USI Women’s Basketball receives first-ever ranking in CollegeInsider.com Women’s Mid-Major Top 25®
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball made its first-ever debut in the CollegeInsider.com Women’s Mid-Major Top 25® rankings Tuesday evening, checking in at No. 22 in the latest poll.
Now in its’ 14th season, the Women’s Mid-Major Top 25® is voted on by 31 Division I coaches. The poll is announced every Tuesday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Southern Indiana (24-6) had been receiving votes for the mid-major rankings since January 30, but the Screaming Eagles cracked the top 25 following a sweep of the 2023-24 Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship and most recently the 2024 OVC Women’s Basketball Tournament championship. USI was the only OVC school to be ranked or receive votes in the latest release of the rankings.
The Screaming Eagles captured the first two OVC team championships for USI Athletics this season, capturing the regular-season title by six games before winning back-to-back games against Eastern Illinois University and the University of Tennessee at Martin in last week’s OVC Championship Tournament. USI defeated the Panthers by a score of 69-54 in the semifinals and by a score of 81-53 over UT Martin in the championship game.
USI’s 28-point margin of victory in Saturday’s championship game also ranked among the largest margins of victory in the OVC Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game history, just short of the championship game’s top-two point differentials of 32 and 30 points.
Compared to recent history, Saturday’s championship win put Southern Indiana with the likes of the University of North Dakota’s 2011-12 team (Great West Conference) and California Baptist University’s 2020-21 team (Western Athletic Conference) to win a regular season and conference tournament championship in the same season during a transition period.
Plus, Southern Indiana is currently enjoying a 10-game winning streak for the second time this season, matching a team best since the 2017-18 season. The 2017-18 season was also the last time USI had won at least 24 games overall as the Screaming Eagles have done so far this season.
Sycamores defeat Aces in Valley opener
Teams meet up again on Wednesday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After scoring two runs in the first and four in the second, Indiana State defeated the University of Evansville softball team by a final score of 9-0 at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James & Dorothy Cooper Stadium on Tuesday.
Indiana State used the long ball to open a 6-0 lead in the opening two innings. Abby Robakowski opened the scoring with a RBI single with a second run scoring on an error on the play. Danielle Henning and Robakowski each had 2-run homers in the second to push he lead to 6-0.
Evansville had its first scoring opportunity in the bottom of the third, loading the bases as Zoe Frossard picked up the Purple Aces’ first hit of the game before a flyout got ISU out of the inning. The Sycamores responded with a 3-run fourth frame to push the lead to 9-0.
ISU would hold strong from there, taking the MVC opener by a 9-0 final.
Frossard and Alexa Davis accounted for the Aces hits. Mikayla Jolly tossed three innings with eight runs scoring, six of which were earned. Elle Jarrett gave up one earned run in two frames. Lauren Sackett threw the complete game for ISU on the way to her 6th win of the season.
Wednesday night will feature another meeting between the squads at 5 p.m.
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USI Screagle Showcase to highlight demonstrations, activities by campus community at Solarpalooza
The University of Southern Indiana is excited to present the Screagle Showcase in conjunction with Solarpalooza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 8 in the Screaming Eagles Arena. The hands-on activity expo will feature K-12, engaging activities and demonstrations from academic programs and University clubs. It is open to the public at no charge.
Demonstrations and activities include, but are not limited to, the presentation of moon rocks collected by Apollo astronauts by the USI Geology, Physics, and Environmental Science Departments; exploring native and invasive plants at USI and the importance of dark skies to increasing pollinators with the USI Biology Department; and several child-friendly stations (including planets and playdough, moon jumping, and a solar-themed bean bag toss) presented by the USI Teacher Education Department.
For exact locations of all happenings, browse the USI Solarpalooza Map.
USI will host Solarpalooza Sunday and Monday, April 7-8, beginning with a talk by trailblazing electrical engineer and retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham, at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7 in the Screaming Eagles Arena, followed by a full day of experiential learning and engagement on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse.
Virtual Author Talk: Christopher Paolini – March 14
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Are you ready for an adventure into the World of Eragon like never before? We are thrilled to invite you to a captivating Virtual Author Talk with none other than international bestselling author Christopher Paolini!
Event Details: Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 Times: 3:00 PM Location: Streaming Online
Join us as we jump into the latest masterpiece from Christopher Paolini, “Murtagh.” This gripping novel is a stunning continuation of the epic fantasy, returning readers to the realm of Alagaësia with the beloved Dragon Rider Murtagh and his loyal companion, Thorn.
In “Murtagh,” the world is no longer safe for our heroes. Exiled to the outskirts of society, they must navigate a treacherous landscape fraught with danger and uncertainty. But when whispers of sinister forces arise, Murtagh and Thorn embark on an epic journey, facing challenges that will test their strength, courage, and resilience.
This Virtual Author Talk promises to be an unforgettable experience as we explore the themes of identity, redemption, and the enduring power of friendship in the face of adversity.
About the Author: Christopher Paolini is the mastermind behind the World of Eragon and the Fractalverse. His bestselling series, The Inheritance Cycle, has captivated millions of readers worldwide. With over 40 million copies sold, Paolini’s novels have earned him a Guinness World Record for the youngest author of a bestselling series. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most celebrated authors of our time!
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the World of Eragon, “Murtagh” is a must-read that promises to enchant and enthrall readers of all ages. Register now at the link below to secure your spot and embark on an adventure like no other! |
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
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UE track and field announces outdoor schedule
The Purple Aces will participate in six meets before postseason competition in 2024
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville track and field team is gearing up for its outdoor season starting in mid-March.
The Purple Aces will participate in six meets before MVC Championships in mid-May. UE will begin its season at a Valley school with the Margaret Simmons Invite on March 22 and 23 at Murray State. Evansville’s other March outdoor meet will be the team’s longest trip of the year to Raleigh, N.C. for the Raleigh Relays on March 28 through March 30.
The Aces will participate in two single-day meets during outdoor competition. The first will be on April 5 at the Jim Vargo Invitational in Louisville, Ky. UE will then get almost two weeks off before its next meet at Eastern Kentucky’s Rick Erdmann Twilight meet, on April 20 and April 21. Evansville wraps up the month of April with the Outdoor Music City Challenge in Nashville hosted by Vanderbilt on the 26th and 27th.
The final meet of the regular outdoor season for the Aces will be a one-day meet on Friday, May 3. UE will participate in the Billy Hayes Invitational hosted by Indiana that Friday afternoon. Evansville then wraps up its outdoor season at the MVC Championships, hosted by Indiana State. The Aces will look to improve on their indoor season placements of 10th at the outdoor championships.
USI downs Tennessee Tech in Monday series finale
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – University of Southern Indiana Softball displayed its extra-base power on Monday when the Screaming Eagles notched five extra-base hits toward a 6-3 series finale road win at Tennessee Tech University.
Southern Indiana (7-11, 1-2) came out swinging right in the first inning Monday. Following a double by sophomore outfielder Caroline Stapleton (Shirley, Indiana), senior first baseman Lexi Fair (Greenwood, Indiana) brought Stapleton home on a double to centerfield. Three batters later, junior infielder Hailey Gotshall (Lucerne, Indiana) drove in two more runs with a double down the left field line, giving USI a 3-0 advantage through the first inning.
Tennessee Tech (9-7) chipped away with a run in the third and another in the fourth inning to draw within one run of the Screaming Eagles, 3-2. Southern Indiana responded in the top of the fifth inning, grabbing a 5-2 lead with a pair of runs. Senior catcher Sammie Kihega (Greenfield, Indiana) led off the fifth with a solo home run, her second of the season.
USI added an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning when Gotshall recorded her second double and third RBI of the contest. With the Screaming Eagles ahead 6-2, Tennessee Tech threatened with the potential tying run at the plate in the bottom of the sixth, but USI junior pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) pitched out of the jam. The Golden Eagles scored their last run in the bottom of the seventh.
Southern Indiana scored its six runs off 10 hits, five of which went for extra bases. Gotshall finished with three RBIs on a pair of doubles. Kihega went 2-2 with a home run, and Stapleton also registered a two-hit game. Newman earned the pitching win, going to 6-5 this season. Newman struck out three and allowed three runs – two earned – in the complete game.
Tennessee Tech’s three runs came off six hits. Freshman pitcher Faith Rush dropped 1-3 after surrendering three runs in two innings of work.
Next, USI Softball will make its home debut at USI Softball Field Saturday and Sunday against Morehead State University in an OVC showdown. Saturday is a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., and Sunday’s series finale is scheduled for Noon. There will also be a 2024 USI Softball magnet schedule giveaway throughout the weekend series.