College notebook: King, McDowell, Quintero produce winning efforts; C-SC, QU athletes pick up weekly honors

King picks up ‘Mule of the Week’ honor

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — The offense stole the show in the second-ranked Central Missouri football’s season opener, but the defense was equally stout in last Saturday’s 63-21 victory over Northeastern State. Palmyra product Weston King was at the heart of the defensive effort.

The senior defensive lineman had four tackles and was awarded one of two “Mule of the Week” honors by the UCM coaching staff. 

Prior to the season, King was named one of four team captains. As a junior, he played in all 13 games and finished with 45 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.

McDowell records first career sack

DECATUR, Ill. — Connor McDowell’s first career sack stalled a Millikin drive and helped the Illinois College football team stay in complete control of last Saturday’s season opener.

The sophomore defensive end sacked Millikin quarterback Aidan Lombardo for a 12-yard loss on a second-and-1 play from the Illinois College 40-yard line midway through the third quarter. The Big Blue ended up turning the ball over on downs, and the Blueboys rolled to a 46-21 victory.

McDowell had two tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack. It was one of five sacks by the Blueboys’ defense.

Quintero scores game-winning goal

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Lia Quintero’s first goal of the season helped the Truman State women’s soccer team pick up its first victory of the season.

The sophomore forward, who was an all-stater at Quincy Notre Dame, scored in the 55th minute Sunday, breaking a 1-1 tie and propelling the Bulldogs to a 4-1 victory over Saginaw Valley State. It was Quintero’s third career goal and third game-winning goal.

Straus repeats as Heart’s weekly top runner

CANTON, Mo. — Marion County product Delaney Straus earned the Heart of America Athletic Conference Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week for the second consecutive week.

At the Dutch Invitational at Central College at Pella, Iowa, Straus finished sixth individually, finishing the 5-kilometer course in 19 minutes, 47.8 seconds. It is the second fastest time for a 5K course in program history.

Straus set the school record for a 4K course in the season-opening Great River Open in Canton, Mo., finishing first with a time of 14:44. It earned her last week’s Heart Runner of the Week honor.

Wijnbergen receives GLVC weekly award

QUINCY — The Quincy University volleyball team’s strong start has coincided with senior right side hitter Emma Wijnbergen delivering a consistent, dominant attack.

The Hawks won four matches last week, including three in straight sets, while Wijnbergen piled up 77 kills and a .401 hitting percentage. It earned her the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in her career.

Wijnbergen also had 25 digs, 14 blocks and four aces. She enjoyed her best match of the week in a three-set sweep of Davenport when she threw down 20 kills and had a .600 hitting percentage. Quincy will play host to the Hawk Invitational this Friday and Saturday at Pepsi Arena.