Local Sports News: November 14, 2023

Indiana University Men’s Soccer to Host Lipscomb in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament
Indiana Men’s Soccer will host Lipscomb in the first round of the NCAA Tournament as announced on the NCAA Selection Show on Monday. IU returns to the NCAA Tournament for the 48th time in 51 seasons while making its NCAA-record 37th consecutive appearance. Indiana and Lipscomb will play their first-round match Thursday on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff time is TBA.

The Hoosiers won the Big Ten Championship Double despite a 3-3-4 start to the season. Since then, Indiana has won nine of its last 10 including four of five Big Ten matches. With the run, Indiana secured its 12th Big Ten Championship Double, winning a share of the regular season title before beating co-champion Penn State in the tournament final. The 2023 championship field consists of 48 teams with the tournament running from Nov. 16 through Dec. 11. The NCAA College Cup, consisting of the national semifinals and final, will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. Indiana has appeared in the College Cup 22 times, including four of the last six, and has won the national title on eight occasions.

Indianapolis Colts beat the New England Patriots in Frankfurt Germany  
Julian Blackmon intercepted Mac Jones near the goal line with less than five minutes to play to preserve the lead as the Colts beat the Patriots 10-6 in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday morning. The victory is the Colts first win in the NFL’s International Series after losing to the Jaguars in London in 2016. Both teams got off to a solid start with long, productive first possessions of the game. New England drove 61-yards in 13 plays, chewing up 6:49 of clock and ending with a Chad Ryland 37-yard field goal to give the Patriots an early 3-0 lead. The Colts one-upped New England, driving 75-yards in 14 plays, eating up 7:13 of game time and scoring a touchdown. Jonathan Taylor found the end zone from one-yard out on a fourth-and-goal to give the Colts the lead. The rest of the first half was a defensive battle. The Colts sacked Jones five times in the half. Dayo Odeyingbo had three of them with Tyquan Lewis and Kwity Paye with one each. The Colts had a chance for points at the end of the half, but Matt Gay’s 57-yard field goal attempt came up just short to keep it 7-3 at halftime.

Indianapolis came out of the locker room moving the ball, but Gardner Minshew committed the first turnover of the game throwing an interception to Myles Bryant after Jahlani Tavai tipped the pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr. New England couldn’t turn the takeaway into points as Ryland missed a 35-yard field goal. The Patriots eventually did cut into the Colts’ lead, putting together their second long drive of the game. They drove 89-yards in 15 plays spanning eight minutes. Ryland made a 24-yard field goal to make it to a 7-6 game. The Colts got the three points right back on their next drive. Isaiah McKenzie returned the kickoff 42 yards, then Minshew connected with Pittman for 14 yards for a big third down conversion. Gay made a 51-yard field goal to put the Colts up, 10-6.

New England then got down to the Indianapolis’ 15-yard line before Blackmon’s game-saving interception. The Colts’ picked up a critical first down to help drain clock as Minshew scrambled before finding Josh Downs for a 28-yard gain on third down. The offense held the ball until the two-minute warning before punting. Bailey Zappe relieved the struggling Jones. The back-up quarterback faked a clock-stopping spike, then threw an interception to Rodney Thomas II to end the game. Paye, Lewis and DeForest Buckner all left the field with injuries but returned to action. Ryan Kelly had to leave the game with a concussion, his second of the season. The Colts improve to 5-5 as they enter their bye week. They’ll play again November 26 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indiana University Softball signs seven for its 2024 Class
Indiana Softball head coach Shonda Stanton announced the program’s newest signing class on Friday afternoon. The team will add seven players as part of its 2024 signing class.   “Our 2024 class represents the result of my staff’s hard work and dedication in assembling a well-rounded group of student-athletes, each bringing a unique skillset,” Stanton says. “From power and athleticism at the plate to crafty pitchers, gritty catchers, a speedy outfielder and reliable, solid infielders, it’s a testament to the collective effort to create a team that can excel in all facets of the game. We can’t wait to see the impact they will have on Indiana Softball.”  Jenae Berry, Josie Bird, Sydni Burko, Peyton Drummond, Alli Gavin, Jasmine Reyes, and Madalyn Strader will arrive in Bloomington in the fall of 2024. 

Jenae Berry– RHP | Queen Creek, Ariz. | Queen Creek High School  More on Berry-High school coach is Ann Peirson.  1.02 ERA, 2nd best in 6A. Plays travel ball for OC Batbusters (Stith). 2023 Alliance National Champions.  Three-year Varsity Letterwinner. Varsity Letterwinner in golf.  4x Academic Honor Roll.  Intended major: Occupational Therapy.  Parents are Perry and Lana … has two brothers and a sister: Jacob, Jade and Jet.  Perry played baseball for University of Louisiana Lafayette and the Houston Astros organization … Lana played basketball at Colorado Mesa University … Jacob played baseball at LSU and is in the Miami Marlins organization … Jade plays softball for Stanford.  Why she picked IU…- JB: “I chose IU because this school gives me an opportunity to grow in my faith while competing at a high level on the field.”  From Coach Stanton…-SS: “We are excited to see Jenae command the game and provide a steady presence in the circle.  Her dedication, work ethic, and ability to get swings and misses are winning ingredients. With Jenae we are not merely gaining a talented athlete, we are gaining a leader whose character will serve as the bedrock for continued success in our program.” 

Josie Bird-C/3B | R/R | Hamlin, W. Va. | Lincoln County High School  More on Bird…-High school coach is Tommy Barrett.  Plays travel ball for Team NC (Huss).  First Team All-State (2021-2023) … First Team All-Tournament (2021-2022) … West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year (2021-2022) … Johnny Bench Award (2021-22) … All-American (2022-2023).  Holds the current school record for career home runs with 39.  Dean’s List and Student Council Vice President in 2022-23 school year.  A three-year National Honor Society member. Intended major: Business.   Parents are John and Jennifer … has one brother, Dakota.  Why she picked IU- JB: “I chose IU because I like the family atmosphere. As soon as I walked through the doors at IU, the team and coaching staff made me feel so welcomed.”  From Coach Stanton-SS: Josie is as strong as they come.  She has big time power to plate runs and an elite arm to equalize the run game.  From a wide-eyed young fan to a spirited competitor, Josie’s journey is a testament to the power of pride and determination. Every swing, every play, Josie carries the dreams of a young fan who once imagined this moment.”   

Sydni Burko– 3B | R/R | Ona, W.Va. | Cabell Midland High School  More on Burko…-Plays travel ball for TN Mojo (Abernathy). 2023 travel season – .554 (BA), .575 (OBP), 56 (Hits), 14 (HR), 43 (RBI).  Ranked in the Top 20 by Extra Innings Softball for the class of 2024 … top-ten corner infielder by Extra Innings … 2023 Fastpitch Network ranking at No. 15.  3x Academic Honor Roll. Three-year varsity letterwinner.  4.0 student throughout her high school career.  Intended major is Health Sciences.  Parents are Dan and Jennifer. Has three brothers, Daniel, Dallas and Dylan. Dallas played basketball at Mid-America Christian University.   Why she picked IU- SB: “I chose IU because of the family atmosphere, supportive staff and the opportunity to not only grow as an athlete, but as a young woman.”  From Coach Stanton- SS: “Sydni is a lockdown defender and as a clutch hitter has the power potential to be a game changer; when pressure is at its peak, she can be trusted. True champions are not defined by skill alone, they are known by their character, and Syd embodies both.  Her faith and consistent drive will not only power our team’s performance but will inspire a culture of excellence and leadership.” 

Peyton Drummond-OF | L/R | Floyds Knobs, Ind. | Floyd Central High School  More on Drummond-High school coach is Sean Payne.  Floyd Central’s single season stolen base record holder and career stolen base leader at FCHS … led the state of Indiana in stolen bases in 2022 season.  Golden Spikes Award winner (2021-2023) and offensive player of the year (2022, 2023) … NFCA All-Region Team (2023) … two-time All-Conference and All-State honoree (2022, 2023) … Heisman High School Award winner. Plays travel ball for the Beverly Bandits. Team finished 29-6 in the 2023 summer and 40-11 in the 2022 fall season. Extra Innings Softball Top 100 recruit … Legacy and Legends 4-star prospect … Softball America Top 10 Slapper.  National Honors Society member. Four-year Varsity Letterwinner. Earned varsity letter for indoor track. Intended major is Sports Marketing & Management.  Parents are J.R. and Kristin. Has two sisters, Riley and Dru. J.R. played football at IU from 1997-2001 … her grandfather ran track at IU in 1973.  Why she picked IU- PD: “IU has always been a part of my life and I take so much pride in having the opportunity to wear the cream and crimson. I never want to take anything for granted repping this jersey and making a positive impact on and off the field.”  From Coach Stanton- SS: “Peyton brings a level of agility and athleticism on both sides of the game.  Her energy, speed and skill on the base paths fits our system well and her precision offensively will make her a reliable table setter.   For Peyton, the journey began as a fervent fan, dreaming of repping the Indiana script. Now that dream is a reality and her passion for the game and love for the Hoosiers shines bright.” 

Alli Gavin-C/UT | R/R |Trafalgar, Ind. | Indian Creek High School  More on Gavin. High school coach is Gary Mitchell.  Three-time honoree, Western Indiana Conference team … two-time all-county distinction … two-time IHSAA All U.S. Central Indiana honorable mention. 2023 season stats: .429 (BA), .515 (OBP), 6 (HR), 1.000 (Fielding). Plays travel ball for the Beverly Bandits. Team posted 29-6 record in the 2023 summer and 40-11 in the 2022 fall season.  2022 Top 25 Scenic City Champs … 2022 Fall PGF Shootout Champions … 2021 No. 4 ESI team ranking. Academic Honor Roll throughout high school career.  Four-year Varsity Letterwinner.  Varsity Letters in Volleyball (2) and Unified Flag Football (1). Intended Major: Exercise Science.  Parents are Bob and Tracey … has two brothers, Landon and Gavin.  Why she picked IU- AG: “I chose IU to study at one of the best schools in the country, to be close to home and to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of Indiana’s Softball program.”  From Coach Stanton- SS: “Alli is an athletic, mobile catcher who works hard for her pitchers.  She is gritty and scrappy behind the plate. Her addition not only strengthens our depth but solidifies the pivotal role at the catcher position. Wearing the cream and crimson is not just about the uniform, it is a symbol of dreams come true and this realization is an opportunity that Alli seized.  Her ambition and persistence created the path to IU.” 

Jasmine Reyes-RHP | Oxnard, Calif. | Rio Mesa High School  More on Reyes-Two-time All-Ventura County Team (2022, 2023) … three-time pitcher of the year honoree (2021, 2022, 2023). 2023 season: 12-0 in the circle with seven shutouts and a 0.65 ERA. Career stats: 0.87 (ERA), 30-4 record, 300 strikeouts, .335 (BA).  Plays travel ball for I-5 Softball 18U Snyder.  Four-year Varsity Letterwinner. Ranked in the Top 100 of Extra Innings Softball’s Class of 2024 rankings, ranked #27 in the west region for the class of 2024. Intended Major: Psychology. Parents are Richard and Darlene … has two sisters Destiny and Mariah.  Why she picked IU- JR: “I chose IU because as soon as I talked to the amazing coaching staff, they were super welcoming, and as soon as I stepped on campus, I felt like I was at home. They have a family atmosphere, and I felt a part of the school from day one.”  From Coach Stanton- SS: “Jasmine spins the ball with finesse and seamlessly mixes speeds which will help her disrupt opposing hitters’ timing. Jasmine is resilient and has a strong belief and conviction that where she wants to be is exactly where she will go.  She will infuse our team with a light-hearted spirit and infectious smile that will add a dose of joy and positivity.” 

Madalyn Strader-2B/SS | L/R | Cedar Park, Texas | Leander High School   More on Strader- High school coach is Kendall Driver.  2020-21season, posted 37-3 recorded as District Champs and Regional Finalists. Three-year starter at shortstop … coming off a junior season with the following stats: 5.85 (BA), 1.482 (OPS), .624 (OBP) … won District Offensive Player of the Year in 2021-22. Plays travel ball for Texas Blaze United. Academic All-District honoree, 2021-2023.  Four-year Varsity Letterwinner.  Earned a varsity letter in basketball (2022).  Intended major: Kinesiology.  Parents are Sara and Jason. Has one sister, Scotland.  Why she picked IU-MS: “I like the coaches and the campus. It feels like home.”  From Coach Stanton- SS: “Strader is a consistent and reliable defender and gap to gap offensive threat.  She is a steady presence up the middle and her competitive edge provides an offensive spark. In terms of achievement, Strader models the art of going about her business with relentless dedication.  Quietly determined, she is a reflection of the transformative power of a strong work ethic and her actions are a direct result of the process she follows.” 

Indiana University Wrestling beats Rider in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
No. 24 Indiana Wrestling fought off a slow start to defeat Rider, 27-15, in the team’s first dual of the season on Friday night in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. After trailing 15-7, Indiana scored 20 points in the final four bouts of the night to take the momentum and seal the win. With the victory, Indiana’s record stands at 1-0 in the early going of the season. Indiana Wrestling will be back in action on Sunday for the Keystone Classic tournament in Philadelphia.

Rider opened the dual with a 6-0 lead due to forfeit at heavyweight. Redshirt senior Michael Spangler (125) got Indiana on the board with a win over Tyler Klinsky by decision, 13-9. Graduate student Dan Fongaro (141) didn’t give up a takedown in his bout against D’Amani Almovodar and won the match by major decision, 14-2. After trailing 15-7, senior and No. 15-ranked Derek Gilcher (165) started a four-match winning streak with a 7-2 decision victory over Cole McComas. No. 10-ranked DJ Washington (174) put on a scoring clinic en route to a tech fall victory over Mike Wilson, 18-3 (3:12). Washington had four takedowns and a two-point near-fall to go up 14-3 in the first period. After trailing 11-8 late in the third period, redshirt sophomore Roman Rogotzke (184) got Isaac Dean flat and pinned (5:37) him to give Indiana its first lead of the night. Redshirt freshman Gabe Sollars (197) put the dual away with a pin at the 4:21 mark in the match. Of Indiana’s six wins from the match, four were bonus-point victories. All five of Gabe Sollar’s wins this season have been bonus-point victories. Gilcher and Washington made their first appearance of the season.  Spangler, Fongaro and Sollars all kept their undefeated seasons alive with their wins. Spangler made his first appearance in a dual as a Hoosier. This was the second year in a row that Indiana wrestled in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Indiana University Volleyball splits the Weekend
The Indiana volleyball team (18-10, 8-7) began an important four-game homestand Friday night with a sweep of Rutgers at Wilkinson Hall. Meeting for the second time in a week, IU shook off a slow start to put away the visiting Scarlet Knights in straight sets (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) and complete a season sweep of Rutgers. Junior setter Camryn Haworth ran a balanced offense with all five primary attackers taking at least 10 swings as the Hoosiers finished with a collective .352 (43-11-91) hitting percentage. IU’s block roared to life in the final two sets, finishing the match with 13 total team blocks. Graduate student middle blocker Kaley Rammelsberg led the way with seven. The Hoosiers tallied their 18th win of the season, the most in a single campaign since 2010. IU dominated the match offensively, producing a .352 hitting percentage as a team with 43 kills in three sets. IU committed just five attacking errors in the final two sets and hit .538 (15-1-26) in game three. Led by seven blocks from Rammelsberg, the Hoosiers totaled 13 team blocks in just three sets. Senior middle blocker Savannah Kjolhede and sophomore outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles had five and four respectively. The Hoosiers’ .352 hitting percentage was the best in a Big Ten match since hitting .359 vs. Rutgers in 2019. It was the fourth best single-game hitting percentage against a conference opponent in the 25-point scoring era.

Despite winning almost every statistical battle, the Indiana volleyball team (18-11, 8-8) was on the wrong end of a five-set battle (25-13, 30-32, 25-19, 23-25, 12-15) at Wilkinson Hall on Sunday afternoon. The Hoosiers scored 11 more points than the visiting Golden Gophers in the match but suffered a pair of two-point losses before losing by three in the fifth set. The 62-point second frame was the second time in the past five matches that IU has seen a set go into the 60’s. IU hit .244 as a team but struggled down the stretch. The Hoosiers had 10 aces from the end line but also recorded 13 service errors on the afternoon. Junior setter Camryn Haworth provided a career-high 58 assists while sophomore outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles went for a career-best 24 kills. The Hoosiers fall to 2-4 (1-4) in five-set matches with defeats to Illinois, Northwestern and Minnesota over the past three weeks. Led by an efficient .357 clip from graduate student middle blocker Kaley Rammelsberg, the Hoosiers won the offensive charge with 68 kills while hitting .244 as a team. IU won the blocking battle with 13 total team stuffs, led by seven from senior middle blocker Savannah Kjolhede and six from Rammelsberg. The Hoosiers totaled 10 aces from the end line, the seventh time with 10+ aces as a team this season. Alonso-Corcelles and sophomore opposite hitter Avry Tatum each had three. Four matches remain in the regular season for IU with visits from Maryland (Friday) and No. 2 Wisconsin (Sunday) before heading to the Michigan schools over Thanksgiving break.

Indiana University Cross Country Ends the Season at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional
The Indiana Cross Country season ended on Friday afternoon with the men earning a seventh place and the women 10th at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional meet on the Thomas Zimmerman Cross Country Course in Madison, Wisconsin. No. 12 Butler and No. 5 Wisconsin earned the automatic bids into the NCAA Championships after totaling 39 points and 79 points, respectively. The men’s squad saw four personal bests including two best times from Travis Hickner and Brayden Henkle after running their first collegiate 10k. Graduate student and Edgewood HS Graduate Austin Haskett led the pack placing 30th with a PR of 30:26.7. IU saw great strides from graduate student Skylar Stidam and sophomore Abe Eckman who crossed the line 0.1 second apart finishing 39th (30:40.2) and 40th (30:40.3) for new personal bests. Sophomore transfer Nolan Satterfield ran a personal best time of 31:15.2 to conclude his first season with the Hoosiers. The women finished 10th in a competitive field of teams. Senior Phoebe Bates (55th) was the first Hoosier to cross the finish line followed by teammate Mariah Wehrle (62nd). No. 9 Notre Dame and No. 23 Wisconsin were automatic qualifiers on the women’s side after earning the top-two finishes with 39 and 71 points.

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