Rough start to fourth quarter proves costly as QU women suffer loss at McKendree

Quincy University's Cymirah Williams, right, looks to attack along the baseline during Thursday night's game against McKendree in Lebanon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, McKendree athletics

LEBANON, Ill. — The problem the Quincy University women’s basketball team seemed to have fixed resurfaced Thursday night. Three quarters of quality play were undone by one rocky stretch. The Hawks led McKendree by one point heading to the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s Great Lakes Valley Conference, only to get outscored 11-2 over the…

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Killday’s first recruiting class at QU features local ties, building blocks in trenches

Quincy High School linebacker Ty Douglas, left, and wide receiver Adon Byquist are key components of the Quincy University football team's recruiting class. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Having spent the past 14 years recruiting the I-55 corridor between Chicago and St. Louis, Quincy University football coach Jason Killday understands there is a wealth of talent between the two metro areas. You just have to look. “You have to be able to dig in the dirt a little bit and find…

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Cold-shooting Hawks fall in double overtime

Quincy University's Zion Richardson battles inside against William Jewell Saturday at Pepsi Arena. The Hawks fell 74-72 in double overtime. - Photo by Denny Sinnock, Quincy University

QUINCY – Despite shooting 1 of 15 from three-point range, the Quincy University Hawks still had ample opportunities to grab a win over William Jewell Saturday afternoon at Pepsi Arena. Orlando Thomas went coast to coast after a QU steal for a bucket to send the game into overtime, but QU missed its last three…

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Hawks get third straight win heading to first place McKendree later this week

Cymirah Williams led Quincy University with 20 points and 15 rebounds in the team's 73-60 win over William Jewell in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. - Photo by Denny Sinnock, Quincy University

QUINCY – Passion and persistence paid off for Cymirah Williams and her Quincy University teammates Saturday afternoon at Pepsi Arena. Williams led the Hawks with a 20-point, 15 rebound effort, but hit what she called an “up and over” inside move that led to a three-point play and a 73-60 win over William Jewell in…

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Blistering shooting in second half helps Rockhurst overcome physical play, pull away from QU men

Rockhurst's Jake Auer gets knocked to the floor by Quincy University's Mason Wujek during the first half of Thursday night's men's college basketball game at Pepsi Arena. | David Adam

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team traded punches (figuratively), verbal barbs and physical play (literally) during the first half of Thursday night’s game with Rockhurst.  It appeared the trend would continue during the first two minutes of the second half, but Rockhurst took over with an overwhelming shooting performance. During a 10½-minute stretch…

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Stevenson buries clinching 3-pointer to help QU women rally past Rockhurst, even GLVC record at 7-7

Quincy University's Taya Stevenson drives to the basket past Rockhurst's Ali Kamies during Thursday night's women's college basketball game at Pepsi Arena in Quincy. | David Adam

QUINCY — When she caught the pass from Karsyn Stratton at the top of the key, Taya Stevenson swears she never hesitated. Even though she hadn’t taken a 3-point shot the entire game. Even though she was only a 27 percent 3-point shooter this season.  “I think I have confidence in myself, and my teammates…

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Photo Gallery: Home-court loss causes Hawks to slip to 10th place in Great Lakes Valley Conference

Quincy University's Zion Richardson gets hit in the mouth by a Rockhurst defender on his way to the basket during Thursday night's men's college basketball game at Pepsi Arena. | David Adam

During a 10½-minute stretch in the second half, Rockhurst made 15 of 20 shots from the field (including nine out of 11 from 3-point range) to turn a tie score into a 23-point lead on its way to a 100-79 victory in Pepsi Arena in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game. Quincy now sits in…

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QU baseball team voted by coaches as top choice in GLVC preseason poll

Dustin Dupont, who caught and played third base last season, batted .369 with 11 home runs and 51 runs batted in for the Quincy University baseball team last season. | Matt Schuckman

INDIANAPOLIS – Quincy University was voted in the preseason coaches’ poll as the choice to win the 2024 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) baseball championship, the league office announced on Monday. The preseason poll is determined by the league’s head coaches, who, per GLVC bylaws, are not permitted to vote for their team. Quincy received nine…

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Last-place Southwest Baptist rallies to defeat QU men, now tied for seventh in GLVC

Isaiah Foster scored 13 points for Quincy University on Saturday. | MRN File Photo

BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Quincy University men’s basketball team led by as many as 11 points in the first half and held the lead for the first 31 minutes of Saturday’s game. Once the Hawks lost the lead, they never got it back. Drew McMillin made a 3-pointer with 9:10 remaining in the game to…

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Blass sparks fourth-quarter comeback as QU women erase 10-point deficit to win on road

Mikayla Huffine | MRN File Photo

BOLIVAR, Mo. — Trailing by 10 points entering the fourth quarter, the Quincy University women’s basketball team outscored Southwest Baptist 22-4 during the final 10 minutes and won 72-65 on Saturday afternoon at the Meyer Sports Center in a Great Lakes Valley Conference game. The victory keeps the Hawks (7-12, 6-7 in the GLVC) in…

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Blistering beginning puts Hawks in command as they climb back to .500 mark in GLVC

Drury's Logan Applegate, who scored 22 points, pulls up for a jump shot during Thursday night's men's college basketball game against Quincy University at the O'Reilly Family Event Center in Springfield, Mo. QU's Isaiah Foster is in the background. | Photo courtesy of Payton Hannah, Drury University

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – There are fast starts, and then there is what the Quincy University men’s basketball team did Thursday night. The Hawks blitzed Drury by sinking their first nine shots, six of them from 3-point range, to take a 27-13 lead just six minutes into the contest. They held on for an 83-78 victory…

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QU women lead for most of contest but lose for 14th consecutive time to Drury

Drury's Anna Hitt, right, dribbles to the basket past Quincy's Janiece Dawson during Thursday night's women's college basketball game at the O'Reilly Family Event Center in Springfield, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Peyton Hannah, Drury University

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An opportunity lost. The Quincy University women’s basketball team opened an early 12-point lead and led for nearly 27 minutes Thursday night, but its inability to convert on the offensive end in the closing minutes allowed Drury to rally for a 70-66 victory at the O’Reilly Family Event Center. The Panthers improved…

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Pro football future still exists for QU’s Wilson after being selected in UFL dispersal draft

Former Quincy University offensive lineman BJ Wilson was selected by the San Antonio Brahmas in the United Football League's dispersal draft. | Matt Schuckman photo

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — BJ Wilson is getting another chance to prove he belongs on a professional football team’s roster. Wilson, the Quincy University graduate who was an All-Great Lakes Valley Conference left tackle, was selected in the United Football League’s dispersal draft by the San Antonio Brahmas. He is expected to join the Brahmas…

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Hawks gets bullied on offensive boards in suffering GLVC loss to Peacocks

Quincy University's Zion Richardson, right, gets off a shot before Upper Iowa's Ethan Steinbronn could close out during Saturday's game at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — A basketball team can usually point to a few things to explain why it came up four points short. For the Quincy University men, it was only one. “We gave up 12 offensive rebounds,” guard Zion Richardson said. “That’s the ballgame right there.” Upper Iowa used those opportunities to score 11 second-chance points…

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Playing from behind too much for QU women to overcome in loss to Upper Iowa

Quincy University's Cymirah Williams, left, puts up a shot during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Upper Iowa at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Upper Iowa’s opening salvo was too much for the Quincy University women’s basketball team to overcome. The Peacocks needed just four possessions in the initial two minutes to bolt to an 11-0 lead and that cushion proved to be enough to withstand a second-half charge by the Hawks to secure a 69-62 victory…

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Richardson’s clutch plays at both ends of floor help Hawks reverse GLVC trend with Thursday victory

Quincy University's Zion Richardson gives a fist pump after drawing a charging foul on Truman State's Kobi Williams with less than 30 seconds to play in regulation Thursday night at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — To be the hero at one end, Zion Richardson couldn’t be the goat at the other. He put himself in the right position to avoid that. An errant pass by Richardson from the backcourt while under pressure from the Truman State defense gave the Bulldogs a steal and the opportunity to cut into…

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Choosing to ‘get on the boat’ enables QU women to outlast Truman State for needed GLVC victory

Quincy University's Cymirah Williams gets fouled with seven seconds remaining in regulation and made both free throws to help preserve Thursday night's 78-75 victory over Truman State at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Cymirah Williams put the onus squarely on the shoulders of the Quincy University women’s basketball players. “It’s a choice,” the junior forward said. “It’s our choice.” The choice seems quite simple. Fight through adversity, play buzzer to buzzer and find a way to win or slack off for a quarter or more and…

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Photo gallery: QU men and women complete GLVC sweep of Truman State

Truman State guard C.E. Talton, a Monroe City product, applies pressure to Quincy University's Zion Richardson during Thursday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams completed a Great Lakes Valley Conference sweep of Truman State on Thursday night at Pepsi Arena with the men surviving a 75-73 finish and the women making clutch free throws for a 78-75 victory. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the evening at Pepsi…

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Schuckman: Hawks taking things personal in hopes of getting off roller coaster ride

Quincy University assistant coach Tim Walsh, left, and head coach Steve Hawkins applaud the Hawks' defensive effort in Saturday's game against Southwest Baptist at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The trend needs to end. The only way to do that is to take losing personal. So the Quincy University men’s basketball team’s coaching staff slapped those words across the dry-erase board in the locker room following last Wednesday’s 80-66 loss at Rockhurst. “It’s been on the board all week,” sophomore point guard…

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Trust in their offense enables Hawks to weather field goal drought, defense stymies Bearcats

Quincy University point guard Isaiah Foster, left, drives to the basket during the first half of Saturday's game against Southwest Baptist at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The longer it took for the Quincy University men’s basketball team to find success offensively, the more an 18-point halftime lead narrowed. The key was it never fully dissipated. The Hawks’ belief in themselves didn’t evaporate either. Quincy made just one field goal in the first seven minutes of the second half of…

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Three solid quarters not enough for QU women to erase one dismal quarter at start of loss to SBU

Quincy University guard Mariann Blass kicks a pass to the corner during the first half of Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Southwest Baptist at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s basketball team continues to find itself three-quarters of the way to success. That missing quarter tripped the Hawks up again Saturday. Southwest Baptist outscored Quincy 23-10 in the first quarter and never relinquished the lead despite the Hawks’ second-half surge, leading to a 68-65 victory in Great Lakes Valley…

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Empty possessions turn tide in Rockhurst’s favor as QU men suffer GLVC road loss

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Three consecutive empty offensive possessions coupled with three consecutive empty defensive possessions put the Quincy University men’s basketball team in an unenviable position. Rockhurst made it uncomfortable the rest of the way, too. The sequence that lasted 1 minute, 54 seconds early in the second half of Wednesday night’s Great Lakes…

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‘He is the right guy for this program’: QU introduces Killday as new football coach

Jason Killday talks about his approach as a coach during Wednesday's press conference in which he was introduced as the new Quincy University football coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jason Killday has never been a job chaser. “Occasionally, you see something you kind of raise your eyebrow to and think, ‘That’d be interesting,’ said Killday, who spent the last eight seasons as the offensive coordinator with the Truman State football program after six seasons on the Quincy University staff.  “My goal has…

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Schuckman: Strong roots in community, football make Killday right choice to guide QU program

Quincy University President Dr. Brian McGee, left, congratulates Jason Killday after he was introduced as the Hawks' new football coach during a press conference Wednesday in the Hall of Fame room on the QU campus, while QU athletic director Josh Rabe looks on. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Roots run deep in the Killday family, where the family farm outside of Winchester, Ill., remains the beacon that draws everyone home. Josh Rabe wants Quincy University to have the same magnetism. So for the second time this calendar year, when faced with having to hire a head coach for a high-profile program,…

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Hawks head home for holidays with Christmas cheer, three-game win streak and tourney title

Quincy University's Zion Richardson, center, and Nate Shockey, left, react after Wayne State called a timeout following a Shockey 3-pointer during the second half of Sunday's game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The getaway game never got away from the Quincy University men’s basketball team. That should make for a Merry Christmas for all. In the Hawks’ final game before heading home for the holiday break, they held Wayne State to 28-percent shooting from the field in the second half of a 66-55 victory Sunday…

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Photo gallery: QU men win championship of Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic

Quincy University forward Mason Wujek gets position in the post during Sunday's game against Wayne State in the Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A suffocating defensive effort in the second half of Sunday’s game and a double-double from senior guard Zion Richardson gave the Quincy University men’s basketball team a 66-55 victory over Wayne State and the championship of the Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was at Pepsi Arena and put together…

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‘This is about going home’: QU football coach resigns to take reins of Virginia-Wise program

Quincy University football coach Gary Bass, right, resigned after seven seasons at the helm to take over the program at the University of Virginia-Wise. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Appalachian Mountains are calling Gary Bass home. The North Carolina native who spent the past 12 college football seasons coaching at Quincy University, including the last seven as head coach, resigned Tuesday morning after accepting an offer to become the head coach at the University of Virginia-Wise, an NCAA Division II program.…

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Toughness wins: QU is unable to match UMSL’s physical style in GLVC loss

Missouri-St. Louis guard Matt Enright, right, chases down a loose ball after knocking it away from Qiuincy's Mason Wujek during the first half of Thursday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It isn’t difficult within the Great Lakes Valley Conference to find men’s basketball teams that can be categorized as tougher than a $2 steak. They are the ones beating up on Quincy University. Despite shooting the ball uncharacteristically well Thursday night — the worst 3-point shooting team in the GLVC actually made 10…

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QU women’s basketball team never gets on track in GLVC loss to UMSL

Quincy University's Ashlynn Arnsman, left, and Missouri-St. Louis' Morgan Ramthun battle for a rebound during Thursday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Discombobulated might be the most apropos way to describe the way things went Thursday night for the Quincy University women’s basketball team. Penciled into the starting lineup like usual, sophomore forward Chomp Danso was a last-minute scratch because of a health concern. It left the Hawks out of sorts from the start as…

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Photo gallery: QU men and women square off against UMSL in GLVC doubleheader

Quincy University's Cymirah Williams, left, gets fouled while shooting by Missouri-St. Louis' Alex Wolff during Thursday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams struggled through a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader Thursday night at Pepsi Arena. The women lost 62-44 to Missouri-St. Louis, while the men suffered a 75-66 setback against the Tritons. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the evening courtside and put together this photo…

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QU men’s basketball team regains offensive rhythm in second half of victory over Maryville

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins, left, talks with senior guard Zion Richardson during a practice earlier this season at Pepsi Arena. Richardson scored 23 points in Saturday's 71-66 victory against Maryville. | Muddy River Sports file photo

ST. LOUIS — The Quincy University men’s basketball team finally regained its rhythm. The Hawks’ continued struggles offensively — 29-percent shooting from the field and 22-percent shooting from 3-point range — left them in a seven-point hole at halftime of Saturday’s Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Maryville at Moloney Arena. Things change at the…

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Defense, rebounding carry QU women’s basketball team to another GLVC victory

Quincy University junior forward Cymirah Williams scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in Saturday's victory over Maryville. | Muddy River Sports file photo

ST. LOUIS — Two important statistical categories explain why the Quincy University women’s basketball team has won three of its last four games and remains undefeated on the road this season. Shooting percentage and rebounding. In the three victories, including beating Maryville 63-55 on Saturday afternoon in Great Lakes Valley Conference play at Moloney Arena,…

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Hawks put brakes on Miners’ run, close out GLVC victory

Quincy University guard Mikayla Huffine scored 10 points in Thursday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference victory over Missouri S&T in Rolla, Mo. | Muddy River Sports file photo

ROLLA, Mo. — The Quincy University women’s basketball team is figuring out how to finish. Leading Missouri S&T by as many as 13 points in the third quarter Thursday night in Great Lakes Valley Conference action, the Hawks stumbled. The Miners went on a 10-2 run to close the quarter and ultimately trimmed the deficit…

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Combination of woes lead to GLVC loss for QU men

ROLLA, Mo. — What do a season-high number of turnovers, more struggles shooting from the perimeter and a five-minute offensive drought add up to? Nothing good. The Quincy University men’s basketball team played toe-to-toe with Missouri S&T for the first 15 minutes of Thursday night’s Great Lakes Valley Conference opener at the Bullman Multi-Purpose Building.…

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Confidence comes in home victory as Hawks find way to get back on track

Quincy University freshman forward Anthony McGhee, right, applies pressure to Judson's Anterrious Rhyan during Saturday's game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Coming off two disappointing losses in Michigan and with the start of Great Lakes Valley Conference play on the horizon, the Quincy University men’s basketball team needed a boost in confidence. While the pace of play was often ragged, thanks to a combined 83 missed field goal attempts and 25 turnovers, the Hawks…

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Photo gallery: QU men’s basketball team pulls away from Judson in second half

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins talks to his team during a timeout in the first half of Saturday's game against Judson University at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team pulled away from Judson University in the second half and posted a 64-45 victory Saturday afternoon at Pepsi Arena to even its record at 3-3. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at Pepsi Arena and put together this photo gallery:

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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 volleyball team earns NCAA tourney bid as fourth seed in Midwest Region

Quincy University middle blocker Alice Pavan, center, and the Hawks are headed to the NCAA Division II national tournament as the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s volleyball team is back in the NCAA Tournament. The pairings for the NCAA Division II national tournament were released Monday night, and the Hawks earned the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region. They will open against fifth-seeded Grand Valley State on Nov. 30 at the University of Missouri-St.…

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Shooting woes plague Hawks in second half of another road loss

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins watched his team score just eight points in the first 14 minutes of the second half in Monday night's 75-62 loss to Lake Superior State in Kalamazoo, Mich. | Matt Schuckman photo

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The inability to knock down perimeter shots is keeping the Quincy University men’s basketball team from staying in games. Two days after shooting just 10.5 percent from 3-point range in a 42-point loss to Grand Valley State, the Hawks managed to make just 4 of 24 3-point attempts in a 75-62 loss…

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Everyone in: Hawks seize opportunity to give bench players needed experience in lopsided win

Quincy University senior guard Nate Shockey brings the ball up the floor during Wednesday night's game against Hannibal-LaGrange at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — The early-season schedule is giving the Quincy University men’s basketball team the opportunity to gain the one thing it lacks — experience. All 13 available players logged double-figure minutes Wednesday night as the Hawks overcame a sluggish start to cruise to a 92-39 victory over Hannibal-LaGrange University in their home opener in Pepsi…

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Free throws allow Hawks to hold off Oilers, pick up first victory of season

Quincy University guard Orlando Thomas tries to avoid the pressure from a Findlay defender during Saturday's game in the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Truman State University's Pershing Arena in Kirksville, Mo. | Photo courtesy Truman State University athletics

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Finding a way to win the final two minutes of regulation the way the Quincy University men’s basketball team did Saturday should help the Hawks learn to win more nip-and-tuck games the remainder of the season. Despite leading Findlay by as many as eight points in the second half of the GLVC/G-MAC…

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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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QU women put up fight in Boyd’s debut, fall one possession short of completing comeback

Quincy University's Karsyn Stratton, left, tries to work around the pressure of Cedarville's KaCee Kyle during Friday's game in the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fight is there. The consistency isn’t. Once the Quincy University women’s basketball team develops the latter, winning games that are decided in the waning moments will become more common. For now, the Hawks will take the lessons learned from Friday afternoon’s 54-52 loss to Cedarville in the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Pepsi…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s basketball team fights to final buzzer in season opener against Cedarville

Quincy University women's basketball coach Courtney Boyd, right, walks in front of the Hawks' bench during Friday's game against Cedarville in the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Courtney Boyd’s first game as the head coach of the Quincy University women’s basketball team showcased a couple of the traits that are expected to be hallmarks of her teams. Grit and resiliency. If the Hawks can add better scoring touch and more consistency to that mix, good things lie ahead. Quincy suffered…

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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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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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QU men’s basketball team looks to gain experience, show determination in exhibition against Iowa

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins, left, and senior guard Zion Richardson discuss a play during a practice leading up to Monday's exhibition game at the University of Iowa. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Zion Richardson sees two significant benefits to the Quincy University men’s basketball team playing an exhibition game at the University of Iowa. “Experience and reps,” the senior guard said.  The Hawks need both. QU officially opens its season Nov. 10 against Cedarville in the GLVC-GMAC Challenge in Kirksville, Mo., but with a roster…

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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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Quincy University athletics to host Halloween with the Hawks

QUINCY — The Quincy University athletic department will host its annual Halloween with the Hawks from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday on the football side of QU Stadium. This community event provides a safe environment for kids to trick-or-treat while interacting with QU student-athletes and coaching staff. Families are welcome to come join the QU…

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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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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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Seniors quit QU women’s soccer program amid accusations of bullying, inappropriate behavior

The Quincy University women's soccer team warms up prior to the second half of last Sunday's game against Southwest Baptist under the watchful eye of graduate assistant coach Michele Barletta. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s soccer team planned to board a charter bus at 9 a.m. Friday and head toward Kansas City for a pair of Great Lakes Valley Conference games that will impact the Hawks’ postseason pursuit. The Hawks did so without a full roster. A tumultuous week featuring one player being dismissed…

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Schuck on a Truck: Former QU All-American Dayson Croes discusses first season playing professional baseball

QUINCY — It started with the American Association’s longest hitting streak of the season and ended with Rookie of the Year honors. Dayson Croes’ first season as a professional baseball player was an undeniable hit. He capped it with a tournament championship in Mexico. Croes, the former Quincy University All-American infielder, signed with the Winnipeg…

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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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Second-half surge carries QU football team to third stright victory heading into GLVC play

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett, left, pressures Northern Michigan quarterback Mariano Valenti during Saturday's game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An air of frustration in the Quincy University football team’s locker room seemed inevitable. Twice during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Northern Michigan, the Hawks forced and recovered fumbles that gave them possession at the Wildcats’ 27-yard line both times. Neither time did Quincy score. First, the Hawks missed a 43-yard…

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Hawks’ Davis sets friendships with former teammates aside to lead Hawks to victory

Quincy University quarterback Drake Davis threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns during Saturday's 45-27 victory over Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As the Quincy University football team prepared for its final non-conference game, Drake Davis needed to shift his way of thinking. Friends were now foes. Northern Michigan visited QU Stadium on Saturday, which meant Davis, the Hawks’ first-year starting quarterback, was going up against his former teammates. Davis transferred to Quincy after deciding…

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Photo gallery: QU football team heads into GLVC play following victory over Northern Michigan

Quincy University wide receivers Travis Isaac, left, and Jalen Lawrence react after Isaac scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass Saturday against Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team is taking a three-game winning streak into Great Lakes Valley Conference play following Saturday’s 45-27 victory over Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at the venerable stadium and put together this photo gallery:

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Schuckman: Coaching camaraderie that brought Izzo to town helps create fervor for QU season

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, left, and Quincy University coach Steve Hawkins entertain the crowd with a question-and-answer session during Sunday's tip-off banquet in QU's Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Logistically, it didn’t make sense. Tom Izzo didn’t care. Steve Hawkins needed the right person to headline the Quincy University men’s basketball program’s first tip-off banquet, and the Michigan State Hall of Fame coach willingly obliged, despite the whirlwind schedule it created. Izzo boarded a plane from East Lansing, Mich., to Quincy early…

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Photo gallery: QU tip-off banquet draws large crowd to hear Michigan State’s Tom Izzo speak

Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo, left, signs a copy of the book "Mr. March" for a fan prior to Sunday night's QU men's basketball program's tip-off banquet at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tom Izzo is entertaining. Steve Hawkins is, too. Put the Michigan State and Quincy University men’s basketball coaches on the stage together and time flies with the stories they tell. That’s what took place Sunday night in QU’s Pepsi Arena where Izzo served as the guest speaker at the QU basketball program’s first…

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Lightning strikes, Hawks roll: QU football team puts away Fort Lauderdale with 42-point first half

Quincy University junior running back Jadon Washington, right, looks for running room Saturday against the University of Fort Lauderdale at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — It turns out three quarters was enough. The Quincy University football team led the University of Fort Lauderdale 42-0 at halftime Saturday at QU Stadium, tacked on another touchdown in the third quarter and went to the locker room due to a lightning delay with a 49-0 edge. The game resumed and teams…

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Schuckman: Those criticizing QU’s lopsided victory need to dig deeper to see final score didn’t come from lack of sportsmanship

Quincy University running back Teon Dollard — the Hawks' third-string back — breaks loose for a 54-yard gain in the second quarter of last Saturday's game against Madonna at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The only way to truly understand how the Quincy University football coaches handled a situation none of them enjoyed would have been to be one of the few on the sidelines or in the coaches’ booth wearing a headset. Without being privy to those conversations, it’s difficult to claim the Hawks chose to…

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Hawks set single-game scoring record with 89-0 drubbing of Crusaders

Quincy University tight end Hans Wisnewski (81) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown reception with offensive lineman Austin Dearing (74) during Saturday's game against Madonna University at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The video from Saturday’s 89-0 sandblasting of Madonna University could be an invaluable tool for Quincy University football coach Gary Bass and his staff to use in molding the depth chart this season and evaluating how to build future rosters. Now the coaches possess film on everyone. The highest-scoring game in program history…

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Photo gallery: QU football team rewrites single-game records in whitewashing of Madonna

Quincy University quarterback Ike Wiley, a Quincy Notre Dame graduate, looks to pass during the second quarter of Saturday's game against Madonna at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team established new single-game records for points scored and margin of victory during Saturday’s 89-0 lambasting of Madonna University at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on the sideline and put together this photo gallery:

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QU volleyball team captures title of own invitational by outlasting Upper Iowa in five sets

The Quincy University volleyball team reacts to winning a point during a match against Edinboro during the Quincy Invitational at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Payton Miller

QUINCY — The Quincy University volleyball team was pushed to the limit to complete a sweep of the Quincy Invitational field on Saturday night. The Hawks outlasted Upper Iowa 25-11, 23-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-12 in the final match of the weekend, ending the event with three victories and improving to 6-1 overall this season. Forced…

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Former QU All-American Croes earns postseason all-star nod as rookie in American Association

Former Quincy University All-American infielder Dayson Croes was named an American Association postseason all-star after leading the league in hits with 135 as a rookie. | Photo courtesy Winnipeg Goldeyes

QUINCY — Dayson Croes proved he was more than a professional hitter during his rookie season in the American Association. He was All-Star material, too. The former Quincy University All-American infielder was named to the American Association’s postseason all-star team after leading the Winnipeg Goldeyes in hitting with a .351 average and leading the league…

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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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Same old situation? Hawks say not at all despite Eagles’ late TD costing them season opener

Quincy University linebacker Jackson Connell, right, looks to attack a ball carrier after the snap during the first half Thursday night against Chadron State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Some may see it as the same old song and dance. Jackson Connell insists it’s a different tune, and he’s been around the Quincy University football program long enough to know the difference. Sure, the self-inflicted wounds responsible for allowing Chadron State to sneak out of QU Stadium on Thursday night with a…

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Photo gallery: QU football team opens season under lights against Chadron State

Quincy University senior defensive end David Tabakovic leads the Hawks onto the field for Thursday night's season opener against Chadron State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team opened its season Thursday night, rallying from a 22-point deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter before Chadron State scored in the final minute to snare a 35-34 victory at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on the sideline and put together this…

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Answers don’t come easy: Hawks need to respond after allowing five goals in season opener

Quincy University midfielder Lewis Chapman, left, congratulates freshman midfielder Carter Venvertloh after the former Quincy High School all-stater scored his first career goal in Thursday's game against Wisconsin-Parkside at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Alex Lehmann doesn’t want youth to be the Quincy University men’s soccer team’s crutch. “I made a mistake that cost us a goal,” the senior defender and captain said. “So it’s not the young guys. We’re a team. Win as a team, lose as a team.” Respond as a team, too. The Hawks…

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Photo gallery: QU men’s soccer team opens season with loss to Wisconsin-Parkside

Quincy University freshman goalkeeper George Roke makes one of his 11 saves in Thursday's season opener against Wisconsin-Parkside at Legends Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The youthful Quincy University men’s soccer team showed some resolve and the ability to create scoring opportunities. The Hawks also struggled defensively, losing 5-3 in their season opener Thursday afternoon to Wisconsin-Parkside at Legends Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this photo gallery after spending the afternoon with the Hawks:

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Inside QU football: Five players who will impact how much success Hawks enjoy

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett is expected to be one of the central figures in the middle of the Hawks' defense this season. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team kicks off its season Thursday night by welcoming Chadron State, an NCAA Division II program in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, to QU Stadium. The Hawks are coming off a 4-7 season — their seventh consecutive losing season — but have the advantage of playing eight home games…

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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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Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo to speak at QU men’s basketball program’s Tip-Off Banquet

Tom Izzy's teams at Michigan State have won 10 regular-season Big Ten Championships and six Big Ten Tournaments while making eight Final Four appearances. | Photo courtesy of Michigan State University

QUINCY — Hall of Fame college basketball coach Tom Izzo will be the featured speaker during the Quincy University men’s basketball program’s annual Tip-Off Banquet, scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 in Pepsi Arena on the QU campus. Izzo has been the head coach at Michigan State University since 1995. Izzo was elected to…

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Aquatic center at Quincy University gets new name after receiving support from Bank of Springfield

The Quincy University swimming pool and aquatic facilities will now be known as the BOS Aquatic Center, thanks to financial support from Bank of Springfield. The facility is home to the QU men's and women's swimming programs. | Photo courtesy of Quincy University

QUINCY — Quincy University recently announced the naming of the university’s swimming pool and aquatic facilities as the BOS Aquatic Center after receiving financial support from Bank of Springfield. In a press release, Tom Marantz, Bank of Springfield CEO and chairman of the board, said, “BOS believes in the mission of education and the dedication…

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Trip to Australia will provide QU women’s soccer players with once-in-a-lifetime experience

Second-year Quincy University women's soccer coach Mackenzie Schissel is taking the Hawks to Australia this week to play two exhibition games and attend three Women's World Cup games. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Alayna Vela has watched enough of past Women’s World Cup events to understand how incredibly passionate and unique the fans are. Now, she gets to see it up close. Vela, a sophomore midfielder on the Quincy University women’s soccer team, is part of the Hawks’ 45-person traveling party heading to Australia this week.…

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Hawks’ Kirn earns chance to pitch against college baseball’s best in Cape Cod League

Griffin Kirn, a senior left-handed pitcher for the Quincy University baseball team and a Quincy Notre Dame graduate, will finish the summer pitching in the prestigious Cape Cod League. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Griffin Kirn happened to be enjoying a relaxing midsummer afternoon when Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel unexpectedly called. “I figured it was to check in and see how my summer was going,” said Kirn, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior left-handed pitcher. There was a little more to this call. Schissel had been contacted…

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Former QU All-American infielder Croes to play in American Association all-star game

Former Quincy University All-American infielder Dayson Croes is representing the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association All-Star Game with a .342 average, which is the third highest in the league. | Photo courtesy Dave Mahussier/Winnipeg Goldeyes

FRANKLIN, Wis. — Throughout Dayson Croes’ three-year stint as an All-American infielder for the Quincy University baseball team, his coaches continually used a two-word phrase to describe Aruba native. Professional hitter. He’s proving just how accurate that is. The left-handed hitting Croes will represent the Winnipeg Goldeyes in Tuesday’s American Association of Professional Baseball all-star…

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Angels select Hawks right-handed reliever Gockel in ninth round of MLB draft

Right-handed reliever Chase Gockel went 3-0 with four saves in 21 appearances for the Quincy University baseball team in the spring. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Word of Chase Gockel’s electric fastball, the kind that made Quincy University baseball fans anxious to see how high the velocity would register, brought Major League Baseball scouts to the stadium. How he used the fastball in unison with his slider made them take note. Ultimately, the Los Angeles Angels liked the combination…

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Former QU southpaw Martin gets call up to Triple-A Iowa, while Croes, Logsdon get pro careers off to strong starts

Former Quincy University left-hander Riley Martin was called up to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Tuesday after an impressive first two months with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The number of former Quincy University baseball players pursuing professional playing careers more than doubled in the last month. One of the Hawks chasing their big-league dream moved a step closer to that reality Tuesday. Left-handed reliever Riley Martin was promoted to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs after a sterling first two months coming…

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Hawks’ Schissel named NCBWA Division II Coach of the Year, Napleton first-team All-American

Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel, left, has been named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Coach of the Year. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Capping a record-setting season with a first-in-school-history honor is quite special. Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel earned that. Hawks catcher Luke Napleton earned his All-American honor, too. Schissel, the second-year skipper who led the Hawks to a 47-11 record while winning both the Great Lakes Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championships, was…

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Napleton, D’Alessio among four QU baseball players to enter transfer portal

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton follows the flight of one of his 29 home runs this season. The single-season record holder for dingers announced he is entering the NCAA transfer portal. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two starters from the record-setting Quincy University baseball team are among four Hawks who are entering the NCAA transfer portal. Junior catcher Luke Napleton and junior shortstop Gino D’Alessio are exploring opportunities to move to the NCAA Division I level, while senior infielder Logan Voth is seeking the chance for more at-bats and…

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Dreams of Division II World Series berth dashed as soft-tossing lefties befuddle Hawks in super regional

Quincy University first baseman Lance Logsdon and the Hawks saw their record-breaking season end Saturday with a 5-2 loss to Indianapolis in the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Olivia Kindt, QU Athletics

QUINCY — That’s just baseball. Those three words were the only way the Quincy University baseball team could make sense of an unlikely finish to an incredible season. The Hawks were ranked No. 6 in NCAA Division II by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and No. 4 by Collegiate Baseball. However, they saw their…

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Saturday sweep needed: Top-seeded Hawks face elimination after losing super regional opener

Quincy University shortstop Joe Huffman sizes up a pitch during Friday's opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional against Indianapolis at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The weather hasn’t always been ideal, but Saturdays at QU Stadium throughout the spring have been perfect nonetheless. One more flawless Saturday is needed. The Quincy University baseball team finds itself in a win-twice-or-it’s-over scenario following Friday’s 4-3 loss to Indianapolis in the opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional,…

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Greyhounds’ Donaldson seizes extra opportunity to spoil final home start for Hawks’ Walker

In his final career start at QU Stadium, right-hander Spencer Walker went 7 2/3 innings while allowing four runs and five hits with nine strikeouts. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Spencer Walker never saw exactly where Luke Napleton caught the fastball or where it crossed the plate. He didn’t think he needed to look. With runners on second and third and two outs in the top of the eighth inning Friday at QU Stadium, the Quincy University senior right-hander felt he’d painted the…

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Photo gallery: QU, Indianapolis square off in Midwest Super Regional at QU Stadium

A young fan waves a Quincy University baseball towel during Friday's NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The opening game of the NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional turned into a pitchers’ duel, one the seventh-seeded University of Indianapolis baseball team won with a 4-3 victory over top-seeded Quincy University on Friday at QU Stadium. The Hawks (47-10) must win twice Saturday to advance to the D-II World Series in…

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