QU women’s volleyball team showcases tenacity, holds off Missouri S&T to finish weekend undefeated

Quincy University's Elena Kasavica, left, wins a ball at the net against Missouri S&T during Saturday night's final match of the Hawk Invitational at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy QU athletics/Kari Ham

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s volleyball team bookended its weekend by showing nothing is going to get it down. After opening the Hawk Invitational at Pepsi Arena on Friday with a four-set victory over William Jewell, the Hawks rebounded from two tough sets against Missouri S&T to win another four-set match Saturday and finish…

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Second-quarter struggles put QU women’s basketball in bind

Quincy University guard Taya Stevenson looks to score during Saturday's game against Ursuline College in the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy QU athletics/Olivia Kindt

QUINCY — A second-quarter lull offensively put the Quincy University women’s basketball team in a hole it could never escape. Leading 15-14 after the first quarter, the Hawks were outscored 24-9 in the second 10-minute frame by Ursuline College and suffered a 77-60 loss in the final game of the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Pepsi…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s volleyball team outlasts Indianapolis in four sets

Quincy University's Alice Pavan, left, and Susanna Beretti put up a block during Friday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference match against Indianapolis at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s volleyball team took advantage of its return to Pepsi Arena to get its season right back on track. The Hawks, coming off back-to-back losses, beat Indianapolis 25-21, 20-25, 25-17, 25-19 on Friday night. Quincy is 24-3 overall and 10-2 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. QU outside hitter Emma…

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Photo gallery: QU men’s basketball team prepping for exhibition game at Iowa

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins and his staff are molding a roster that features 10 freshmen and sophomores. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team will play its only exhibition game next Monday against the University of Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes are picked ninth in the Big Ten Conference’s preseason media poll. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time with the Hawks at Pepsi Arena…

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Inconsistency keeps Hawks from being able to outlast Lakers in nonconference matchup

Quincy University freshman forward Mason Wujek, left, tried to impede the progress of Grand Valley State forward Kingsley Okanu during Tuesday night's game at Pepsi Arena.

QUINCY — Steve Hawkins knew what was necessary to give his Quincy University men’s basketball team a chance to rally. The veteran coach didn’t like it, but he did it. “I feel cheap for it because that’s not how I want to try to win a game,” Hawkins said. Still, it nearly worked. Trailing Grand…

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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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Martin beats buzzer and Rogers State as QU women’s basketball team earns first victory

The Quincy University women's basketball team's bench erupts after Beth Matas Martin hit a game-winning shot with less than a second left Saturday against Rogers State in the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — When the final play produces the perfect outcome, it had to be run exactly the way it was designed in the huddle, right? “Something like that,” Quincy University women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey said with a wry smile. When Rogers State disrupted Quincy planned off a sideline inbounds play with 6.9 seconds remaining…

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Photo gallery: Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena

Quincy University guard Beth Matas Martin, left, fights to get past Rogers State's Fredrionna Adams during Saturday's game in the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The scheduled had to be adjusted and delayed, but Saturday afternoon at Pepsi Arena, four NCAA Division II women’s basketball teams converged for the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic and delivered a pair of hard-fought affairs. Winona State defeated McKendree 64-50 in the opener, and Quincy University knocked off Rogers State 58-56 as Beth Matas…

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Finishing with a flourish: Hawks eliminate Wildcats in straight sets, set up Midwest Regional semifinal showdown with Tritons

The Quincy University women's volleyball players celebrate a point during the first set of Thursday's sweep of Northern Michigan in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With the third set tied at 17 and the Northern Michigan women’s volleyball team validly entertaining the idea it could extend the match, an air of optimism arose. Moments later, that hope floated away. Top-seeded Quincy University won eight of the final nine points of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional quarterfinal, moving…

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Bubbling with excitement: Support of QU women’s volleyball team from students, community brings Pepsi Arena to life

More than 1,200 fans packed Pepsi Arena on Thursday night to watch the Quincy University women's volleyball team beat Northern Michigan in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Makayla Knoblauch remembers the days where the echoes were as loud as any other sound in Pepsi Arena and the Quincy University women’s volleyball players knew practically every fan in the stands. “Four years ago, it was just our parents, the other team’s parents and a couple of our QU friends,” the senior…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s volleyball team wins NCAA Midwest Regional quarterfinal

The Quincy University volleyball players celebrate the final point in their three-set victory over Northern Michigan in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional on Thursday night in Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Northern Michigan women’s volleyball coach Mike Lozier used his opening statement in the post-match press conference to adequately sum up what his team dealt with during Thursday night’s NCAA Division II Midwest Regional quarterfinal. “Quincy’s really good at volleyball,” he said. “That was kind of the takeaway.” The top-seeded Hawks showed a glimpse…

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Chance to play at home allows QU women’s volleyball team to further enhance its legacy

The Quincy University women's volleyball team has gone 22-3 at Pepsi Arena over the past three seasons. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — No buses. No hotel rooms. No scheduling deliveries from Jimmy Johns or Papa Johns or any other ready-to-eat restaurant that would allow the Quincy University women’s volleyball team to get back on the road as quickly as possible. This week has been a study in immersion. The Hawks are immersed in volleyball and…

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Photo gallery: Practice officially opens on second Hawkins era with QU men’s basketball program

The Quincy University men's basketball team breaks its huddle before starting practice Saturday morning at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — More than two decades have passed since Steve Hawkins last walked into Pepsi Arena to coach the first official practice of the college basketball season, but his expectations for the Quincy University men’s basketball players aren’t any different. The Hawks better be prepared to tirelessly work to get better. Saturday morning, the Hawks…

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Press your luck: Hawks’ ability to disrupt Saints with full-court pressures sparks comeback victory

Quincy University guard Jalen Stamps, center, draws a blocking foul on Maryville's Jaeden Smith, right, during the second half of Monday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ryan Hellenthal compared defending the Maryville men’s basketball team’s offense to a college football team staring down an option attack. You know what’s coming and it’s your job to stop it. “There is no heavy scheme involved,” said Hellenthal, the fifth-year Quincy University coach. “You just have to buck up and guard.” By…

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Dynamic defensive effort carries resurgent QU men to victory over Southwest Baptist

Quincy University guard Jamaurie Coakley led the Hawls with 13 points in Thursday night's 73-69 victory over Southwest Baptist. Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — In times of struggle, there is some confidence gained. The Quincy University men’s basketball team displayed that Thursday night. Instead of reeling from a heartbreaking 73-72 loss to 16th-ranked Truman State on Tuesday night, the Hawks out-toughed a high-scoring Southwest Baptist University squad Thursday night for a potentially season-defining 73-69 Great Lakes Valley…

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Strait to the heart: Truman State guard hits 3-pointer to foil QU men’s upset bid

Truman State's Masen Miller, right, tracks down loose ball before, from left to right, Quincy's Adam Moore, Truman State's Elijah Hazekamp and Quincy's Charles Callier can get to it during Tuesday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ryan Hellenthal chose an apt description for how the final 30 seconds played out for the Quincy University men’s basketball team Tuesday night at Pepsi Arena. “Devastating,” the fifth-year coach said. Jeff Horner knew what caused the Hawks’ heartache. “Patience,” the Truman State coach said. Trailing by two points coming out of timeout…

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Loss to Missouri Valley negates QU men’s basketball team’s momentum heading back into GLVC play

Quincy University guard Nate Shockey backs away from two Missouri Valley College defenders during the first half of Thursday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — There is no time for the Quincy University men’s basketball players to dwell on defeat or lick their wounds. The Hawks have two days to regroup, regain their focus and rally together. Four Great Lakes Valley Conference games in eight days await, and the schedule is not kind. Following Thursday night’s 84-81 loss…

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Hawks buckle down on final possession, refuse to allow Tigers open look at trey

From left to right, Quincy University's Sarah Nelson, Maddie Spagnola and Beth Matas Martin celebrate after Nelson was fouled while scoring in the post against Iowa Wesleyan on Wednesday night. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — One stop equaled one much-needed victory. The Quincy University women’s basketball team proved up to the task. Leading Iowa Wesleyan by three points with 13.3 seconds remaining in regulation Wednesday night at Pepsi Arena, the Hawks did not allow the Tigers an open look from the perimeter. Instead, Iowa Wesleyan was forced to…

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Injection of energy, excitement pushes Hawks to rout of Tigers

Quincy University sophomore guard Nate Shockey throws down a dunk during the first half of Wednesday night's game against Iowa Wesleyan at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Every aspect of the Illinois State University men’s basketball team’s pregame routine Tuesday screamed energy and excitement. The Quincy University players and coaches took note. “They came out in warm-ups and their pre-game shoot was unbelievable,” Hawks coach Ryan Hellenthal said of the Redbirds’ approach to the exhibition game at Redbird Arena. “And…

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Third-quarter struggles offensively spell doom for Hawks

Quincy University's Beth Matas Martin, center, looks to cut off Winona State's Lauren Fetch, left, during Saturday's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The lid finally came off the basket at one end. Somehow it ended up covering the rim at the other. The Quincy University women’s basketball team simply couldn’t pry it loose. Shooting just 20 percent from the field and making only three field goals in the first quarter Saturday afternoon led to the…

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Hawks look inside-out to power way past Pride and finish homestand with three victories

Quincy University's Adam Moore applies pressure to Purdue Northwest's Jonte Coleman during the second half of Saturday's game. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — At halftime Saturday night, Quincy University men’s basketball coach Ryan Hellenthal made it abundantly clear what he wanted to see happen. The Hawks needed penetration and paint touches.  “That’s what Coach wrote on the board,” junior forward Malik Hardmon said. “Get the ball in the paint. Get the ball in the paint. And…

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Hawks need to show more competitive fire after falling in home opener to Bulldogs

Quincy University senior guard Maddie Spagnola looks to make a pass during Friday night's game against Ferris State in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Classic at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Compete. If the Quincy University women’s basketball team will do that, first-year coach Kaci Bailey will be satisfied no matter the outcome. Friday night’s 70-57 loss to Ferris State in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Classic at Pepsi Arena — the Hawks’ home opener — was less than satisfying. Trailing by 13 points at…

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Hawks avoid unsightly upset, dispatch Trojans with better second-half effort

Quincy University guard Jamaurie Coakley, right, sets up Hannibal-LaGrange University defender Bryce Stark before spinning to the basket during the first half of Wednesday night's game at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If the Quincy University men’s basketball players bring the same level of effort and enthusiasm to Saturday’s matchup with Purdue Northwest as they played with Wednesday night, they have a pretty good guess how it will end. “It won’t be pretty,” senior guard Jamaurie Coakley said. Good thing the Hawks have two days…

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Strong second half carries Hawks to first victory, split of weekend crossover

From left to right, Quincy University sophomore guard Nate Shockey, senior guard Jamaurie Coakley and junior forward Malik Hardmon led the Hawks to an 88-77 victory over Cedarville on Saturday night. Photos courtesy QU athletics

QUINCY — Nate Shockey didn’t come off the floor Saturday night, and he might not find himself on the sideline much hereafter. The sophomore guard’s presence was crucial in the Quincy University men’s basketball team finding some on-court chemistry and discovering a rotation of players that maintains the right level of tenacity to produce victories.…

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Hawks will look to adjust, improve after falling to Oilers in season opener

NCAA Division II men's basketball official Cody Crum tosses up the opening tip for Quincy University's game against Findlay on Friday night at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ryan Hellenthal’s description of what transpired Friday night at Pepsi Arena was quite apropos. “Outtoughed, outdisciplined,” the Quincy University men’s basketball coach said. The Hawks are intent on changing that. Opening the season against a seasoned Findlay team in the GMAC-GLVC Regional Crossover, Quincy fell behind 7-0 out of the gate, trimmed the…

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New year brings new energy as Hawks inject sense of urgency into pursuit of victories

Quincy University's Malik Hardmon, left, and Adam Moore battle for position during a drill at practice Wednesday at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The chatter the Quincy University men’s basketball players have heard across campus this fall has them anxious and intrigued to see just how loud Pepsi Arena might get this weekend. “Family members, students, faculty members are all talking about it,” junior guard Mark Bradshaw Jr. said. “They’re ready to see us play and…

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Hawks display competitive edge in total whitewashing of Bulldogs

The Quincy University women's volleyball team celebrates its straight-set sweep of Truman State on Wednesday night at Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Seven points into Wednesday night’s crucial Great Lakes Valley Conference match and facing little resistance from Truman State, the Quincy University women’s volleyball team could have shifted into cruise control. It would have been the worst thing imaginable. The Hawks want to build momentum for the looming postseason conference tournament, not glide into…

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Fans help generate atmosphere for Hawks as Hoopfest offers preseason glimpse

The opening tip of the Quincy University men's basketball team's scrimmage during Thursday night's Hawks Hoopfest signaled the return of fans to Pepsi Arena. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — When you count the number of days since either the Quincy University men’s or women’s basketball team played in front of fans at Pepsi Arena, you realize how much a night to get reacclimated to the atmosphere was needed. And if the regular-season crowd mimics the energy felt in the venerable facility Thursday…

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