QU’s Tabakovic earns first-team All-GLVC honors, Palmyra’s Plunkett among second-team picks

Quincy University senior defensive lineman David Tabakovic, left, was a first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team’s season, which ended with just the fifth winning record in the past 28 years, resulted in 15 players earning All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors. Senior defensive lineman David Tabakovic was the Hawks’ lone first-team selection. The 6-foot-2 Tabakovic led the Hawks with 15 tackles for loss and 8.5…

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QU men, women both picked to finish ninth in GLVC preseason basketball coaches polls

Quincy University sophomore Mason Wujek, left, shoots over Iowa's Ben Krikke during an exhibition game in Iowa City, Iowa. | Photo courtesy Hawkeye Sports

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball programs find themselves in the same exact spot. They have to prove the Great Lakes Valley Conference coaches wrong. Both QU programs were picked ninth among the league’s 14 teams in the preseason poll of the league’s coaches. Only the top eight teams make the GLVC…

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Officiating blunders leave QU football coaches, players angry and frustrated following loss

Quincy University football coach Gary Bass will be submitting video evidence to the Great Lakes Valley Conference office illustrating missed calls by the officiating crew during Saturday's 41-34 loss to McKendree at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass is fighting mad. Everyone in the Great Lakes Lakes Conference administration, especially Mike McCann, who is the league’s supervisor of football officials, is going to hear and see why. The Hawks suffered a 41-34 loss to McKendree on Saturday at QU Stadium. Bass won’t deny his team…

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Ground and pound: Hawks control line of scrimmage, flatten Cardinals with running game

Quincy University running back JQ Brown runs away from the William Jewell defense on a 68-yard touchdown burst to open Saturday's game in Liberty, Mo. | Photo courtesy Jeb Jarman

LIBERTY, Mo. — After the Quincy University football team rushed for more than 200 yards against Truman State, Hawks coach Gary Bass figured he needed to see his offensive linemen in a different light. “I was like, ‘Damn, maybe that group’s better than I give them credit for,’” he said. Saturday, they delivered another statement…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s soccer team wins GLVC matchup, QU men settle for draw

Quincy University freshman midfielder Reegan Hess shields the ball from a Southwest Baptist player during Sunday's game at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s soccer team continues to keep itself in the conversation for postseason play. The QU men are desperately trying to get some results that do that same. Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Southwest Baptist moved the QU women to 3-4 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and into ninth place in…

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Truman State methodically erases QU’s lead, rallies to win GLVC showdown in overtime

Truman State quarterback Nolan Hair outruns the Quincy University defense to the front corner of the end zone for a game-winning 20-yard touchdown in overtime Saturday at Stokes Stadium in Kirksville, Mo. | Photo courtesy Truman State athletics/Timothy Barcus

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Coming oh-so-close hurts oh-so-much. Quincy University football coach Gary Bass felt that pain for his players Saturday afternoon. The Hawks grabbed a 20-0 lead over No. 24 Truman State in the first 13 minutes of their first road game of the season, but managed to score just seven points over the remaining…

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Hawks finish homestand with best start since 1994 following resilient effort against Bearcats

Quincy University safety Joseph Webb, left, brings down Southwest Baptist running back Abel Carter during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — The schedule gave the Quincy University football team every opportunity to build some momentum before facing the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s heavyweights. All the Hawks needed to do was be resilient enough to take advantage of it. Saturday, the Hawks proved they were. Quincy trailed Southwest Baptist for a majority of the second…

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QU’s Plunkett earns GLVC Defensive Player of the Week after big plays against Chadron State

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after returning a fumble 91 yards for a touchdown and setting up another score with an interception last Thursday night against Chadron State. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A new number. Same attitude and effort. Peyton Plunkett’s aggressive approach to playing linebacker for the Quincy University football team is why he is considered a lynchpin of the Hawks’ defense. It showed in the season-opening 35-34 loss to Chadron State as Plunkett helped the Hawks dig out of a 22-0 hole to…

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GLVC preseason polls: QU volleyball team in top four, soccer teams both in bottom half of league

Sophomore middle blocker Alice Pavan, center, and the Quincy University women's volleyball team will try to duplicate last season's success. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Expectations remain high for the Quincy University women’s volleyball team, while the Hawks have something to prove in men’s and women’s soccer. The Great Lakes Valley Conference released its fall preseason coaches polls this week with the volleyball team still earning respect after winning the league’s regular-season championship last fall and grabbing the…

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Napleton gets back in power groove, breaks GLVC single-season home run record with two dingers

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton, left, and pitcher Joe Byers celebrate on of Napleton's two home runs during Friday's NCAA Division II Midwest Regional victory over Northwood at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Going 20 at-bats without hitting a home run may not seem like much of a drought, but Luke Napleton knew he had taken several swings since his last blast. None of them felt like the right rhythm. “I’ve been rolling over the past few games, being a little early,” the Quincy University catcher…

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Nice ring to it: Hawks capture GLVC Tournament championship, earn No. 1 Midwest Regional seed

The Quincy University baseball team celebrates winning the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship following Sunday's 13-6 victory over Drury at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Ill. | Photo courtesy Jared McFarlane, Great Lakes Valley Conference

MARION, Ill. — The first step is always the hardest or so the adage goes. If that rings true, the Quincy University baseball team better ready itself for a prolonged journey. The Hawks followed up their regular-season Great Lakes Valley Conference championship by winning the GLVC Tournament, capping a four-game swath through the tourney field…

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Schuckman: Days like this are reason Hammel returned to Hawks to pitch one more season

Quincy University pitcher Jay Hammel, left, gets congratulated by teammates and coaches as he comes off the field following an inning during Sunday's Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament championship game against Drury at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Ill. | Photo courtesy Jared McFarlane, Great Lakes Valley Conference

QUINCY — Jay Hammel wrestled with the decision. Should he stay or should he go? Last May, Hammel graduated from Quincy University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies. He also fashioned a 9-2 record as a right-handed starter for the QU baseball team, helping the Hawks get within one victory of a…

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Carpenter shuts down Saints, sends Hawks into GLVC Tournament title game

Quincy University left-hander Tyler Carpenter delivers a pitch during Saturday's game against Maryville in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in Marion, Ill. | Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

MARION, Ill. — Tyler Carpenter got mad. Then he got nasty. That made the Maryville baseball team’s plans to rally obsolete. The Quincy University left-handed reliever entered Saturday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament game in the fifth inning with the Hawks ahead 9-7, two outs and two runners on base. The Saints’ Jed Zebig greeted…

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DuPont hits it where Greyhounds can’t catch it, Hawks play stellar defense to advance

Quincy University third baseman Dustin DuPoint hit a three-run home run Friday night in the Hawks' 7-5 victory over Indianapolis in the second round of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. | Matt Schuckman file photo

MARION, Ill. — No matter how hard Dustin DuPont hit the ball in his first two at-bats Friday night — he stung it with authority both times — University of Indianapolis center fielder Brandon DeWitt ran down those line drives for the first out in both the first and third innings. “I got back to…

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QU’s Napleton receives GLVC Player of the Year honor, while Schissel is Coach of the Year

Quincy University junior catcher Luke Napleton, left, was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Not long after Luke Napleton left QU Stadium the day he broke the Quincy University baseball program’s single-season home run record, he received a text message with a video attached. It was from Ryan Snyder, the slugger whose record Napleton broke, who wanted to congratulate the Hawks junior catcher. Snyder may need to…

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Put a ring on it: Hawks head into postseason ready to chase championships, earn some new bling

Quincy University center fielder Brock Boynton, center, and the Hawks look to celebrate a championship this weekend by winning the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in Marion, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brock Boynton can envision a championship ring sizable enough to celebrate more than one title. “I was thinking about it last night,” the Quincy University senior center fielder said Wednesday morning before the Hawks boarded a bus headed for Marion, Ill., and the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. “There’s four sides to a…

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QU baseball team ready to roll into postseason after capping ‘nine-game heater’ at Rockhurst

The Quincy University baseball team capped a 40-win regular season and the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular-season championship Sunday with an 11-9 victory over Rockhurst in Kansas City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Stephanie Boynton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Brock Boynton called it. Following a mid-week victory over nationally ranked Central Missouri on April 25, the Quincy University baseball team’s senior center fielder said the Hawks needed to go on a “nine-game heater” to carry the momentum of an historic regular season into the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. Sunday,…

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Former QU men’s basketball players in transfer portal find new landing spots

Quincy University swingman Paul Zilinskas, left, is transferring to the University of Indianapolis with two years of eligibility remaining. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two former Quincy University men’s basketball players who entered the transfer portal have found new homes. Paul Zilinskas, a 6-foot-6 swingman with two years of eligibility remaining, announced via social media last week he will be joining another Great Lakes Valley Conference program as he plans to sign with the University of Indianapolis.…

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Hawks continue to batter opposing pitching, slug six home runs in series finale against Panthers

Quincy University pitcher Joe Byers, center, prepares to celebrate a home run with teammates Brock Boynton, right, during Sunday's game against Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The DJ Khaled collaboration “All I Do Is Win” was released in 2010 and remains a ballpark staple more than a decade later. Still, it may be time for some fresh lyrics. The Quincy University baseball team seems to be providing them. It goes a little like, “All we do is crush, crush,…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team wins regular-season home finale by hammering Drury

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel, right, gets congratulated as he heads to the dugout after finishing the fifth inning Sunday in a 16-6 victory over Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University baseball team doesn’t want Sunday’s 16-6 victory over Drury to complete a Great Lakes Valley Conference sweep to be its final game this season at QU Stadium. The Hawks want to play host to an NCAA Division II regional. Keep hitting the way they are and the Hawks likely will…

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‘You can’t stop it’: Walk-off grand slam keeps Hawks rolling with twinbill sweep of Panthers

The Quincy University baseball players celebrate a three-run home run by Gino D'Alessio, center, during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A rally that began with a record-breaking home run, ended with an epic bat flip and featured some of the most selfless, mature at-bats in between left everyone exiting QU Stadium with the same train of thought. This Quincy University baseball squad may truly be a team of destiny. “I told you three…

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Photo gallery: Walk-off grand slam sets stage for QU baseball team to complete twinbill sweep

Quincy University junior Luke Napleton connects for an extra-base hit during Saturday's doubleheader against Drury at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brock Boynton knew it immediately. The epic bat flip made it obvious to everyone else. The senior center fielder crushed a walk-off grand slam to give the Quincy University baseball team a 12-8 victory in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against Drury at QU Stadium. The eighth-ranked Hawks completed the sweep with…

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Logsdon’s grand slam puts cap on strong start to weekend for QU baseball team

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon connects for a single in the first inning of Friday's game against Drury at QU Stadium. He finished with three hits, including his seventh career grand slam, in the 12-5 victory. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If the rest of the weekend follows suit, the seniors on the Quincy University baseball team will create a memorable way to say goodbye. Friday’s start set the tone. Senior right-hander Spencer Walker struck out eight over seven innings, the eighth-ranked Hawks opened the game with five consecutive singles and fifth-year first baseman…

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Photo gallery: Hawks open final home weekend of regular season with victory over Panthers

Quincy University assistant coach Chandler Purcell, left, shakes hands with the home plate umpire prior to Friday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Drury. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The team that has been virtually unbeatable at home this season continued to show why Friday. The eighth-ranked Quincy University baseball team parlayed a quality start from right-hander Spencer Walker and a 17-hit attack into a 12-5 victory over Drury at QU Stadium. The Hawks are now 23-2 at home this season. Muddy…

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Hawks blend ingredients for victory together to win another GLVC weekend series

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel went seven innings Sunday in leading the Hawks to an 11-2 victory over Missouri-St. Louis in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. | Matt Schuckman photo

ST. LOUIS — The Quincy University baseball team’s recipe for success worked well Sunday. The Hawks piled up runs, scoring 11 times and collecting 18 hits. Jay Hammel delivered a strong start as the right-hander allowed just two runs over seven innings. The bullpen finished it off with Chase Gockel and Tyler Carpenter each striking…

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Kirn dials in, mows down Tritons with career-high 13 Ks as No. 13 Hawks reach 30-victory plateau

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn struck out a career-high 13 batters in Saturday's 6-1 victory over Missouri-St. Louis in Great Lakes Valley Conference action in St. Louis. | Matt Schuckman file photo

ST. LOUIS — Maybe Griffin Kirn should have known something special lied ahead. “Typically, it seems the better games a pitcher pitches their catch is bad or their bullpen is bad,” the Quincy University left-handed pitcher said. “For me, my catch was the worst game of catch I’ve had in a long time.” Prior to…

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Hawks gear up for GLVC tourney appearance, two QU tennis players earn all-league honors

The Quincy University women's tennis team, here at the pre-tournament banquet on Thursday night, will play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament from the second time in the last three years with Friday's opening-round match against Indianapolis. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — Opportunity awaits the Quincy University women’s tennis team. For the second time in three seasons, the Hawks have qualified for the Great Lakes Valley Conference postseason tournament, finishing fourth in the league’s West Division after winning two of their final three conference duals. The only drawback, if there is even one, is the…

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Napleton garners GLVC Player of the Week after crushing McKendree pitching

Quincy University's Luke Napleton, left, celebrates one of his four home runs last weekend against McKendree with teammate Gino D'Alessio. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton’s big weekend earned him another Great Lakes Valley Conference honor. The Quincy University baseball team’s junior catcher was named the GLVC Player of the Week after helping the Hawks go 5-0 last week with a four-game sweep of McKendree to move into sole possession of first place in the league standings.…

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Hawks continue to showcase offensive firepower, finish sweep of Bearcats with big bang

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton gets ready for an at-bat during the final game of the four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference weekend series against McKendree on Saturday at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Filling out the lineup card isn’t too much of a chore for Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel. “It isn’t drawing straws,” he said. Eight starters are hitting .350 or better. Seven starters have each hit six or more home runs. Five have 30 or more RBIs. And every single one of them…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team completes four-game sweep of McKendree

Quincy University designated hitter Austin Simpson talks to the home plate umpire before stepping into the batter's box during Saturday's game against McKendree at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A four-game sweep of McKendree, coupled with a series split between Illinois-Springfield and Maryville, has the Quincy University baseball team alone in first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference following Saturday’s 13-6 and 15-4 victories at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on hand to capture some of the…

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Kirn, Hawks turn up heat on Bearcats, open weekend series with doubleheader sweep

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn delivers a pitch in the third inning against McKendree during Friday's doubleheader at QU Stadium. Kirn struck out 10 in the 5-2 victory in the nightcap. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Of all the unusual pieces to the puzzle the Quincy University baseball program had to maneuver into place to play its Great Lakes Valley Conference series at home this weekend, dealing with the heat wasn’t on the list of concerns. At least not until gametime. The 84-degree afternoon temperature at QU Stadium was…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team wins first two games of weekend series with McKendree

Quincy University center fielder Brock Boynton, center, celebrates his home run as he returns to the dugout during the first game of Friday's doubleheader against McKendree at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The logistical challenges of moving a four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball series from the McKendree campus to QU Stadium were unique, but the end result of Friday’s series-opening doubleheader was expected. The 14th-ranked Hawks swept the Bearcats, winning 15-5 and 5-2. Due to weather concerns, the rest of the weekend schedule has…

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Hawks erase four-run deficit, win GLVC series against Saints

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon homered and tripled during Saturday's 8-4 victory over Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton tossed the bat away thinking he’d just drawn a walk, but the home plate umpire called it a strike to force the Quincy University catcher back into the batter’s box to face a full-count payoff pitch. But he only had a few seconds to regroup because the pitch clock was running.…

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Dupont’s blast completes rally as nationally ranked Hawks sweep twinbill from Saints

Quincy University junior catcher Dustin Dupont, center, celebrates his go-ahead three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning Friday against Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Dustin Dupont hoped some verbal encouragement would work. The fly ball he hit in the bottom of the sixth inning Friday afternoon seemed to have enough steam behind it to clear QU Stadium’s left field stone wall. Still, as the Quincy University baseball team’s left-handed hitting catcher bounced out of the batter’s box,…

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Photo gallery: Late-inning rally leads to twinbill sweep for QU baseball team

Quincy University left-hander Griffin Kirn follows his pitch during the fourth inning Friday against Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — In need of something to lift morale and change momentum, the Quincy University baseball team got a quality start from left-hander Griffin Kirn and a three home run day from Dustin Dupont to sweep Maryville 14-6 and 6-5 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action Friday at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Ninth-inning collapse costs Hawks opening game of crucial GLVC series with Saints

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker delivers a pitch during Thursday's game against Maryville at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Brett Panick’s wildness, Maryville’s patience and an inopportune time for a letdown has the nationally ranked Quincy University baseball team needing to rebound. The ninth-ranked Hawks took a three-run lead to the ninth inning Thursday in the opening game of a four-game Great Lakes Valley Conference series, but Panick was unable to close…

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Photo gallery: QU’s Walker, Palmyra’s Kroeger engage in GLVC pitcher’s duel at QU Stadium

Palmyra native Jacob Kroeger, a junior left-hander for the Maryville baseball team, delivers a pitch during Thursday's game against Quincy University at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker delivered. So did Jacob Kroeger. Once the two starting pitchers exited, it was up to their respective bullpens to determine which team won the opening game of the Great Lakes Valley Conference series. Give the edge to the Maryville baseball team. The Saints rallied for four runs in the top of…

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Hammel, Hawks finish series with dominant effort, earn split with Prairie Stars

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel delivers a pitch during Sunday's game against Illinois-Springfield in the nightcap of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU athletics

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Jay Hammel delivered his best when the Quincy University baseball team needed it most. Having lost the first game of Sunday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader with Illinois-Springfield, the Hawks needed a victory in the nightcap to split the day and the four-game series between two nationally ranked teams. Hammel made certain…

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Living in a hitter’s paradise: Hawks slug seven home runs, sweep GLVC series from Bulldogs

Quincy University's Nolan Wosman rounds third base after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of Sunday's 20-7 victory over Truman State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A sun-splashed Sunday afternoon with the wind whipping into the right-center field gap and temperatures rising above the stocking cap barometer turned QU Stadium into a hitter’s paradise. No wonder the Quincy University baseball team’s entire lineup salivated over the possibilities. “I think it’s almost impossible not to, especially when you have 20…

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Photo gallery: Hawks complete sweep of Bulldogs with another booming effort offensively

Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel, right, talks with Cole Erickson prior to the freshman going to the on-deck circle during Sunday's game against Truman State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University baseball team bookended its weekend sweep of Truman State with offensive outbursts, complementing Friday’s 14-run effort with Sunday’s 20-7 victory at Stadium. The Hawks hit seven home runs with Nolan Wosman going 5 for 5 with two home runs and four runs scored. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent…

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Hawks eliminate any hope Bulldogs created by winning final three innings of series opener

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton went 5 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs in Friday's 14-4 victory over Truman State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It’s a simple philosophy with proven results. Win the inning. “I don’t know if you can hear me in the dugout, but I’m always saying ‘win the inning,’” Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel said. “Whether we give up four or give up two or give up none, go win the inning. If…

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Walker bounces back with complete command, strikes out 10 in Hawks’ victory over Bulldogs

Quincy University right-hander Spencer Walker struck out 10 and walked none over six innings Friday in a 14-4 victory over Truman State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker paused as he searched for the most apropos way to describe his mindset when he took the mound Friday afternoon. “I can’t find the word,” he frustratedly said. He needed more than one. “I went out there with a little more of a chip on my shoulder,” Walker said. He pitched…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team opens weekend with 10-run rule victory over Truman State

Quincy University's Cole Erickson, left, rounds third base after hitting a two-run home run that jumpstarted an eight-run sixth inning Friday against Truman State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Everyone got into the act. The Quincy University baseball team scored 12 runs over the final three innings Friday to post a 14-4, seven-inning victory over Truman State at QU Stadium. All nine of the Hawks in the lineup reached base, seven had hits and eight scored at least one run. Muddy River…

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Crim: Bracket busting isn’t exclusive to the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament

Nova Southeastern coach Jim Crutchfield, left, talks to his team during a timeout. The Sharks were the only No. 1 regional seed to advance to the NCAA Division II elite eight. | Photo courtesy Nova Southeastern

QUINCY — It has been a bracket-busting tournament. No, we’re not talking about 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson toppling No. 1 Purdue. The Boilermakers, after all, have now lost to a double-digit seed in each of the last three seasons, so the outcome should not have been a complete shock. Rather, this concerns the NCAA Division II…

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Wosman’s walk-off single allows Hawks to rebound and split GLVC doubleheader

Quincy University second baseman Nolan Wosman singled in the bottom of the seventh inning Friday to drive in the winning run in a 5-4 walk-off victory against Missouri S&T at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — What’s the best way to respond to a pummeling? Come back and deliver the final blow. The Quincy University baseball team is pretty good at finishing with a punch. After allowing the most runs in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game in at least two decades in a 20-10 loss, the Hawks salvaged…

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Hawks’ Napleton picks up GLVC weekly honor after belting five home runs in series sweep

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton, left, celebrates one of his home runs against Augustana with teammates Lance Logsdon, center, and Gino D'Alessio last Friday at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton’s first at-bat set the tone for quite a weekend that earned him Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Week when all was said and done. The Quincy University baseball team’s junior catcher roped a line drive over Augustana center fielder Trevor Winterstein that turned into a triple thanks to his…

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‘We’ve got some dogs, man’: QU men take top-seeded Indianapolis into double OT before losing

Quincy University's Malik Hardmon goes up for a shot between Indianapolis' Sean Craig, left, and Julian Steinfeld during Thursday afternoon's quarterfinal game in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. | David Adam

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — An outsized and physically overmatched Quincy University men’s basketball team did everything it could on Thursday afternoon, but it couldn’t change the outcome — a gritty 79-77 double-overtime loss to top-seeded Indianapolis in the first round in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. What the Hawks did change this season, however,…

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Last-second shot doesn’t fall, but QU women earn respect by throwing scare into top-seeded Drury

Quincy University assistant coach Jenna Knudson, background, and head coach Kaci Bailey, right, console Beth Matas Martin after her potential game-winning shot didn't go in during the Hawks' quarterfinal game in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. | David Adam

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — It wasn’t quite the U.S. national hockey team over the Russians in 1980, but for NCAA Division II women’s basketball, it was darned close. Nobody could even fathom the Quincy University women’s basketball team staying remotely close to Drury, ranked No. 2 nationally, in the first round of the Great Lakes…

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Photo gallery: QU women nearly pull first-round shocker at GLVC Tournament

Quincy University's Janiece Dawson goes up for a reverse layup during Thursday night's women's basketball quarterfinal at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. | David Adam

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The eighth-seeded Quincy University women’s basketball team nearly pulled off one of the biggest stunners in the history of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament, falling 79-78 to top-seeded Drury in Thursday’s tourney quarterfinals. MRN Editor David Adam put together this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: QU men lose in double overtime to top-seeded Indianapolis in GLVC quarterfinals

Indianapolis' Kendrick Tchoua flies over Quincy's Zion Richardson during Thursday afternoon's men's basketball quarterfinal game in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament at Hyland Arena in St. Charles, Mo. | David Adam

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The eighth-seeded Quincy University men’s basketball team took top-seeded Indianapolis to double overtime before falling 79-77 in the quarterfinals of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. MRN Editor David Adam captured these images for a photo gallery:

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Nelson’s game-winning buzzer-beater earns QU women spot in GLVC Tournament

Quincy University forward Sarah Nelson scored at the buzzer Saturday afternoon to beat Rockhurst 65-63 and push QU into the GLVC Tournament field. | Muddy River Sports file photo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Friday night, during the team dinner for players and parents, Quincy University women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey gave senior forward Emma Knipe’s parents a solid reassurance more was in store. “I told them, ‘Tomorrow’s not our last game,’” Bailey said. A homegrown senior — Quincy native Sarah Nelson — made sure…

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Crim: Postseason fate still in question, but Hawks have undoubtedly made strides in Hawkins’ first season back

Steve Hawkins, shown talking with Malik Hardmon during a game against Grand Valley State earlier this season, has guided Quincy University within one victory of their first winning record since the 2016-17 season. | File photo by Matt Schuckman

QUINCY — As the Great Lakes Valley Conference enters the final week of the basketball regular season, the only certainty on the men’s side is that nationally-ranked Indianapolis will finish first and be the top seed for the league tournament March 2-5 in St. Charles, Mo. Otherwise, we’re left to decipher the GLVC’s rating system…

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QU women stay alive in conference tournament chase

Quincy's Sarah Nelson fights William Jewell's Chloe Frank for a rebound during Thursday's game at Pepsi Arena. - Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — After a game-opening burst by William Jewell, it was up to the Quincy University women to answer. And they did. The Hawks countered two early three-pointers with a 26-2 run that turned into a 30-point lead and eventually finished as a 77-54 win Thursday night at Pepsi Arena. The win puts Quincy (11-14…

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‘The game got away from us’: Hawks suffer GLVC setback to Prairie Stars

Illinois-Springfield guard Jordan Rice, left, pressures Quincy University guard Isaiah Foster during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The downcast expression covering Malik Hardmon’s face told the story. So did his words. “The game got away from us, and we paid for it,” he said. The 6-foot-6 senior forward on the Quincy University men’s basketball team did not mince words or offer excuses following Saturday’s 84-74 Great Lakes Valley Conference loss…

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QU women see GLVC tourney hopes take major hit with lopsided loss to Illinois-Springfield

Illinois-Springfield's Ariyah Douglas gets a shot off between two Quincy University defenders during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The math never lies. “It’s tough to come back from 25 points down,” Quincy University women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey said. And that’s exactly where QU found itself at intermission. Illinois-Springfield, which entered Saturday’s game with a 2-21 record, dominated Quincy from start to finish in posting an 81-59 Great Lakes Valley Conference…

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Photo gallery: QU men, women falter in GLVC play against Illinois-Springfield

Quincy University assistant coach Tim Walsh talks to point guard Isaiah Foster during a timeout in Saturday's game against Illinois-Springfield at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fight to earn a spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament became a little tougher for the Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams after both suffered setbacks Saturday against Illinois-Springfield at Pepsi Arena. The QU men lost 84-74, while the women were drubbed 81-59. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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Nationally ranked Greyhounds deny Hawks chance for season sweep

INDIANAPOLIS — There was no sneaking up on the University of Indianapolis a second time. The Greyhounds outscored the Quincy University men’s basketball team 14-8 over the final four minutes Saturday afternoon to post a 76-70 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory at Nicoson Hall. The victory was the 14th straight for seventh-ranked Indianapolis (20-2, 12-2…

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GLVC coaches tab QU baseball team to finish second in league’s preseason poll

Quincy University senior right-hander Spencer Walker leads the Hawks into the 2023 season with high expectations. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Great Lakes Valley Conference baseball coaches are following the lead of their national counterparts. Illinois-Springfield is the team to beat this spring. Quincy University isn’t far behind. The Prairie Stars, who are the defending GLVC champions and coming off an NCAA Division II World Series appearance, were selected as the No. 1…

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Frustrated by fouls, Foster fuels final flourish as Hawks snap three-game losing streak

Quincy University's Isaiah Foster, right, dribbles while guarded by Maryville's Jaeden Smith during Saturday afternoon's college basketball game at Pepsi Arena. | David Adam

QUINCY — Sitting on the bench tested Isaiah Foster’s patience. Three fouls limited the freshman guard to just 4 minutes, 35 seconds of playing time Saturday until he checked into the game with 11:40 remaining in the second half. Foster helped the Quincy University men’s basketball team go on a 10-point run to take the…

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‘It’s just super exciting’: Matas Martin scores 33 as QU women reach double digits in victories for first time in seven seasons

Beth Matas Martin goers up for a shot during Quincy University's women's basketball game against Maryville on Saturday afternoon at Pepsi Arena. | David Adam

QUINCY — Sarah Nelson remembers the bad times, which makes it so much easier to enjoy the good times. In Nelson’s first three seasons, the Quincy University women’s basketball team had an 18-59 record and a 10-50 record in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. The Hawks now have won three of their last four GLVC…

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Photo gallery: QU men stay in third-place tie in GLVC standings by knocking off Maryville

Malik Hardmon goes up for a layup during Quincy University's victory over Maryville in a men's college basketball game at Pepsi Arena on Saturday. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team ended a three-game slide and stayed in third place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with Saturday’s 70-62 victory over Maryville at Pepsi Arena. Muddy River News Editor David Adam sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Photo Gallery: Quincy University women pick up 10th victory by defeating Maryville

Gabby Burns (12) high-fives Quincy University women's basketball coach Kaci Bailey after Saturday's 84-78 victory over Maryville in Pepsi Arena. | David Adam

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s basketball team picked up its 10th victory of the season — the most since the 2015-16 season — with Saturday’s 84-78 victory over Maryville at Pepsi Arena. Muddy River News Editor David Adam sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Struggles shooting from perimeter lead to Hawks suffering third consecutive loss

Quincy University's Paul Zilinskas looks to attack the basket during Thursday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against McKendree in Lebanon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

LEBANON, Ill. — It’s a fact as immutable as gravity — the ball must go through the hoop to win. Right now, the Quincy University men’s basketball team is struggling with that, at least from beyond the 3-point stripe. The Hawks shot just 6.7 percent from 3-point range Thursday night, making only 1 of 15…

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QU women unable to extend win streak, let game slip away in final two minutes

Quincy University guard Beth Matas Martin brings the ball up the floor during Thursday night's game against McKendree in Lebanon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

LEBANON, Ill. — The Quincy University women’s basketball team has yet to reach February, and already the Hawks have matched the most victories they’ve enjoyed in the last seven seasons. Still, there is another significant step needed in their evolution. The Hawks must sustain success. It eluded them Thursday night. Chasing just the second three-game…

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Lincoln University announces plans to leave MIAA, join GLVC beginning with 2024-25 school year

Lincoln University president John Moseley stands at the podium during a press conference Thursday at Jason Hall as the Blue Tigers announce they are adding baseball, men's soccer and women's soccer, as well as joining the Great Lakes Valley Conference starting in the 2024-25 school year. | Photo courtesy Greg Jackson, Jefferson City News Tribune

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The geographic shift of the Great Lakes Valley Conference continues westward. Thursday morning, during a press conference on the Lincoln University campus, the idea the GLVC would expand to 15 teams became reality with the Blue Tigers announcing they were leaving the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association for the GLVC. Lincoln officially…

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Inability to make shots costs Hawks chance to get back on track in GLVC play

Quincy University's Malik Hardmon, left, and Isaiah Foster, right, battle for a loose ball against Missouri S&T during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — There wasn’t a lid on the basket at Quincy University’s end of the court. It just seemed that way. The QU men’s basketball team shot just 33 percent from the field, missed 20 of 24 tries from 3-point range and made only 17 of 27 free throws Saturday afternoon to fall 72-65 to…

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Hawks spread wealth offensively in grabbing 20-point GLVC victory against Miners

Point guard Beth Matas Martin led the Quincy University women's basketball team with 20 points in Saturday's victory over Missouri S&T. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Beth Matas Martin scored 20 points to lead five players in double figures Saturday as the Quincy University women’s basketball team rolled to an 83-63 victory over Missouri S&T in Pepsi Arena. The victory was the Hawks’ first against the Miners, who had won the previous five meetings, since . QU made 9…

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Second-half defensive struggles too much for Hawks to overcome in loss to Tritons

Quincy University's Jamaurie Coakley, left, looks to pass while being guarded by Missouri-St. Louis' Donovan Vickers during Thursday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at the Mark Twain Building in St. Louis. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

ST. LOUIS — A tale of two halves featured an ending the Quincy University men’s basketball team would like to rewrite. A solid first half defensively Thursday night led to the Hawks owning a three-point halftime edge against nationally ranked Missouri-St. Louis in Great Lakes Valley Conference play at the Mark Twain Building. However, the…

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‘Sometimes it’s a bounce, sometimes it’s just luck’: Coakley’s putback beats buzzer and Panthers as Hawks rally for GLVC victory

Quincy University forward Mason Wujek, right, looks to hand off a pass while being guarded by Drury's Adam Moore during the first half of Thursday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Paul Zilinskas never saw what happened after he released his shot. JJ Schwepker’s reaction told him all he needed to know. With two seconds remaining in regulation Monday night and the Quincy University men’s basketball team trailing Drury by a point, Zilinskas caught an inbounds pass while moving toward the basket. He collided…

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Photo gallery: QU, Drury split GLVC basketball twinbill at Pepsi Arena

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins talks to his team during a timeout during Monday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Drury at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jamaurie Coakley’s putback of Paul Zilinskas’ miss as the buzzer sounded lifted the Quincy University men’s basketball team to an 84-83 victory over Drury on Monday night in Great Lakes Valley Conference at Pepsi Arena. It also allowed the Hawks to earn a doubleheader split after the second-ranked Drury women beat Quincy 87-49.…

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Hawks’ six-game win streak ends at hands of Bearcats as Nelson plays role of 3-point sniper

Quincy University forward Mason Wujek, left, puts up a shot while being defended by Southwest Baptist's Noah Franklin during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Having only one day to prepare for Southwest Baptist University wasn’t enough. Playing less than 48 hours after pulling away late for a hard-fought victory over Rockhurst, the Quincy University men’s basketball team was unable to effectively defend SBU’s motion offense and was repeatedly burned by reigning Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of…

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QU women go on closing kick to snare GLVC victory against Southwest Baptist

Quincy University guard Grace Flanagan brings the ball up the floor against Southwest Baptist during Saturday's game at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s basketball team outscored Southwest Baptist University 17-3 over the final four minutes Saturday afternoon to post a 63-59 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory in Pepsi Arena. A 3-pointer by Beth Matas Martin from the top of the circle gave the Hawks the lead for good with just under three…

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QU men’s basketball team begins crucial three-game home weekend with victory

Quincy University forward Malik Hardmon scored a game-high 26 points in leading Quincy to an 81-73 victory over Rockhurst on Thursday night at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Quincy University men’s basketball coach Steve Hawkins relates three games in five days to an NBA schedule. At least the Hawks have the advantage of playing them all at Pepsi Arena. QU started the homestand off right Thursday night with an 81-73 win over Rockhurst and kept pace with the University of Missouri-St.…

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Cold-shooting third quarter dooms QU women

Quincy University forward Sarah Nelson, right, holds the ball as she sets up her defender while trying to score during Thursday night's game against Rockhurst at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — After opening up a five-point lead coming out of the half, the Quincy University women’s basketball team seemed to have the momentum to go on an even bigger run. But Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Rockhurst hammered the glass as Quincy struggled to score for the remainder of the game, falling to Rockhurst…

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Hawks bring focused energy, sense of purpose into new year with victory over Bulldogs

Quincy University forward Malik Hardmon, right, gets fouled on the arm by Truman State's Xavier Hall during the first half of Thursday night's game at Pershing Arena in Kirksville, Mo. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — No one associated with the Quincy University men’s basketball program — outside of head coach Steve Hawkins — had experienced success against Truman State University. As much as the Hawks wanted to change that Thursday night, there was a larger purpose behind their 85-74 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory at Pershing Arena.…

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QU women’s basketball team unable to overcome slow starts to each half

Quincy University guard Beth Matas Martin, left, drives to the basket during the second half of Thursday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Truman State at Pershing Arena in Kirksville, Mo. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A sluggish start to each half ruined the start to the Quincy University women’s basketball team’s new year. Truman State outscored Quincy 10-3 over the first five minutes of the first quarter and then went on a 9-2 run over the first two minutes of the third quarter, building an insurmountable lead…

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Prairie Stars shoot down Hawks with blistering effort from 3-point range

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Mama said there’d be days like this. Riding the high of back-to-back victories over two of the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s top three preseason favorites, the Quincy University men’s basketball team saw its momentum stifled Thursday night by another upstart crew. Illinois-Springfield, picked to finish ninth in the 13-team league, shot down…

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Strong closing kick carries QU women’s basketball team to GLVC road victory

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Quincy University women’s basketball team found itself in a precarious position once again. A one-point game with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation. In five of the seven games prior to Thursday night’s Great Lakes Valley Conference showdown with Illinois-Springfield, the Hawks were within four points heading to the closing…

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Hawks’ Wilson, Bulldogs’ Griffith earn first-team All-GLVC football honors

Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson was a first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An Achilles tendon injury kept Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson from completing a remarkable feat to end his collegiate career. It did nothing to diminish the impact he had. The Great Lakes Valley Conference football coaches were well aware of that. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Wilson missed the Hawks’ regular-season finale against William…

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GLVC to add Upper Iowa as league’s 14th institution beginning in 2023-24

QUINCY — The Great Lakes Valley Conference continues to shift its geographic footprint. The NCAA Division II league announced Tuesday its Council of Presidents approved admitting the University of Upper Iowa, making it the conference’s 14th member. The Peacocks will join the GLVC for the 2023-24 academic year and be immediately eligible to participate in…

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‘You live for moments like that’: Richardson hits game-winning shot as Hawks ground Flyers

Quincy University's Zion Richardson, left, and Orlando Thomas celebrate after beating Lewis 71-69 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action Monday night in Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

Video courtesy of Steve Looten QUINCY — For the first 39 minutes, 39 seconds of Monday night’s Great Lakes Valley Conference matchup, the Lewis men’s basketball team never wavered from playing tenacious man-to-man defense. “I think it had been that way the entire year, too,” Quincy University coach Steve Hawkins said. So after calling timeout…

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Inability to sustain energy, effort leads to another single-digit loss for QU women’s basketball team

Quincy University forward Emma Knipe fights for possession during Monday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference tussle with Lewis at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Kaci Bailey’s exasperation resulted in a complete overhaul of the Quincy University women’s basketball team’s lineup midway through the third quarter Monday night. “I said put five new ones in,” the second-year Hawks coach said. “I didn’t even know who was in.” All Bailey was certain of was her starters weren’t providing the…

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Photo gallery: QU men, women split GLVC basketball doubleheader with Lewis

The Quincy University men's basketball players celebrate their 71-69 victory over Lewis in Great Lakes Valley Conference play on Monday night at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A clutch shot and a search for energy. That’s the most poignant way to describe opposite ends of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader for the Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams. Zion Richardson banked in a shot with 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation to life the QU men to a 71-69…

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