Posts Tagged ‘Quincy Notre Dame’
Call it a comeback: Linenfelser’s grand slam caps Raiders’ rally against Tigers, completes sweep
QUINCY — A day that began with thunder and lightning ended with the biggest bang imaginable. A historic winning streak remains intact thanks to that. Facing its second-largest deficit of the season and trailing for only the third time all season, the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team managed to end an exhausting week by erasing…
Read MoreQuick as a Flachs: Center fielder’s crucial hit helps Raiders fend off challenge from Wolves
QUINCY — The two-run lead vanished, and with it seemed to go with the momentum and the energy the Quincy Notre Dame softball team brought to The Backyard on Saturday. Mackenzie Flachs brought it all back. After Pleasant Hill’s Ava Wombles scored on Jade Peebles single in the top of the third inning to tie…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team wins twice in Spring Slam to run win streak to 24 straight
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team showcased more than this ability to hit Saturday. The Raiders showed some wherewithal to overcome anything. After a nearly two-hour weather delay, the Raiders beat Hannibal 12-5 and then rallied from a seven-run deficit to knock off Macon 12-10 at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. Muddy River…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team collides with Pleasant Hill, Pittsfield at The Backyard
QUINCY — With the postseason looming, a couple of regional title hopefuls went head-to-head Saturday at The Backyard as the Quincy Notre Dame softball team upended Pleasant Hill 11-2 during the QND Slam. The Raiders also beat Pittsfield 13-5. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at The Backyard and put together this photo…
Read MoreOnce Raiders’ offense gets rolling, stockpile of runs usually follows
QUINCY — The way Herman Boone described his football team’s offense in “Remember the Titans” is an apt way to describe the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s offense. “It’s like Novocaine,” Boone said. “Just give it time, it always works.” In the case of the Raiders, just let them see enough pitches and they’ll always…
Read MoreHow sweep it is: For first time since girls soccer rivalry began 33 years ago, QHS sweeps QND
QUINCY — In nearly a quarter century as part of the Quincy High School girls soccer program — the first eight as an assistant coach and the past 15 as the head coach — Travis Dinkheller had never witnessed the Blue Devils sweep the season series from their crosstown rivals. Not a single person had.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls soccer team shuts out QND to sweep season series
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls soccer team limited Quincy Notre Dame’s opportunities Thursday night and took advantage of Taylor Routh’s goal with 17 minutes remaining in regulation to earn a 1-0 victory at Advance Physical Therapy Field and sweep the season series for the first time ever. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…
Read MoreRaiders’ victory over Bombers could be prelude to sectional showdown
MACOMB, Ill. — Until we meet again. And there is a strong chance it will happen. With the Quincy Notre Dame and Macomb softball teams each the top seed in their respective regionals, the idea Wednesday’s game will evolve into a postseason rematch lingered, especially after the Raiders scored twice in the seventh inning to…
Read MoreFinal home stretch showing Raiders have heart to be contender in Class 1A postseason
QUINCY — If home is indeed where the heart is, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team is using its longest stretch of home games to find out how much heart it truly has. Wednesday’s effort gave the Raiders hope they have the heart of a champion. Three second-half goals led to a 4-0 victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls soccer team shuts out Jacksonville during final home stretch
QUINCY — The shutout was a boost of confidence for the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team’s defense. The victory over Jacksonville was a shot in the arm for everyone. The Raiders beat the Crimsons 4-0 Wednesday at Advance Physical Therapy Field to create some needed momentum with the postseason looming. Muddy River Sports Editor…
Read MoreAgainst the wind: Gusty conditions cannot deter Raiders from powering up against Blue Devils
QUINCY — The strength of the wind blowing in from center field Tuesday afternoon had every hitter in the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s lineup thinking singles over home runs. “I was just focusing on hitting liners up the middle,” QND right fielder Colin Kurk said. It seemed like the right approach. “That overall makes…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team hits three homers in crosstown battle with QHS
QUINCY — The first of two meetings between the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame baseball teams in a seven-day span featured surprising power, incredible patience and lopsided outcome rarely seen in this series. The Raiders hit three home runs, capitalized on seven walks and rolled to a 16-1, four-inning victory Tuesday at Ferd…
Read MoreA Wink and a knock: Raiders celebrate Senior Day with enjoyable effort in shutout of Hornets
QUINCY — With the way their class schedule works, a majority of the seniors on the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team typically hit the field for practice shortly after 1:30 p.m., giving them the opportunity to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment from every day together. “This is their time,” QND coach Rich Polak said. So…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls soccer team surrenders late goal in 1-0 loss to Springfield
QUINCY — In need of building momentum before the postseason begins, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team had ample chances in the second half Monday against Springfield to snare the lead and pull out a victory. Instead, the Raiders got burned on a counterattack. The Senators scored with 2 minutes, 43 seconds remaining in…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team celebrates Senior Day with all 10 seniors in lineup
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team did more than recognize its 10 seniors prior to Monday’s game against Brown County at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. The Raiders saw those seniors and their moms dance. The senior moms choreographed a dance, which they did on the turf infield following the introduction of the…
Read MoreQND softball team’s ability to battle and rally will serve it well in postseason
QUINCY — Eric Orne isn’t shying away from putting the Quincy Notre Dame softball team in high-leverage situations before the postseason arrives. “These are championship Saturdays for us,” the veteran skipper said after the Raiders suffered a 7-6 loss to Tolono Unity on Saturday at The Backyard. “These are the kind of teams and the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team rallies three times against tradition-rich Tolono Unity
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team found itself trailing three times in the first six innings of Saturday’s game against Tolono Unity at The Backyard and rallied to tie it each time. The Rockets, however, scoring in the top of the seventh to secure a 7-6 victory. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: High-level play matches anticipation for renewal of QHS-QND series
Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 6, 2007 — Quincy 60, Notre Dame 59 QUINCY…
Read MoreWelcome back: Raiders’ energetic, clean effort coincides with first home game in three weeks
QUINCY — There aren’t many places that make Tyler Dance feel as comfortable and confident as he does pitching at Ferd Niemann Jr. Ballfield. “That mound is one of my favorites,” the Quincy Notre Dame senior right-hander said. He hadn’t pitched from that mound since the QND baseball team beat Hannibal on April 5. Five…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team returns home to face Central in WCC diamond duel
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team returned to Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield on Friday after being on the road for 10 games over 20 days. The Raiders won all 10 of those games, and Friday, they scored a 12-0, five-inning victory over Camp Point Central to push their winning streak to 17…
Read MoreRaiders ready to return home, bringing some momentum with them following road victory
BURLINGTON, Iowa — Having played at home only once in the past three weeks and coming off six consecutive road games, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team finally will return to Advance Physical Therapy Field next week. Maybe some good mojo will follow. The Raiders ended their road journey Thursday with a 4-1 victory…
Read MoreRaiders ready to come home after winning 10 consecutive road games
KAHOKA, Mo. — The long road home is finally over, and the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team has no blemishes to show from its travels. The Raiders capped a string of 10 consecutive road games with Tuesday’s 12-1 victory over Clark County in which they put together a pair of five-run innings and received another…
Read MoreQND’s Schreacke, Southeastern’s Stephens named to News-Gazette all-state hoops teams
QUINCY — Abbey Schreacke and Danny Stephens each received one final prep basketball honor to add to each of their illustrious careers. The Champaign News-Gazette tabbed them both as first-team all-staters. Quincy Notre Dame’s Schreacke and Southeastern’s Stephens — both are bound for Mizzou — were named respectively to the News-Gazette’s 46th all-state girls basketball…
Read MoreRaiders embrace challenges, produce in late-inning situations to fend off feisty Blue Devils
QUINCY — The manner in which the Quincy Notre Dame softball team ran roughshod through the first third of its schedule meant the Raiders weren’t put in many late-game situations that challenged their resolve. Then came Monday. After Caitlin Bunte laser-beamed a two-run home run to right field in the bottom of the fifth inning…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND rallies to beat QHS in softball’s crosstown showdown at The Backyard
QUINCY — A three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning sparked by an RBI single from Payton Stupavsky allowed the Quincy Notre Dame softball team to secure a 6-3 victory over Quincy High School on Monday at The Backyard and sweep in the city series. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS boys tennis team outlasts QND in competitive dual at Reservoir Park
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys tennis team outlasted Quincy Notre Dame in the first of their two head-to-head duals this season, winning 5-4 Monday afternoon at the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park. The Blue Devils rebounded from losing two of the three doubles matches to take four of the six singles matches.…
Read MoreRaiders rally to take kick out of upstart Mustangs and run winning streak to 15 straight
MENDON, Ill. — The Unity baseball team put Quincy Notre Dame in an unfamiliar spot. The Raiders trailed by two runs through three innings Monday. An offense that has pushed QND into this week’s Prep Baseball Report top 25 state poll wouldn’t let the deficit linger. The Raiders scored three times in the fourth inning,…
Read MoreBaker’s dozen: QND baseball team runs win streak to 13 straight with WCC victory at Payson
PAYSON, Ill. — It’s not only the top of the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s lineup that can inflict pain on opposing defenses. The bottom half of the order is feisty as well. Saturday, in a West Central Conference matchup, the final five batters combined for eight hits, three doubles and nine RBIs in a…
Read MoreRaiders bounce back from first loss to sweep pair of blowouts with big offensive effort
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team rebounded in a big way. Following Friday’s loss at Chatham Glenwood — the Raiders’ first loss of the season — QND swept a pair of games Saturday at The Backyard by beating Petersburg PORTA 16-2 and Jacksonville 14-1 amid cold, windy conditions. Against PORTA, the Raiders (13-1)…
Read MorePatience at plate allows Raiders to keep good times rolling offensively
CARTHAGE, Ill. — As potent as the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s lineup is, the Raiders must also show a little bit of patience. Friday, with the wind gusting in from center field and taking away the opportunity to drive the ball deep, the Raiders relied on their ability to work counts, move runners and…
Read MoreRaiders suffer first loss as Titans use four-run frame to take control
CHATHAM, Ill. — The first time through the lineup Friday afternoon, the Chatham Glenwood softball team found Quincy Notre Dame left-handed hurler Caitlin Bunte impossible to hit. The second time through, the Titans figured her out. The first three hitters in the bottom of the fourth inning each singled and Glenwood’s Cassandra Feld followed with…
Read MoreDance hurls one-hit shutout as Raiders blast another potential postseason foe
BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team delivered a strong message to a potential regional opponent Thursday afternoon. The Raiders are ready to Dance. Behind a one-hit shutout by right-hander Tyler Dance and a dominant effort from the top of the batting order, the Raiders rolled to a 13-0, five-inning victory over Beardstown…
Read MoreRaiders continue hit parade against Indians, run winning streak to 11 straight with Titans looming
QUINCY — Addi Zanger understands there’s a peaceful, easy feeling knowing the Quincy Notre Dame softball players won’t let each other down. It helps they’re all on common ground. “You want to get a hit, but there’s no stress,” the senior first baseman said. “We have good at-bats all the way through. It’s a really…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team racks up 16 hits in victory over Payson Seymour
QUINCY — The full potency of the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s lineup was on display Wednesday in a 12-4 victory over Payson Seymour at The Backyard. The Raiders racked up 16 hits, five doubles, a triple and a home run, while seven different players had at least one hit and six players drove in…
Read MorePerfect 10s: Raiders improve to 10-0 with 10-run rout of Cyclones behind Bunte’s no-hitter
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte didn’t expect a blustery wind blowing straight out to center field Monday afternoon to alter anything she needed to do in the pitcher’s circle. “If I’m hitting my spots, even with the wind blowing, I knew we’d be fine,” she said. Then the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s left-handed hurler saw…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team stays undefeated with five-inning victory over SHG
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte was unhittable in the circle and unstoppable at the plate. The Quincy Notre Dame sophomore tossed a five-inning no-hitter in leading the QND softball team to a 10-0 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin on Monday at The Backyard. Bunte also belted two home runs as the Raiders improved to 10-0. Muddy…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Return of QHS-QND series comes with sophomore guard Shoot-ing down rival
Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: Dec. 19, 2015 — Quincy 64, Notre Dame 56 QUINCY…
Read MoreRaiders, Chargers open Tiger Showcase with victories, will go head-to-head Saturday
BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team didn’t record a hit until the fifth batter of the first inning Friday against Carrollton in the opening game of the Beardstown Tiger Showcase and had only two hits in the inning thereafter. The Raiders still scored 12 runs in the frame. Capitalizing on walks, hit…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: KHQA Sports Director Chris Duerr discusses crosstown showdowns, covering local sports on special game night edition
QUINCY — The image of Chris Duerr roaming the sidelines or basepaths with a camera on his shoulder is iconic. It’s also expected when the magnitude of the event rises, much the way the Quincy High School vs. Quincy Notre Dame matchups do. Wednesday night, the KHQA sports director was at the QHS softball field…
Read MoreBunte quiets QHS bats as QND softball team rolls to victory in crosstown showdown
QUINCY — Eric Orne’s assessment was equally accurate and understated. “Caitlin does a lot of things for us,” the Quincy Notre Dame softball coach said. Orne was complimenting the Raiders’ left-handed ace, Caitlin Bunte, who had just dominated rival Quincy High School with a strong effort both on the mound and at bat. Bunte pitched…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND shuts out QHS in first of two meetings on softball diamond
QUINCY — Caitlin Bunte was dominant in the pitcher’s circle. The Quincy Notre Dame softball team collected timely hits. And Quincy High School struggled to generate an answer offensively. The end result in the first of two crosstown showdowns this spring was a 10-0 victory for the Raiders on Wednesday night at the QHS field.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND soccer team scores early, often to run away from Macomb
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team scored five goals in the first 10 minutes of Wednesday’s game against Macomb at Advance Physical Therapy Field and rolled to a 10-0 victory. Sage Stratton recorded a hat trick and Jaden Tchapda scored her first varsity goal for the Raiders. Stratton finished a Lilly Schuette…
Read MoreRaiders rack up hits in six-inning victory over Saukees
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team just keeps hitting. The Raiders collected 12 hits, scored in four of the six innings played Wednesday and rolled to a 14-4 victory over Pittsfield. The Raiders have scored 10 or more runs in eight of their 12 games this season and have collected 10 or…
Read MoreKurk’s first career home run is grandiose as Raiders open lengthy road trip with shutout
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Colin Kurk’s home-run trot got interrupted. The No. 9 hitter in the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s lineup, Kurk cracked what everyone believed to be a grand slam to left-center field in the top of the fifth inning Monday against Rushville-Industry. However, he pulled up rounding second as one umpire called it…
Read MoreStratton ties assist record with four in first half as Raiders roll to victory over Grayhounds
BURLINGTON, Iowa — Sage Stratton’s remarkable start to her prep career — three seasons, three state trophies — now includes a prestigious individual honor. The sophomore tied a Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer program single-half record. Saturday, during an 7-1 victory over Burlington, Stratton assisted on four first-half goals, while scoring one herself. The midfielder…
Read MorePower-packed punch: Tollerton’s opposite-field home run ignites Raiders’ response to early deficit in victory over Titans
QUINCY — No one associated with the Quincy Notre Dame baseball program realized the left-handed hitting Tucker Tollerton had enough pop in his bat to drive a ball over Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield’s high fence in left field. Not even Tollerton himself. “I didn’t think I had that much power the opposite way,” he…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND exacts measure of revenge with victory over Chatham Glenwood
QUINCY — A six-run loss to Chatham Glenwood last April was one of only three setbacks the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team suffered last season. That didn’t sit well with the Raiders. Saturday, a five-run first inning propelled the Raiders to a 9-5 victory over the Titans at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. “We had…
Read More‘I had a job to do’: Miller focuses on taming Hannibal’s hitters, not missed opportunity while pushing QND to one-run victory
QUINCY — Bob Seger sang it a half-century ago, but the words remain meaningful today. In fact, Dalton Miller carried their theme to the mound with him in the top of the seventh inning Wednesday. Turn the page. Leading Hannibal by a run in the bottom of the sixth inning at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial…
Read MoreRaiders taking ‘lot of positive steps’ as three-goal victory over Pirates indicates
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Mark Longo is confident the best is yet to come for Quincy Notre Dame’s girls soccer team. “We’re still a long way from where we need to be, but we’ll be OK,” said Longo, now in his 33rd season as Raiders coach. Longo had just watched QND down Hannibal 5-2, erupting for…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Hannibal baseball teams square off in one-run game
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s 4-3 victory over Hannibal on Wednesday at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield proved neither is going to be an easy out in the postseason, not when solid pitching and opportunistic play offensively are at the core. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action from Wednesday’s…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Hannibal engage in physical battle on Veterans sports complex soccer pitch
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The physical play of the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team and the second-half intensity of the attack brought about by senior forward Lia Quintero and sophomore forward Makalya Patton led to a 5-2 victory over Hannibal on Wednesday at Veterans Field. Photographer Mathew Kirby put together this photo gallery from the…
Read MoreBunte’s effort in circle, Raiders’ ability to play with ‘speed and power’ leads to victory over Rockets
QUINCY — Perched at first base, Addi Zanger gets a daily bird’s-eye view of Caitlin Bunte in the pitcher’s circle. Most games, it can be a little monotonous, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “I don’t really do anything,” Zanger said with a chuckle. “She rolls us a lot of ground balls which is…
Read MoreRaiders find success can be blowing in the wind with another offensive outburst
QUINCY — Put on a pitch limit Saturday, Quincy Notre Dame right-hander Tyler Dance knew he needed to be efficient and aggressive. Being backed by a born-to-hit lineup made that easy. Dance threw three scoreless innings, his teammates collected 17 hits and the QND baseball team capped a run-filled week with a 19-0, four-inning victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team muscles up in windy conditions to dispatch Jacksonville
QUINCY — Blustery conditions at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield didn’t alter the Quincy Notre Dame baseball players’ approach at the bat. The Raiders simply keep on swinging. QND collected 17 hits, including five for extra bases, in a 19-0 whitewashing of Jacksonville on Saturday. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action for…
Read More‘I knew I had to prove myself’: Kenning owns strike zone, Raiders bounce back with complete effort
QUINCY — Taking the mound one night after four pitchers combined to walk seven batters and uncork five wild pitches in the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s first loss of the season, Evan Kenning knew what he was up against. “The pressure was kind of on to throw strikes,” he said. “I knew I had…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team bounces back with victory over Palmyra at The Ferd
QUINCY — Humbled by Monday’s loss to Hersey, the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team responded with Evan Kenning striking out 10 batters over five innings and Brady Kindhart and Alex Connoyer each hitting a home run in Tuesday’s 10-2 victory over Palmyra at The Ferd. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this photo…
Read MoreQND softball team capitalizes on scoring chances, Bunte powers Raiders to victory over Mustangs
MENDON, Ill. — Opportunistic or powerful describes the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s offense depending on the situation. In the first inning of Tuesday’s West Central Conference game against Unity, the Raiders seized the moment as Brooke Boden followed an error that put runners at the corners by stroking a two-run double to right field.…
Read MoreSecond-half surge carries Blue Devils to three-goal victory in crosstown showdown
QUINCY — Travis Dinkheller is saving his fire-and-brimstone speech for another day, but the passionate plea the Quincy High School girls soccer coach made at halftime Monday night resonated with his players. “His message was very clear,” junior midfielder Bri Lannerd said. “We needed to show up in the second half.” The Blue Devils did…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS beats QND in first of two girls soccer crosstown showdowns
QUINCY — For the first time in a quarter century, the Quincy High School girls soccer team will have the chance to sweep its crosstown rival, beating Quincy Notre Dame 4-1 in Monday night’s matchup at Flinn Stadium. The teams square off again next Monday at Advance Physical Therapy Field. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…
Read MoreFit to be tied: Blue Devils play to pair of scoreless draws, Raiders end tourney with stalemate
QUINCY — Noticeably irked after allowing a goal in the final two minutes Friday night against Hannibal, the Quincy High School girls soccer team’s defenders vowed it wouldn’t happen again. A spirited effort Saturday ensured it didn’t. The Blue Devils withstood a late push from Ladue Horton Watkins to finish off the second of two…
Read MoreRaiders capitalize on opportunities, hold opposing bats at bay in sweeping season-opening twinbill
QUINCY — Strong pitching, clutch hitting and solid defense. Put those three together and you end up with the results the Quincy Notre Dame softball team enjoyed Saturday during its season-opening games at The Backyard. The Raiders saw Carly Gilker and Caitlin Bunte combine to throw a one-hitter in a 5-0 victory over Calhoun and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND girls soccer teams wrap up play in QHS Tournament
QUINCY — Ahead of the first crosstown showdown of the season coming Monday at Flinn Stadium, the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer teams wrapped up play in the QHS Tournament on Saturday with both battling to a tie in their final games. QHS and Ladue Horton Watkins held each other scoreless…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team opens season by sweeping pair of games at The Backyard
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team put together strong pitching performances and opportunistic at-bats to beat Calhoun 5-0 and Illini West 13-2 on Saturday in its season-opening games at The Backyard. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the action for this photo gallery:
Read MoreRaiders suffer first loss of season, unable to find energy against Rams in QHS Tournament opener
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer coach Mark Longo decided to give his players an opportunity to recharge Thursday, holding a meeting instead of a light practice after playing back-to-back days. “Even at that meeting, I could tell they were tired,” he said. Friday, little changed. The Raiders were outhustled and outplayed in a…
Read MoreQuintero’s goal in second overtime lifts Raiders to road victory over Helias
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — After playing 90 scoreless minutes, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team needed just 30 seconds to end the drought. Lia Quintero scored off a rebound a half-minute into the second overtime Wednesday, lifting the Raiders to a 1-0 victory over Jefferson City Helias at the Crusader Athletic Complex. It is…
Read MoreStupavsky, Raiders get charge out of opening season with first-inning outburst
QUINCY — As much as he felt like he barreled the ball and put a legitimate charge into it, Michael Stupavsky could tell where it was headed. Foul territory. “After I hit that one, I wanted that back,” the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s senior catcher said of the ball he hit in the first…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team opens season with victory over Illini West
QUINCY — A seven-run outburst in the bottom of the first inning, three-plus innings of relief from a sophomore right-hander making his varsity debut and the first victory for new Quincy Notre Dame baseball coach Rich Polak made Tuesday’s game against Illini West complete. The Raiders won 8-3 at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, and…
Read MorePatton’s hat trick helps Raiders avenge loss from last season, shut out Eagles in home opener
QUINCY — Makayla Patton believes passing, persistence and patience are going to lead to scoring opportunities for the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team. “It’s what we’re doing really well so far this season,” the sophomore forward said. Tuesday, in the home opener at Advance Physical Therapy Field, the Raiders also added precision to mix.…
Read MoreQND softball team ready to chase another regional title with potent lineup still intact
QUINCY — Eric Orne says the Quincy Notre Dame softball team is more interested in the long haul, rather than immediate dividends. “We hope to be playing our best ball in May,” said Orne, beginning his 26th campaign as QND’s head coach. “We’ve got a strong schedule designed to help us get ready for the…
Read MoreChampionship aspirations: Depth, talent, know-how give QND baseball players confidence they can chase state title
QUINCY — Dalton Miller admits the luxury of experience and camaraderie enjoyed by the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team can get taken for granted. “We’ve been playing together for so long it’s a security I’ve become numb to almost,” the senior first baseman said. “Sometimes I can’t say I appreciate the security of my teammates…
Read MoreQuintero records hat trick in second game back from injury, Raiders whitewash another opponent
RIVERTON, Ill. — Welcome back, Gearshift. Lia Quintero, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team’s senior forward who has said her gameday hairstyle resembles a gearshift, is showing no signs of being slowed by the knee injury she suffered in the final minutes of last season’s Class 1A state semifinal victory. After scoring twice in…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QND girls basketball team celebrates its Class 2A third-place state finish
QUINCY — With spring break taking place on the backend of the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team’s third-place finish at the Class 2A state tournament, the Raiders had to wait an extra week for their fire truck ride and welcome home celebration. The time lapse gave the Raiders time to appreciate all they had…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND celebrates girls basketball team’s Class 2A third-place state finish
QUINCY — With spring break scheduled immediately after the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team won the third-place trophy at the Class 2A state tournament at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena, the welcome home celebration had to be put on hold. Tuesday, the Raiders finally were able to enjoy their fire truck ride and the…
Read MoreReigning state champion Raiders open season with strong second-half effort
HILLSBORO, Ill. — The title defense began somewhat slow. In 32-degree weather, what else would you expect? The Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team, the reigning Class 1A state champion, led 1-0 at halftime of Monday’s season opener with sophomore Lilly Schuette scoring her first goal with the Raiders six minutes before the break. In…
Read MoreTitle defense no easy task, but QND girls soccer team’s experience makes defending crown possible
QUINCY — Watching the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team fall short of its goal of defending its Class 2A state championship made the QND girls soccer players realize a very important fact. Repeating isn’t easy. So as the Raiders embark on their own title defense — the reigning Class 1A state champions who went…
Read MoreCapping it the right way: QND rebounds from semifinal loss to win third-place game
NORMAL, ill. — Denied their chance at making history, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players wouldn’t be denied their shot at redemption. An opportunity to reminisce came with it, too. Forced to play the third-place game of the Class 2A state tournament less than three hours after losing to Breese Mater Dei in the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND beats Chicago Butler to finish third at Class 2A state tournament
NORMAL, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team found a way to push their tears and frustration aside following a loss in the semifinals of the Class 2A state tournament and rebounded for a 66-57 victory over Chicago Butler College Prep late Thursday evening at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena. Muddy River Sports…
Read MoreQND’s dream of back-to-back state titles gets dashed with semifinal loss to Mater Dei
NORMAL, Ill. — The coaching adage “you can’t teach size” needs to come with a addendum. It would read, “You can’t always combat it either.” The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team discovered how true that can be Thursday. Forced to contend with Breese Mater Dei’s Alyssa Koerkenmeier — a 6-foot-5 sophomore forward — and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND loses to Breese Mater Dei in Class 2A state semifinals
NORMAL, Ill. — The chance to defend its Class 2A state championship eluded the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team after the Raiders fell 61-54 to Breese Mater Dei in Thursday’s semifinals of the state tournament at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this gallery of images he…
Read MoreMUDDY RIVER BREAKDOWN: The postseason herd thins
Matt Schuckman and Ben Marth breakdown the heavy area postseason hoops action this week and talk about how Eric Orne and his Quincy Notre Dame dynasty should be recognized.
Read MoreQND’s Schreacke is top vote-getter once again for Associated Press Class 2A all-state team
QUINCY — Only two girls basketball players across Illinois were named first-team all-staters on every ballot submitted by the Associated Press panel of voters. It’s no surprise Abbey Schreacke was one of them. The Quincy Notre Dame senior guard was the leading vote-getter in Class 2A for the second straight year after guiding the top-ranked…
Read MoreAfter disastrous first half, Raiders’ valiant comeback comes up short in sectional semifinal
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Sure, the players on the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team were pleased with their play in the second half. The Raiders got as close as 10 points with 5:09 remaining, but Normal University High made 8 of 10 free throws in the final three minutes to seal a 72-49 victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Raiders’ 11-game winning streak snapped by No. 3-ranked Normal U High
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The No. 3-ranked Normal University High boys basketball team raced to a 30-7 lead after one quarter and led by as many as 30 points in a 72-49 victory over Quincy Notre Dame in the Class 2A sectional semifinals on Friday night at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam…
Read MoreReturn to Redbird: Raiders blanket Chiefs with defensive pressure, earn spot in Class 2A final four
MACOMB, Ill. — The realization they’d achieved a significant goal meant a larger one is now within the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players’ reach. It also means the Raiders must maintain a workmanlike effort with everything they do. They made it abundantly clear that’s how they will approach the Class 2A final four after…
Read MoreRaiders’ balance offensively puts Chiefs’ defense in bind in super-sectional matchup
MACOMB, Ill. — A year ago, Tristan Pieper had to watch somewhat from afar as the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team won the Class 2A state championship. “The very top of the student section,” Pieper said of her seat in Redbird Arena. The view will be quite different this year. “Of course, it will,”…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND wins Class 2A super-sectional and advances to final four at Redbird Arena
MACOMB, Ill. — A 15-0 run over the final five minutes of the first half put the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team in complete control of its 51-23 victory over Deer Creek-Mackinaw in the Class 2A Macomb Super-Sectional on Monday night at The Hangar, earning the Raiders a spot in the final four. Muddy…
Read MoreHoyt delivers on cue as Raiders beat Titans to capture Class 2A regional championship
QUINCY — Jake Hoyt made sure the playful razzing he received ended with an exclamation point. At Friday’s pregame shootaround, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coaches ran a set play for their senior point guard to shoot a 3-pointer and Hoyt missed the first attempt. “We teased him a little bit,” Raiders coach Kevin…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND boys run winning streak to 11 with regional title victory at home over West Hancock
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team won the Class 2A regional championship on Friday night at the Pit with a 63-46 victory over West Hancock. It was the Raiders’ second victory over the Titans in the last 10 nights. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.
Read MoreFreshmen don’t wither in spotlight, help QND girls capture sectional title over Central-Southeastern
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Central-Southeastern girls basketball coach Matt Long was asked any advice he has for the seven teams left in the Class 2A state tournament for how to beat Quincy Notre Dame. “It’s only happened once,” he said succinctly. “Good luck.” The No. 1-ranked Raiders took early command of Thursday night’s sectional championship…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Winning streak for QND girls hits 26 straight after sectional title
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team, the defending Class 2A state champion, won its 26th consecutive game on Thursday night with a 44-29 decision over Central-Southeastern in the sectional championship at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.
Read MoreRaiders’ size, experience takes over in second half, carries them into regional championship game
QUINCY — A combination of size and experience can carry a team. It’s what helped lift the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team to a sectional championship appearance a year ago. Wednesday night’s start to the postseason showed the Raiders are banking on it again. Senior post players Jake Wallingford and Alex Connoyer dominated on…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, West Hancock advance to championship of Class 2A regional
QUINCY — A little more than a week after the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team secured its 20th victory of the season by beating West Hancock, the Raiders will have to do so again to keep their season alive. QND advanced to the championship game of the Class 2A QND Regional with a 75-47…
Read MoreOne for the Road: QND girls play first game outside Adams County in 45 days, steamroll Hillsboro in sectional semifinal
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — After playing 13 consecutive games in Adams County, Quincy Notre Dame coach Eric Orne thought his team needed to pack its bags and hit the road. The Raiders were 16-0 at The Pit this season, concluding with an emotional and demanding 54-43 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin in the championship game…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls have little trouble with Hillsboro, reach sectional title game
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team went on a 30-6 run in the first half, then opened the second half with a 19-2 run as they had no problem defeating Hillsboro 67-30 in the semifinals of the Class 2A Sectional at Pleasant Plains High School on Tuesday night. MRN Editor…
Read MoreSchuckman: Gem City basketball teams set new standard with all reaching 20-victory plateau
QUINCY — What transpires over the next three weeks will help define how the 2022-23 prep basketball season in the Gem City is remembered. Already it’s been historic. It could become legendary. The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams open regional play Wednesday, both harboring high hopes while knowing significant hurdles…
Read MoreRaiders learn lesson, rally to edge Keokuk in overtime in regular season finale
KEOKUK, Iowa — A trip to Wright Fieldhouse in Keokuk and a 69-65 overtime victory provided the Quincy Notre Dame Raiders boys basketball team with an important lesson with postseason play starting. “One thing we learned is that you can’t come out flat starting tomorrow,” Raiders coach Kevin Meyer said. “You’ve got to come out…
Read MoreEftink’s steal and score provides fourth-quarter spark as QND girls advance to sectional
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team was in unexpected trouble. The No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A led comfortably 47-31 with about five minutes left in the third quarter of Thursday night’s regional championship game at The Pit. However, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin went on a 14-2 run, culminated by Caroline Lambert’s backdoor…
Read MoreAdam: ‘I’m going to miss it a lot’; Schreacke, Eftink cherish final game at The Pit
QUINCY — A range of emotions washed over the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team in a matter of moments on Thursday night. First was a sense of relief after the Raiders thwarted an upset bid by Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, which got as close as four points in the fourth quarter before the hosts won…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls knock off Sacred Heart-Griffin to win regional on home court
The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team posted a 54-43 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin on Thursday to claim their 30th regional championship in school history. QND (31-1) advances to Tuesday’s 6 p.m. semifinal in the Class 2A sectional at Pleasant Plains. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the scenes from Thursday.
Read MoreConnoyer finds hole in West Hancock defense, scores 19 points to help Raiders win 20th game
QUINCY — In the aftermath of Quincy Notre Dame’s 20th victory of the season on Tuesday night, Charlie Lavery was quick to point out the importance of his senior teammate Alex Connoyer. “Without him, we’re in trouble,” Lavery said. Connoyer scored 11 of his game-high 19 points in the third quarter to help the Raiders pull…
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