Spring Break
The UMKC women's basketball team dropped 70 points on the Aggies of Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) despite the absence of senior center Alysa Klein and sophomore guard Chazny Morris from the lineup. Klein and Morris, both battling injury, were pre-season All-Conference selections; however, their presence was not needed as freshman forward Krystal Vanhook and junior transfer guard Taushelle Rushing led UMKC to a 70-47 victory.
The floodgates opened for three special ladies Saturday Nov. 3, as friends, family and fans gathered for the UMKC volleyball version of senior night inside Swinney Recreation Center. Seniors Sarah Johnson, Lauren Starks and Kylee Stephenson enjoyed one last round of cheers as they closed out the 2007 volleyball home season.
UMKC freshman middle hitter Holly Schmidt plays volleyball not just for herself, but more particularly for her family and the fans who aren't blessed with her special talents. "I'm really motivated by the fact that a lot of girls would really like to be in my shoes," Schmidt said.
The UMKC volleyball team fell to the Bisons of North Dakota State University (NDSU) 3-1 in what was a much harder fought battle than the final score might indicate. Playing in front of their hometown for the final time, seniors Kylee Stephenson, Lauren Starks and Sarah Johnson laughed some, cried some and finished with their heads held high.
The UMKC volleyball team started its final weekend homestand Friday night, losing 3-0 to the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Summit League action at Swinney Recreation Center. The Kangaroos and Jackrabbits seesawed back and forth as they found themselves tied 11-11 early in the opening game.
Ripping the Roos with a goal in the seventh minute, and adding four more strikes over the course of the match, the Bears of Missouri State University (MSU) bashed UMKC 5-2 in inter-conference soccer action in Springfield, Mo. Wednesday night. Five players tallied for the Bears in a contest that saw MSU pepper the pitch with 12 shots on target out of 17 total.
The UMKC soccer squad hit the ground running and dominated en route to a crucial 3-0 shutout Saturday afternoon against the Gents of Centenary College at Bourke Field. Three first half goals, including one in the game's fifth minute, were more than enough to improve the Roos' standing in both league (2-2-1) and regular season (7-7-3) play.
Reaching for the stars - Junior Mandy Tipton made her 1,000th career dig Friday Nov. 2. "When I was a freshman it was one of my goals," Tipton said, "and I thought I was looking at one of the last games my senior year. I surprised myself by getting it in my junior season.
What a difference a year makes. Just 12 months ago, UMKC men's head basketball coach Matt Brown was in coal miner's country. He was an assistant coach under John Beilein, then the men's head basketball coach for the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers.
Listen for the buzz. Can you hear it? If you're still having trouble, perhaps your radio dial isn't lined up properly to WHB 810 Sports Radio. Then again, maybe it's time to let loose of the extra $35 bucks a month it would take to get cable hooked up so you could watch Metro Sports on occasion for local sports information.
On March 23, 2002 at the Pavilion in Boise, Idaho, the Texas Tech University Lady Raiders fell to the University of Oklahoma Sooners in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. OU left after the game to go to the Boise Mall for a scavenger hunt. Texas Tech went home.
The players and coaches aren't the only ones getting ready for basketball season. The Promotions and Marketing Department is looking forward to a season of successful results on the floorand in the stands. "I just want to see more student attendance down at the games," said Assistant Athletics Director for External Relations Jessica Dickson.
If she could, UMKC senior basketball center Alysa Klein said she would be the chief executive of these United States, and that's no misprint. "Heck yeah, I'd be the president," Klein said. "I could make this place more peaceful, more fun … less drama, no fighting.
UMKC men's basketball senior forward Brent Stephens plans to take his on-court- and off-court-transition games to higher levels. After he obtains a degree in Business Finance, Stephens, the son of a small town auto parts store owner, has lofty aspirations.
In large print above the mirror-covered wall in the weight training room is UMKC Director of Strength, Conditioning and Sports Enhancement Kip Hytrek's training motto: "There's nothing wrong with being strong." Strength training is a crucial part of the basketball team's preparation.
These two student athletes have a lot to be happy about. Senior center Alysa Klein (Right) and sophomore guard Chazny Morris were selected by a panel of head coaches, sports information directors and selected members of the media to the 2007-08 All-Summit League roster.
