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

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

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

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

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

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

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Schuckman: Coaching change is emotional torture on Hawks, but their research reveals ‘good, positive things’ with Boyd’s hiring

Courtney Boyd, introduced Thursday as the new Quincy University women's basketball coach, discusses her approach to coaching during her introductory press conference in the Hall of Fame Room on the QU campus. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The overlapping exodus of Kaci Bailey and arrival of Courtney Boyd made for an emotionally challenging 36 hours for the Quincy University women’s basketball players. “Definitely a little stressful, a little overwhelming,” freshman guard Rylee Denbow said. Mix in plenty of uncertainty. “There are a lot of unknowns up in the air right…

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Schuckman: Bailey left QU women’s basketball program riding upward trajectory

Kaci Bailey led the Quincy University women's basketball team to 22 wins in two seasons at the helm, nearly equaling the 25 victories the program had in the previous five seasons combined. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Kaci Bailey never intended to leave Quincy University as abruptly as she did. “Obviously, I wouldn’t have bought a house,” she said. Bailey never sold it as a lifelong commitment to coach women’s basketball here either. “As I told (QU athletic director Josh Rabe), QU has never been in the mix to be…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Schuckman: Unshaken confidence allows Hammel to rejoin QU rotation with bulldogged effort

Quincy University right-hander Jay Hammel delivers a pitch during Sunday's game against Truman State at QU Stadium. Hammel went five innings, striking out five and earning his first victory of the season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Doubt comes when confidence wanes. Everything Jay Hammel experienced in the first six weeks of the Quincy University baseball team’s season could have created doubt in himself, his ability to contribute on a nationally ranked team, and his decision to return for a final year of eligibility. Never once has he doubted any…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Schuckman: Building camaraderie, talking basketball brings Hawks together with Curtis Creek residents

Quincy University junior forward Solomon Gustafson, right, visits with a resident at the Curtis Creek Senior Living Community during Thursday's "Basketball and Bites" event. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — Being insulated by the borders of the Quincy University campus gives the men’s basketball players a sense of security, but it doesn’t offer many opportunities to embrace those who embrace the Hawks’ success. Those are things they long to do. “We’ve wanted to be more involved in the community,” junior guard Zion Richardson…

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Photo gallery: QU men’s lacrosse team puts together second-half scoring outburst in victory

The Quincy University men's lacrosse team scored seven goals in the third quarter Monday to propel itself to a 13-8 victory over Colorado State-Pueblo at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s lacrosse team scored seven goals in the third quarter Monday, erasing a one-goal halftime deficit and propelling itself to a 13-8 victory over Colorado State-Pueblo at QU Stadium. Quincy scored three times in the first 90 seconds of the third quarter. Neal Dardis tied the game at 5 off…

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

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

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

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Former QU ace Spraker earns victory out of bullpen for Great Britain in World Baseball Classic

Former Quincy University right-hander Graham Spraker is pitching for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. Spraker retired eight batters in a row Monday and earned the victory in relief as Great Britain beat Colombia 7-5 at Chase Field in Phoenix. | Photo courtesy Phrake Photography

QUINCY — The Fox Sports 2 broadcast team handling the play-by-play of Monday’s World Baseball Classic matchup between Colombia and Great Britain pointed out multiple times the number of professional scouts in attendance. If any are looking for a right-handed reliever, Graham Spraker may have piqued their interest. The former Quincy University ace came out…

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

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

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

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Hawks’ Zilinskas, Davis announce they have entered transfer portal, won’t return to QU

After three seasons playing for Quincy University, 6-foot-5 swingman Paul Zilinskas has entered the transfer portal and will transfer with two years of eligibility remaining. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A pair of Quincy University men’s basketball players have entered the transfer portal. Junior guard Paul Zilinskas and redshirt freshman forward Connor Davis announced their decisions on social media last week. Zilinskas, a 6-foot-5 swingman from , was the Hawks’ third leading scorer, averaging 10.9 points while shooting 42 percent from the field…

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Walking away a winner: Parks’ four-RBI effort powers Hawks to sweep of Vikings

Quincy University's Gino D'Alessio, left, celebrates with teammate Zach Parks, who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning of Saturday's 10-0 victory over Augustana at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Zach Parks didn’t find himself in an all-or-nothing situation, but the absence of an on-deck hitter behind him suggested it. When the Quincy University left fielder went to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning Saturday, two scenarios existed. If he collected a hit…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team completes three-game sweep of Augustana

Quincy University catcher Dustin Dupont, left, congratulates starting pitcher Kobe Essien after working a 1-2-3 third inning Saturday against Augustana at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Seven combined shutout innings from four pitchers and a four-RBI effort from the No. 9 hitter propelled the Quincy University baseball team to a 10-0 victory over Augustana on Saturday at QU Stadium and a three-game sweep of the Vikings. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman hung out at the windy, cold stadium…

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Shutout innings from starters, gobble-it-up defense carry Hawks to doubleheader sweep

Quincy University pitcher Spencer Walker, left, gets the forceout at first base to complete a double play in the third inning of Friday's game against Augustana (S.D.) at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel picked up the walkie talkie used to relay messages to the bullpen but hesitated before hitting the call button. “I was like, ‘Do I say it? Do I not say it? Do I say it? Do I not say it?’” he said. “The whole time I’m thinking,…

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QU baseball notebook: Triple in first at-bat gets Napleton close to hitting for cycle

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton slides safely into third base with a triple in the first inning of Friday's game against Augustana (S.D.) at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Luke Napleton wasn’t stopping for anyone or anything. In the bottom of the first inning in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader, the Quincy University baseball team’s junior catcher rifled a ball over the head of Augustana center fielder Trevor Winterstein that reached the warning track. Although third base coach Chandler Purcell threw…

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Photo gallery: QU baseball team sweeps doubleheader from Augustana

The Quincy University baseball team's dugout celebrates Nolan Wosman's home run during the first game of Friday's doubleheader against Augustana (S.D.) at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The nationally ranked Quincy University baseball team hit six home runs and got scoreless outings from its starting pitchers in sweeping a doubleheader from Augustana (S.D.) on Friday at QU Stadium, winning both games 7-2. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the afternoon at QU Stadium and created this photo gallery:

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Crim: NCAA rejects QU’s appeal to allow freshman to swim at Division II national championships

Quincy University freshman swimmer Wyatt Walsh qualified for the NCAA Division II national championships in two medley events, but he will not compete in Indianapolis due to NCAA regulations QU didn't meet. | Photo courtesy QU athletics

QUINCY — The NCAA Division II swimming and diving national championships begin Tuesday in Indianapolis. Quincy University freshman Wyatt Walsh, one of the country’s best in both the 200- and 400-yard individual medley, should be competing. But he’s not. You see, Division II swimming and diving teams are required to have a minimum of eight…

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Late-inning rallies help Hawks complete four-game sweep of Timberwolves

Quincy University designated hitter Austin Simpson connects for a hit during Sunday's doubleheader against Northwood at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Never out of the fight. That needs to become the Quincy University baseball team’s new catchphrase. The Hawks completed a four-game sweep of Northwood — a perennial Midwest Region foe — with a series of late-inning rallies, scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh inning or later in three of the four games…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Message received: Kicked out of locker room and practicing at elementary school, Hawks respond with home victory

Jamaurie Coakley, with the ball on the baseline against Truman State, scored 13 points in the second half on Saturday in his final game for Quincy University at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy of Denny Sinnock

QUINCY – Quincy University men’s basketball coach Steve Hawkins didn’t like the way his team responded to a 13-point home loss to William Jewell Thursday night, its third straight defeat and sixth in eight games. He sent a message the following day by locking the players out of their locker room in Pepsi Arena, prohibiting…

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Bailey ‘proud of the effort’ as QU women lose home finale to Truman State

Beth Matas Martin, right, played all 40 minutes and finished with a team-best 17 points, the only QU player to reach double figures against Truman State. | Photo courtesy of Denny Sinnock

QUINCY – Quincy University women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey knew her team was facing a tall order Saturday afternoon in its final home game of the season. Truman State entered the game in Pepsi Arena having won 11 straight games in the series. The Bulldogs began the day as the second-highest scoring team in the…

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Hawks lose rematch with William Jewell, drop third straight

Quincy's Mason Wujek goes up for a shot against William Jewell's Heri Tshiyoyo during Thursday night's GLVC game at Pepsi Arena. - Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — It was hard to say which was colder Thursday night: the Quincy University offense or the temperature outside Pepsi Arena. With the starting five struggling to score, the Hawks received a bit of a bench boost in the first half as the team fought its way to being only down two at the…

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QU women stay alive in conference tournament chase

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

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

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QU baseball team moves up to No. 17 in national poll after opening with three victories in four games

Luke Napleton, shown celebrating a home run last season against Missouri S&T, hit a two-run double in Quincy University's 10-2 victory over Saint Leo on Tuesday. | File Photo by Matt Schuckman

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Quincy University baseball team has moved up three spots to No. 17 in the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll. Quincy opened its season by defeating No. 3-ranked Tampa in two out of three games on Feb. 10-12, then defeated Saint Leo University 10-2 on Tuesday.  A two-run double…

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Resilient Hawks rally to knock off No. 3 Spartans, win season-opening series in Florida

Quincy University catcher Luke Napleton hit a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the ninth inning Sunday, leading the No. 20 Hawks to an 11-10 victory over No. 3 Tampa to win the three-game series in Tampa, Fla. | Matt Schuckman file photo

TAMPA, Fla. — Never give up, never give in. Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel knows he has a team willing to live by that mantra. The Hawks can compete with anyone in the country, too. Both of those aspects were revealed during the season-opening three-game series against the third-ranked University of Tampa as the…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hawks’ goal on Florida trip is to become part of national contender conversation — now and for seasons to come

Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel, left, greets right-hander Spencer Walker as he comes back to the dugout during a game last season against Missouri S&T. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Asked what he hoped his team’s accomplishes on a seven-game, 11-day trip to the Sunshine State, Quincy University baseball coach Matt Schissel responded with his own query. “Short term or long term?” he asked. Everything Schissel does for this program is viewed through both of those lenses. In this case, the short-term answer…

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Schuck on a Truck: Cubs pitching prospect Riley Martin discusses spring training and his progress

QUINCY — Riley Martin admits it’s been a short offseason, but that hasn’t diminished his readiness for spring training. “I feel like I’ve put in some good work this offseason,” he said. “I’m excited to get back and get started.” The former Quincy University left-handed All-American hurler will head to Mesa, Ariz., next week to…

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Two QU baseball products sign professional contracts

Former Quincy University right-hander Graham Spraker signed a minor league contract last week with the Tampa Bay Rays. | Photo courtesy Buffalo Bisons

QUINCY — A pair of former Quincy University baseball players recently signed professional contracts. Right-handed reliever Graham Spraker is getting the chance to restart his career with a new organization, while slugging infielder Dayson Croes is just beginning his pursuit. Spraker signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays last week and was…

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Nationally ranked Greyhounds deny Hawks chance for season sweep

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

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QU’s Walker, Napleton pick up NCBWA NCAA Division II preseason All-American honors

Quincy University senior right-hander Spencer Walker is an NCBWA Division II preseason first-team All-American as he is coming off a 10-1 season as a junior. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A pair of Quincy University baseball players have been named preseason All-Americans a week ahead of the Hawks’ season opener. The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association released its NCAA Division II preseason All-American teams Thursday with Quincy starting pitcher Spencer Walker earning first-team plaudits and junior catcher Luke Napleton garnering a second-team nod.…

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

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

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

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Crim: Matas Martin’s play is pointing QU women’s basketball team in right direction

Quincy University point guard Beth Matas Martin is leading the Hawks in scoring, 3-pointers, assists and steals this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Kaci Bailey inherited 14 players on a team coming off a two-win season when she was hired as the Quincy University women’s basketball coach in April 2021. Not the ideal recipe for immediate success. “It was late in the recruiting cycle, and I told the coaches we needed to try to sign a…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Struggles shooting from perimeter lead to Hawks suffering third consecutive loss

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

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

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

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

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

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College notebook: Hawks sit No. 20 in preseason national poll, QHS grad Johnson with two indoor track personal bests

Quincy University junior catcher Luke Napleton, left, and Hawks coach Matt Schissel head into the 2023 season with QU ranked No. 20 in the NCBWA Division II national poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The battle waged last season for a spot in the NCAA Division II World Series is expected to happen again, at least by those voting for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association preseason polls. The Quincy University and Illinois-Springfield baseball teams sit atop the Midwest Region preseason poll and are nationally ranked with…

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Crim: Hawks hope turbulent stretch subsides and more memorable moments await

The Quincy University men's basketball team has made considerable strides in Steve Hawkins' first season back on the bench. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY— Quincy University coach Steve Hawkins likes to compare a basketball season to an airplane flight. “There’s always going to be some turbulence,” he explained. His team is trying to navigate its choppiest stretch yet. After surprising preseason prognosticators by winning six of their first seven Great Lakes Valley Conference games to rise to the…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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College notebook: Northeast Missouri native Kirby Cannon joins QU football coaching staff

Alexandria, Mo., native and former Austin Peay State University coach Kirby Cannon will be joining the Quincy University football coaching staff as the defensive backs coach. | Photo courtesy APSU Athletics

QUINCY — Imagine Quincy University football coach Gary Bass’ surprise when a former FCS head coach expressed interest in joining the Hawks’ staff. Suddenly, one of the youngest groups of coaches in the Great Lakes Valley Conference had the opportunity for an injection of experience. Kirby Cannon will certainly provide that. A native of Alexandria,…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cold-shooting third quarter dooms QU women

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

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

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Top of the charts: QU men’s basketball signee breaks SHG’s career scoring record

Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin's Jake Hamilton, who has signed a national letter of intent with Quincy University, recently became the Cyclones' all-time leading scorer. | Photo courtesy Greg Puckel

QUINCY — The way the numbers added up, Jake Hamilton needed one more shot at history. So Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin boys basketball coach Tim Allen obliged. With a sizable second-half lead over North Chicago in the opening round of the State Farm Holiday Classic on December 27, Allen was set to sub out all of…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Holiday cheer: Hawks head home for Christmas following overtime victory against Lakers

From left to right, Quincy University's Solomon Gustafson, coach Steve Hawkins, Paul Zilinskas and Zion Richardson watch as Malik Hardmon makes two game-clinching free throws at the end of overtime in Sunday's 59-54 victory over Lake Superior State at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The only thing that mattered was the only thing that crossed Isaiah Foster’s mind. “Go get the ball,” he said. By doing so, the freshman point guard ensured it will be a Merry Christmas for himself and his Quincy University men’s basketball teammates. Leading Lake Superior State by two points in the waning…

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Photo gallery: QU men’s basketball team finishes Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic with victory

Quincy University's Paul Zilinskas, left, puts up a shot as Lake Superior State's Andy Soma defends during Sunday's game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team is carrying a three-game win streak into its holiday break after beating Lake Superior State 59-54 in overtime in the final game of the Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic at Pepsi Arena. Check out this collection of images shot by Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman during Sunday’s game:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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QU’s Norris, Knoblauch receive honorable mention All-American after historic campaign

Quincy University's Mattison Norris, left, and Makayla Knoblauch were named honorable mention All-Americans by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — For the first time in program history, the Quincy University women’s volleyball team has two players mentioned on the All-American lists. Senior outside hitter Mattison Norris and graduate student setter Makayla Knoblauch received honorable mention on the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II All-American squad after leading the Hawks to their finest season…

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QU linebacker earns sprint football league’s top defensive honor

QUINCY — The inaugural season for the Quincy University sprint football team produced encouraging results, including one of the Midwest Sprint Football League’s top postseason individual honors. Sophomore linebacker Ray Lingard was named the MSFL’s Defensive Player of the Year and was one of 11 Hawks recognized on the all-league teams. Lingard led the Hawks…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Crim: Upset shows Hawks displaying toughness, physicality needed to win in GLVC

Quincy University freshman guard Isaiah Foster and the Hawks upset No. 20 Indianapolis last Saturday at Pepsi Arena to open Great Lakes Valley Conference play. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Entering the season, it appeared the Great Lakes Valley Conference did the Quincy University men’s basketball team no favors by scheduling it to open league play against Indianapolis and Lewis, opponents projected to finish first and third, respectively. The one caveat was that both games would be in Pepsi Arena, and the Hawks…

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QU women’s basketball team gives itself chance, falls short of beating Indianapolis in GLVC opener

Quincy University's Emma Knipe drives to the basket during Saturday's game against Indianapolis at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Night in and night out, the Quincy University women’s basketball team is putting itself in position to challenge for the lead at the end of regulation. Figuring out how to win nip-and-tuck games is the next step. Saturday, the Hawks had a chance to tie Indianapolis in the final 10 seconds of regulation…

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Stunner to start: Hawks open GLVC play by upending preseason favorite Greyhounds

Quincy University's Paul Zilinskas looks for room to score during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Indianapolis at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — After not enjoying a winning record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference since the 2016-17 season, the Quincy University men’s basketball team started conference play in stunning fashion Saturday with a 62-57 victory over preseason conference favorite Indianapolis at Pepsi Arena. So how long will Quincy coach Steve Hawkins enjoy giving the No.…

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Despite more Matas Martin late-game heroics, Hawks fall in overtime in weekend finale

Quincy University's Kealani Nieves looks for a teammate to pass the ball to during Sunday's game against Winona State in the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock, QU Athletics

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s basketball team is oh-so-close to being oh-so-successful. For the second time in four games, the Hawks went to overtime, getting a pair of clutch Beth Matas Martin baskets in the final 20 seconds of regulation to tie Sunday’s championship game of the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic against Winona State at…

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

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

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

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Photo gallery: Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena

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

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

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Rough start leads to late rally falling short as QU men’s basketball stumbles on road

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The inconsistency the Quincy University men’s basketball team is showing takes time and toughness to fix. Now, there isn’t much time left before Great Lakes Valley Conference play begins. The Hawks struggled offensively at the start of Saturday’s game against Missouri Southern in the Pitt State Thanksgiving Classic, hit a lull defensively…

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Schuckman: Hawks forge unbreakable bonds by elevating volleyball program to unforgettable heights

The Quincy University women's volleyball team waves to the crowd following a four-set loss to Missouri-St. Louis in Friday night's semifinals of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — One final wave to say thank you to an adoring, enthusiastic crowd was the Quincy University women’s volleyball team’s way to say goodbye as well. The season that changed the Hawks’ program forever was over. Yet, the bond created amongst a group of student-athletes — “incredible young women” in the words of Quincy…

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Tide-turning third set costs QU women’s volleyball team chance to play for region championship

The University of Missouri-St. Louis volleyball players react to winning a point prior to Quincy University taking a timeout in the fourth set of Friday night's NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinal at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The lead, the energy and an enthusiastic crowd. The Quincy University women’s volleyball team had everything it seemed to want and need to dispatch Missouri-St. Louis midway through the third set of Friday night’s NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinal. Yet, it turned out that wasn’t enough. The Hawks lacked the finishing touch…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s volleyball team faces UMSL in NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals

The Quincy University women's volleyball team ended its season with a 28-3 record following Friday night's four-set loss to Missouri-St. Louis in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinals at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy community and the Quincy University student body once again showed the QU women’s volleyball team its appreciation for an historic season, creating a loud and raucous atmosphere in Pepsi Arena for the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinals. The Hawks used the energy to give Missouri-St. Louis a tussle before suffering…

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