phillips Orta is scheduled to get the start on the mound, but will see limited action as Jones plans to use a committee of pitchers.

"I think it's real important that we come out and play well on Thursday," Jones said. "We would really like to go into Otero this weekend with some momentum."

WNCC (7-15) 010 000 002 - 3 7 2
Seward County 010 130 11x - 7 13 1
LP - Cesar Perez (0-1); 2B - JayC Perez, Chris Hook.

WNCC softball team falls twice at Chandler-Gilbert

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team’s 11-game winning streak came to a halt Tuesday in games against Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

The Cougars and Coyotes hooked up for 28 runs and 22 hits in the first game, but it was Chandler-Gilbert that came out on the winning side, earning the 18-10 win. In the nightcap, both teams finished with 10 hits, but Chandler-Gilbert earned the 7-5 win.

The Cougars, who dropped to 16-9 on the season, will look to rebound today when they face Paradise Valley Community College in the final day of the team’s Spring Break trip.

Still, the Cougar women had some outstanding hitting. In the first game, WNCC jumped out to a 3-0 lead only to see the Coyotes answer with five runs to take a 5-3 lead after one. The Coyotes added a single run in the second, six in the third and three in the fourth for a 15-4 lead.

WNCC sliced the lead to 15-10 with a six-spot in the fifth inning, but it wasn’t enough.

Jessica Pexton picked up the loss in the circle for the Cougars.

Offensively, Jessica Ventoza was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Amanda Hensley also finished with a 3-for-4 performance including two RBIs and a double, while hot-hitting Jessie McNabb finished with 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Ashley Eichelberger belted a triple in the loss.

The second game was a little closer. Chandler-Gilbert scored first, only to see WNCC came back with two in the second to grab the 2-1 lead. The Coyotes came storming back with six runs over the next three innings to take a 7-2 lead.

WNCC, just like they have done all season, started a comeback scoring a single run in the sixth and two runs in the seventh, but the comeback came up just short.

Natasha Dypchey took the loss in the circle.

The Cougars did have four players finish with multi hits. Whittany Foster, Kara Ryman and Lauren Mills each went 2-for-3. Ryman also belted a double and had one RBI and a run scored, whbile Foster and Mills each had two singles and an RBI.

McNabb continued showcasing her power finishing with a 2-for-4 performance, including a triple and an RBI.

After today’s game against Paradise Valley, the Cougars will be back at home for a contest against Black Hills State College on Tuesday at Volunteer Field.

First Game
WNCC 310 060 – 10 12
Chandler-Gilbert 516 303 – 18 18
LP – Pexton; 2B – Ventoza, McNabb, Hensley; 3B – Eichelberger.

Second Game
WNCC (16-9) 020 001 2 – 5 10
Chandler Gilbert (9-7) 101 230 x – 7 10
LP – Dypchey; 2B – Ryman; 3B – McNabb.

Survivor star featured speaker at April 26 Athletic Banquet

When Chad Crittenden participated in the CBS hit television show Survivor: Vanuatu in 2004, he shocked his tribe members by revealing he had an artificial leg. Crittenden survived until the ninth tribal council on the hit television show.

On April 26, Crittenden will share his story of the “Will to Survive” during the Western Nebraska Community College Athletic Banquet. The banquet will be held at Cougar Palace beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and includes a meal of Parmesan Chicken or Hawaiian Pork.

WNCC Athletic Director Jennifer Pedersen said it should be an informative evening. “Chad as many components he can offer,” Pedersen said. “He can speak to the general community college student, he can of his personal adversity and the power he had to overcome challenges, and then he can speak to athletes on how he prepared mentally and physically for the challenges of Survivor.”

Crittenden’s story of courage begins at an early age where he begin his love of sports, while attending Half Moon Bay High in California, where he participated in many sporting activities such as soccer, tennis, bowling, fishing, running and mountain biking.

After high school, Crittenden worked for a community college in California before pursing studies at the University of California at Davis majoring in International Relations. Upon graduation, Crittenden worked summer daycare jobs, working after-school tutoring programs, heading up a bilingual tutoring program in San Jose, and later as a second-grade teacher in a bilingual second grade.

Crittenden then taught two years in San Salvador, El Salvador. He then returned to the states and settled in the San Francisco area. About two years before Survivor: Vanuatu, Crittenden went to the doctor to have a lump on the bottom of his foot removed. As it turned out it was a cancerous tumor – Synovial Sarcoma – and amputation was necessary just below the knee.

Nine months after the surgery, he completed a triathlon and then earned a chance to compete on Survivor in 2004. Crittenden lasted until the ninth tribal council before he was voted off the island.

“We asked Chad to come to the WNCC campus to discuss a person’s ability to succeed in their endeavors even when obstacles get in their way,” Pedersen said. “As an institution, we expect a high level of commitment from our student-athletes, and occasionally as coaches, we forget that life is happening to the students as they play for us. I hope Chad will motivate the student-athletes to find the inner part of themselves that will help them to push towards success in all aspects of their lives.”

Besides Crittenden’s “Will to Survive” presentation, Pedersen said individual participation awards for all athletes will be handed out. Also team most valuable player and sportsmanship honors will presented, as well as male and female athlete of the year and Cougar award winners. A Patron of the year award will also be presented.

Crittenden will also speak to WNCC students earlier in the day at 11 a.m. Tickets for the evening event can be purchased at the WNCC athletic office. Reservations Reservations must be made by April 17. For more information on the event, individuals can call the athletic office at 308-635-6151.

WNCC baseball goes 1-3 at spring break trip

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team came out with hitting authority on Sunday, but only managed a split of games against Ft. Scott Community College and Central Arizona College.

WNCC lost a heartbreaker to Ft. Scott 10-9, giving up six runs in the seventh inning for the loss. The Cougars bounced back in the second game on Sunday earning a 9-6 9-inning win against Central Arizona College.

WNCC’s strong hitting on Sunday didn’t last on Monday as the Cougars fell 5-2 to Glendale Community College. The Cougars Chris Cuadra pitched well despite getting the win.

“We played a lot better then the score indicated,” WNCC coach Mike Jones said. “We hit a lot of ball hard, but they just caught them. That is a part of baseball.”

Cuadra was cruising through six innings before Glendale scored four runs in the seventh inning to gain the 9-inning win. WNCC managed just three hits in the contest, a double by Eneldis Vazquez, and singles by Gilbert Gonzalez and Marco Moreno.

WNCC jumped out to a 2-1 lead after three innings. In the second, Vazquez walked and advanced on a hit by Jay C Perez. Moreno followed with a grounder to score Vazquez.
The Cougars added another run in the third as Travis Lindhorst reached base on an error. After Lindhorst stole second, the Gering High graduate scored on a Martinez hit that the shortstop booted.

WNCC failed to score the rest of the game as Glendale scored four runs in the seventh inning. Glendale finished with nine hits. Cuadra took the loss. “Chris pitched really well, even in the seventh inning,” Jones said.

In Sunday’s contests, The Cougars controlled Ft. Scott holding a 9-4 lead into the seventh inning. Greg Crowe pitched well, going five innings and giving up four runs. Dan Bauer, who had been sensational as the closer in previous games, took the loss giving up six runs in the final inning.
WNCC hit the ball with authority, blasting 13 hits, including five doubles. Gonzalez led the team with a 3-for-4 performance, including three RBIs and two runs scored. Moreina and Vazquez each went 2-for-4 with a double. Also collecting doubles were Lindhorst, Perez and Lindhorst.

Hook and Lindhorst added two RBIs, while Perez had three runs scored. “We should have won,” Jones said. “We were cruising and in complete control. They then had enough hits and to come back in the game.”

It didn’t take long for the Cougars to put the opening game on Sunday behind them. Against Central Arizona, WNCC pounded out 12 hits and took control of the game early scoring five first inning runs.

WNCC received a run-scoring single to score Martinez to open the game. Perez followed with a double that scored Pedro Suarez and Stewart. Cook finished off the scoring with a single that scored Perez and Gonzalez for the 5-0 lead.

WNCC added a single run in the second and two runs in the third, while allowing Central Arizona just three runs in the second to hold an 8-3 lead. In the second,

The came stayed that way until the seventh when WNCC scored one run on back-to-back doubles by Perez and Gonzalez. Central Arizona tried to come back, but was shut down.
Todd Stachura picked up the win going 8 1/3 innings, while striking out four.

Offensively, Perez and Martinez each went 2-for-3. Perez continued his torrid hitting with two doubles and three runs scored. Cook finished the game 2-for-4, while Gonzalez was 1-for-3.

The Cougars will continue their Spring Break trip with a 9-inning contest against Seward County Community College today at 11 a.m. Vazquez will get the nod on the mound today. “They have a good club,” Jones said. “They have a couple good left-handers and I am sure we will see one of them. We will have to get good pitching. We are down to starting our bullpen guys.

Sunday Games
Ft. Scott 101 020 6 – 10 8 1
WNCC 010 242 09 13 3
LP – Bauer; 2B – Vazquez, Moreno, Hook, Lindhorst, Perez.

WNCC 512 000 100 – 9 12 0
Central Arizona 030 000 201 – 6 9 1
WP – Stachura; 2B – Perez 2.

Monday’s Games
WNCC 011 000 000 – 2 3 0
Glendale 001 000 40x – 8 9 2
LP – Cuadra; 2B – Vazquez.

WNCC softball wins 11th straight

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team continues to excel offensively, pounding out 30 hits and scoring 27 runs in claiming a doubleheader from Gateway Community College Monday in the first day of their Spring Break trip in Arizona.

The Cougars have now won 11 straight games, running their record to 16-7 on the season.

“They are hitting the ball really well and defense as been solid,” WNCC coach Maria Winn-Ratliff said. “Overall, this is a team that sticks together and supports each other.”

Monday, the Cougars used big innings to take control of both contests. In the opener, WNCC grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third inning and then scored nine runs in the fourth to grab an 11-0 lead.

The team pounded out 13 hits in the contests. Jessie McNabb continued her sizzling hitting going 3-for-3 with four RBIs and two doubles. Kara Ryman and Amanda Hensley each went 2-for-4 in the opener. Ryman continued her extra-base hitting with two doubles, while Hensley also belted two doubles.

Natasha Dypchey picked up the win pitching five strong innings, while striking out five and walking two.

The second game was a wild affair. WNCC scored eight runs in the first inning on five walks, two hits-batsman and four hits. The big hit the inning was a McNabb double.

Gateway, though, came right back taking a 9-8 lead through three innings with five runs in the first, three in the second and a single run in the third.

WNCC responded with five runs in the fifth, two in the sixth and one in the seventh to earn the slugfest victory. The two teams combined for 30 hits and 29 runs in the contest.

Hensley and McNabb were perfect in the game, going 3-for-3. Hensley also had three runs scored and two RBIs, while McNabb had three runs scored, four RBIs and a double.

Ryman continued her hitting with a 3-for-4 performance, including a double, two runs scored and four RBIs.

Also picking up multi-hits were Jessica Ventoza, Ashley Eichelberger and Whittany Foster. Amanda Torimaru also chipped in a double.

Dypchey picked up the win coming in relief of Jessica Pexton in the second inning. Dypchey struck out two in the win.

Winn-Ratliff was pleased with the team’s hitting, which is among the top 10 in the nation. “The first game we swung the bats really well,” she said. “In the beginning of the second game we struggled a bit and it took us until the fifth inning to get our bats going.”

WNCC will continue the Spring Break trip with a doubleheader against Chandler-Gilbert this afternoon in Phoenix.

First Game
WNCC 002 90 – 11 13
Gateway 000 03 – 3 6
WP – Dypchey; 2B – McNabb 2, Ryman 2, Hensley 2.

Second Game
WNCC 800 052 1 – 16 17
Gateway 531 020 2 – 13 13
WP – Dypchey; 2B -- McNabb, Ryman, Torimaru.

WNCC women's basketball makes regional championship final

Submitted By ALEX HELMBRECHT, Star-Herald Sports Reporter
When viewing this story, be sure to check out the Star-Herald
at the above link for more updated local sports stories and news each day

The Western Nebraska Community College women's basketball team put themselves in a familiar position thanks to a 75-48 win over Miles City Community College during the semifinal round of the Region IX Women's Basketball Tournament in Casper, Wyo. on Tuesday

With the win, WNCC earns the right to play tourney host Casper today at 6 p.m. to decide the Region IX champ, as well as a spot in the women's national tournament later this month in Salina, Kan. Casper defeated Northeastern Junior College 61-56 in the other semifinal on Tuesday.

Against Miles City, the Cougars' defense was once again stellar as they limited the Pioneers to just 38 total shot attempts, while the Cougars hit 31 of 65.

"I thought we defended well all night long and we used a full-court press all night long that caused a lot of problems for them," WNCC coach Dave Harnish said. "I think they had 25 or 26 turnovers and we came out and made some threes early and we got them out of their zone. So that changed the tempo and we were able to take advantage of that."

WNCC jumped out to a quick 18-8 lead and didn't look back the rest of the game as the Cougars didn't let Miles City get closer than 10 points the rest of the way. At halftime, the Cougars led 48-26.

"We played for 40 minutes and we came out of the game really well. We jumped out on them early and certainly the 20-point lead at halftime helped a bunch," Harnish said. "We just kind of stayed around a 20-25-point lead all night and I'm certainly pleased about the effort."

Four Cougars finished in double figures, led by Tiara Scott's 15 points. She also had five rebounds. Also for WNCC, Chelsea Lyles finished with 13 points and four boards; Kiki Taylor had 10 points, five assists and three steals; and Allison Cheney scored 10 points and added three steals. Both Cheney and Taylor each added two treys.

As a team, the Cougars hit 8 of 21 3-point attempts and they were a perfect 5 of 5 from the free-throw line.

Harnish was pleased to see his team play one of its most complete games during the most crucial point of the season.

"We've had a few games after the first semester where we've played really well, but we've done better here," he said. "We played well during the second half last night and we carried that on [Tuesday]. Playing three games has really helped us with our rhythm and hopefully we can carry that on against Casper."

Casper, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, split a pair of games with WNCC during the regular season. Casper defeated WNCC 58-53 on Jan. 27 to earn the right to host the Region IX tourney, but WNCC bounced back with a 55-51 win over the Thunderbirds on Feb. 10.

Today, Harnish said the Cougars need to push the tempo of the game in order to have success.

"Casper really likes playing a half-court game and the way we played defensively tonight if we can do that [today] we can get into a faster tempo game to our speed and that's going to be key," he said. "

They were able to slow down our other two games and I think they were in the 50s. So we'd like to get the game into the 60s or 70s and that's going to be a key for us. We need to defend well and get steals because they'll lead to fast breaks to get into a quicker game."

WNCC (27-1) 48 27 - 75
Miles City 26 22 - 48

WESTERN NEBRASKA
Kiki Taylor 10, Emma Beddome 7, Tiara Scott 15, Lesley Olson 6, Victoria Martin 4, Alison Cheney 10, Shiraya Soto 6, Aurelie Derenoncourt 4, Chelsea Lyles 13.

Cougar baseball sweeps Otero

WNCC's Marco Moreno slides into home plate during their home game against Colby on Sunday.

Some baseball players take in the Cougar home-opener on Sunday against Colby. The team dropped both games.

Submitted By Jeremy Woznick, Star-Herald Sports Reporter
When viewing this story, be sure to check out the Star-Herald
at the above link for more updated local sports stories and news each day

The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team snapped a five-game losing skid Tuesday by sweeping a doubleheader from Otero Junior College in Pueblo, Colo. WNCC, now 3-9 on the season, earned a 4-3 win in game one before blowing past the Rattlers 13-0 in game two.

The results didn't count toward either team's regional record as WNCC was scheduled to take on the Air Force Junior Varsity. Despite the opponent change, WNCC coach Mike Jones was pleased with the outcome.

"It definitely was a good day for us," Jones said. "We played much better today. Our pitchers threw a lot of strikes and we played really good defense."

Defensively, the Cougars didn't commit a single error in either game Tuesday.
In game one, WNCC scored a pair of runs in the third inning and added two more in the sixth.

Pedro Suarez's single plated both runs in the third before Marco Moreno drove in a run in the sixth with a triple. Moreno went on to score WNCC's final run.

Chris Hook paced WNCC at the plate in the game by going 2-for-3 with one run scored.
Greg Crowe earned the win on the mound. Crowe scattered four hits and allowed just two runs in five innings of work. He also struck out four. Dan Bauer collected his first save of the season out of the bullpen.

Game two proved to be much more one-sided in the Cougars' favor. After moving out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, WNCC scored four runs in the sixth before piling on six more in the seventh in earning the 13-0 win.

The Cougars finished the game with 14 hits. Suarez was one of four Cougars that had multi-hits in the contest. The sophomore from Miami went 4-for-5 with two doubles and three runs batted in. Stewart and Eneldis Vazquez each finished with three hits and Gilbert Gonzalez added two, including a double. Stewart had two doubles and four runs batted in and Vazquez tallied a double and two runs batted in.

A number of pitchers saw action on the mound for WNCC in the game. Chadron High School graduate Eric Bissonette earned the win. He allowed only one hit in two innings of work.

WNCC's next action is scheduled for Saturday when the Cougars open a key four-game series at Lamar Community College.

Game 1
WNCC 002 002 0 - 4 5 0
Otero 000 021 0 - 3 5 2
WP - Greg Crowe (1-1). 3B - Marco Moreno.

Game 2
WNCC (3-9) 210 004 6 - 13 14 0
Otero 000 000 0 - 0 4 1
WP - Eric Bissonette (1-0). 2B - Pedro Suarez (2), Richie Stewart (2), Gilbert Gonzalez, Eneldis Vazquez.

Cougar men's basketball team falls two points short against Northwest to end season

Cougar Palace went from cheers to tears in a heartbeat Monday night during the Men’s Region IX Tournament between Western Nebraska Community College and Northwest College.

The Cougars, down by five points with 14 seconds to play, nearly pulled off the comeback of the century.

It didn’t happen as the faces of Chance Wallesen and Carl Buck, who sat on the Cougar Palace floor with their heads down, told the story. WNCC fell in a gutsy comeback attempt to the Trappers 70-68.

Northwest lives another day to play No. 4 Northeastern Junior College at 7 p.m. at Cougar Palace. Northeastern earned the berth with a 75-48 win over Miles Community College. The other semi-final has North Platte Community College facing Casper College at 5 p.m. North Platte defeated Sheridan College in overtime 79-75 while Casper withstood Lamar Community College 67-63.

“It was a great college basketball game and this is what the regional tournament is all about,” WNCC coach John Jungers said after the emotional loss. “Unfortunately, we don’t get to play anymore. That is going to be very difficult. My hats off to Northwest Wyoming, I think they have an excellent team.”

What makes the game even harder to swallow for the Cougars is their emotional comeback fell inches short. Jungers congratulated Northwest on the hard fought win, and he had nothing but praise to hand out to his players.

“You have to give credit to Northwest Wyoming, they played very well. They made all right adjustments,” he said. “I have never been prouder of these guys then I am right now. They showed tremendous character tonight. Ricardo’s willingness to play through his pain, and then Chance coming of the bench and knocking down a big shot; I am just very proud of their character and their performance. Never once did they quit.”

And, WNCC never quit despite Northwest’s torrid shooting from beyond the arc where they shot 48 percent and buried 13 3-pointers. The big shot for the Trappers came from Brett Sommerville, who buried an NBA 3-pointer with the shot clock running out. That shot, with 1:15 to play, put Northwest up by five, 70-65.

At that moment, the Cougars could have packed it in as several of the other Region IX teams in attendance, as well as some fans, headed for the doors. But, the Cougar players never lost sight of a comeback and kept battling.

WNCC’s never-give-up comeback attempt started with 39.6 seconds left as Carl Buck got a steal and then was fouled. Buck missed the front end of the one-and-one, but got the rebound and missed the putback.

The Cougars then started to foul, but with only three team fouls chalked up on their side, they had to make quick work to send the Trappers to the charity stripe. Finally, with 14.6 seconds to play, Northwest’s Milan Stanojevic went to the free throw line. Stanojevic, who made three 3-pointers on the night, missed the free throw and WNCC to the rebound.

Chance Wallesen, who just came off the bench, pulled up and hit a 3-pointer with 7.7 seconds cutting the deficit to 70-68. WNCC immediately called a timeout. On the insuing imbounds play, the Trappers through it down the court and the Cougars knocked it out of bounds giving the ball to Northwest under the Trappers basket,

WNCC’s defense was solid, causing Northwest to turn the ball over on a five second violation. The Cougars called timeout out to setup the final game-tying or winning play. Wallesen brought the ball up the court and his pass to an open Cougar in the paint was stolen as the shot clock went off singling the end of the Cougar’s season.

Northwest advances to the semi-finals by only giving up the lead twice in the game at 53-51 on a Matthew Akins offensive rebound, and 65-55 on a Ricardo De Bem bucket. But, it was the Trappers shooting, especially from the 3-point area that proved beneficial as Nate Miller nailed four treys and Stanojevic added three.

The Trappers also placed four players in double-figures. Miller and D0vydes Retkus each had 14 points, followed by Stanojevic with 13 and Sommerville with 10.

WNCC, though, was just as sizzling from the field shooting 43 percent from the field and the 3-point area. The Cougars buried nine 3-pointers, led by CJ Hampton with four, Erik Smith with three and Wallesen with two.

Hampton led the Cougars with 18. Other Cougars with double-digit nights included Akins with 16 and Smith with 13. Akins also had 12 rebounds.

WNCC softball sweeps Lamar

The Western Nebraska Community College softball team will be known as the cardiac kids after their performance Sunday against Lamar Community College in their home opener.

The Cougars swept Lamar in three game 8-7 in eight innings, and then 8-7 and 10-2 to run their record to 10-7 and 6-2 in league play.

“I thought we played really well. We came together as a team when we were down,” freshman Kara Ryman said. “We did well offensively when we needed to. Our team motto is never give up.”

There were several heroes on the day, especially in the first two games, which counted in regional play where the Cougars used some late inning magic to pick up the win.

One of the stars of the day was pitcher Natasha Dypchey, who collected all three wins. The freshman from British Colombia pitched 15 2/3 innings giving up 15 hits and striking out 11.

Jessica Ventoza also came through at the plate, going 9-of-12 with three doubles, four RBIs and four runs scored. Also standing out was Ryman, who went 6-of-12 with three doubles, five runs scored and two RBIs.

Amanda Torimaru also stepped up. Torimaru finished with a triple, double, two singles, two runs scored and three RBIs.

Ryman said all three wins were definitely a team effort.

“I thought it was nice that we all could fight back together and win as a team. No one was left out and it all three wins was a team win.,” she said. “When we were down with two outs, one girl would get the rally going and we kept on going and fighting back. Our hitting was amazing and it kept us alive the entire game.

In game one, the Cougars fell behind 5-0 after five innings. The Cougars rallied to tied the game at five in the sixth inning on seven hits. Ashley Eichelberger started things with a big RBI double. Eichelberger’s hit jump-started the offense as Torimaru responded with a 2-RBI double followed by a Lauren Mills’ 2-RBI double.

Lamar came back with two runs in the seventh as Ashley Duffy unloaded on a 2-out 2-run home run.

WNCC came back and tied the game in the bottom of the inning. Ventoza led off with a double to left field. Amanda Hensley followed with a single. Eichelberger then scored Ventoza with a sacrifice fly. Torimaru followed with a 2-out triple to tie the game.

The Cougars won the game in the eighth. Lauran Bourdon led off with a single. Ventoza then delivered a 2-out double to put runners in scoring position. Bourdon scored on the next batter on an error by the first baseman for the game.

Natasha Dypchey picked up the win going eight innings and striking out seven.

Ventoza led the Cougars from the plate with a 3-for-5 performance including two doubles and an RBI. Also collecting two hits were Hensley and Torimaru.

The second game was just as exciting. Both teams wer tied at four after four innings. Lamar took a 7-4 lead in the sixth on two hits and two errors. WNCC responded with three runs to tie the game. Lauren Mills started things with a double followed by a single by Whittany Foster.

Ventoza continue her torrid hitting by delivering an RBI double. McNabb then scored two runs on another double to tie the game with no outs.

In the seventh, Dypchey, who came in to pitch in the sixth inning, shut down the Lopes’ bats. WNCC quickly took advantage in the bottom of the inning. Ryman led off with a double followed by a single by Bourdon. After a groundout, Foster walked to load the bases. Ventoza came through with a sacrifice fly to left field to score Ryman with the winning run.

Ryman knew when she stepped up to the plate, that she had to deliver, and deliver she did.

“[I thought to myself] we needed to get runs on the board,” she said. “I needed to try to get on base and score.”

Dypchey picked up the win pitching 1 2/3 in relief of Jessica Pexton. Pexton also pitched well, but gave up seven runs on 16 hits, while striking out four in the no-decision.

Ventoza continued her sizzling hitting going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. McNabb also had excellent game going 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Also collecting multiple hits were Hensley with a 2-for-4 performance, including a double and two RBIs, and Ryman with a 2-for-4 outing with two doubles and two runs scored.

In the nightcap, WNCC was all over Lamar jumping out to a 5-0 lead after three innings and cruising to the 10-2 win.

Ventoza, Ryman and Torimaru each collected three hits in the third game. Ventoza had three singles, an RBI and a run scored from her lead-off spot. Ryman had one double and three RBIs in the win. Torimaru had a double two RBIs and a run scored.

Also collecting multiple hits were Foster with two, including a run-scoring triple, and Ashley Eichelberger with two RBIs and two singles.

The Cougars will be off until Sunday when they travel to the Air Force Academy before hosting Dawson Community College in two Region IX games on March 15. Ryman said the three wins showed the home crowd how good this team can be.

“I think we are really good and we have a lot of potential,” she said. “At times we get down on ourselves, but in the end we are all well-rounded and talented and the players on our team can do anything that the other ones can do. It was just nice to be 3-0 in front of a home crowd thanking them for supporting us.”

Game One
Lamar 010 220 10 – 7 11 2
WNCC 000 005 21 – 8 12 1
WP – Dypchey, LP Kay Norte. 2B – WNCC (Ventoza 2, Eichelberger, Torimaru, Mills), Lamar (Norte); 3B – WNCC (Torimaru); HR – Lamar (Duffy 2).

Game Two
Lamar 220 003 0 – 7 8 2
WNCC 120 103 1 – 8 12 3
WP – Dypchey, LP – Caitlin Schmidt; 2B – WNCC (Rynan 2, Ventoza, McNabb, Hensley, Mills).

Game Three
Lamar 000 110 – 2 4 5
WNCC 005 032 – 10 16 0
WP – Dypchey, LP – Schmidt; 2B – WNCC (Torimaru, Ryman), #B – WNCC (Foster), HR – Lamar (Michelle Reynolds).

Cougar men open regional tournament with overtime thriller

It wasn’t pretty, but the Western Nebraska Community College men’s basketball survived to advance in the Region IX men’s basketball tournament with a thrilling, heart-pounding 89-83 overtime win over Otero Junior College Saturday evening.

And, if it wasn’t for a 16-0 run in the second half in which the Cougars held Otero scoreless for a seven minute stretch, the WNCC season could’ve been over. Thank goodness for Matthew Akins, who finished with a double-double with 24 points and 17 rebounds, including six crucial points in the extra period that helped the Cougars survive to the quarterfinals.

“Survive and advance,” WNCC coach John Jungers said. “We have been in this situation before and we seem to come out on top.”

The Cougars had to battle back from a 10-point deficit midway through the second half to survive into Monday’s quarterfinals against the winner of tonight’s contest between Northwest College and Western Wyoming Community College. Monday’s game is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Otero forged ahead 69-59 on clutch free throw shooting and a 3-pointer by Ryan Goodenberger with 8:03 to play. After that, the Rattlers went cold and WNCC picked up their intensity going on a 16-0 run. The Cougars tied the contest at 69 with 4:29 to play on two Carl Buck free throws.

Then, Erik Smith drove to the middle and popped in a 12-footer to put WNCC up 71-69. The Cougars weren’t finished as they forged ahead 75-69 with just over a minute to play on a Akins bucket.

Otero’s Tomaul Hawkins stopped the run, getting a steal and stopping the scoreless streak with 1:01 to play. The Rattler came back cutting the lead to 76-75 on a bucket by Alex Snyder with 9.3 seconds to play.

WNCC pushed the lead to two points as CJ Hampton made one of two free throws with 7.9 seconds. Otero’s Taylor Alvey then drove the paint and made an uncontested lay-up to send the game into overtime.

In the extra period, WNCC forged to a 81-77 lead on buckets by Akins and Doradji Wilson, and then went up 84-79 on a Akins turnaround leaner with 1:50 to play. Otero came back cutting the lead to 84-82 on a Alvey 3-pointer. That was as close as Otero could get as Hampton and Smith hit free throws down the stretch to seal the game.

Jungers said that 16-0 run and the way his team dug down is what saved the day.

“It was about time that we started to defend [during that run],” Jungers said. “ I thought we gave up too many easy baskets. They hurt us on the offensive glass early and they were more aggressive then we were and we gave them all the confidence in the world. I honestly believe we got out played for the majority of the game. We just kind of hung around and hung around and then got stuff done.”

The Cougars had four players in double figures led by Akins with 24 followed by Hampton with 21, Smith with 15 and Carl Buck with 11.

Otero had five with double digits. Hawkins led the way with 19 points followed by Alvey with 16.

The tournament continues today with North Platte facing Trinidad at 1 p.m., Lamar meeting Northeast Nebraska at 3 p.m., Laramie County hooking up with Miles City at 3 p.m. and Northwest Wyoming facing Western Wyoming at 8 p.m.

Quarterfinal action begins Monday at 1 p.m. with four games.

Otero 37 40 6 – 83
WNCC 39 38 12 – 89
OTERO JUNIOR COLLEGE
CJ Littlejohn 2, Tomaul Hawkins 19, Ryan Goodenberger 3, Alex Snyder 14, Andrew Baker 4, MJ Crespin 10, Taylor Alvey 16, Cole Smith 13, Eric Hill 2.
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Keron McKenzie 3, Erik Smith 15, Beno Jaekel 5, Matthew Akins 24, Carl Buck 11, CJ Hampton 21, DaRon Kirkendoll 2, Doradji Wilson 8.

Region IX tournament kicks off today at Cougar Palace

Bridgeport’s Chance Wallesen has played on the Cougar Palace floor for the past six years either through high school or college basketball.

Beginning today, the sophomore guard will be playing his last games in front of the local fans as Western Nebraska Community College gets set to host the men’s Region IX men’s basketball tournament today through Wednesday.

For Wallesen he is hoping to lead his Cougars as deep into the tournament as possible. The Cougars tip off the tournament tonight at 8 p.m. against Otero Junior College.

Earlier action today will see Eastern Wyoming College opening the tournament against Sheridan College at 1 p.m., followed by Casper College meeting Dawson Community College at 3 p.m. and No. 4 Northeastern Junior College meeting McCook Community College at 6 p.m.

“We have been looking forward to the regional tournament since day one,” Wallesen said. “One of our goals was to host it and we accomplished that. Now we have to go to work. We know what we have to do and we are ready to go.

“We are playing a lot better then we were about 10 games ago. We were in a slump where we lost four out of five. We turned it around big time. We will miss Ricardo [De Bem], but we have been doing well in practice.”

De Bem has been shelved with a serious ankle sprain suffered in the Northeastern Junior College game Feb. 20. Since then, the Texas Tech recruit has been sidelined with crutches and a walking-boot.

But, the Cougars will ready today when they face off against an Otero squad that limps into the regional tournament with a 7-22 record. The Cougars have already defeated the Rattlers twice this season, 105-84 in January and then 89-81 last Friday.

Wallesen said that game last Friday showed to the Cougars what they need to win the regional tournament – play a full 40 minutes.

“The game at Otero was a big surprise [with the way we played with Ricardo De Bem],” Wallesen said. “We went down there and played good for 30 or 35 minutes. We didn’t finish up real well, but we won. We know we can win without him. We will be O.K.”

In fact, the Cougars held a 42-29 lead at halftime while putting four players in double figures, led by Keron McKenzie’s 19 points.

Wallesen said team work is what it is going to take to be successful at the regional tournament.

“We are playing as a team right now,” he said. “It is a team game now and who plays the best team ball and who executes down the stretch will win. It might come down to a free throw in some games, or a possession where we need a shot to score, or a rebound. It is a team thing and it has always been that way, but now you have to execute well.”

The Cougars have been playing some of their best ball winning four of their last five games. The team avenged earlier losses against Casper and Eastern Wyoming by downing their former sub-region foes 73-62 and 76-74. They also knocked off North Platte Community College 65-57 and Otero. Their only setback in the last three weeks was a 79-71 defeat to Northeastern Junior College.

For the Cougars to win the regional tournament, the road will go through NJC, the No. 4 team in the nation. The Plainsmen open today against McCook Community College at 6 p.m. Wallesen said that the team knows NJC could be waiting the Cougars in the semi-finals, if they win today and then Monday, but they are not looking that far ahead. What matters most is taking one game at a time knowing that one loss in this single elimination tournament and your season is finished.

“We are not looking ahead, but coach talks about it a lot and we practice their offense against some of our defense,” Wallesen said. “It is the back of our heads to play them again, but we are not overlooking the two games before that.”

What’s also in the back of Wallesen’s head is finishing off his playing career on a good note for the western Nebraska fans. Wallesen, who played at WNCC for four years for Brideport during the Western Trails Conference tournament, has had a lot of great memories on this court.

“There has been a lot of memories on this court from the first year red-shirting [2002004-05] to now. It has been a blast and it seemed like it went so fast,” he said. “I just was to play as many games as I can and hopefully it can be four more games and we can play the regional final on this court too. I am looking forward to it. I had a great time.”

The one thing that Wallesen will do for sure is leave everything he has on the court. In fact, Wallesen has left many dents in the sideline tables and bleachers during the past year with his diving, leaping and hustling after loose balls.

“That has been something I have always did since my freshman year in high school where my coach told us to go and get balls no matter what,” he said. “I just picked up on it and have done it ever since. It might not be the smartest thing at times, but I have gotten about half of them I have dove for.

“I spent half of my time on the floor picking up loose balls and getting that rebound,” he said. “You know I am not the greatest athlete out there, but my hard work pays off and that is what the coach sees.”

Since his three years at WNCC, Wallesen has greatly improved his game and will be looking to take it to the next level someplace.

“I have improved tremendously. From day one, Jungers brought us in and especially me and told me that I have improved a great deal. I got a lot quicker and a lot better feel for the game. I am more smarter I think.”

Wallesen is going to do his best to play as many more games on Cougar Palace as possible before he hangs up his career in western Nebraska.

“I want to play somewhere and coach will get me somewhere I know for sure. Right now I am waiting for the tournament to start. I am focused on that,” he said. “We are hoping to play four games and give Western Nebraska the credit they deserve and go out winning.”

Other first round match-ups in the Men’s Region IX tournament

Today, 1 p.m.

Sheridan College vs. Eastern Wyoming

The Sheridan College Generals enter the tournament with a 26-3 record and a 10-game win streak. The Lancers enter the game on the opposite end, dropping their final three games. EWC enters the game with a 14-16 record.

Anything is possible at regionals and the Lancers know that. Sheridan already dropped Eastern twice this season 79-58 and 92-78. In both games Brendan Puckett, EWC’s leading scorer, erupted for 18 and 21 points. On the flipside, the Generals Watson has scored 23 points in each contest. The Generals are led by Dorian Watson, who is averaging 17 points a game.

Sheridan comes into the contest with the top offensive team in Region IX, scoring at a clip of 91.9 points a game. Eastern, though, has a fierce defense giving up 69.3 points a game, which is sixth in Region IX – three spots ahead of Sheridan’s 74.4 defensive average. The Lancers are le dby several players that can score and bring electricity to the gym. Puckett is the team’s top player averaging 12.5 points a game, including already making 77 3-pointers. Also, Stephen Baker is shooting 45 percent from the 3-point area, while Josh Davis is connecting on 79 percent of his free throws.

The winner of this game faces the winner of the North Platte and Trinidad State winner Monday at 1 p.m.

Today, 3 p.m

Casper College vs. Dawson C.C.

This match-up will feature two teams with almost identical records and offensive scoring teams. Casper College enters after winning the central sub-region record. The T-Birds are 17-13 on the season. Dawson enters the contest at 13-11 and brings in the third best offensive