DENVER (AP) — The end of Denver's dubious streak of blown halftime leads and the Broncos' first home victory under coach Sean Payton both came from the most unexpected of sources.

Backup safety P.J. Locke saved the Broncos from another second-half meltdown, intercepting Jordan Love's deep pass in the closing minutes to preserve a 19-17 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Locke — subbing for safety Kareem Jackson, who was ejected for the second time this season following an illegal high hit earlier in the fourth quarter on tight end Luke Musgrave — picked off the throw intended for Samori Toure just after the two-minute warning.

“I saw the ball in their air, I was like, ‘It’s mine,'" the fourth-year pro out of Texas said of his first career interception, which came in his 50th NFL game, all as a reserve.

On the play,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MileHighReport/status/1716233342226399386?s=20">running back A.J. Dillon was wide open</a>&nbsp;for what would have been a big gain underneath, but Love was looking to go deep on third-and-20 from midfield.

The Broncos (2-5) then ran out the clock with Russell Wilson launching a deep heave on fourth-and-9 from his own 26 after taking the shotgun snap with 6 seconds remaining and the Packers (2-4) out of timeouts.

That gave Payton his first win at home in four tries and snapped the Broncos' streak of losing 10 consecutive games in which they'd taken a lead into halftime.

Payton wasn't a celebratory mood, saying, “We're never happy. You know, we work hard, we want it. ... I'm happy we won, I am. I think I was happier before I came in here” to the postgame news conference.

Payton said he's hopeful of much more meaningful milestones, and he bristled when asked about Denver finally making a halftime lead hold up.

"My team hadn't blown 10 straight," Payton said. “So, let's start by saying, ‘The Denver Broncos historically ...’"

When the reporter did just that, Payton cut him off: “Yeah, I don't pay attention to that.”

Three of those blown halftime leads came on Payton's watch, and the Broncos frittered away a 9-0 advantage at the midpoint Sunday before Wil Lutz's fourth field goal, from 52 yards out, with 3:50 remaining put Denver back in front for good.

The Packers quickly approached field-goal range for rookie kicker Anders Carlson, but after A.J. Dillon's 29-yard catch-and-run, things went sideways for Green Bay. Love was facing third-and-20 from his own 46 when his deep pass was picked off.

The Packers took a 17-16 lead on Love's 4-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed midway through the fourth quarter that went off Romeo Doubs' hands.

Doubs had pulled the Packers within 16-10 in the third quarter on a 16-yard touchdown catch that both he and cornerback Patrick Surtain II corralled as they tumbled to the ground.

On the broadcast, CBS rules expert Gene Steratore said he believed&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1716221608929669400?s=20">the touchdown should have been ruled an interception</a>&nbsp;because Surtain had two feet down before Doubs did. Therefore, Steratore argued, Surtain had completed the catch before Doubs had done so.

“That makes me feel better,” Surtain said, “but at the end of the day it was still a touchdown.”

Payton concurred, saying, “I was surprised” it wasn't ruled an interception on the field or via the NFL's standard review of all scoring plays. “I think we're going to see that was something that should have been called the other way,” Payton said.

Refreee Alex Kemp, however, explained to a pool reporter, “We ruled on the field that the Green Bay receiver controlled the ball while airborne and came to the ground and never lost control of the ball and therefore, by rule, it is a touchdown.”

Kemp said simultaneous possession wasn't ruled on the field but even if it had been, the play still would have resulted in a touchdown.

NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Walt Anderson said the TD call was confirmed at league headquarters in New York.

“And since the ruling on the field was a touchdown, we reviewed the play for the elements of a catch, which were control and maintaining control when he went to the ground, and then the receiver kept control of the ball,” Anderson said. "There were no views that showed that the receiver ever lost control of the ball from the time he initially possessed it until he completed the catch process on the ground.”

Locke's interception rendered it a moot point as far as the outcome was concerned.

Wilson rebounded from his worst game as a Bronco a week earlier to throw for 195 yards on 20-of-29 passing with one touchdown, a 18-yarder to Courtland Sutton that gave Denver a 16-3 lead.

Jackson, who’s been fined four times already for illegal hits and drew an ejection against Washington in Week 2, was DQ’d after hitting Musgrave in the head after his 18-yard catch along the Packers sideline early in the fourth quarter.

“I think one of the challenges for Kareem is he's got some priors,” Payton said. “So, you know, when you get pulled over and you've had four or five speeding violations, you're going to spend a little more time on the side of the road.”

Aaron Jones returned from a pulled hamstring and gained 58 yards on 11 touches, not nearly enough to kick-start Green Bay's stagnant offense.

During their last four games, the Packers have been outscored a combined 63-6 in the first half.

“We just lost to Denver,” cornerback Rasul Douglas said, his voice dripping with disgust. “Not saying they're terrible, but come on, we're supposed to win, man."

Four Packers were injured in the second quarter: DL Devonte Wyatt (knee), S Darnell Savage (calf), CB Eric Stokes (hamstring) and WR Jayden Reed (shin). Musgrave (ankle) left after the illegal hit by Jackson.

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterDENVER (AP) — The end of Denver's dubious streak of blown halftime leads and the Broncos' first home victory under coach Sean Payton both came from the most unexpected of sources.Backup safety P.J. Locke saved the Broncos from another second-half meltdown, intercepting Jordan Love's deep pass in the closing minutes to preserve a 19-17 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.Locke — subbing for safety Kareem Jackson, who was ejected for the second time this season following an illegal high hit earlier in the fourth quarter on tight end Luke Musgrave — picked off the throw intended for Samori Toure just after the two-minute warning.“I saw the ball in their air, I was like, ‘It’s mine,'" the fourth-year pro out of Texas said of his first career interception, which came in his 50th NFL game, all as a reserve.On the play,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MileHighReport/status/1716233342226399386?s=20">running back A.J. Dillon was wide open</a>&nbsp;for what would have been a big gain underneath, but Love was looking to go deep on third-and-20 from midfield.The Broncos (2-5) then ran out the clock with Russell Wilson launching a deep heave on fourth-and-9 from his own 26 after taking the shotgun snap with 6 seconds remaining and the Packers (2-4) out of timeouts.That gave Payton his first win at home in four tries and snapped the Broncos' streak of losing 10 consecutive games in which they'd taken a lead into halftime.Payton wasn't a celebratory mood, saying, “We're never happy. You know, we work hard, we want it. ... I'm happy we won, I am. I think I was happier before I came in here” to the postgame news conference.Payton said he's hopeful of much more meaningful milestones, and he bristled when asked about Denver finally making a halftime lead hold up."My team hadn't blown 10 straight," Payton said. “So, let's start by saying, ‘The Denver Broncos historically ...’"When the reporter did just that, Payton cut him off: “Yeah, I don't pay attention to that.”Three of those blown halftime leads came on Payton's watch, and the Broncos frittered away a 9-0 advantage at the midpoint Sunday before Wil Lutz's fourth field goal, from 52 yards out, with 3:50 remaining put Denver back in front for good.The Packers quickly approached field-goal range for rookie kicker Anders Carlson, but after A.J. Dillon's 29-yard catch-and-run, things went sideways for Green Bay. Love was facing third-and-20 from his own 46 when his deep pass was picked off.The Packers took a 17-16 lead on Love's 4-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Reed midway through the fourth quarter that went off Romeo Doubs' hands.Doubs had pulled the Packers within 16-10 in the third quarter on a 16-yard touchdown catch that both he and cornerback Patrick Surtain II corralled as they tumbled to the ground.On the broadcast, CBS rules expert Gene Steratore said he believed&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1716221608929669400?s=20">the touchdown should have been ruled an interception</a>&nbsp;because Surtain had two feet down before Doubs did. Therefore, Steratore argued, Surtain had completed the catch before Doubs had done so.“That makes me feel better,” Surtain said, “but at the end of the day it was still a touchdown.”Payton concurred, saying, “I was surprised” it wasn't ruled an interception on the field or via the NFL's standard review of all scoring plays. “I think we're going to see that was something that should have been called the other way,” Payton said.Refreee Alex Kemp, however, explained to a pool reporter, “We ruled on the field that the Green Bay receiver controlled the ball while airborne and came to the ground and never lost control of the ball and therefore, by rule, it is a touchdown.”Kemp said simultaneous possession wasn't ruled on the field but even if it had been, the play still would have resulted in a touchdown.NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Walt Anderson said the TD call was confirmed at league headquarters in New York.“And since the ruling on the field was a touchdown, we reviewed the play for the elements of a catch, which were control and maintaining control when he went to the ground, and then the receiver kept control of the ball,” Anderson said. "There were no views that showed that the receiver ever lost control of the ball from the time he initially possessed it until he completed the catch process on the ground.”Locke's interception rendered it a moot point as far as the outcome was concerned.Wilson rebounded from his worst game as a Bronco a week earlier to throw for 195 yards on 20-of-29 passing with one touchdown, a 18-yarder to Courtland Sutton that gave Denver a 16-3 lead.JACKSON EJECTIONJackson, who’s been fined four times already for illegal hits and drew an ejection against Washington in Week 2, was DQ’d after hitting Musgrave in the head after his 18-yard catch along the Packers sideline early in the fourth quarter.“I think one of the challenges for Kareem is he's got some priors,” Payton said. “So, you know, when you get pulled over and you've had four or five speeding violations, you're going to spend a little more time on the side of the road.”Aaron Jones returned from a pulled hamstring and gained 58 yards on 11 touches, not nearly enough to kick-start Green Bay's stagnant offense.During their last four games, the Packers have been outscored a combined 63-6 in the first half.“We just lost to Denver,” cornerback Rasul Douglas said, his voice dripping with disgust. “Not saying they're terrible, but come on, we're supposed to win, man."INJURIESFour Packers were injured in the second quarter: DL Devonte Wyatt (knee), S Darnell Savage (calf), CB Eric Stokes (hamstring) and WR Jayden Reed (shin). Musgrave (ankle) left after the illegal hit by Jackson.UP NEXTPackers: Host Minnesota next Sunday.Broncos: Host Kansas City next Sunday.

P.J. Locke saves Denver from another second-half meltdown as Broncos beat Packers 19-17

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

The 33rd-ranked Missouri Western State Griffons won a video challenge with three minutes left and that led to junior Cody Watson hitting a walk-off 31-yard field goal to help the Griffons rally past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&amp;id=7446" target="_blank">20-17</a>, Saturday at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium. The Griffs (6-2) improve to 3-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less while the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;(2-6) fall to 1-3 in such contests. UNK still leads the all-time series, 20-13."That one hurts, there's no doubt about it," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held. "We've really been fighting and sticking to our process of trying to get better and put ourselves in position to win. We did that today against a good team and we had our chances. At the end of the day thought, there's still those sequential paralyzing plays." Mo West trailed 17-7 heading into the fourth quarter but started their comeback after sixth-year senior quarterback Armani&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;scrambled for 19 yards on 3rd &amp; 15 to start the final 15 minutes.&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;then ran for 14 yards on 3rd &amp; 10 a few plays later and then found 6-5 junior receiver Jake&nbsp;Berrey&nbsp;from 14 yards out to make it a one score game. Unfortunately, UNK inadvertently downed the subsequent kickoff at their own five-yard line. The Griffs forced a punt, took over at the Loper 47-yard line with Watson tying things up from 34-yards out.&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;converted 3rd &amp; 10 thanks to a 19-yard throw a few players earlier.&nbsp;

"Our kids played hard, and they fought. A lot of teams would've just folded but, again, we're right there,"&nbsp;said Held. "At the end of the day, we didn't get it done. I feel for our guys. "On the next UNK drive, redshirt sophomore QB&nbsp;Sean Johnson Jr.&nbsp;(Orlando) had his number called on four straight runs. They gained 45 yards, but the drive stalled at the Griffon 31-yard line. A 12-yard punt gave Mo West the ball back with&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;throwing a 14-yard pass to receiver&nbsp;Traveon&nbsp;James on second down. The play was called a fumble on the field with corner&nbsp;Jerome Houston Jr.&nbsp;(Bellevue West) with the force and junior rover&nbsp;Jamere&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;(Clayton, N.C.) with the recovery. However, the play was overturned after a video review, and it was 1st &amp; 10 Griffs at their own 34-yard line. "I punted the ball because I wanted them to have to drive 90 yards for a field goal. They didn't have a returner back. The (short) punt and (downed) kickoff are just two catastrophic plays," said Held. "They went in and looked at it (video review) and that would've been nice to have had that. "Edden&nbsp;completed two more passes, for 15 yards, ran 13 yards for a first down with redshirt freshman back Seth Cromwell running for 21 yards on 3rd &amp; 1 from the Loper 35-yard line. His forward progress didn't stop and the whole Griff offense helped him matriculate the ball down the field. "At that moment (losing the review), you have to switch and get into the mode of we've got to stop them," said Held. "That's where we must continue to learn. That was a disappointment, but you must be able to let that go and play the next down. Because they still had to go down and kick a field goal. "Watson had a 30-yard field goal blocked by tackle&nbsp;Tell Spies&nbsp;(Mullen) at the end of the half and was wide on a 45-yard attempt in the first quarter, but his game-winner went through the uprights. He's now 10 of 15 on the season. QB&nbsp;TJ Davis&nbsp;(Colorado Springs) threw scoring passes of 36 and 48 yards to receivers&nbsp;Cole Brown&nbsp;(Dallas, Ga.) and&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(Gaithersburg, Md.) to make it 14-7 midway through the second quarter. UNK could've easily increased its lead as tackle&nbsp;Stephen&nbsp;Matina&nbsp;(Lansing, Kan.) forced a fumble at the Griffon five-yard line after a rough kick return for the Griffs. End&nbsp;Quillan&nbsp;Felton&nbsp;(LaGrange, Ga.) had the recovery, but three subsequent plays netted two yards and a 23-yard field goal was wide."Forty-six plays are not enough. I thought Sean did a really nice job. He came in and we were humming really, really good (at the end)," said Held. "That two QB system is a good threat for us."Mo West out gained UNK by a 379-268 margin thanks to running 25 more plays. Cromwell ran for an even 100 yards on 19 carries with&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;going 24 of 36 for 193 yards. James and junior receiver&nbsp;Tayler&nbsp;Carey both caught six passes for a combined 87 yards. Defensively, ends&nbsp;Dakari&nbsp;Streeter (3.0 TFL) and CJ&nbsp;Ravenell&nbsp;(five tackles) and linebacker Anthony&nbsp;Villanueva&nbsp;(six tackles) led the way. For UNK, Johnson Jr. tallied 89 yards on 10 carries with back&nbsp;Kevin Brown&nbsp;(East St. Louis) coming off the IL to run for 20 yards on six totes. Next, Davis was 7 of 9 for 113 yards with junior receiver&nbsp;AJ&nbsp;McPhee&nbsp;(Belle Glade, Fla.) having two catches for 29 yards. Felton (eight tackles, two&nbsp;TFL's) led the Loper D with corner&nbsp;Armani Webster&nbsp;(Chicago) and safety&nbsp;Tre&nbsp;O'Guinn&nbsp;(Peoria, Ariz.) having seven stops apiece. UNK heads to Emporia State next Saturday. The No. 24 Hornets (5-3) lost at No. 16 Central Missouri today, 77-27.



Story by UNK Athletic Communications

The 33rd-ranked Missouri Western State Griffons won a video challenge with three minutes left and that led to junior Cody Watson hitting a walk-off 31-yard field goal to help the Griffons rally past Nebraska Kearney,&nbsp;<a href="https://lopers.com/boxscore.aspx?path=football&amp;id=7446" target="_blank">20-17</a>, Saturday at Ron &amp; Carol Cope Stadium. The Griffs (6-2) improve to 3-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less while the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;(2-6) fall to 1-3 in such contests. UNK still leads the all-time series, 20-13."That one hurts, there's no doubt about it," said UNK head coach&nbsp;Ryan Held. "We've really been fighting and sticking to our process of trying to get better and put ourselves in position to win. We did that today against a good team and we had our chances. At the end of the day thought, there's still those sequential paralyzing plays." Mo West trailed 17-7 heading into the fourth quarter but started their comeback after sixth-year senior quarterback Armani&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;scrambled for 19 yards on 3rd &amp; 15 to start the final 15 minutes.&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;then ran for 14 yards on 3rd &amp; 10 a few plays later and then found 6-5 junior receiver Jake&nbsp;Berrey&nbsp;from 14 yards out to make it a one score game. Unfortunately, UNK inadvertently downed the subsequent kickoff at their own five-yard line. The Griffs forced a punt, took over at the Loper 47-yard line with Watson tying things up from 34-yards out.&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;converted 3rd &amp; 10 thanks to a 19-yard throw a few players earlier.&nbsp;"Our kids played hard, and they fought. A lot of teams would've just folded but, again, we're right there,"&nbsp;said Held. "At the end of the day, we didn't get it done. I feel for our guys. "On the next UNK drive, redshirt sophomore QB&nbsp;Sean Johnson Jr.&nbsp;(Orlando) had his number called on four straight runs. They gained 45 yards, but the drive stalled at the Griffon 31-yard line. A 12-yard punt gave Mo West the ball back with&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;throwing a 14-yard pass to receiver&nbsp;Traveon&nbsp;James on second down. The play was called a fumble on the field with corner&nbsp;Jerome Houston Jr.&nbsp;(Bellevue West) with the force and junior rover&nbsp;Jamere&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;(Clayton, N.C.) with the recovery. However, the play was overturned after a video review, and it was 1st &amp; 10 Griffs at their own 34-yard line. "I punted the ball because I wanted them to have to drive 90 yards for a field goal. They didn't have a returner back. The (short) punt and (downed) kickoff are just two catastrophic plays," said Held. "They went in and looked at it (video review) and that would've been nice to have had that. "Edden&nbsp;completed two more passes, for 15 yards, ran 13 yards for a first down with redshirt freshman back Seth Cromwell running for 21 yards on 3rd &amp; 1 from the Loper 35-yard line. His forward progress didn't stop and the whole Griff offense helped him matriculate the ball down the field. "At that moment (losing the review), you have to switch and get into the mode of we've got to stop them," said Held. "That's where we must continue to learn. That was a disappointment, but you must be able to let that go and play the next down. Because they still had to go down and kick a field goal. "Watson had a 30-yard field goal blocked by tackle&nbsp;Tell Spies&nbsp;(Mullen) at the end of the half and was wide on a 45-yard attempt in the first quarter, but his game-winner went through the uprights. He's now 10 of 15 on the season. QB&nbsp;TJ Davis&nbsp;(Colorado Springs) threw scoring passes of 36 and 48 yards to receivers&nbsp;Cole Brown&nbsp;(Dallas, Ga.) and&nbsp;Reggie Anderson&nbsp;(Gaithersburg, Md.) to make it 14-7 midway through the second quarter. UNK could've easily increased its lead as tackle&nbsp;Stephen&nbsp;Matina&nbsp;(Lansing, Kan.) forced a fumble at the Griffon five-yard line after a rough kick return for the Griffs. End&nbsp;Quillan&nbsp;Felton&nbsp;(LaGrange, Ga.) had the recovery, but three subsequent plays netted two yards and a 23-yard field goal was wide."Forty-six plays are not enough. I thought Sean did a really nice job. He came in and we were humming really, really good (at the end)," said Held. "That two QB system is a good threat for us."Mo West out gained UNK by a 379-268 margin thanks to running 25 more plays. Cromwell ran for an even 100 yards on 19 carries with&nbsp;Edden&nbsp;going 24 of 36 for 193 yards. James and junior receiver&nbsp;Tayler&nbsp;Carey both caught six passes for a combined 87 yards. Defensively, ends&nbsp;Dakari&nbsp;Streeter (3.0 TFL) and CJ&nbsp;Ravenell&nbsp;(five tackles) and linebacker Anthony&nbsp;Villanueva&nbsp;(six tackles) led the way. For UNK, Johnson Jr. tallied 89 yards on 10 carries with back&nbsp;Kevin Brown&nbsp;(East St. Louis) coming off the IL to run for 20 yards on six totes. Next, Davis was 7 of 9 for 113 yards with junior receiver&nbsp;AJ&nbsp;McPhee&nbsp;(Belle Glade, Fla.) having two catches for 29 yards. Felton (eight tackles, two&nbsp;TFL's) led the Loper D with corner&nbsp;Armani Webster&nbsp;(Chicago) and safety&nbsp;Tre&nbsp;O'Guinn&nbsp;(Peoria, Ariz.) having seven stops apiece. UNK heads to Emporia State next Saturday. The No. 24 Hornets (5-3) lost at No. 16 Central Missouri today, 77-27.

Lopers outscored 13-0 in the Fourth Quarter

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The Nebraska swimming and diving team defeated South Dakota State with a final score of 195-96 on Friday at the Devaney Natatorium.

The Huskers started the meet strong with a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay. Sarah Barton, Maia Hall, Beatrix Tanko and Anna Vlachou combined for the win with a time of 1:46.25.&nbsp;

Barton added standout performances in three individual events, taking first in the 100 backstroke (57.21) and the 200 IM (2:07.94) and second in the 500 freestyle (5:13.74).&nbsp;

Husker freshmen Tanko, Vlachou and Anastasia Tichy found their groove and each contributed individual titles for the Huskers. Tanko and Vlachou teamed up for a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay. Tanko added wins in the 50 freestyle (24.22), the 500 freestyle (5:06.84) and the 200 freestyle relay to end the meet.&nbsp;

Vlachou topped the standings in the 100 butterfly with a time of 56.61 and added a third-place finish in the 200 freestyle (1:55.19). Tichy captured a win in the 200 butterfly (2:05.67).

In the second event of the day (1000 freestyle), Caterina Bisiacchi pulled out a close win over teammate Giulia Marchi with a time of 10:27.62. Marchi finished with a time of 10:28.19 and topped the next finisher by over 30 seconds. In the 100 freestyle, Marchi added a first-place finish (52.84) and contributed to the winning 200 freestyle relay.

Gena Jorgenson logged a first-place finish in the 200 freestyle (1:52.33) and JoJo Randby cruised to a 200 breaststroke (2:22.85) victory. Randby also claimed the runner-up spot to Tanko in the 50 freestyle (24.32).

In the 100 breaststroke, Maia Hall captured the title (1:05.28) and Amelia Riggott claimed second (1:07.02).&nbsp;

Freshmen Antonina Harned and Abby Baxter led the Huskers in the diving well. Harned logged a score of 318.68 on the three-meter dive to win the event, while Baxter finished first on the one meter with a score of 305.55.

Sianne Downes captured the lone win for the Jackrabbits. The senior from Edenvale, South Africa, took first-place in the 200 backstroke (2:04.41) and second-place in the 100 backstroke.

The Huskers are back in action on Friday, Nov. 3 against Kansas at the Devaney Natatorium. The meet will begin at 4 p.m.

Nebraska Champions200 Medley Relay - Sarah Barton, Maia Hall, Beatrix Tanko and Anna Vlachou (1:46.25)1000 Freestyle - Caterina Bisiacchi (10:27.62)200 Freestyle - Gena Jorgenson (1:52.33)100 Backstroke - Sarah Barton (57.21)100 Breaststroke - Maia Hall (1:05.28)200 Butterfly - Anastasia Tichy (2:05.67)50 Freestyle - Beatrix Tanko (24.22)One Meter Diving - Abby Baxter (305.55)100 Freestyle - Giulia Marchi (52.84)200 Breaststroke - JoJo Randby (2:22.85)500 Freestyle - Beatrix Tanko (5:06.84)100 Butterfly - Anna Vlachou (56.61)Three Meter Diving - Antonina Harned (318.68)200 IM - Sarah Barton (2:07.94)200 Freestyle Relay - Emily Haimes, Lexi Kucera, Beatrix Tanko and Giulia Marchi (1:36.27)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska swimming and diving team defeated South Dakota State with a final score of 195-96 on Friday at the Devaney Natatorium.The Huskers started the meet strong with a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay. Sarah Barton, Maia Hall, Beatrix Tanko and Anna Vlachou combined for the win with a time of 1:46.25.&nbsp;Barton added standout performances in three individual events, taking first in the 100 backstroke (57.21) and the 200 IM (2:07.94) and second in the 500 freestyle (5:13.74).&nbsp;Husker freshmen Tanko, Vlachou and Anastasia Tichy found their groove and each contributed individual titles for the Huskers. Tanko and Vlachou teamed up for a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay. Tanko added wins in the 50 freestyle (24.22), the 500 freestyle (5:06.84) and the 200 freestyle relay to end the meet.&nbsp;Vlachou topped the standings in the 100 butterfly with a time of 56.61 and added a third-place finish in the 200 freestyle (1:55.19). Tichy captured a win in the 200 butterfly (2:05.67).In the second event of the day (1000 freestyle), Caterina Bisiacchi pulled out a close win over teammate Giulia Marchi with a time of 10:27.62. Marchi finished with a time of 10:28.19 and topped the next finisher by over 30 seconds. In the 100 freestyle, Marchi added a first-place finish (52.84) and contributed to the winning 200 freestyle relay.Gena Jorgenson logged a first-place finish in the 200 freestyle (1:52.33) and JoJo Randby cruised to a 200 breaststroke (2:22.85) victory. Randby also claimed the runner-up spot to Tanko in the 50 freestyle (24.32).In the 100 breaststroke, Maia Hall captured the title (1:05.28) and Amelia Riggott claimed second (1:07.02).&nbsp;Freshmen Antonina Harned and Abby Baxter led the Huskers in the diving well. Harned logged a score of 318.68 on the three-meter dive to win the event, while Baxter finished first on the one meter with a score of 305.55.Sianne Downes captured the lone win for the Jackrabbits. The senior from Edenvale, South Africa, took first-place in the 200 backstroke (2:04.41) and second-place in the 100 backstroke.The Huskers are back in action on Friday, Nov. 3 against Kansas at the Devaney Natatorium. The meet will begin at 4 p.m.Nebraska 195, South Dakota State 96Friday, Oct. 20, 2023Lincoln, Neb. (Devaney Natatorium)Nebraska Champions200 Medley Relay - Sarah Barton, Maia Hall, Beatrix Tanko and Anna Vlachou (1:46.25)1000 Freestyle - Caterina Bisiacchi (10:27.62)200 Freestyle - Gena Jorgenson (1:52.33)100 Backstroke - Sarah Barton (57.21)100 Breaststroke - Maia Hall (1:05.28)200 Butterfly - Anastasia Tichy (2:05.67)50 Freestyle - Beatrix Tanko (24.22)One Meter Diving - Abby Baxter (305.55)100 Freestyle - Giulia Marchi (52.84)200 Breaststroke - JoJo Randby (2:22.85)500 Freestyle - Beatrix Tanko (5:06.84)100 Butterfly - Anna Vlachou (56.61)Three Meter Diving - Antonina Harned (318.68)200 IM - Sarah Barton (2:07.94)200 Freestyle Relay - Emily Haimes, Lexi Kucera, Beatrix Tanko and Giulia Marchi (1:36.27)

Huskers top Jackrabbits at home

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697907077412.png" alt="C-2 Bracket" />
 <figcaption>C-2 Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>

Class C-2 Football bracket

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697907037874.png" alt="C-1 Bracket" />
 <figcaption>C-1 Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>

NSAA Class C-1 Football bracket

Bennington 76, Mount Michael Benedictine 7

Columbus Lakeview 42, Scotus Central Catholic 14

Creighton Preparatory School 46, Omaha Benson 0

Hastings St. Cecilia 47, Doniphan-Trumbull 19

Lincoln Southeast 49, South Sioux City 15

North Bend Central 52, Archbishop Bergan 20

Oakland-Craig 52, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS) 15

Adams Central 41, Fairbury 6Amherst 44, Hershey 13Arthur County 60, Wallace 8Ashland-Greenwood 49, Platteview 21Auburn 34, Nebraska City 32Aurora 41, Central City 27Bennington 76, Mount Michael Benedictine 7Bishop Neumann 12, Aquinas Catholic 0Chadron 28, McCook 21Chase County 35, Valentine 0Columbus Lakeview 42, Scotus Central Catholic 14Creighton Preparatory School 46, Omaha Benson 0Crete 42, Omaha Buena Vista 0Douglas County West 46, Arlington 12Elkhorn North 35, Blair 7Elkhorn South 10, Omaha North 0Fillmore Central 43, Wood River 8Garden County 56, Creek Valley 0Gothenburg 22, Broken Bow 21Grand Island 79, Omaha Northwest 6Gretna 31, Lincoln East 14Hastings 21, Gering 14Hastings St. Cecilia 47, Doniphan-Trumbull 19Kearney 35, Norfolk 7Kearney Catholic 44, Gibbon 6Lincoln Christian 48, Syracuse 42Lincoln Lutheran 27, Milford 20Lincoln North Star 38, Columbus 20Lincoln Southeast 49, South Sioux City 15Louisville 24, David City 7Malcolm 16, Wilber-Clatonia 14Meridian 41, Sterling 28Millard South 65, Lincoln High 0Millard West 56, Omaha Bryan 21Minden 12, Cozad 7Mitchell 58, Gordon-Rushville 20Norfolk Catholic 41, Cedar Catholic 0Norris 42, Lincoln Pius X 12North Bend Central 52, Archbishop Bergan 20ONeill 41, Wayne 14Oakland-Craig 52, Logan View/Scribner-Snyder (LVSS) 15Ogallala 28, Holdrege 14Omaha Central 48, Omaha Burke 0Ord 35, Centura 7Papillion-LaVista 41, North Platte 0Pawnee City 52, Dorchester 25Pierce 53, West Point-Beemer 19Plattsmouth 48, Ralston 7Ponca 14, West Holt 7Potter-Dix 51, South Platte 15Raymond Central 26, Falls City 21Santee 1, Elba 0 (Forfeit)Scottsbluff 66, Lexington 7Seward 35, Gretna East 31Sidney 56, Alliance 20Sioux County 65, Minatare 0Stuart 59, Hampton 46Sumner-Eddyville-Miller 49, Shelton 7Tri County 61, Centennial 14Wahoo 54, Schuyler 0Wauneta-Palisade 63, Brady 52Waverly 49, Lincoln Northwest 0Wilcox-Hildreth 66, Harvard 16York 16, Northwest 14

Area Football scores for October 20th

KEARNEY, Neb - Nebraska State Cross Country was held in Kearney on Friday. Area runners did very well. North Platte St. Patricks' Boys team and Gothenburg's Boys team won Team Gold Medals. Ogallala's Lindee Henning took first place in the Class C Girls, and Perkins County's Mason McGreer won the Class D Boys.&nbsp;

FULL RESULTS from 2023 State Cross Country Meet

48   Jack Knapp                 9 North Platte                           35    5:18   50   11:01 17:20.5  5:35 

68   Rian Teets                12 North Platte                           34    5:17   60   11:12 17:53.5  5:46 

40   Jada Hothan               11 North Platte                           34    6:26   42   13:26 21:01.3  6:46 

1.   Gothenburg                              (  17:19.31  1:09:17.25   1:17.23)

     2   Tyler Hetz                 9 Gothenburg                             17    5:26    3   10:56 16:35.9  5:21 

     8   Parker Graves          12 Gothenburg                             21    5:27   12   11:06 17:20.8  5:35 

     9   Haven Hauxwell      10 Chase County                           24    5:28   19   11:14 17:21.9  5:36 

    15   Ethan Olsen             12 Gothenburg                             30    5:30   20   11:15 17:27.5  5:38 

    25   Yahriel Gaeta          11 Gothenburg                              9    5:24   25   11:21 17:53.2  5:46 

    37   Jackson Hansen      11 Broken Bow                             23    5:28   27   11:22 18:08.7  5:51 

    44   Nathan Sager          12 Gothenburg                             32    5:31   39   11:27 18:18.3  5:54 

    46   Sawyer Laflan          10 Ogallala                               76    5:41   49   11:40 18:22.1  5:55 

    51   Chase Moorhead    12 Hershey                                67    5:40   60   11:46 18:24.4  5:56 

    54   Jordan Arensdorf    11 Hershey                                92    5:47   76   11:57 18:30.1  5:58 

    55   Evan Pelzer               9 Gothenburg                             73    5:41   47   11:39 18:32.4  5:59 

    56   Josiah Wilkinson      11 McCook                                 65    5:39   59   11:45 18:34.7  5:59 

9.   McCook                                  (  23:21.21  1:33:24.87   4:31.23)

11.   Broken Bow                              (  23:32.08  1:34:08.34   2:23.06)

1   Lindee Henning            12 Ogallala                                1    5:48    1   12:00 19:33.9  6:18 

  9   Emma Cappel               10 McCook                                  7    6:22    9   13:28 21:12.1  6:50 

17   1  384 Ashlyn Schauda             9 Broken Bow                             28    6:42   22   14:01 21:51.5  7:03 

21   Adeline Pinkston           9 Gothenburg                             13    6:28   20   13:51 22:02.8  7:06 

34   Kiarra Jonas               9 Gothenburg                             22    6:35   34   14:22 22:39.8  7:18 

48   2  438 Isabella Renner           12 McCook                                 37    6:46   32   14:21 22:56.7  7:24 

58   Brecken Gale              10 McCook                                 38    6:46   43   14:30 23:33.1  7:35 

68   Lauren Henning            12 Ogallala                               44    6:48   52   14:36 23:48.8  7:40 

71   Anette Guevara             9 Broken Bow                             88    7:11   78   15:06 23:56.8  7:43 

75   Makinley Tobey            12 Broken Bow                             81    7:07   82   15:13 24:05.

78   Genesis Guevara           10 Broken Bow                             85    7:09   70   15:02 24:14.6  7:49 

87   Gaby Staples              11 Broken Bow                             91    7:13   85   15:24 24:43.5  7:58 

100   Megan Miller              11 McCook                                103    7:29   99   16:04 25:43.3  8:17 

105   Maryann Kassner Macfee    11 McCook                                108    7:46  106   16:44 26:51.0  8:39 

111   Jenna Wilkinson           10 McCook                                115    7:55  113   17:17 27:44.6  8:56 

113   Jaycee Staples            10 Broken Bow                            113    7:52  112   17:17 28:12.3  9:05 

North Platte St. Pat's (Class D Boys State Champions)

1.   North Platte St. Patrick's              (  17:25.66    52:17.00   0:27.39)

5.   Perkins County                          (  17:54.06    53:42.19   3:14.42)

1   Mason McGreer             11 Perkins County                         11    5:28    1   10:54 16:46.6  5:24 

2   Elijah Goodell             9 Perkins County                         14    5:29    4   10:57 16:54.7  5:27 

3   Jarrett Miles             12 North Platte St. Patrick's             10    5:28    3   10:55 17:07.6  5:31 

9   Porter Connick            11 North Platte St. Patrick's             37    5:37   16   11:23 17:34.6  5:40 

10   Colton Ham                 9 North Platte St. Patrick's             38    5:38   17   11:24 17:34.9  5:40 

11   Dimitri Pettit            10 North Platte St. Patrick's             39    5:38   18   11:24 17:36.8  5:41 

16   Kael Garrett              10 Medicine Valley                        32    5:35   24   11:29 17:46.4  5:44 

40   Logan Recoy               12 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold)           16    5:30   28   11:31 18:44.9  6:03 

51   Zeke Christiansen         12 Garden County                          26    5:33   33   11:44 19:03.8  6:09 

61   Kyle Finney               12 Mullen                                 50    5:42   63   12:13 19:18.1  6:13 

82   Josiah Coleman            10 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold)           82    5:56   83   12:30 19:49.7  6:23 

89  Brock Tines               11 Perkins County                        117    6:23  110   12:57 20:01.0  6:27 

115   Jacob Hatcher             11 Perkins County                        129    6:43  123   13:47 21:04.0  6:47 

 5.    54  Mullen                                  (  22:10.27  1:06:30.82   2:04.74)

8.    78  Wallace                                 (  22:49.62  1:08:28.87   2:06.51)

16.   141  Brady                                   (  24:45.01  1:14:15.04   4:25.74)

 5   Peyton Paxton             11 Mullen                                 10    6:26    9   13:22 20:47.4  6:42 

 11   Ashley Robertson          11 Wallace                                18    6:36   12   13:38 21:34.8  6:57 

 27   Zoe Johnson                9 Brady                                  34    6:48   28   14:12 22:33.5  7:16 

 33   Harper Andersen            9 Mullen                                 44    6:54   43   14:35 22:51.5  7:22 

 34   Adalena Hampton            9 Mullen                                 66    7:01   48   14:39 22:52.1  7:22 

 35   Riley Hegland              9 Mullen                                 72    7:04   50   14:43 22:54.1  7:23 

 43   Dajana Garrison           12 Wallace                                55    6:59   57   14:47 23:12.9  7:29 

 49  Ella Cool                 11 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold)           50    6:57   51   14:43 23:22.

 81   Elliana Robertson         10 Wallace                                95    7:19   94   15:37 24:32.7  7:54 

 87   Jocelyn Franzen           11 Brady                                  85    7:13   92   15:32 24:42.5  7:58 

 91   Ivy Tullis                11 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold)           98    7:20   87   15:25 24:48.

106   Violet Gentry              9 Brady                                 115    8:02  111   17:10 26:59.2  8:42 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697840253724.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb - Nebraska State Cross Country was held in Kearney on Friday. Area runners did very well. North Platte St. Patricks' Boys team and Gothenburg's Boys team won Team Gold Medals. Ogallala's Lindee Henning took first place in the Class C Girls, and Perkins County's Mason McGreer won the Class D Boys.&nbsp;<h2>FULL RESULTS from 2023 State Cross Country Meet</h2>Class A BoysNorth Platte Boys (Class A)Overall Finish48 Jack Knapp 9 North Platte 35 5:18 50 11:01 17:20.5 5:35 68 Rian Teets 12 North Platte 34 5:17 60 11:12 17:53.5 5:46 Class A Girls40 Jada Hothan 11 North Platte 34 6:26 42 13:26 21:01.3 6:46 Class C BoysGothenburg (Class C) State Champs1. Gothenburg ( 17:19.31 1:09:17.25 1:17.23)Overall Finish 2 Tyler Hetz 9 Gothenburg 17 5:26 3 10:56 16:35.9 5:21 8 Parker Graves 12 Gothenburg 21 5:27 12 11:06 17:20.8 5:35 9 Haven Hauxwell 10 Chase County 24 5:28 19 11:14 17:21.9 5:36 15 Ethan Olsen 12 Gothenburg 30 5:30 20 11:15 17:27.5 5:38 25 Yahriel Gaeta 11 Gothenburg 9 5:24 25 11:21 17:53.2 5:46 37 Jackson Hansen 11 Broken Bow 23 5:28 27 11:22 18:08.7 5:51 44 Nathan Sager 12 Gothenburg 32 5:31 39 11:27 18:18.3 5:54 46 Sawyer Laflan 10 Ogallala 76 5:41 49 11:40 18:22.1 5:55 51 Chase Moorhead 12 Hershey 67 5:40 60 11:46 18:24.4 5:56 54 Jordan Arensdorf 11 Hershey 92 5:47 76 11:57 18:30.1 5:58 55 Evan Pelzer 9 Gothenburg 73 5:41 47 11:39 18:32.4 5:59 56 Josiah Wilkinson 11 McCook 65 5:39 59 11:45 18:34.7 5:59 Class C GirlsTeam9. McCook ( 23:21.21 1:33:24.87 4:31.23)11. Broken Bow ( 23:32.08 1:34:08.34 2:23.06)Overall Finish1 Lindee Henning 12 Ogallala 1 5:48 1 12:00 19:33.9 6:18 9 Emma Cappel 10 McCook 7 6:22 9 13:28 21:12.1 6:50 17 1 384 Ashlyn Schauda 9 Broken Bow 28 6:42 22 14:01 21:51.5 7:03 21 Adeline Pinkston 9 Gothenburg 13 6:28 20 13:51 22:02.8 7:06 34 Kiarra Jonas 9 Gothenburg 22 6:35 34 14:22 22:39.8 7:18 48 2 438 Isabella Renner 12 McCook 37 6:46 32 14:21 22:56.7 7:24 58 Brecken Gale 10 McCook 38 6:46 43 14:30 23:33.1 7:35 68 Lauren Henning 12 Ogallala 44 6:48 52 14:36 23:48.8 7:40 71 Anette Guevara 9 Broken Bow 88 7:11 78 15:06 23:56.8 7:43 75 Makinley Tobey 12 Broken Bow 81 7:07 82 15:13 24:05.78 Genesis Guevara 10 Broken Bow 85 7:09 70 15:02 24:14.6 7:49 87 Gaby Staples 11 Broken Bow 91 7:13 85 15:24 24:43.5 7:58 100 Megan Miller 11 McCook 103 7:29 99 16:04 25:43.3 8:17 105 Maryann Kassner Macfee 11 McCook 108 7:46 106 16:44 26:51.0 8:39 111 Jenna Wilkinson 10 McCook 115 7:55 113 17:17 27:44.6 8:56 113 Jaycee Staples 10 Broken Bow 113 7:52 112 17:17 28:12.3 9:05 Class D BoysTeamNorth Platte St. Pat's (Class D Boys State Champions)1. North Platte St. Patrick's ( 17:25.66 52:17.00 0:27.39)5. Perkins County ( 17:54.06 53:42.19 3:14.42)Overall Finish1 Mason McGreer 11 Perkins County 11 5:28 1 10:54 16:46.6 5:24 2 Elijah Goodell 9 Perkins County 14 5:29 4 10:57 16:54.7 5:27 3 Jarrett Miles 12 North Platte St. Patrick's 10 5:28 3 10:55 17:07.6 5:31 9 Porter Connick 11 North Platte St. Patrick's 37 5:37 16 11:23 17:34.6 5:40 10 Colton Ham 9 North Platte St. Patrick's 38 5:38 17 11:24 17:34.9 5:40 11 Dimitri Pettit 10 North Platte St. Patrick's 39 5:38 18 11:24 17:36.8 5:41 16 Kael Garrett 10 Medicine Valley 32 5:35 24 11:29 17:46.4 5:44 40 Logan Recoy 12 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 16 5:30 28 11:31 18:44.9 6:03 51 Zeke Christiansen 12 Garden County 26 5:33 33 11:44 19:03.8 6:09 61 Kyle Finney 12 Mullen 50 5:42 63 12:13 19:18.1 6:13 82 Josiah Coleman 10 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 82 5:56 83 12:30 19:49.7 6:23 89 Brock Tines 11 Perkins County 117 6:23 110 12:57 20:01.0 6:27 115 Jacob Hatcher 11 Perkins County 129 6:43 123 13:47 21:04.0 6:47 Class D GirlsTEAM 5. 54 Mullen ( 22:10.27 1:06:30.82 2:04.74)8. 78 Wallace ( 22:49.62 1:08:28.87 2:06.51)16. 141 Brady ( 24:45.01 1:14:15.04 4:25.74)Overall Finish 5 Peyton Paxton 11 Mullen 10 6:26 9 13:22 20:47.4 6:42 11 Ashley Robertson 11 Wallace 18 6:36 12 13:38 21:34.8 6:57 27 Zoe Johnson 9 Brady 34 6:48 28 14:12 22:33.5 7:16 33 Harper Andersen 9 Mullen 44 6:54 43 14:35 22:51.5 7:22 34 Adalena Hampton 9 Mullen 66 7:01 48 14:39 22:52.1 7:22 35 Riley Hegland 9 Mullen 72 7:04 50 14:43 22:54.1 7:23 43 Dajana Garrison 12 Wallace 55 6:59 57 14:47 23:12.9 7:29 49 Ella Cool 11 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 50 6:57 51 14:43 23:22. 81 Elliana Robertson 10 Wallace 95 7:19 94 15:37 24:32.7 7:54 87 Jocelyn Franzen 11 Brady 85 7:13 92 15:32 24:42.5 7:58 91 Ivy Tullis 11 South Loup (Callaway/Arnold) 98 7:20 87 15:25 24:48.106 Violet Gentry 9 Brady 115 8:02 111 17:10 26:59.2 8:42

St. Pat's, Gothenburg win Team State Titles at State Cross Country, Ogallala & Perkins County bring home individual Gold Medals

Coach Rhule's  practice report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697810283192.png" alt="D2 Bracket" />
 <figcaption>D2 Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>

NSAA D2 Football playoff bracket

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697810200764.png" alt="D1 Bracket" />
 <figcaption>D1 Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>

NSAA D1 Football playoff bracket

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

The North Platte Community College volleyball team closed out the regular season with a hard-fought match against regional opponent Central Community College Thursday evening in Columbus. NPCC pushed the Raiders to a fifth set but ultimately fell 3-2.

The Knights took the lead early on in set one and managed to remain a point or two ahead until an ace by Central tied the game 10-10. The Knights pulled out in front again on the next volley and pushed past the Raiders for a 25-22 win.

The teams traded points back and forth in the second set until back-to-back aces on the part of the Raiders allowed them to take the lead. With a newfound confidence, Central went on a five-point run, widening the gap, 16-7. The Knights answered with a five-point run of their own. A time out by Central curbed the momentum and allowed the Raiders to close out the frame 25-18.

Set three was marked by eight ties and three lead changes as both sides fought to distance themselves. Central finally pulled away 13-12 and used a four-point run to stay just out of reach. The Raiders would take the set 25-22.

North Platte snatched the lead to start the fourth set and held a five-point advantage at 11-6. Central gradually chipped away at the deficit until tying the game 14-14. The teams remained neck-and-neck from then on as they raced to the finish line. They tied again 22-22, 24-24 and 25-25 before the Knights retook the lead and stole the win 27-25.

The fifth set also came down to the wire. The Raiders grabbed the lead initially but were overtaken by the Knights 8-7. Central bounced back, reclaimed the lead for a point then dropped behind again. A block by the Raiders brought the score to 14-14. Central subsequently claimed a 16-14 victory.

Vanessa Wood led the offense for the Knights with 22 kills in the match. Jaelyn Dicke followed with 18 kills, and Sam Riggles put down nine. Aubrey Grant came in with 28 assists while Elsie Ottun recorded 26. Defensively, Wood had 25 digs, and EmiLee Walnofer tallied 23.

“When we are in system, we are hard to defend, and we are able to spread the ball around,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “We have to be able to control the ball more on our side to put us in those positions more often. It’s also disappointing when you’re in a position to win and can’t finish the job. Lucky for us, records start over now, and we still have some great opportunities this week and will work hard in practice to prepare us the best way we can.”

The Knights end the regular season 13-20.&nbsp;

They will host Southeast Community College next week in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 9 Postseason Tournament, entering the tourney as the #2 seed. First serve is at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

The winner will play Central Community College at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 in Columbus.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsThe North Platte Community College volleyball team closed out the regular season with a hard-fought match against regional opponent Central Community College Thursday evening in Columbus. NPCC pushed the Raiders to a fifth set but ultimately fell 3-2.The Knights took the lead early on in set one and managed to remain a point or two ahead until an ace by Central tied the game 10-10. The Knights pulled out in front again on the next volley and pushed past the Raiders for a 25-22 win.The teams traded points back and forth in the second set until back-to-back aces on the part of the Raiders allowed them to take the lead. With a newfound confidence, Central went on a five-point run, widening the gap, 16-7. The Knights answered with a five-point run of their own. A time out by Central curbed the momentum and allowed the Raiders to close out the frame 25-18.Set three was marked by eight ties and three lead changes as both sides fought to distance themselves. Central finally pulled away 13-12 and used a four-point run to stay just out of reach. The Raiders would take the set 25-22.North Platte snatched the lead to start the fourth set and held a five-point advantage at 11-6. Central gradually chipped away at the deficit until tying the game 14-14. The teams remained neck-and-neck from then on as they raced to the finish line. They tied again 22-22, 24-24 and 25-25 before the Knights retook the lead and stole the win 27-25.The fifth set also came down to the wire. The Raiders grabbed the lead initially but were overtaken by the Knights 8-7. Central bounced back, reclaimed the lead for a point then dropped behind again. A block by the Raiders brought the score to 14-14. Central subsequently claimed a 16-14 victory.Vanessa Wood led the offense for the Knights with 22 kills in the match. Jaelyn Dicke followed with 18 kills, and Sam Riggles put down nine. Aubrey Grant came in with 28 assists while Elsie Ottun recorded 26. Defensively, Wood had 25 digs, and EmiLee Walnofer tallied 23.“When we are in system, we are hard to defend, and we are able to spread the ball around,” said NPCC Volleyball Head Coach Alexa McCall. “We have to be able to control the ball more on our side to put us in those positions more often. It’s also disappointing when you’re in a position to win and can’t finish the job. Lucky for us, records start over now, and we still have some great opportunities this week and will work hard in practice to prepare us the best way we can.”The Knights end the regular season 13-20.&nbsp;They will host Southeast Community College next week in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 9 Postseason Tournament, entering the tourney as the #2 seed. First serve is at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.The winner will play Central Community College at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 in Columbus.

Knights Volleyball ends regular season with loss to Raiders

Behind finishes from Eleanor Dale and Sadie Waite, the Nebraska soccer team defeated Purdue 2-0 on Thursday night in front of 1,211 fans at Hibner Stadium.&nbsp;

The victory marked the Huskers fifth-straight conference win as they are currently tied for second in the conference standings. Additionally, tonight's game moved NU to 12-2-3 on the season and the Big Red’s six conference victories is the most since 2013, when the team won both the regular season title and the conference championship.

In the 13th minute, Dale scored her nation-leading 22nd goal of the season off assists from Gwen Lane and Sadie Waite. Waite sent a cross to Lane who passed the ball down the pitch to Dale who gathered and scored into the top right corner of the net.

The Huskers held the Boilermakers scoreless in the first half, while also leading in shots (9-6), shots on goal (7-1) and corners (5-1). Sami Hauk recorded one save in the goal, while Purdue’s Charlotte Cyr tallied six saves in the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, NU extended its lead and completed its sixth shutout of the season as the Huskers held Purdue to just two shots on goal. In the 81st minute, sophomore Waite netted her second finish of the year from Florence Belzile’s conference-leading 12th assist on the season.&nbsp;

Overall, the Huskers had the advantage in shots (19-12), shots on goal (10-3) and corners (7-6). Seven Huskers recorded shots, led by Dale (9), as Haley Peterson, Abbey Schwarz, Belzile and Jordan Zade all recorded two, and Ella Guyott and Waite tallied a shot apiece.In the goal, Hauk played the entire game, earned her third-straight shutout and recorded three saves. Hauk was joined by Anglim, Dale, Peterson and Nicola Hauk who also played 90 minutes.With the loss, Purdue falls to 3-12-2 on the season and 0-7-2 in conference play.Up next, the Huskers close out the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 11 at Illinois. Action is set for 7:05 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsBehind finishes from Eleanor Dale and Sadie Waite, the Nebraska soccer team defeated Purdue 2-0 on Thursday night in front of 1,211 fans at Hibner Stadium.&nbsp;The victory marked the Huskers fifth-straight conference win as they are currently tied for second in the conference standings. Additionally, tonight's game moved NU to 12-2-3 on the season and the Big Red’s six conference victories is the most since 2013, when the team won both the regular season title and the conference championship.In the 13th minute, Dale scored her nation-leading 22nd goal of the season off assists from Gwen Lane and Sadie Waite. Waite sent a cross to Lane who passed the ball down the pitch to Dale who gathered and scored into the top right corner of the net.The Huskers held the Boilermakers scoreless in the first half, while also leading in shots (9-6), shots on goal (7-1) and corners (5-1). Sami Hauk recorded one save in the goal, while Purdue’s Charlotte Cyr tallied six saves in the first 45 minutes.In the second half, NU extended its lead and completed its sixth shutout of the season as the Huskers held Purdue to just two shots on goal. In the 81st minute, sophomore Waite netted her second finish of the year from Florence Belzile’s conference-leading 12th assist on the season.&nbsp;Overall, the Huskers had the advantage in shots (19-12), shots on goal (10-3) and corners (7-6). Seven Huskers recorded shots, led by Dale (9), as Haley Peterson, Abbey Schwarz, Belzile and Jordan Zade all recorded two, and Ella Guyott and Waite tallied a shot apiece.In the goal, Hauk played the entire game, earned her third-straight shutout and recorded three saves. Hauk was joined by Anglim, Dale, Peterson and Nicola Hauk who also played 90 minutes.With the loss, Purdue falls to 3-12-2 on the season and 0-7-2 in conference play.Up next, the Huskers close out the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 11 at Illinois. Action is set for 7:05 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

NU defeats Purdue, tied for second in Big Ten

Despite the windy conditions, Taytom Timbers notched his first top ten finish of the season at the McCook Community College Invite on Thursday.

Timbers closed out the round with a collegiate best 76 (+4) at the Heritage Hills Golf Course. His performance included 12 pars over 18 holes, to improve upon his previous best round of 81.

Additionally, Treyten York and Cole Kramer finished the day inside the top-17 individually. York managed two birdies on his way to a round of 82 (+10), while Kramer matched his collegiate best round of 83 (+11).

The invite concludes the fall portion of the Knights’ schedule. North Platte will continue their inaugural season in the spring of 2024.

North Platte7. Taytom Timbers – 76 (+4)T12. Treyten York – 82 (+10)T17. Cole Kramer – 83 (+11)34. David Winkelmann – 92 (+20)38. Teagun Boen – 95 (+23)43. Joseph Villani -&nbsp; 102 (+30)47. Caeson Clarke – 105 (+33)

Team StandingsEastern Wyoming – 306 (+18)Central Wyoming – 315 (+27)McCook – 318 (+30)Otero – 328 (+40)North Platte – 333 (+45)Northeastern – 360 (+72)Lamar – 384 (+96)

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsDespite the windy conditions, Taytom Timbers notched his first top ten finish of the season at the McCook Community College Invite on Thursday.Timbers closed out the round with a collegiate best 76 (+4) at the Heritage Hills Golf Course. His performance included 12 pars over 18 holes, to improve upon his previous best round of 81.Additionally, Treyten York and Cole Kramer finished the day inside the top-17 individually. York managed two birdies on his way to a round of 82 (+10), while Kramer matched his collegiate best round of 83 (+11).The invite concludes the fall portion of the Knights’ schedule. North Platte will continue their inaugural season in the spring of 2024.North Platte7. Taytom Timbers – 76 (+4)T12. Treyten York – 82 (+10)T17. Cole Kramer – 83 (+11)34. David Winkelmann – 92 (+20)38. Teagun Boen – 95 (+23)43. Joseph Villani -&nbsp; 102 (+30)47. Caeson Clarke – 105 (+33)Team StandingsEastern Wyoming – 306 (+18)Central Wyoming – 315 (+27)McCook – 318 (+30)Otero – 328 (+40)North Platte – 333 (+45)Northeastern – 360 (+72)Lamar – 384 (+96)

Timbers notches top ten finish at McCook Community College Invite

Post by 247Huskers<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Coach Rhule’s speech at practice on Sunday after getting blown out by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Michigan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Michigan</a> “Winners win, losers lose” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/UkPeRUJwDK">pic.twitter.com/UkPeRUJwDK</a>&mdash; 247Huskers (@247Huskers) <a href="https://twitter.com/247Huskers/status/1714420176593043490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Coach Rhule's practice speech after tough loss to Michigan

The Nebraska swimming and diving team welcomes South Dakota State to the Devaney Natatorium Friday at 4 p.m. (CT) for a Midwest showdown.&nbsp;

The Huskers look to build momentum, coming off a weekend on the road where they captured team wins over Iowa State and South Dakota.

Senior Sarah Barton led the Huskers to a victory on Saturday against the Cyclones after logging three individual titles and racking up 27 points for her team. Barton swam for first in the 200 butterfly (2:03.02), the 200 backstroke (2:03.64) and the 200 IM (2:07.61).

Gena Jorgenson and JoJo Randby were also key contributors for the Huskers over the weekend. Jorgenson grabbed two first-place finishes against the Cyclones (1000 freestyle, 500 freestyle) and took second in the 1000 freestyle against Minnesota and South Dakota. JoJo Randy swept the 100 breaststroke over the weekend with two first-place titles and a time of 1:04.07 at the double-dual in Minneapolis, Minn.

Divers Abby Baxter and Antonina Harned kicked off their Husker careers with an impressive showing against the Cyclones. Baxter took first-place on both the one-meter and three-meter dives, while Harned took second.&nbsp;

Freshman Beatrix Tanko is also finding her stride with the Huskers as she captured the title in the 100 butterfly against Iowa State (56.48).

The Jackrabbits come to Lincoln with a 2-0 record with wins over Augustana and Iowa Central. Senior Gabriella Gnewuch captured titles in the 100 freestyle (55.41) and the 1000 freestyle (11:22.17), propelling the Jackrabbits to victory over Iowa Central. Freshman Gigi Hioki and senior Zoey Ahrens will also play a big role for the Jackrabbits.&nbsp;

A link to live results for Friday's dual will be available through huskers.com and can be accessed through the Meet Mobile app.&nbsp;

Nebraska vs. South Dakota StateFriday, Oct. 20 (4 p.m.)

Order of Events200 Medley Relay1000 Freestyle200 Freestyle100 Backstroke100 Breaststroke200 Butterfly50 Freestyle3M Diving100 Freestyle200 Backstroke200 Breaststroke500 Freestyle100 Butterfly1M Diving200 IM200 Freestyle Relay

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska swimming and diving team welcomes South Dakota State to the Devaney Natatorium Friday at 4 p.m. (CT) for a Midwest showdown.&nbsp;The Huskers look to build momentum, coming off a weekend on the road where they captured team wins over Iowa State and South Dakota.Senior Sarah Barton led the Huskers to a victory on Saturday against the Cyclones after logging three individual titles and racking up 27 points for her team. Barton swam for first in the 200 butterfly (2:03.02), the 200 backstroke (2:03.64) and the 200 IM (2:07.61).Gena Jorgenson and JoJo Randby were also key contributors for the Huskers over the weekend. Jorgenson grabbed two first-place finishes against the Cyclones (1000 freestyle, 500 freestyle) and took second in the 1000 freestyle against Minnesota and South Dakota. JoJo Randy swept the 100 breaststroke over the weekend with two first-place titles and a time of 1:04.07 at the double-dual in Minneapolis, Minn.Divers Abby Baxter and Antonina Harned kicked off their Husker careers with an impressive showing against the Cyclones. Baxter took first-place on both the one-meter and three-meter dives, while Harned took second.&nbsp;Freshman Beatrix Tanko is also finding her stride with the Huskers as she captured the title in the 100 butterfly against Iowa State (56.48).The Jackrabbits come to Lincoln with a 2-0 record with wins over Augustana and Iowa Central. Senior Gabriella Gnewuch captured titles in the 100 freestyle (55.41) and the 1000 freestyle (11:22.17), propelling the Jackrabbits to victory over Iowa Central. Freshman Gigi Hioki and senior Zoey Ahrens will also play a big role for the Jackrabbits.&nbsp;A link to live results for Friday's dual will be available through huskers.com and can be accessed through the Meet Mobile app.&nbsp;Nebraska vs. South Dakota StateFriday, Oct. 20 (4 p.m.)Devaney NatatoriumOrder of Events200 Medley Relay1000 Freestyle200 Freestyle100 Backstroke100 Breaststroke200 Butterfly50 Freestyle3M Diving100 Freestyle200 Backstroke200 Breaststroke500 Freestyle100 Butterfly1M Diving200 IM200 Freestyle Relay

Huskers host Jackrabbits for home opener

With a four-match winning streak and tie for second in the conference standings, the Nebraska soccer team (11-2-3, 5-1-2 Big Ten) aims to continue its momentum as the Huskers wrap up regular season play at home against Purdue and on the road at Illinois.&nbsp;

The Huskers host the Boilermakers (3-11-2, 0-6-2 Big Ten) on Thursday starting at 7:05 p.m. (CT) and battle the Fighting Illini (6-6-3, 2-4-2 Big Ten) on Sunday at 12 p.m. (CT) at Demirjian Park in Champaign, Ill.&nbsp;

Both matches will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus (subscription required to watch).

Last Time OutThe Huskers scored a finish in each half while keeping the Gophers scoreless, as the Nebraska soccer team defeated Minnesota on the road 2-0 Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

Next UpAfter this week's conference matches, Nebraska ­will await the announcement of its seed for the 2023 Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament starting on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Quick NotesThe Huskers are currently ranked 21st in this week’s RPI. Penn State (first) is the only team in the Big Ten who is ranked higher, and NU is joined by Wisconsin (26th) and Michigan State (28th) in the top 30.&nbsp;

Dale earned her fourth Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor last week as she currently leads the country and conference in total goals (21) and game-winning goals (6), while also leading the conference in shots (93), shots on goal (44) and points (46). Additionally, she has tallied nine total braces on the season and is currently tied for fourth all-time in the Husker records in goals scored. Nationally, Dale leads in goals per game (1.31), second in shots on goal per game (2.75) and also second in points (46).&nbsp;

Dale’s total goals and points are the most in the Big Ten since 2013 when Illinois’ Jannelle Flaws had 23 goals and 48 points.

Junior forward Weber has continued her strong offensive attack as she is second in the conference standings in shots (69), third in shots on goal (30), fourth in points (24) and fifth in goals (9).

Junior midfielder Florence Belzile, a member of last week's Top Drawer Soccer team, recorded two assists in Thursday’s game against Maryland and now has a team-high 11 on the season, good for second in the conference and fourth nationally. She also is 10th in the conference standings with 17 points.&nbsp;

As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in assists per game (3.12) and total goals (45), sixth in shots on goal per game (9.38) and seventh in points per game (8.75) and shots per game (19.69).

In the goal, senior Sami Hauk has recorded 61 saves on the year and is currently fourth in saves per game (3.81).

NU enters the week tied for second in the conference standings with 17 points (three points for a win, one point for a tie).

Four of NU’s six freshmen have seen the pitch so far this year, led by Reese Borer who has played 214 minutes

The Huskers’ six goals against Eastern Washington marked the most finishes the Huskers have tallied in a regular season match since the 2011 victory against Northern Arizona (8-1) and the most goals on the road since the win in 2009 at Kansas (7-4). Additionally, that was the first time since NU’s victory over Missouri in 2021 that the Big Red has netted four or more goals in the second half

This season’s win over Eastern Washington also marked the 350th win in program history. Head Coach John Walker achieved the same milestone, having been at the helm of the program since its inception in 1994.

Head Coach John Walker is in his 30th season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (first season), Ian Bridge (eighth season) and Marty Everding (26th season).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsWith a four-match winning streak and tie for second in the conference standings, the Nebraska soccer team (11-2-3, 5-1-2 Big Ten) aims to continue its momentum as the Huskers wrap up regular season play at home against Purdue and on the road at Illinois.&nbsp;The Huskers host the Boilermakers (3-11-2, 0-6-2 Big Ten) on Thursday starting at 7:05 p.m. (CT) and battle the Fighting Illini (6-6-3, 2-4-2 Big Ten) on Sunday at 12 p.m. (CT) at Demirjian Park in Champaign, Ill.&nbsp;Both matches will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus (subscription required to watch).Last Time OutThe Huskers scored a finish in each half while keeping the Gophers scoreless, as the Nebraska soccer team defeated Minnesota on the road 2-0 Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;Next UpAfter this week's conference matches, Nebraska ­will await the announcement of its seed for the 2023 Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament starting on Sunday, Oct. 29.Quick NotesThe Huskers are currently ranked 21st in this week’s RPI. Penn State (first) is the only team in the Big Ten who is ranked higher, and NU is joined by Wisconsin (26th) and Michigan State (28th) in the top 30.&nbsp;Dale earned her fourth Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor last week as she currently leads the country and conference in total goals (21) and game-winning goals (6), while also leading the conference in shots (93), shots on goal (44) and points (46). Additionally, she has tallied nine total braces on the season and is currently tied for fourth all-time in the Husker records in goals scored. Nationally, Dale leads in goals per game (1.31), second in shots on goal per game (2.75) and also second in points (46).&nbsp;Dale’s total goals and points are the most in the Big Ten since 2013 when Illinois’ Jannelle Flaws had 23 goals and 48 points.Junior forward Weber has continued her strong offensive attack as she is second in the conference standings in shots (69), third in shots on goal (30), fourth in points (24) and fifth in goals (9).Junior midfielder Florence Belzile, a member of last week's Top Drawer Soccer team, recorded two assists in Thursday’s game against Maryland and now has a team-high 11 on the season, good for second in the conference and fourth nationally. She also is 10th in the conference standings with 17 points.&nbsp;As a team, the Huskers are fifth in the nation in assists per game (3.12) and total goals (45), sixth in shots on goal per game (9.38) and seventh in points per game (8.75) and shots per game (19.69).In the goal, senior Sami Hauk has recorded 61 saves on the year and is currently fourth in saves per game (3.81).NU enters the week tied for second in the conference standings with 17 points (three points for a win, one point for a tie).Four of NU’s six freshmen have seen the pitch so far this year, led by Reese Borer who has played 214 minutesThe Huskers’ six goals against Eastern Washington marked the most finishes the Huskers have tallied in a regular season match since the 2011 victory against Northern Arizona (8-1) and the most goals on the road since the win in 2009 at Kansas (7-4). Additionally, that was the first time since NU’s victory over Missouri in 2021 that the Big Red has netted four or more goals in the second halfThis season’s win over Eastern Washington also marked the 350th win in program history. Head Coach John Walker achieved the same milestone, having been at the helm of the program since its inception in 1994.Head Coach John Walker is in his 30th season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (first season), Ian Bridge (eighth season) and Marty Everding (26th season).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scouting the Purdue BoilermakersPurdue is 3-11-2 overall with a 0-6-2 record in Big Ten Play. The Boilermakers are coming off a recent 0-0 tie against No. 4 Penn State and a 2-1 loss at Illinois.Nebraska leads the all-time series, 8-5-1, dating back to the first meeting between the schools in 2001. Most recently, the teams tied 1-1 in 2022 in Indiana.&nbsp;Head Coach Drew Roff is in his ninth season at Purdue. He is assisted by Jim Schneiderhahn and Kelsey Brouwer.&nbsp;Players to Watch<ul>
 <li>#24 Kayla Budish: Team-high eight points (three goals and two assists)</li><li>#10 Emily Mathews: Team-high five assists</li><li>#1 Charlotte Cyr: Has recorded 62 saves and one shutout on the year&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Illinois Fighting IlliniIllinois is 6-6-3 this season with a 2-4-2 record in Big Ten play. The Fighting Illini face Michigan State on Thursday night before their matchup against Nebraska on Sunday.The Fighting Illini leads the all-time series between the two teams, 5-8-0, dating back to 2004. The Huskers are on a two-match winning streak against the Fighting Illini as NU won 3-1 in both 2021 and 2022.Head Coach Janet Rayfield is 226-173-43 in her 22nd season at Illinois. Rayfield is assisted by Jeff Freeman and Sammy Jo Prudhomme.&nbsp;Players to Watch<ul>
 <li>#22 Lia Howard: Team-high 12 points (four goals and four assists)</li><li>#28 Sydney Stephens: Tied for the team-high with goals, while adding one assist</li><li>#1 Julia Cili: Has recorded 75 saves and two shutouts this season&nbsp;</li>
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