Posted on 05 April 2012.
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Posted on 05 April 2012.
The Hornets took on Washburn University in a fierce double-header on Friday. Emporia won both games, 4-3 and 8-4, and carried their momentum into the next day when they swept the Fort Hays State Tigers, 2-1 and 6-4.
April Huddleston, assistant coach, was recognized before the game when she received the SAC award.
“She was voted on because with her being faculty she understands student athletes,” said Head Coach Julie LeMaire. “She works with them, and understands that they have demands outside of class. I think it’s just something special for her and the athletes appreciate it.”
Huddleston also got to deliver the traditional first pitch of the game, which went straight down the strike zone.
During game one, the Tigers put the first point on the board in the third inning, but never found a way to score after.
Junior pitcher Karley Schmelzer did not allow the Tigers run to put any pressure on her.
“I knew we have great bats,” Schmelzer said. “I knew we were going to come back and get it tied up and try to win.”
First up to bat in the fifth inning was sophomore second baseman Taylor Reichard. Reichard earned the Hornets their first run of the night as she hit a home run.
“It was pretty solid contact,” Reichard said. “Coach had just told us to sit back in the back of the box and wait for that pitch, so I just did what she said.”
Following Reichard’s homerun, sophomore third baseman Jessica Gragg got on base with a double. Sophomore center fielder Jessica Brewer’s hit allowed Gragg to cross the plate before the Hornets used up their three outs.
Although the Hornets did not score on hits in the first inning of the second game, they took full advantage over four errors by the Tigers and put three points on the board.
After two more unearned runs in the second inning, junior catcher Amanda Self hit an RBI single allowing sophomore first baseman Tricia Vogel to cross home plate. The Hornets led 6-0 after the first two innings.
The Tigers scored two runs in the third inning after Maddie Holub hit a double that scored two. They continued their scoring in the sixth inning when the ball was overthrown to second base. After a much needed double-play, Emporia closed the sixth inning after the Tigers got within two points.
“I was frustrated with the way the girls were playing because that’s not the team that we are,” LeMaire said in response to a difficult sixth inning. “I thought that because Fort Hays came out and made some mistakes early on we just got complacent because we got up with a few runs, and we had beaten them the game before.”
ESU ended the game in the seventh inning on solid defensive plays. The Hornets snagged game two and advanced to 14-0 in the MIAA and 23-7 on the year.
Taylor Scott
Posted in Softball, SportsComments (0)
Posted on 02 April 2012.
Sophomore nursing major Kelsey Balcom will not return to play for the women’s basketball team next season, according to Don Weast, assistant athletic director for Media Relations.
Jory Collins, head coach, told The Bulletin in February that Balcom’s influence on the team this season was a positive one.
“Kelsey is an obvious leader on our team,” Collins in the February interview. “She is one of our more talented players, even as a sophomore. We are really excited to have her leadership on our team.”
Collins was unavailable for further comment at this time.
Balcom was the MIAA Freshmen of the Year and earned Honorable Mention All MIAA last season, according to ESU’s website.
Kenzie Templeton
Posted in News, Sports, Women's BasketballComments (0)
Posted on 15 March 2012.

Sophomore forward Kelsey Balcom maneuvers around a Pitt State guard at Lee Arena in Topeka. The Lady Hornets fell short to the Gorillas, 79-67. Jon Coffey/The Bulletin
On Monday, the Lady Hornets played the Pittsburg State Gorillas at Washburn University for the regional basketball championship game. After already losing to the Gorillas once this year, Emporia State took control in the first half. Although they led by one at half, ESU could not hold on to the lead as they suffered a 79-67 loss.
After winning the jump ball, sophomore forward Kelsey Balcolm scored the game’s first points with a three-point basket. Senior guard Heather Robben hit a three-point basket after sophomore guard Rheanna Egli blocked a shot with 11 minutes left in the first half to put the Hornets up 21-15.
ESU had defensive possession right before half as the Gorillas let the shot clock run down to zero. ESU’s bench outscored PSU’s bench 12-2. The Gorillas never took the lead in the first half, although freshman guard Lizzy Jeronimus kept PSU in the game as she scored 19 points. ESU led 32-31 at halftime.
The Gorilla’s started off the second half with a 10-0 run and never looked back. After four missed shots and two turnovers by the Hornets, freshman forward Merissa Quick finally answered the Gorillas run with a quick two points.
“Some shots just don’t go in. You just have to keep shooting. It’s not like we were hesitant or rushed, some shots just didn’t fall in for us,” Robben said.
Balcolm grabbed a defensive rebound but could not finish the play. Freshman forward Kathryn Flott hit a three with 12 minutes left in the game and then added a steal. After a defensive shot clock violation on PSU, there was a timeout on the floor with PSU leading 57-48.
After the traditional “Go Emporia,” Balcolm responded with a basket to put the Hornets back within five points. This is the closest the Lady Hornets would get to the Gorillas for the rest of the game.
“We didn’t finish plays,” said head coach Jory Collins. “We didn’t get a whole lot out of players that we normally get out of tonight.”
Jeronimus finished the game with 35 points, and 10 rebounds for the Gorillas, and won Most Valuable Player for the All-Tournament team.
“Jeronimus is a very strong player… she wants to go where she wants to go, and she got there tonight,” said Hornet junior guard Jocelyn Cummings.
Two Hornets scored in double figures. Robben chipped in 17 points while Flott scored 21 points on the night, and went 5-9 from the three-point range. Flott also added two blocks, two steals and six rebounds.
“Over the last two or three weeks she (Flott) turned a big corner,” Collins said. “I’m proud of her effort tonight… I’m looking forward to having her for the next three years. I’m excited about her; I think she’s going to be a great player in our league.”
Although the Lady Hornets suffered a loss, two ESU players, Cummings and Robben, were named to the All-Tournament Team. ESU finishes the season, 23-9.
Taylor Scott
Posted in Sports, Women's BasketballComments (0)
Posted on 15 March 2012.
Sophomore jumper Donald Wilcox has always known he wanted to be involved in track in college.
“In high school I really loved it (track),” Wilcox said. “I mean, I liked football, but honestly, track was my favorite thing to do, and I just wanted to continue that in college.”
During high school, Wilcox participated in both football and track, qualifying for state in track all four years of his high school career. His football team also qualified for state and won during his sophomore year
Although he has no favorite athlete, Wilcox said he looks up to his Amateur Athletic Union coach.
“He pretty much got me where I am today because he always made me push myself and work really hard. He got me into long jumping,” Wilcox said. “If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be a long jumper. He was always there for me no matter what.”
Wilcox still continues to push himself and prove his leadership today, and his teammates have noticed.
“He is a good leader. He is a funny guy…he has his way of taking control,” said freshman jumper and sprinter Darion Williams.
Dwayne Wall, junior jumper, said once he saw Wilcox work harder on the field, he followed suit.
“Each jump got better and better, each week got better and better,” Wall said. “That is just something you need from a leader, someone that can step up.”
Wilcox said he loves the coaching staff here at ESU and that everyone gets along very well.
“Ryan Robertson is our jump coach,” Wilcox said. “We are all really good friends on the track and off the track. We usually hang out and go to dinners and stuff. Coach Blocker has been a really good head coach. Everyone really likes him.”
Wilcox said he has several goals for the season, both on the runway and in the classroom. He wants to maintain his GPA and jump further than the 23 feet he jumped at conference.
“Last track meet, conference, I finally hit 23 and that was my goal. I reached my goal, so I was really happy about that. Now I want to qualify for Nationals, and in addition to that I want to be Academic All American,” Wilcox said.
As a pre-veterinary and biology major, sophomore track jumper Donald Wilcox said he is looking forward to the future and starting a career as a vet because his job will never be boring and he is excited to experience something different each day.

Sophomore jumper Donald Wilcox practices short approach techniques Monday afternoon at Welch Stadium. ESU hosts the Spring Twilight track meet today at 3 p.m. at Welch Stadium. Jon Coffey/The Bulletin
Taylor Scott
Posted in Profiles, SportsComments (0)
Posted on 15 March 2012.
Hornet men 2-2 against Bearcats
The 16th-ranked Emporia State baseball team faced the Bearcats of Northwest Missouri at home on Friday. Junior infielder Aston McCoy hit a home run to help the Hornets get a victory of 8-3 in the first game. Senior catcher Rudy Weiser had a runs-batted-in and was two for three, scoring two runs to help the team.
In the second game, the Hornets got down early to the Bearcats but fought back to take the win 9-6. The Hornets have homered in three straight games, and senior infielder and pitcher Joe Kornbrust is now on an 11 game hitting streak.
On Saturday the Hornets faced the Bearcats again, splitting the series. Senior outfielder Beau Poston hit a grand slam along with Kornburst to help the Hornets get the first win of the day, 16-3. Every starter finished with either a run scored or an RBI, but the Hornets took a loss in the second game 6-10.
The Hornets will play the Gorillas of Pittsburgh State, March 16-18, at Glennen Field in the Trusler Sports Complex.
Women 4-0 to start season
The Lady Hornets softball team came from behind on Friday to sweep the Mules of Central Missouri. In the first game of the double-header, sophomore infielder and catcher Tricia Vogel got the first scored run with a leadoff homer in the second inning, as the girls would end up on top, 5-2.
In the second game, the Hornets got down early until freshman outfielder Stephanie Goodwin achieved a two run double in the fifth inning, helping accomplish the Hornet victory, 7-6.
On Saturday the girls faced the Southwest Baptist Bearcats winning the double-header. In the first game, the Hornets accomplished an 11-0 win. Junior pitcher Karley Schmelzer threw a non-hitter as she struck out nine players.
In the second game the Hornets pulled to an early lead as freshman catcher infielder Jessica Gragg earned her first home run of the season to help in the 7-3 victory over the Bearcats.
The ladies will be at home on March 16 for the first time this season against Truman at 1 p.m. on Turnbull Field in the Trusler Sports Complex.
Tennis in action on the courts
The Lady Hornets tennis team came out strong on March 7 as they took on Bethel College, winning 8-1, and Tabor College with a 9-0 win. On Saturday, the ladies took a 9-0 sweep against Southwestern College.
The men’s tennis team attained two victories on March 7 as well. They played Bethel College and Tabor College, beating both teams 8-1. They took Southwestern College on Saturday and demolished the Moundbuilders.
Both the men and women defeated Kansas Wesleayan, 8-1 yesterday. The Lady Hornets are now 10-1 on the season, as the men are now 6-2 on the year.
The Lady Hornets take on Ft. Hays State on Friday, before both teams take action against Southwest Baptist in the MIAA opener on Saturday. The duals on Saturday will begin at 1 p.m. at the Emporia High School Courts.
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Posted on 08 March 2012.

Senior forward Dava Logsdon maneuvers around sophomore forward Kelsey Balcom during practice on Tuesday. The Lady Hornets take on Tarleton State tomorrow night at 8 p.m. in Topeka for the first round of the NCAA South Central regional Tournament. Yo Han Kim/The Bulletin
After transferring to Emporia State from Newman University, Dava Logsdon, or “Davy” according to her coaches and teammates, is in her third season with the Lady Hornets basketball team. Logsdon, senior forward, is a competitor who is determined to accomplish everything she sets her mind to, said Brian Mcintosh, assistant coach, and her efforts do not go unnoticed by her teammates.
“Dava comes to practice every single day and works hard,” said senior guard Heather Robben. “She is one of the hardest workers, and she is extremely competitive.”
Freshman forward Kathryn Flott said Logsdon is a good leader.
“She knows her role and fulfills that role,” Flott said.
Logsdon has played basketball competitively since fifth grade, although she was not always a forward. In fact, she began her basketball career with more ball handling involved.
“I started off as a point guard back when I was real little,” Logsdon said. “As I grew, I moved to the forward position, and I have been there since high school.”
During high school, Logsdon competed in both volleyball and basketball. Basketball was always Logsdon’s passion, although she did consider playing volleyball in college. During Logsdon’s high school career, her basketball team did not get the chance to compete at the state level.
“My junior year we were ranked second in state at Rose Hill High School,” Logsdon said. “We ended up losing the first round of sub-state to Augusta. It was a heart breaker. My senior year I was out with an injury, so we never made it to state in high school.”
Logsdon said she chose to attend ESU because she liked the atmosphere.
“Both my parents went here,” she said. “It just felt like home really.”
Logsdon’s first year as a Lady Hornet was the year they won the National Championship. She was a medical red shirt that year, but feels that it was a major accomplishment.
“I would say just being a part of the ESU basketball team is an accomplishment. You have to really have dedication to play with this team. I felt like the program had accomplished something great,” Logsdon said.
She said she is looking forward to regionals, and is very confident in her team, despite the young age.
“I think that we’re really strong,” Logsdon said. “We’re young, but we’re getting better in each game we play. Hopefully we’ll be able to upset some teams we play at the regionals coming up and accomplish something big.”
Overall, Logsdon said she feels that she really fits in at ESU.
“I love it here,” she said. “I love the faculty, the coaches and my teammates. Everything about ESU has been great. I feel really blessed for being a part of the program here.”
Taylor Scott
Posted in Athlete Profiles, SportsComments (0)
Posted on 08 March 2012.
Women 2nd at MIAA tournament
The Lady Hornets started the first round MIAA tournament last Thursday, opening against the Bulldogs of Truman State. Junior guard Kelsey Balcom drained a three-pointer with less than 1 second left in the second half, earning the Hornets a 64-63 victory.
On Saturday, the Hornets faced the Blue Tigers of Lincoln in the second round of the tournament. ESU won, 68-60, to advance to the championship game against the Washburn University Ichabods on Sunday in the third Turnpike Tussle for the title in last eight years. Emporia lost, a devastating 68-59 as the final score.
But during the NCAA Selection Show, ESU learned that they made it into the NCAA tournament for the 14th time in the last 16 years. The Hornets will face Tarleton State University at 8 p.m. tomorrow in Topeka.
End of road for basketball men
The Hornets men’s basketball team ended their season 9-18 after being in the MIAA Tournament for the 10th straight year.
On Friday, Emporia fell to the Washburn University Ichabods, 67-51, in the first round of the tournament. The game started out close, but with 12 turnovers in the second half, ESU reached the end of the road for the season.
Junior guard Taylor Euler led the team with 12 points and was joined in double figures by senior center and forward Christian Simmons, with a career high 11 points.
This was the last season for four seniors – Tola Lawal, Troy Pierce, Antonio DiMaria and Simmons. The Hornets will return with three of their top six scorers for the next season.
Baseball 2-2 against Bearcats
The 8th-ranked Emporia State baseball team took on the Bearcats of Southwest Baptist University on Friday. ESU swept the double header, 9-2 and 10-4.
Senior infielder and outfielder Joe Vaskas went two for three and added three runs driven in as junior infielder Eric Dawson continued his hot streak as he went three for four with two runs scored and one driven.
On Saturday, ESU played close games but came up short in a double header loss, 1-2 and 8-9. Dawson hit his first career home run going two for four on the day. Junior pitcher Keith Picht picked up his first two losses of the season that day.
The Hornets will face Northwest Missouri March 9-11 at Glennen Field in the Trusler Sports Complex.
Hornet tennis back in action, men fall short
The Lady Hornet tennis team swept the boards against the McPherson Bulldogs on Saturday. Coming out strong, ESU gave McPherson no chance as they dominated the courts, 9-0, winning three matches by forfeit.
On Monday the ladies were defeated by the Hawks of Rockhurst University, 2-7. Sophomore singles player Nicole Jara gave ESU one win, while sophomore singles player Abby Morris contributed the other win for the Hornets.
Being 2-2 on the season, the Hornet men’s tennis team fell short in the first two home duals of the season.
McPherson challenged ESU on Satruday, as the Hornets fell 1-8. On Monday the Hornets faced the Rockurst University Hawks as ESU was defeated 0-9.
Posted in Sports, Sports ShortsComments (0)
Posted on 08 March 2012.
What are some of the team’s goals for the season?
Overall, obviously try to incorporate new kids and the young kids that didn’t play last year. The goal is mainly to try to get molded together as a group and basically just get some experience.
Can you comment on the leadership Jennifer Heerey is showing?
Jenny (senior pitcher and outfielder) is in a position where she has started playing more and hitting more this year. Jenny’s senior year, being the only senior, a lot of the girls are looking to her for leadership and she has stepped up and into the position to where she is performing well, and that is helping us to help move forward as a group
What is the biggest obstacle you have faced this season?
So far, our biggest obstacle is consistency. It has been an issue. Some days we look great offensively, and we struggle in other areas.
What is working well for the team at the moment?
At the moment, we are having a lot of young kids step into roles. Offensively, we’re making good strides and up until last weekend defense has been a strength as well. We’re trying to find a way where we put all aspects together.
Who are your biggest contributors to the team?
Right now, starting out, we have two freshman making significant impacts. Kendra Gifford (outfielder) and Stephanie Goodwin (outfielder) are doing a great job, making big impacts as freshman. Jessica Brewer, a junior outfielder, is making some good things happen for us too.
What kind of impact have the newcomers had this season?
Kendra Gifford and Stephanie Goodwin have been significant impacts. Taylor Zordel (freshman infielder) is a great defensive impact. Tricia Vogel (sophomore infielder and catcher) was here last year and didn’t get playing time, but she’s stepping up and doing great things as well.
How does this year’s team compare to last year’s team?
Well, this is my first year coaching at Emporia, but as an outsider, we’re kind of missing that one impact player. Last year, Angela Mahan and Abby Hughes were key offensive impacts. They all graduated at one time – that go-to kid that can play both sides of the ball is what is missing, which they had last year.
How has the program improved since you have been here?
I feel like we have improved significantly talent wise. The girls have really made a point to try to get better as actual ballplayers. We are definitely working on our mental game.
What are the keys to this team’s success?
I think learning from past failures and moving on is something we have an issue with and is holding us back. When we get it figured out to not wear every loss on us, it will be very important. That is a lot of why we have up and down performances because we are lingering on it. That mentality and getting pitching and hitting together are the most important things.
Who is your biggest competition in the MIAA?
I would say Missouri Western. They are picked to win the conference, but there’s always Central Missouri and Fort Hays. They will give us good games, but probably Missouri Western.
Taylor Scott
Posted in Softball, SportsComments (0)
Posted on 01 March 2012.
Hornets land third seed in MIAA
Taking the win on Saturday over Fort Hays State, the Lady Hornets will go into to MIAA Tournament as the number-three seed.
With neither team leading by more than five points in the first half, Emporia won, 73-64, over the Tigers. With 10 minutes left in the game, the Hornets stretched the lead 45-40, never trailing again in the game.
Knocking down some big shots, senior guard Heather Robben ended with 25 points, followed by junior guard Jocelyn Cummings, who added 15.
The Lady Hornets will take on Truman at 8:15 p.m. tonight to start the first round of the MIAA Tournament.
Men lose to Tigers, get eighth seed
The Hornets took a fall to the Tigers of Fort Hays State on Saturday, 48-73. ESU took an 11-2 lead in the game but was outshot 52 to 33 percent from the field.
But with Truman’s loss to Central Missouri, the Hornets were able to land the eighth seed in the MIAA Tournament.
Senior forward and center Troy Pierce lead the Hornets with 16 points and seven rebounds, while junior guard Chris Sights added 12 points, going a perfect six-for-six at the free throw line.
The Hornets will face the top-seeded Washburn in Kansas City, Mo. at Noon on Friday.
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Posted on 23 February 2012.

Ben Kacks throws pitch to a Loper hitter. ESU defeated Nebraska-Kearney,12-5, on Friday at Trusler Sport Complex. Yo Han Kim/The bulletin
Posted in Baseball, SportsComments (0)
