WNCC women move into semi-finals of regional tournament with 84-78 win over Sheridan

(Miles City, MT) -- In the first game of the second round, 25^th-ranked Western Nebraska Community College came from behind to defeat Sheridan College 84-78 in the Region IX Women's Basketball Tournament.

The advances the Cougars into the semi-finals to face Casper College, who defeated Otero Junior College 54-40 after trailing 27-20 at halftime, at 5 p.m. Monday.

After trailing for more than 32 minutes of the game, Western Nebraska went on a 15-6 run to take their first lead of the game at 67-66 at the 7:55 mark in the second half on two Emma Beddome free throws.

WNCC pushed the lead to 73-66 on a Chelsea Lyles 3-pointer and followed by Alison Cheney’s old-fashioned 3-point play.

Sheridan could only manage to tie it once as WNCC would end the game on a 7-2 run, including clutch free throws down the stretch to move to 28-4 on the season.

Sheridan College jumped out to a 23-10 lead midway through the first half and went into the break with a 47-40 lead.

The Cougars from Western Nebraska had five different players in double figures. Shaquilah Davis led the team in both scoring and rebounding, knocking down 18 points and grabbing seven boards on the afternoon. Chelsea Lyles added 15 for WNCC.

Emma Beddone handed out five assists and scored 13 points. Iverson also had 13 points on the day, while Alison Cheney had 11 points.

Sheridan's Tonishea Mack and Tahnee Robinson each had double-doubles for the second consecutive night. Mack scored 28 points and pulled down 14 rebounds while Robinson finished with 23 points and 12 boards.

Point guard Lyndie Neville flirted with a quadruple double, finishing with seven points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and 11 turnovers.

Western Nebraska forced 24 Lady General turnovers that led to 26 points. The Cougars had 15 steals on the night.

Sheridan had several chances to win this game, but missed 10 free throws, hitting 17 of 27 on the game.

The Cougars, on the other hand, were 10-of-17 from the free throw line. WNCC also won the game from the 3-point arc, nailing eight treys on the day compared to just three for Sheridan. Lyles and Dana Iverson each had three 3-pointers, while Beddome had two.

Sheridan College finishes the year at 27-5, including being ranked in the national poll for several weeks including a 16th ranking in the February 13th poll.

WNCC 40 44 – 84
Sheridan 47 31 – 78
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Dana Iveson 13, Emma Beddome 13, SeLina Ysac 2, Shaquilah Davis 18, Alison Cheney 11, Tawny Drexler 2, Jenna Colwell 8, Chelsea Lyles 13, Carly Glisan 2.
SHERIDAN COLLEGE
Lyndie NeVille 7, Tonishea Mack 28, Randa Clabaugh 11, Tahnee Robinson 23, Kori Bingham 2, McKenzie Gentry 7.

WNCC softball splits with Otero in Region IX games

LA JUNTA, Colo. -- The Western Nebraska Community College softball team split a doubleheader against Otero Junior College Saturday in Region IX games.

The Cougars put together a strong game offensively and defensively to claim the opener 7-0 before suffering a 6-3 setback in game two.

“Offensively we got on them quick and got timely hits,” coach Maria Winn-Ratliff said. “Defensively, we did really well. Kelsey [Garner] kept them off balance and scattered five hits.”

Garner dazzled once again from the circle. The freshman from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada struck out five and walked one in gaining her third straight shut-out win.

Offensively, the Cougars scattered nine hits and scored practically at will, scoring two runs each in the first and second innings, and then putting a three-spot in the seventh.

In the first, Lauren Bourdon slammed a two-RBI single to crack the scoreboard first.

In the second, Lauren Mills upped the lead to 4-0 as she hammered a 2-run home run.

The score stayed that way until the seventh when the Cougars scored three times on four hits. Bourdon started the scoring by getting a run-scoring single. Then, Kara Ryman had a 2-run hit to put the Cougars up 7-0.

Torimaru led the team with a 3-for-4 game, including three RBIs and a run scored. Bourdon also had a good game, finishing 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Mills also had a good game, going 1-for-1 with a home run, three runs scored, two walks and a hit by pitch.

The Cougars started the second game well, but then couldn’t get enough hits put together. WNCC scored single runs in the first, fourth and fifth innings, but gave up three runs early to trail 3-1 after two.

WNCC sliced the lead to 5-3 on solo home runs by Bourdon and Mills, but it wasn’t enough.

Natasha Dypchey took the loss in the circle going three innings, while giving up six hits, one strike out and two walks. Garner threw four innings, giving up four hits, two runs and getting four strikeouts.

Mills has another good game, going 1-for-2 with two runs scored, an RBI and a home run. Bourdon went 1for-3 with a home run, while Mandy Pounds collected the hit for the Cougars.

“We scored a run early and then we couldn’t string any hits together,” Winn-Ratliff said. “We should have one both, but we are hoping to keep the momentum for tomorrow.”

WNCC, 9-4, will take on Lamar Community College today in a doubleheader beginning at noon in Lamar, Colo.

First Game
WNCC 220 000 3 -- 7 9 4
Otero 000 000 0 -- 0 5 0
WP -- Garner; HR -- Mills.

Second Game
WNCC 100 110 0 -- 3 5 2
Otero 210 201 x -- 6 11 2
LP -- Dypchey; HR -- Mills, Bourdon.

WNCC women win opening round game at regionals

Game Boxscore

(Miles City, MT) -- In the first game of the 2008 Region IX Women's Basketball tournament, Western Nebraska Community College defeated Eastern Wyoming College 88-61. WNCC will face Sheridan College, who was a 105-44 winner over Lamar Community College, in the second round on Sunday at 1 p.m. The game can be heard on AM690 in the Scottsbluff area.

The WNCC Cougars were led by Chelsea Lyles with 17 points, hitting 6 of 7 from the floor. Joining Lyles in double figures for the Cougars were Shaquilah Davis (15), Emma Beddome (13) and Tawny Drexler (10).

After six lead changes and two ties in the first 13 minutes, Western Nebraska begin to take control of the game as they went into the break with seven point lead at 43-36.

The second half was the same for Western Nebraska as they outscored the Lancers 43-25 in the final 20 minutes.

Western Nebraska outrebounded Eastern 41-25, including a 15-9 edge on the offensive rebounds. Davis for WNCC had a game-high seven rebounds.

Even though Eastern Wyoming College lost by 27, definitely a stronger performance than when these two teams met earlier in the season. WNCC coming out on top of the first matchup 83-38.

EWC was led by Stacie Folker's 31 point. Folker hit 7 of 9 from behind the arc and 11 of 16 from the floor. Jaqi Bell and Skye Smith were also in double figures for EWC with 12 and 10 respectively.

It wouldn’t hard to notice the determination on the faces of the WNCC women’s basketball team as they enter the Region IX tournament in Miles City, Mont., March 1-4.

Last year, Casper College snapped the Cougars four-year hold of the Region IX championship and this year’s players would so like to recapture that tournament championship.

WNCC’s quest for that title begins Saturday at 10 a.m. against Eastern Wyoming College. The championship is slated for 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The games can be heard on the Internet courtesy of KATL Radio at www.mccpioneers.com. The came will also be carried on KOZY-101.3 FM on Saturday. Sunday's game, if they play, will be on AM690 at 1 p.m.

“I think it will be a lot tougher then last year,” sophomore Emma Beddome said. “I think last year they [the team] had more expectations of winning, but this year the competition will be a lot tougher. We have four tough games we need to et through in order to win.”

There is no doubt that the road to a regional championship will be difficult. After the first round, the winner will probably face Sheridan College. Sheridan, though, must get by Lamar Community College. Sheridan features the top two scorers in the region – Tonishea Mack at 20.8 points a game and Tahnee Robinson at 17.6 points.

This year’s team, though, has one ingredient that last year’s Cougar team lacked at the end of the season – the energy and drive to win.

“We are playing really well and we are in the peak of our season right now with how we have been playing,” sophomore Chelsea Lyles said. “Coach [Dave] Harnish made a good point in the locker room [after Wednesday’s game with EWC] when he said last year’s team started off really well and then finished without playing with enough energy, and this year it is the exact opposite. We didn’t play as strong at the beginning of the season, but we are coming out strong right know at the end of the season. That is when it counts.”

The Cougars started the season pre-season ranked No. 9 in the country. After three losses in November, the Cougars fell out of the rankings. That is until the final week of the season when they re-entered the polls at No. 25 on Wednesday.

“We started off being No. 9 and the when you lose, you practically go out of the ranking,” Beddome said. “So it is good to get back into the rankings but, again, our team doesn’t cares where we are ranked. We just go out and play each game.”

What has generated the Cougars 9-game winning streak heading into the regional tournament is a fierce defense that powers the offense. The Cougars are the No. 2 defensive team in the nation, giving up 48.897 points a game. The No. 1 team in the nation is Miles Community College at 48.23, who is this year’s host for the regional tournament.

“We started off the season really slow and then this semester we picked up our game,” Beddome said. “We have been concentrating a lot on defense because when we play good defense, our offense comes.”

The other thing that makes this year’s team stand out is there is not one offensive star. On any given night, any one of a plethora of players can step up. Against EWC on Wednesday night, five players hit the double-figure column, led by Lyles’ double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. The others included Carly Glisan and Alison Cheney with 11 points, and Cheri Palmer and SeLina Ysac with 10 points each.

In fact, three of those leading scorers come off the bench to provide plenty of spark to the Cougar line-up.

“Our bench scores a lot; we just don’t have one girl that is effective at offense, our entire team can come out and do something offensively,” Lyles, who leads the team in scoring with a 11.8 scoring average, said. “That is something that I think we have over a lot of the teams in Region IX in that our bench and all of our players can score and be effective on the offensive end.”

Beddome said the team’s inside-outside game is what has been the team’s bread and butter recently. The Cougars led the region in 3-point shooting, sizzling the nets for a 36.4 average. The team only connected on 121 attempts from beyond the arc, but it is there shot selection that has stood out.

“We like to get the ball around to everyone and no one cares who scores the most,” Beddome said. “We just like to get the best shot. We have been more into getting the ball into the post and then kicking it out. The inside, outside game has improved a lot.”

Jenna Colwell and Ysac, both freshmen, leads the team from long-range. Colwell is shooting 42.9 percent (3-of-7), while Ysac, a Scottsbluff High graduate, is connecting on 41.9 percent (13-of-31). Right behind are sophomore Cheney, Glisan, Beddome and Dana Iverson.

Glisan has had the hot-hand in the last four games, connecting on eight treys, including three each in win against Otero Junior College and EWC to finish the regular season.

Lyles, who already has one regional and national championship under her belt after the volleyball team captured the titles in November, realizes they can’t go into the tournament and expect teams to roll over.

“It will be tough because it won’t be like volleyball where it was pretty much that we knew we were going to win it. Basketball will be a lot tougher. We just have to be mentally prepared,” she said. “It will be tough because we have four tough days back-to-back. It will be a dogfight. I think if we come out and play hard every single night, we shouldn’t have any problem, but it will be hard to play four nights.”

For Beddome, one of five sophomores on this year’s team, it would mean a lot to compete at the national tournament. To do that, they will probably need to beat the No. 12 team in the nation, Miles Community College who sports an impressive 29-1 record.

“All of us want to experience the atmosphere of winning a regional title,” she said. “It would mean so much to us if we could win and we have a good chance of doing that. It is one game at a time and we have to concentrate on EWC on Saturday and get through that one. Next up is Sheridan which will be hard a game.”

WNCC men ready for regional tournament; first up is Casper College

The WNCC men’s basketball team has one goal on their mind now, to bring home a regional title.

The Cougars will open Region IX tournament play Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m. against Casper College, a team they have split against during the season.

If the Cougar men win, they will face the winner of the Northwest Wyoming and Northeastern Colorado contest on Monday at 1 p.m. The Region IX Tournament is being held in Torrington, Wyo.

WNCC coach Brian Joyce said his team needs to be ready to play at the tournament both offensively and defensively.

“We have played better lately defensively,” he said. “If we can continue to be consistent defensively, that will put us in a position to win. We also need to take care of the ball on offense.

Joyce said Casper College is a good team and they need to come ready to play. Casper has a 19-11 record on the season, while the Cougars enter with a 16-14 mark. The two teams have faced each other twice this season with WNCC earning the first game 90-81 before falling77-68 on the road.

“Casper has had a good year. I think we know them really well because obviously we have played them twice. We need to do those two things, play good defense and take care of the ball to give ourselves the best chance to win.”

The Cougars, themselves, have shown signs of being a really good team. The Cougars started the season off with five straight wins before losing seven of the next 11 to finish the first semester at 9-7. Since then, they have quietly been getting better defensively and picking up some big wins. The Cougars opened the second semester with three straight wins by topping McCook 89-66, Laramie County 72-71 in double overtime and Casper 90-81.

It was the LCCC win that was dramatic as the Cougars fought back from a sure-defeat to topple the Golden Eagles on the road.

In fact, the one characteristic that has sparked the Cougars is their defense, where the Cougars lead Region IX in defensive shooting, allowing their opponents only 39.7 percent from the floor.

Right behind WNCC is NJC. the 19th-ranked team in the latest NJCAA national polls. The Plainsmen are allowing just 40.5 percent shooting on defense.

Joyce said this tournament is not going to be easy, anybody can win on any given day.

“This is a tough region to win because you have to win four games to go to the national tournament,” he said. “There are a number of teams that can win it. We still have a shot but we have to play well to give ourselves the best chance.”

The tournament kicks off Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2 with first-round contests. Saturday’s games will see Northeastern Colorado opening with Northwest Wyoming at 1 p.m., Sheridan College facing Otero Junior College at 3 p.m., North Platte Community College meeting Laramie County Community College at 6 p.m., and Eastern Wyoming College facing McCook Community College at 8 p.m.

Sunday’s first-round games will pit WNCC against Casper at 1 p.m., Western Wyoming against Northeast Nebraska at 3 p.m., Miles Community College facing Trinidad State Junior College at 6 p.m., and Lamar Community College meeting Dawson Community College at 8 p.m.

Quarterfinal games will be played Monday at 1, 3, 6 and 8 p.m. Semifinals are on Tuesday at 6 and 8 p.m. with the finals slated for Wednesday at 7 p.m. The winner of the tournament qualifies for the NJCAA national tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., March 19-22.

Joyce said the main focus is to win that first game against Casper and not worry about the possibility of playing NJC, who the Cougars have lost to twice this season 106-84 and 69-54.

“It is possible to play NJC, the top team in the tournament. But they have to win their first-round game as well. That is a match-up that could happen,” he said. “Northwest Wyoming is a good team. Andy Ward is a very good coach and Andy has won a number of games being that four-seed, and in fact has gone to the championship game being that four-seed. Nothing is a given at this time of year. Everybody has to play well to move on, and if not you are done. our focus is to do a good job to extend the season.”

Green to take over volleyball coaching job at Alaska Anchorage

Submitted By Jeremy Woznick, Star-Herald Sporte Writer

After putting the Western Nebraska Community College volleyball team squarely on the map as a national power, Chris Green is ready to tackle a new challenge.

Green, who compiled a 453-55 overall record and led the team to nine straight Region IX titles in his nine seasons as the Cougars' coach, announced his resignation on Tuesday at a press conference at WNCC in Scottsbluff to take the head-coaching job at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

"This is one of the hardest decisions I have made in a long time," Green said. "I want to thank WNCC for giving me the opportunity to start my college coaching career. One of my goals is to become a Division I coach and I think this step is a great opportunity. I really enjoyed the visit that I had this weekend and I enjoyed the outdoor environment that is in Alaska. It is very appealing to me and it's one of the reasons I decided to say yes to this opportunity where I have said no to previous others."

Green's tenure at WNCC was capped with the Cougars winning the school's first national championship in November. He guided the program to nine consecutive national tournament appearances and has averaged 50 wins per season. In his last three seasons, he guided WNCC to three Final Fours with the Cougars compiling a record of 163-7 in that span.

"As an athletic department, we are sad to see Chris go," WNCC athletic director Jennifer Pedersen said. "I think every athletic director hopes for someone of his stature to come into the department that has the morale values that you want on the court as well as in the classroom. I don't think you can ask for more in a coach."

Speaking to a room full of media, administration, players, family and friends, an emotional Green said he had a tough time relaying the decision to the team earlier on Tuesday.

"I think I was more upset than they were," Green said. "I am hoping that they understand my situation and they accept it. They have some goals that they have set for themselves. WNCC is a great place to achieve those goals and I am sure whoever the next coach is will do a great job. I think this is a great opportunity for any young coach trying to get into the college ranks as a head coach. I think there will be some great applicants and I think the next coach will do a great job."

Pedersen said WNCC assistant coach Amy Winters will step in and conduct practices, conditioning and scrimmages for the team until Green's job is filled.

"We will do whatever we can to make this transition smooth," Pedersen said. "We are going to try to keep things going and we are definitely going to keep an open line of communication with him because once you are a Cougar, you are always a Cougar."

Only four freshmen from last year's team are scheduled to return next season. The Cougars said goodbye to six sophomores from the championship team. Green believes all of the freshmen will return for their sophomore seasons.

"We have talked to all of our players and I am sure they will stay on and help the Cougars with one more year," Green said. "We have not talked to our recruits yet. So as soon as we are finished with this, we will be calling our recruits and letting them know."

At Division II Alaska Anchorage, Green will take over a Seawolves team that went 5-19 last season. Of the 11 players on last season's roster, only one was a senior.
Since going 13-13 in 2004, the Seawolves have compiled a losing record in each of the last three seasons.

"They're Division II and I think the main thing about the Division II level is every team is good," Green said. "In the junior college level we were able to get away with not playing at the top of our game and still get wins because of our talent. Division II is pretty much an equal playing level. It will be more of a challenge. The travel is all flying out of Anchorage and there will be a lot of new challenges for myself that I haven't experienced at WNCC.

"Their program has struggled the last three years and it's a program that needs some leadership."

Green said that Alaska Anchorage would like for him to begin his new duties as soon as possible. He also said he will have the opportunity to teach a few classes in the spring.

Green earned a bachelor's of science degree in mathematics from the University of Nebraska in 1991 and received his master's degree from the University of Wyoming in 1995.

Alaska Anchorage athletic director Dr. Steve Cobb said Green was at the top of his list of potential candidates for the job.

"We had over 30 applications and Coach Green was our top choice. So we are obviously pleased that he is going to lead our program," Dr. Cobb said. "The future is bright for Seawolf volleyball."

WNCC baseball team sweeps McCook in doubleheader

Submitted By Jeremy Woznick, Star-Herald Sports Reporter

MCCOOK - Eighth-inning home runs by Carlos Garcia and Rudy Soto lifted the Western Nebraska Community College baseball team to a sweep of McCook Community College Tuesday in McCook.

The home runs capped a five-run eighth inning in game two as the Cougars registered a 7-2 win. WNCC also took the opener by a score of 6-4. The victories improved WNCC's record to 6-4 heading into the team's first weekend of Region IX action on Saturday in Lamar, Colo.

"We found a way to win," WNCC coach Mike Jones said. "It was chilly, windy and not a good day for baseball, but we managed to come out with two wins."

In game two, the teams played to a 2-2 tie through seven innings. But it was Garcia's three-run blast and Soto's two-run dinger that proved to be the difference for the Cougars in the top of the eighth. In addition to providing the Cougars with some insurance, Soto also earned the win on the mound in relief of Gustavo Sanchez. Soto took the mound in the bottom of the sixth with one out and runners on first and second. He managed to get out of the jam with a strikeout and flyout.

Garcia led the Cougars offensively in game two by going 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, a double and a home run. Chris Hook went 2-for-3 in the game and Soto and Norbert Susini each added a hit.

In getting the no decision, Sanchez struck out seven in four innings of work.
In game one, WNCC jumped out to a 5-0 lead before holding on for the 6-4 win. The Cougars pounded out nine hits in the game. Both Garcia and Soto went 2-for-3 offensively. Garcia drove in two runs and had a double, while Soto finished with a double and a triple.

Victor Rubio earned the win on the mound. He struck out one in five innings of work. Jeff Fauss collected the save by pitching the final inning and a third.

"We've been swinging the bats pretty well and we did that again today," Jones said. "But we really need to clean things up on defense. We committed six errors today and that's something we need to improve on."

Against Lamar on Saturday, Jones said Greg Crowe and Eric Bissonette are scheduled to get the starts on the mound. WNCC will then travel to Otero Junior College on Sunday for another Region IX doubleheader.

Game One
WNCC       012 021 0 - 6 9 4
McCook       000 022 0 - 4 9 1
WP - Victor Rubio; S - Jeff Fauss.
3B - Rudy Soto; 2B - Soto, Carlos Garcia.

Game Two
WNCC (6-4) 002 000 05 - 7 8 2
McCook         000 200 00 - 2 6 0
WP - Rudy Soto.
HR - Soto, Carlos Garcia; 3B - Norbert Susini; 2B - Garcia.

Green headed to Alaska-Anchorage to become Seawolves volleyball coach

Western Nebraska Community College volleyball coach Chris Green won a national tournament this season and after nine years at the helm of the Cougar volleyball program, Green has decided now is the right time to head to a four-year college.

Tuesday, Green announced he has been hired at the head coach at the University of Alaska Anchorage, a Division II program.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I have made in along time,” Green said during a press conference that was filled with teary-eyed players, family and friends. “I want to thank WNCC for giving me the opportunity to start my college coaching career. I went up there thinking there was a chance but maybe not realizing that I would like it as much as I did.

“Their volleyball program has struggled the last three years and I am hoping to turn that volleyball program around and make them a Division 2 powerhouse. It is with great sadness that I leave WNCC, but I also think of it as a great opportunity for myself as far as coaching goes.”

Green has built WNCC into a national power since he came aboard in 1999. In his nine years, he has registered a 453-55 record, including nine straight regional titles and national tournament appearances.

This past season, Green guided the Cougars to a 52-4 record and the college’s first national championship with a four-game win over Miami Dade College.

“As an athletic department, we are sad to see Chris go. I think every athletic director hopes for someone of his stature to come into the department that has the moral values that you want on the court as well as in the classroom,” WNCC athletic director Jennifer Pedersen said. “He expects high things for his students and he has absolutely the best group of student-athletes that we can ask for at Western Nebraska Community College. I don’t think you can ask for more in a coach.

“As an administrator, you always have that gut feeling in the back of your mind that these people are going other places because that is what we do in our job to strive and push our kids to be the best they can be, set higher goals and to go other places to live their dreams. So, to hold back my staff from that is wrong for me to do. I am pleased to let him go and was pleased to give him a great recommendation.”

Green said winning the national championship didn’t play a factor in him leaving, he just felt it was the right move in his college career to get a Division I coaching job.

“I would never get tired of winning national championships,” Green said. “I don’t think that is it. I just think the opportunity came at the right time. It is not so much that we won the national championship that I decided to go on, it was just the right opportunity.”

Green informed his players today of the decision and believes they will all stay for the new coach.

“I think I was more upset then they were,” Green said while telling his team. “I am hoping that they understand my situation and they accept it and move on themselves. They have some goals that they have set for themselves. WNCC is a great place to achieve those goals and I am sure whoever the next coach will do a great job. I think this is a great opportunity for any young coach trying to get into the college ranks as a head coach and I think there will be some great applicants and I think the next coach will do a great job.

Pedersen said while a search for a new volleyball coach will begin immediately, assistant coach Amy Winters will step in and continue with weekly practices, conditioning and previously scheduled scrimmages.

WNCC President Dr. Eileen Ely said Green was a credit to the institution.

“Whether it is in the classroom teaching math or whether it is on the court playing volleyball, he has made a real impact on student’s lives that we don’t even know what the total impact is,” she said. “He is going to be leaving a huge void but that is yet a compliment to Chris because he is good at what he does and he puts the right things forward – the priorities are for the students. I just have to compliment him on all of his accomplishments whether it is in the classroom or on the court.

Green will take over a Seawolves team that went 5-19 last season. Of the 11 players on last season's roster, only one was a senior. The Seawolves have compiled a losing record in each of the last three seasons.

”They're Division II and I think the main thing about the Division II level is every team is good," Green said. "In the junior college level we were able to get away with not playing at the top of our game and still get wins because of our talent. Division II is pretty much an equal playing level. It will be more of a challenge. The travel is all flying out of Anchorage and there will be a lot of new challenges for myself that I haven't experienced at WNCC.

"Their program has struggled the last three years and it's a program that needs some leadership."

Green said that Alaska Anchorage would like for him to begin his new duties as soon as possible, but they are flexible in that capacity. He also said he will have the opportunity to teach a few classes in the spring.

Alaska Anchorage Athletic Director Dr. Steve Cobb said they are excited to get a coach of Green’s ability.

“We had over 30 applications and Coach Green was our top choice, so we are obviously very pleased that he is going to lead our program," Cobb said. "The future is bright for Seawolf volleyball."

WNCC softball shuts out Trinidad State in Region IX opener

TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team received a stellar pitching performance from freshman Kelsey Garner in registering a sweep of Trinidad State Junior College Sunday.

The Cougars dominated from start to finish to open with an 13-0 win before downing the Trojans 2-0 in the second game.

WNCC coach Maria Winn-Ratliff was extremely pleased with how the team played in their first Region IX contests of the year.

“I felt like the first game we did everything right,” she said. “We put a lot of hits and runs up in game one and wanted to send a message to the region of how good our team can hit. Game two we still pounded out seven hits only that they were scattered throughout the game.”

Garner, the right-handed flamethrower from Regina, Saskatchewan, took the win in both contests, with sophomore Natasha Dypchey getting the save in game two.

Winn-Ratliff said that Garner dazzled from the circle.

“Only giving up one hit in your first conference performance on the road as a freshman was huge,” she said. “She also started game two and went 4 2/3 innings. She really kept their hitters off balance and I was pleased with her performance on the day.”

In game one, Garner struck out five while throwing a one-hitter in five innings of work. The freshman also threw just 55 pitches in the win. In game two, she was just as sizzling, scattering five hits and striking out six batter.

Sophomore Natasha Dypchey then picked up the save by also throwing a nice game. Dypchey allowed three hits and struck out three in the 2-0 win.

Offensively, the Cougars managed 23 hits – 16 in game one and seven in game two. In the opener, five players had a multiple hit game. Kara Ryman paced the Cougars with a 4-for-4 game, including a double, five RBIs and a run scored.

Also collecting multiple hits were Amanda Hensley going 2-for-2 with two walks and an RBI, Jessie McNabb going 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored, Alec Voci going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs, and Lauren Bourdon going 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

Bourdon paced the Cougars in game two with a 2-for-3 performance, including a solo home run in the second inning to get the Cougars on the scoreboard.

WNCC’s other run came in the sixth inning as Amanda Torimaru singled in McNabb with the game’s second run.

Overall, Winn-Ratliff was pleased with the performance on the day.

“We got a great pitching performance from Kelsey Garner our hitters really stepped up big as our defense played well also,” she said. “In game two we didn’t have the same type of plate appearances as we did in game one, but we did come up with a couple key hits, including Lauren Bourdon’s second inning home run. Our defense from the middle infielders was tremendous and our outfielders were making plays all day long.”

WNCC, 8-3, will have more Region IX games this weekend when they take on Otero Junior College and Lamar Community College on the road.

“It is nice to win on the road and to pick up our first two region wins is huge for us,” Winn-Ratliff said. “Hopefully we will be able to carry over some momentum going into this weekend against Otero and Lamar. We are going to need another great weekend in the circle as well as good plate appearances and great defense to get the wins.”

Game One
WNCC 013 81 – 13 16 1
Trinidad State 000 00 – 0 1 1
WP – Garner, 2B – McNabb, Bourdon, Ryman, Lauryn Smith, Mandy Pounds.

Game Two
WNCC (8-3) 010 001 0 – 2 7 2
Trinidad State 000 000 0 – 0 8 1
WP – Garner (6-1), Save – Dypchey; 2B – Ryman; HR – Bourdon.

WNCC baseball splits doubleheader with Miles Community College

Even though the Western Nebraska Community College baseball team pounded out 16 hits Sunday in a doubleheader against Miles Community College Sunday at Cleveland Field, they had to settle for a split in a pair of one-run games.

In the opener, the Cougars left the winning runs in scoring position in the seventh inning in suffering a 6-5 setback. In the nightcap, WNCC came back from a 7-3 deficit to claim a 9-8 win in the bottom of the seventh inning.

WNCC coach Mike Jones said the scraped out the win to get the split.

“Our offense bailed us out once again,” he said. “We didn’t pitch or play defense all that well. Offensively we are a pretty good ball club. We were able to put it together at the end to come out with a win.”

The Cougars definitely had plenty of firepower in the two games, especially in the second game where they 11 hits to get the win in thrilling fashion.

WNCC scored four times in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead. Aurelio Monteagudo started the inning with a solo home run. The Cougars continued their offense going with single by Rudy Soto, Dallas Liptac and Norbert Susini, and a double by David Monteagudo.

Miles City, who qualified for the NJCAA Division II World Series a year ago, came back with seven runs on four hits and two errors to take a 7-4 lead. The big hit was a 2-run triple by Brian Dukert. Also, the Pioneers scored five runs with two outs on two costly errors.

Miles City led 8-6 after four innings before the Cougars bats opened up again. WNCC tied the game in the sixth inning as Soto and Greg Crowe led off by drawing walks. Chris Hook then delivered a pinch-hit single to score one run and the Susini lofted a sacrifice fly to score Crowe with the tying run.

WNCC won the game in the seventh. With one out, Garcia delivered a double to left-centerfield. Aurelio Monteagudo was then intentional walked followed by Soto drawing a bases loaded with one out. Garcia later scored on a wild pitch to win the game.

Kyler Edgehouse picked up the win throwing the final four innings, allowing just one run, three hits and striking out two. Jake Vulk started the game and went three innings.

Susini and Soto paced the Cougars with two hits apiece. Susini went 2-for-3 with two singles, while Soto went 2-for-2 with two walks, a home run, three runs scored and two stolen bases.

Jones was pleased with how his team fought back.

“I am happy how we are playing offensively, we just need to get better with pitching and defense,” he said.
Sloppy defense was the reason the Cougars dropped the opener on the day. Miles City jumped on top 6-0 behind three errors and seven hits in four innings of work.

The Cougar bats started to wake up in the fifth as WNCC put up a four-spot in the fifth inning, scoring all the runs with two outs. The big hits were a run-scoring single by Rich Miller and then a run-scoring double by Luis Capriles to cut the lead to 6-4.

The score stayed that way until the seventh inning. Susini led off the inning with a triple followed by David Monteagudo and Miller loading the bases with no outs. Carlos Garcia then scored Susini with the first run on an infield fly out before the next two batters grounded out.

The first game, we made a lot of errors and didn’t pitch that well and they capitalized on a lot of scoring opportunities,” Jones said. “We tried to make a run late in the game, but we just quite couldn’t get it done.”

Todd Stachura took the loss on the mound, going four innings and giving up six runs on seven hits and striking out two. Jeff Fauss pitched the final three innings allowing three hits and no runs.

Susini led the team at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance, including a triple and run scored. Caprilas and Aurelio Monteagudo each had a double in the loss.

The Cougars, 4-4, will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to McCook Community College for a non-conference doubleheader before heading into Region IX competition next weekend at Lamar Community College and Otero Junior College.

“We open Region IX play Saturday and Sunday against Lamar and Otero, which will be tough match-ups. We have to get some stuff down this week,” Jones said. “We have to clean up our defense. It has been tough because we have been inside a lot and you can make all kind of excuses, but we definitely can play a lot better then how we are playing.”

Game One
Miles City 120 300 0 – 6 10 1
WNCC 000 040 1 – 5 5 3
WP – Kody Kennedy, LP – Stachura; 2B – WNCC 2 (Capriles, A. Monteagudo), Miles (Brian Dukart, Matt Newbold); 3B – WNCC 1 (Susini).

Game Two
Miles (1-3) 007 100 0 – 8 7 1
WNCC (4-4) 042 002 1 – 9 11 3
WP – Edgehouse, LP – Jason Mattila; 2B – WNCC 3 (D. Monteagudo, Garcia, Soto), Miles 1 (Brenton Oruillian); 3B – Miles 1 (Dukart); HR – WNCC 1 (A. Monteagudo).

WNCC softball sweeps Air Force in doubleheader

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – It took the Western Nebraska Community College softball team three inning to wake up offensively, but once they did, the Cougar women scored 19 runs and pounded out 18 hits in sweeping the Air Force Academy 8-1 and 11-2.

The Cougars’ Allie Griffin was a huge force on the day, earning the game one victory from the circle. The freshman also finished the doubleheader 3-for-5 with four RBIs, a run scored and a double.

Griffin threw a masterful game in the opener, scattering four hits, while striking out four Falcon batters.

Offensively, the Cougars had five extra base hits of their seven total. Lauren Mills had the big blast with a 2-run home run in the fifth inning. Also collecting extra base hits were Amanda Hensley with a triple, and Griffin, Lourdon and Jessie McNabb with doubles.

The Cougars continued their torrid offense in game two, scoring three times in the first and fourth and two times in the second and third on 11 hits.

WNCC had three players collect multiple hits. Griffin and Amanda Torimaru each went 2-for-3, while Hensley went 2-for-4. Torimaru had two runs scored, a RBI and a double, while Griffin had two runs scored and two RBIs.

Whittany Foster and Lauren Mills also had good games. Foster went 1-for-1 with a runs scored, two RBIs and two walks, while Mills had two walks and two RBIs.

Natasha Dypchey picked up the win going 3 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out five. Ashley Patton finished the game, scattering two hits, allowing two runs and striking out two.

WNCC, 6-3, will be back in action today when they face Trinidad State Junior College in a Region IX doubleheader. The Trojans enter the contest after falling twice to North Platte Community College in Region IX games on Saturday.

Game One
WNCC 000 35 – 8 7 1
Air Force 100 00 – 1 4 3
WP – Griffin; 2B – McNabb, Griffin, Bourdon; 3B – Hensley; HR – Mills.

Game Two
WNCC 322 31 – 11 11 1
Air Force 000 20 – 2 3 2
WP – Dypchey; 2B – Torimaru.

WNCC sweeps Miles City in baseball action

Western Nebraska Community College baseball team pounded out 12 extra base hits, including a walk-off 2-run home run by Carlos Garcia to help the Cougars earn a sweep over Miles Community College Saturday at Cleveland Field in the team’s home-opener.

The Cougars rode the pitching of sophomore Greg Crowe in game one in shutting out the Pioneers, before coming back to earn a thrilling 6-5 in game two. Both teams will be back at it at Cleveland Field beginning at noon with another doubleheader.

WNCC coach Mike Jones said his team played well on Saturday.

“We came out real strong in game one and put together a real good offensive game. Aurelio Monteagudo had a real nice game at the plate, having a break out game for us,” Jones said. “All the way through the line-up I thought we had disciplined at bats and found good pitches to hit. It was real nice to bust out and score a lot of runs early in the ball game.”

Monteagudo finished the double header going 4-for-8, including three doubles and three RBIs. He also scored two runs in the two wins.

The Cougars ran out to a 7-0 lead after three innings in the opening game. The Cougars blasted six extra base hits out of their 11 hits for the game. Monteagudo had two doubles, while David Monteagudo, Garcia, Charles Ocasio each had one double. Garcia also had triple in the first game.

Greg Crowe picked up the win, going four innings, while allowing two hits and striking out three. Eddie Vinas finished the game, throwing three innings of shutout work, while allowing one hit and striking out three.

"Greg Crowe pitched a good game for us and threw a lot of strikes,” Jones said. “He really threw a lot of fastballs on the outside of the plate and controlled the ball game for us. We played good defense behind him.”

In the second game, it was Garcia that proved the hero as his 7^th-inning home run proved the winner. Garcia finished the day going 3-for-6 with a double, triple, home run, and four RBIs.

In the nightcap, WNCC held a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth-inning. Miles City came back with two runs in the top of the inning to grab a 4-3 lead. WNCC, however, came right back to tie the game.

Jones said that David Monteagudo came off the bench and delivered the big hit in the sixth. After a sacrifice bunt, Luis Capriles delivered a pitch-hit single to score Monteagudo with the tying run.

WNCC couldn’t hold the lead in the seventh as the Pioneers scored once to hold a 5-4 lead. That is when the Cougars came back in the seventh. Rich Miller led off by drawing a walk. Jones then inserted pinch-runner Marco Jimenez. That was when Garcia took a 0-1 count over the rightfield fence for the game-winner.

“We played a decent ball game in the second game,” Jones said. “They [Miles] did a nice job of putting up some runs and their left-handed pitcher kept us off balance and we really couldn’t put anything together. Late in the game we really came up with some big hits when we needed them and able to come away with a win.”

The Cougars finished the game with six extra base hits out of their eight total. Norbert Susini led the offense with a 2-for-4 game, including two doubles, a RBI and run scored. Susini was 4-for-8 on the day.

Rudy Soto picked up the win, throwing the seventh inning. Eric Bissonette started the game and went four innings, allowing three hits, two runs, while striking out one.

WNCC, 3-3, and Miles City, 0-2, will face off again today beginning at noon. Jones said that Todd Stachura will throw the first game and Jake Vulk will start the second game.

“I am really proud of the team because they knew what they had to do to win the ball game,” he said. “That shows a real good sign for us. It makes the future look pretty bright for us to keep that mentality that will keep to fight and do to win ball games. That will carry us a long way.”

First Game
Miles City 000 000 0 – 0 3 0
WNCC 133 000 x – 7 11 1
WP – Crowe; LP – Tognetti; 2B - D Monteagudo, A Monteagudo(2), C Ocasio, C Garcia, ; 3B - C Garcia, ; HR - ; RBIs - L Capriles(2), N Susini(2), C Ocasio(2), R Soto, ; SB - R Soto.

Second Game
Miles City 020 002 1 – 5 8 1
WNCC 110 011 2 – 6 8 1
WP – Soto, LP Hanna; 2B – N Susini(2), J Guber, A Monteagudo, C Round; 3B - ; HR - C Garcia off J Hanna, ; RBIs – A Monteagudo(2), N Susini, J Guber, C Garcia(2), C Round, J Hanna(3); SB - C Hook

WNCC women topple Otero in home finale

It was Western Nebraska Community College’s final home game of the season and the Cougar women put together a balanced scoring attack in rolling over Otero Junior College 83-58. It was the Cougar’s 25th win of the season and eight straight win.

Well it was the last time the five sophomores will play in front of the home crowd, it was freshman Tawny Drexler that stepped up with a big performance. The 6-foot from Colorado Springs, Colo., finished the game with 22 points and six rebounds. She also was near perfect from the charity stripe going 12-of-13.

“I think we did really well. We had a few more turnovers then we should have, but that happens when you try to run and gun,” she said. “The key for us was playing really good defense. When we were down there we did not play defense very well at all.”

The Cougars domination in the home-finale was evident from the opening tip as Chelsea Lyles made the opening bucket just 25 seconds into the contest. The Cougars kept warming up racing out to an 8-0 lead Jenna Colwell bucket off an assist by sophomore Alison Cheney with 17:45 on the clock.

Otero finally took the goose-egg off the board on a Valma Cook basket with 17:19 to play. The Cougars responded back going on another 7-0 run highlighted by a Drexler old-fashioned 3-point play and steal and bucket by Lyles.

WNCC then heated up from the outside on three 3-pointers by sophomore Carly Glisan and a trey by sophomore Emma Beddome to help the Cougars lead 44-35 at the half.

The Cougars first half was highlighted on 55 percent shooting while Otero managed just 36 percent.

The second half was the same result for the Cougar women as they pushed the lead to 20 points on four points by Drexler at 48-27. The Cougars continued to widen the lead as Cheney scored seven points in a 2-minute period to put salt the game at 55-30 with 15 minutes to play.

Drexler said everyone played well and contributed in some fashion.

“It was a really good team effort. We just killed it on defense,” She said. “We moved the ball really well and that is really good.”

WNCC had three players finish in double figures. After Drexler’s 22 points, Cheney chipped in 13 points and Shaquilah Davis had 12.Beddome and Glisan also found the basket in their home finale finishing with nine points each.

The Cougars also received a huge game from freshman Michelle Lighthall, who finished with six points and six rebounds.

Otero also had three players in double figures. Lacee mapee led the way with 12 points followed by Natasha Anderson with 11 points and Rachelle Tialevea with 10 points.

The Cougars, 25-4, will have one regular season contest left when they travel to Torrington, Wyo., to face Eastern Wyoming College on Wednesday. After that, they will head to the Region IX tournament in Miles City, Mont. WNCC will open the regional tournament on March 1 at 10 a.m. against Western Wyoming. If they win, they will play Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m. against the Sheridan College and Lamar Community College winner.

Otero 25 33 -- 58
WNCC (25-5) 44 39 -- 83
OTERO JUNIOR COLLEGE
Heather Andersen 4, Michelle Ducy 8, Rachelle Tialavea 4, Lacee Mapee 10, Valma Cook 12, Amber Salaz 3, Natasha Anderson 11, Nicole Howe 6.
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Cheri Palmer 2, Emma Beddome 9, Michelle Lighthall 6, Shaquilah Davis 12, Alison Cheney 13, Tawny Drexler 22, Jenna Colwell 4, Chelsea Lyles 6, Carly Glisan 9.

WNCC basketball teams set for final home games this weekend

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams will have their final home games of the year Saturday and both teams are looking to get momentum heading into next weeks Region IX tournament.

The Cougar women will open things at 1 p.m. against Otero Junior College followed by the Cougar men tipping off at 3 p.m. against Lamar Community College.

Saturday’s home contests will the last for the eight sophomores on both teams. The Cougar women, 24-4 and winners of their last seven, will say goodbye to five players – Alison Cheney, Chelsea Lyles, Emma Beddome, Carly Glisan and Dana Iverson.

The men will lost three sophomores off of this year’s 15-13 team in Doradji Wilson, David Busma and Kelvin Franklin.

The Cougars will also the basketball booster families during pre-game festivities.

After Saturday’s home games, the Cougars will have one more regular season game left when they travel to Torrington, Wyo., to face Eastern Wyoming College in a men’s, women’s doubleheader.

WNCC baseball at home this weekend against Miles Community College

The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team is all set for their home-opener this weekend, and Cougar coach Mike Jones said the weather should hold out when the Cougars tangle with Miles (Mont.) Community College Saturday and Sunday.

“I think the weather will be O.K.,” Jones said. “It looks like we a slight chance of some moisture Saturday morning. I think the temperatures will be pretty good and the winds will stay fairly calm. I am looking forward to it. Over the years we have been on the road early, so it will be nice to get in a home weekend in February.”

Jones said the field should be in pretty condition when the first pitch is thrown at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“The team is excited. We had to do quite a bit of work there to get all the snow removed and get the field dried off,” he said. “But the playing service looks good. It is just the stuff around the perimeter that will cause us some problems.”

WNCC enters the contests after going 1-3 in games earlier this week. It will be the first games of the year for Miles City. Still, Jones isn’t taking the Pioneers lightly.

“I know they had a real good season a year ago. They have been putting back-to-back good seasons over the years, and I expect them to come in extremely excited to play. They haven’t had a whole lot of time to practice on the field. I expect the games to be pretty close and I expect pitching to dominate all the games.”

Sophomores Greg Crowe and Eric Bissonette, a Chadron High graduate, will get the nod on the mounds in Saturday’s action.

“Eric had an outstanding outing down in Kansas. Greg was shaky in his first inning, but after that he settled down and pitched well,” he said. “I look for both of them to come out and throw good for us.”

The Cougars opened up the spring season Monday splitting a doubleheader against No. 25 Seward County Community College before falling twice to Barton County Community College.

Still, Jones said this team is on pace to repeat as regional champions.

“We did fairly well and we showed signs of being a really good ball club,” he said. “I thought defensively we played much better then what I anticipated. Offensively, we had a lot of good at bats and we had a lot of bad at bats. We show signs of being a good offensive team.”

Rasnic inks York's Ivey to letter of intent

From the York Times-Herald Website

YORK -- Thursday afternoon York High senior Josh Ivey put pen to paper, signing to play soccer with the Cougars of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.

Ivey has been a very solid member of the Duke soccer team for a while now. His current coach Rich Saxer had high praise for him.

"He's one of our strongest players. Last year he was hampered by some injury problems, but if he stays healthy he will be a good college player," Saxer said.

Todd Rasnic, head coach at WNCC is excited about having Josh on the team. He said, "I first heard about him when he sent me a letter asking about the program. Then I asked around and a few of my colleagues recommended him. He really seems like a good fit for us. He has good character and he is the right size physically for our league."

The Cougars are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association and they are a division one team. According to Rasnic they are on the same talent level as an NCAA D2 team.

"Josh is a very good defender," Rasnic said. "Most kids I see are playing defense because they don't have much skill, but Josh is a good defender."

Ivey visited multiple schools in his search this year but he felt that Western was a good fit for him.

"It was snowy and cold when I visited but I could tell it was a nice campus. I think I'll just be there for two years and then I'll probably transfer somewhere," Ivey said. "I'm going to study business management."

Ivey also said that he is going to use his last high school season to build his strength and ability for his upcoming collegiate career.

WNCC women defeat NJC by 38, 87-49

Western Nebraska Community College’s Dana Iverson nailed two 3-pointers at the end of the first half was the momentum the Cougars needed in their contest against Northeastern Junior College Wednesday night.

Iverson’s two treys, closed out the first half and then the Cougars outscored the NJC 53-25 in the second half to breeze to an 87-49 win Wednesday night at Cougar Palace.

Iverson said this game is an indication of how this team should be playing night in and night out.

“I think we executed real well tonight,” Iverson, who finished with 14 points and 3-pointers, said. “We rebounded and we got back on defense. But, there are still a lot of things that we can still work on. How we play really reflects on how we practice during the week.”

Wednesday’s win was definitely a marked change in how the Cougars played last they faced NJC back in January. That night, the Plainswomen turned the trick on the Cougars, winning 79-61, Wednesday, it was all WNCC the last 25 minutes of the game.

Iverson said it is not a surprise that they won by 38 points over the 23-6 Plainswomen.

“They are a great team, but we just didn’t come to play last time we played them,” she said. “Tonight we just played how we knew we could play.”

Early in the game, it was a dogfight between the two Region IX foes. The teams were tied at 15 early on a Britney Creamer bucket. After that, the Cougars took over the game as Tawny Drexler converted on back-to-back buckets.

Seconds later, Alison Cheney and Emma Beddome each cashed in on buckets to put the Cougars up 23-16. After an NJC timeout, Guernsey-Sunrise’s Sara Conner knocked home a 3-pointer with 3:10 to play in the half.

WNCC came back and stretched the lead to 26-19 with 1:38 to play and seemed to be in control. But, the Plainswomen fought back on a trey by Kristy Henderson and a bucket by Saundra Procter to cut the deficit to two points, 26-24.

The Cougars then went on a 6-0 run, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Iverson, to take a 34-24 lead into the locker room.

“That run gave all the momentum to come out even stronger in the second half,” Iverson, who had nine points at halftime, said. “That helped us out a lot.”

The Cougars definitely did carry Iverson’s offensive momentum into the second half as they built a 43-26 lead on a Beddome 3-pointer and then increased the lead to 20 points on a Chelsea Lyles bucket with 15:05 to play.

After that NJC never could mount any kind of a rally as the Cougars were hitting on all cylinders on both ends of the court.

All 12 Cougars put their name in the scorebook as our players finished with double figures. Beddome led the charge with 15 points and five rebounds. Iverson and Cheney finished with 14 points each, followed by Shaquilah Davis with 10 points.

Kristen Forbes led the Plainswomen with 12 points. Guernsey-Sunrise’s Conner finished with six points before fouling out with 7:58 to play in the game.

The Cougars also out-rebounded the Plainswomen 60-46 and also generated 13 steals. Davis had led with four steals, while Beddome and Tawny Drexler each had five rebounds.

Iverson said that this game was definitely better then the last time they stepped on the floor Saturday when they beat Northeast Nebraska 56-54.

“We just need to have a good week of practice and keep working on our stuff,” she said. “If everyone can score and everyone plays defense, then we don’t worry about who scores the most, we just all come out hard and play good.”

The Cougars will finish out the home season on Saturday when they host Otero Junior College in a 1 p.m. contest. Iverson said that game will be emotional, but each game from here on out is important.

“I am excited for Saturday’s game for all the sophomores and freshmen. It is just another big game and every game from now on out is a big game,” she said. “From now on out is do or die. We have to go.”

Northeastern (23-6) 24 25 – 49
WNCC (24-4) 34 53 – 87
NORTHEASTERN COLORADO
Candace Ewert 3, Sarah Conner 6, Shorty Ramos 5, Britney Creamer 2, Kristen Forbes 9, Kristy Henderson 9, Jessica Priest 2, Taija Bennet 4, Saundra Proctor 6.
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Cheri Palmer 5, Dana Iverson 14, Emma Beddome 15, Michelle Lighthall 2, SeLina Ysac 4, Shaquilah Davis 10, Alison Cheney 14, Tawny Drexler 9, Jenna Colwell 4, Eli Cosme-Gonzalez 2, Chelsea Lyles 6, Carly Glisan 2.

Scottsbluff's Duque inks with WNCC soccer

Western Nebraska Community College soccer coach Todd Rasnic didn’t have to look far in landing talent for next year’s men’s soccer team.

All he had to do was go a few blocks down the road to sign Scottsbluff’s Jesus Duque, who has been the heralded game-winning scorer for the Bearcat football and soccer teams. Duque, who signed a letter-of-intent on Tuesday to continue his playing with the Cougars, is excited for the opportunity to play college soccer.

“I choose WNCC because it is close and it is a good way to start my education and get my basics [classes] out of the way,” Duque said. “It is also a good club there to play on and get started.”

Duque played soccer for four years and football for three years. Duque hit clutch field goals for the Bearcat football team, including the game-winners against Gering this year. He also helped the Bearcats to the state soccer championships last spring, including a game-winning goal against Gering.

WNCC soccer coach Todd Rasnic said it is nice to get a player with the ability to finish the ball.

“The number one thing for me when I watch him in game situations is whenever they needed a goal, he gets them. That is a rare quality in a player, especially on a soccer field,” Rasnic said. “You have a lot of kids that come in and say they play forward but when it comes down to it, they can’t finish the ball. What Jesus will bring is someone that can back up the requirements of his position. College soccer is a little bit different pace, but from watching his speed on the field, we will be very happy with what he brings to WNCC.”

Duque said he just goes out and gives it his all on the competition field and gets the job done.

"It feels good to get those game-winning scores, and at the same time, there are no words to really explain how you feel,” he said. “You are just so excited that you did make that kick or that goal, you just feel inside of you that ‘I can’t believe I just did that.’”

Well, Duque will have plenty of opportunities to fine-tune his goal scoring during his senior season at Scottsbluff before he heads up the hill to play for WNCC. The Scottsbluff boys are currently going through conditioning for this season with the official first day of practice slated for Monday.

Scottsbluff first-year soccer coach Nate Rock said it is a pleasure to have someone of Duque’s demeanor on the team.

“Jesus is a fantastic player and I feel comfortable putting him at any position on the field,” he said. “He has a great work ethic and great leadership abilities. He is an all-around great player and has a great personality on the team. He brings a lot to the team.”

Duque said while he liked football, he was only thinking about playing soccer in college.

“Soccer was my main choice to play. I liked playing football, but at the same time I just didn’t feel it was the right place for me,” he said. “[This spring] I am looking forward to getting better as a player on the field, and I now Coach Rock will be helping the team with that.”

The one goal Duque has to help lead Scottsbluff to back-to-back state tournaments. The Bearcats have been to the state tournament two of the last three years, falling in last year’s first round to Lincoln Pius X 9-0. The Scottsbluff boys made their first appearance in 2005, falling to Mt. Michael-Benedictine in the first round 3-0.

Rasnic said Duque has a lot to offer the WNCC program. “Jesus has a lot to offer WNCC,” Rasnic said. “He is a player from watching him over the years that has continually gotten better. He works hard at what he does and I believe he takes a great amount of pride in the efforts he puts on the field.”

Rasnic is hoping to sign several more local players for next year’s Cougar men’s and women’s soccer teams.

“Ideally if I can build an entire team from Scottsbluff and Gering, that would be great,” the third-year head coach said. “It is a great thing from our community that we have from the youth level on up, that they have developed players that when they get to high school, they are able to compete well and compete at the state level. It is excellent for me that I can turn around in my own backyard and find one, two or three players a year that I can put on the WNCC squad and they can compete in our division, and they compete well.”

And Duque is excited to be a part of that soccer talent that comes from the Scottsbluff and Gering area.

“I am very excited to be going from Scottsbluff to WNCC,” he said. “I am sad that this is my last year of playing high school soccer, but at the same time I am looking forward to playing at WNCC.”

WNCC baseball drops doubleheader to Barton County

Contributed by JEREMY WOZNICK, Star-Herald Sports Reporter

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team dropped both games of its doubleheader with Barton County Community College Tuesday in Great Bend, Kan.

The Cougars, who split their season-opening doubleheader at Seward County Community College on Monday, lost a tight 6-5 decision in game one Tuesday against Barton County before falling 11-3 in game two.

Despite the setbacks, WNCC coach Mike Jones saw plenty of positives from his young ball club in both games.

"We saw plenty of positives in both games," Jones said. "Even though the score was kind of lopsided in the second game, offensively we put together a pretty good ball game. We just stranded a lot of base runners. We didn't pitch very well and we played poor defensively in the second game.

"The first game was a very good ball game. We got out to an early lead, but after that we just made a lot of young mistakes throughout the rest of the game offensively by being a little too aggressive and running into some outs."

In the first game, WNCC scored four runs in the first inning en route to holding a 5-3 lead after two innings. The Cougars continued to hold that lead until the bottom of the fifth when Barton County scratched across a pair of runs to tie the game before scoring the go-ahead run in the sixth.

Freshman Norbert Susini led WNCC offensively in the game by going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a double. Carlos Garcia added a hit and drove in two runs for the Cougars. WNCC finished the game with just four hits while Barton County pounded out 15.

Todd Stachura started the contest on the mound for WNCC and got a no decision. He struck out three in 4 2/3 innings. Victor Rubio was credited with the loss.
In game two, WNCC pounded out a season high 11 hits. The Cougars plated a pair of runs in the first to take a 2-0 lead, but Barton County answered with a nine spot in the second to take the lead for good.

Kyler Edgehouse took the loss on the mound for WNCC. He struck out two in 2 1/3 innings of work.

Offensively for WNCC, Rich Miller went 3-for-4 with a run batted in. Greg Crowe went 2-for-3 while Garcia, David Monteagudo and Dustin Javins all had doubles.

WNCC finished its season-opening road trip 1-3. The Cougars are scheduled to host Miles City Community College in a doubleheader in their home opener Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.

"It was great to just get out and play," Jones said. "We played two really good ball clubs and it was nice to just get out there and let everybody see the speed of the game. I saw a lot of good things in the four games we played. For the most part, we played really good defense until the fourth game. Our infield was solid and our pitching was OK at times. So, I got a chance to evaluate quite a bit and our team got a chance to just play."

Game 1
WNCC                   410 000 0 - 5 4 1
Barton County       300 021 x - 6 15 2
LP - Victor Rubio (0-1).
2B - Norbert Susini.
Game 2
WNCC (1-3)           200 001 0 - 3 11 3
Barton County        090 002 x - 11 9 1
LP - Kyler Edgehouse (0-1).
2B - Carlos Garcia, David Monteagudo, Dustin Javins.

WNCC basketball teams host NJC, Denver Broncos cheerleaders Wednesday

The Western Nebraska Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams have just two more home games left in their season and Wednesday night will be one of the biggest of the season against Northeastern Junior College.

Wednesday night, though, will be more then just basketball as the several members of the Denver Bronco cheerleaders will perform and sign autographs. Action tips off at 5:30 p.m. with the women’s game followed by the men’s game at 7:30.

“Wednesday night should be a fun evening for the entire family,” athletic director Jennifer Pedersen said. “NJC is bringing a tremendous amount of talent to Cougar Palace and both Cougar teams will have to work hard to secure wins. We are also excited to have the Broncos Cheerleaders with us for the evening. This will help us have a unique half-time entertainment package for all the spectators.”

Pedersen said there is special admission for this game because of the Broncos cheerleaders. Admission will be $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. No passes will be accepted, Pedersen said.

On top of two intense basketball games and the bronco cheerleaders, Pedersen said that the Gering Up third grade boys basketball teams will perform at halftime of the women’s game. Plus Platte Valley Companies will be hosting shooting contests throughout the night during timeouts.

“The cheerleaders will be performing at half-time and talking about the organization as well as their careers,” Pedersen said. “Then, they will be signing autographs after the men's game.”

As for the games themselves, the NJC men enter Wednesday’s contest leading Region IX with a 26-3 record and have won 13 straight games, including a 106-84 win over the Cougars earlier this season. The NJC women are also looking to make a clean sweep over the Cougar women after winning 79-61 last month in Sterling, Colo.

The NJC women enter the contest with a 23-5 record. The Cougar women, however, are playing much better since the last time the two Region IX juggernauts faced off. WNCC is 23-4 on the season and have won six straight contests.

“Both teams are extremely skilled this year,” Pedersen said of the NJC teams. “The women’s team has a number of skilled freshmen and the men’s team is returning from a regional title they won last year on this court.”

Pedersen said it should be a good game this time around, considering both Cougar teams are playing well. Plus, she said, the home crowd should be in their favor.

“Our main strength will be our home court and our home crowd,” she said. “Our kids really feed off of positive energy from the crowd, and I think this is just what we need. Also, both teams are playing well at this point in the year and we need to keep the momentum as we finish off the week.”

After Wednesday’s contest, the Cougar teams will wrap up the home campaign with after games on Saturday. The women will entertain Otero Junior College at 1 p.m. followed by the men taking on Lamar Community College at 3 p.m. Both Cougar teams will conclude the regular season on Feb. 27 when they travel to Eastern Wyoming College.

“As a coaching staff, we never really think past the next game. We really try to keep the kids focused on where we need to be next, not where we want to end up,” Pedersen said. “But, for the women’s game, the players need to bring defensive intensity to the gall game. Our team cannot afford to be stagnate at anytime over the course of 40 minutes. We really must play together and capitalize on the turnovers.”

WNCC men take down North Platte 66-63

Defensive stops is what Western Nebraska Community College first-year coach Brian Joyce preaches to his players, and on President’s Day evening, the Cougars put together a 2-minute defensive stand at the end of the game to knock off North Platte Community College 66-63 at Cougar Palace.

“I thought our defense was much better down the stretch then it has been in other games,” Joyce said. “Sometimes you are not going to make shots and you just have to make stops. And this game was about getting stops at the end.

“We got stops time after time for a four minute span, where we didn’t have scores on either end. I think our guys hung in there. That is what we work on in practice and it was a good confidence builder for our guys defensively.

The win was the Cougar’s 15^th on the season and puts the Cougars 4-2 in sub-region play, giving them the No. 2 seed in next months’ Region IX tournament. North Platte drops to 19-8 on the year and 5-1 in the East sub-region. While WNCC couldn’t garner the No. 1 seed no matter the outcome, the Cougars win avenges a sub-region loss to the Knights from earlier in the season, 87-72.

“I thought this game was different from earlier in the year when teams would go on a run and then we would start to take quicker shots, stop moving the ball, and stop playing together,” Joyce said. “Tonight we hung in there, being solid and putting ourselves in a position to stay in the game. Eventually it comes down to the end of the game about getting stops and we were fortunate to do that.”

The Cougars found themselves behind the eight-ball on several occasions on the night. In the first half, the Knights forged out to a 7-point lead on back-to-back buckets by Eugene Parker, 34-27.

WNCC didn’t fold as they clawed their way back into the contest, going on a 10-4 run to trail 38-37 at intermission.

North Platte came out of the locker room with back-to-back buckets by Eugene Bain, including an in-your-face-dunk to put the Knights up 42-37.

The Cougars settled down taking the lead at 17:31 on a Drew Eisinger bucket. Seconds later Drew’s brother, Jamie, nailed a fade-away jumper to put WNCC up 45-42. Both teams kept battling like two boxers as each time the Cougars got up by four points, the Knights came back, tying the game three times. In fact, there were seven ties and six lead changes throughout the game.

North Platte’s Bain tied the game for the last time at 59 with two minutes to play. WNCC came right back and worked the ball to an wide open Kelvin Franklin in the left corner for his third trey of the game to put WNCC up 62-59.

After a North Platte bucket off an offensive rebound, WNCC came back to salt the game away. First Deividus Busma was fouled on an offensive rebound with 52.3 seconds to play. Busma nailed one of two free throws.

The Cougars got a big stop on defense and Franklin drove the lane with 26 seconds to play to put WNCC up 65-61. The Knights then missed a 3-pointer and Drew Eisinger hauled in the rebound and was fouled with 13.5 seconds. Eisinger made one of two free throws before Bain nailed a shot at the buzzer to close the contest to within three.

The two teams were fairly even on the night as North Platte shot 41 percent from the field compared to 45 percent for WNCC. Both teams also nailed four 3-pointers. WNCC did out-rebound the Knights 39-33 as Busma hauled in 10 boards. Bain had 12 boards for the Knights.

WNCC had just two players in double figures. Franklin led the way with 17 points followed by Chris Hamblin with 12.

North Platte had four players in double figures. Bain led the way with a double-double, collecting 19 points and 12 rebounds. Joseph Odugbela followed with 17 points with Parker and Andrew Hanson finishing with 12 and 11 points respectively.

The Cougars will have little time to enjoy the win as they host Northeastern Junior College on Wednesday night in a men’s and women’s doubleheader. The night will also be special as members of the Denver Bronco cheerleaders will be attendance performing at halftime

Joyce said his team will be ready to face his old college.

“I think our guys are excited about it. It will be a great atmosphere here and the people will be fired up,” he said. “I know our guys will be. Hopefully we can continue and get some momentum going into the next few games. We will have to play a lot better and have everybody on the same page. As long as we have every body on the same page, we will be fine.”

North Platte (19-8) 38 25 – 63
WNCC (15-12) 37 29 – 66
NORTH PLATTE
Eugene Parker 12, Andrew Hanson 11, Quinton Spivey 4, Joseph Odugbela 15, Eugene Bain 19.
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Jamie Eisinger 4, Daniel Smith 8, Kelvin Franklin 17, Lloyd Hickinson 4, Drew Eisinger 9, Deividas Busma 9, Chris Hamblin 12, Doradji Wilson 3.

WNCC baseball splits season-opener with No. 25 Seward County

LIBERAL, Kan. – The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team opened the season splitting a doubleheader Monday against Seward County Community College.

The Cougar men were blanked in game one 6-0 before picking up a 5-4, nine-inning thriller in game two. It was the season-opener for both teams.

In the Cougars second game win against No. 25 Seward County, WNCC scored four times in the fourth inning on a two-run single by sophomore Greg Crowe to take a 4-0 lead. The Saints came back and tied the game at 4-4 with four runs in the sixth inning.

WNCC won the game in the ninth inning. David Monteagudo led things off with a single. Josh Kruber then sacrificed Monteagudo to second. Luis Capriles ripped a 2-out single Monteagudo with the go-ahead run.

The Cougars’ Jackson Salazar and Jeff Fauss shut down the Saints in the eighth and ninth innings with Salazar getting the win and Fauss the save. Eric Bissonette started the game and got the no decision.

The Cougars scattered eight hits in the win while giving up six.

In the opener, WNCC out-hit Seward County 5-4, but couldn’t scratch across any runs over home plate. Crowe took the loss, throwing four innings, giving up four runs with one strike out.

WNCC will be back in action Tuesday when they take on Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kan. The Cougars are then scheduled to host Miles Community College in doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday at Cleveland Field.

Game One
WNCC 000 000 0 – 0 5 3
Seward 300 030 x – 6 4 1
L – Greg Crow

Game Two
WNCC (1-1) 000 400 001 – 5 8 1
Seward (1-1) 000 004 000 – 4 6 0
WP – Jackson Salazar, Save – Jeff Fauss.