COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball extended its Ohio Valley Conference lead and winning streak with a hard-fought 81-72 road win at Tennessee Tech University Thursday night.
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On Thursday, the Screaming Eagles began a span with six of eight games on the road to start February, but USI battled to earn its 10th consecutive victory to start the road-heavy stretch. Southern Indiana continues its best streak since 2017-18 and the best start to a conference schedule since 1996-97. With the win, USI improved to 14-5 overall and 9-0 in conference play, taking a three-game advantage in the OVC standings at the halfway point of the conference season and into the next game on Saturday.
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Thursday’s victory also meant a regular-season sweep for Southern Indiana against the reigning OVC Tournament champions, as USI defeated Tennessee Tech by three at home in early January. Since joining the OVC at the start of last season, the regular-season sweep was the Screaming Eagles’ first against one of the new, unfamiliar OVC opponents after jumping to Division I. Southern Indiana swept Lindenwood University in 2022-23, who also made the jump with USI from the Great Lakes Valley Conference in Division II.
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After a tight battle to start, Tennessee Tech created some separation with three triples in the first handful of minutes to take an early 13-6 lead. Following a media timeout, Southern Indiana got rolling with an 8-0 run to surge back ahead, 14-13, including a three-point play by senior forward Meredith Raley (Haubstadt, Indiana) and a trey from graduate guard Tori Handley (Jeffersonville, Indiana). The two squads went back and forth the rest of the first period, as the Golden Eagles led 21-18 heading to the second quarter.
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Each team scored a bucket to start the second quarter, but then both defenses produced scoring droughts of over two minutes. In the middle of the frame, junior guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) got a shooters’ bounce and roll for a transition three, and senior forward Madi Webb (Bedford, Indiana) scored a nice layup underneath to put USI ahead, 26-25. Following another two-minute drought, Shafford drained another triple. With 1:15 left in the first half, freshman forward Chloe Gannon (Manchester, Tennessee) cashed in on a basket and the foul to give the Screaming Eagles a 33-25 advantage. Southern Indiana took a seven-point lead, 35-27, into the intermission.
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To start the second half, Webb scored six straight points for Southern Indiana to push the Screaming Eagles ahead by double figures. Tennessee Tech made a small run just over three minutes into the third quarter to bring the deficit back to single digits, but USI answered with a pair of opportunities inside. At the 5:03 mark, Shafford swished a three through the bottom of the net to give USI a 51-39 advantage. Both sides struggled offensively in the back half of the third, but a three-pointer in the last 15 seconds of the third quarter led to a 56-47 USI lead through three.
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Coming off a career-high 18 points in last Thursday’s win against Western Illinois University, Gannon once again took charge in the second half and to start the fourth quarter. Gannon tallied three consecutive buckets for Southern Indiana, as the Screaming Eagles maintained a 10-point margin, 62-52, three minutes into the fourth stanza. After Raley stuck a straightaway three-pointer through the nylon to put USI up 14 with 6:34 left, the Golden Eagles clawed back with a couple of threes and some looks in transition, making it a six-point game, 70-64, with less than three minutes remaining. USI responded with a three-point play by Shafford with 1:40 left on the clock. In a free-throw game down the stretch, USI closed out the win to begin the road trip.
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Southern Indiana shot 46 percent (30-65) with seven triples made at a 44 percent clip. USI was 14-22 at the charity stripe. The Screaming Eagles won the battle on the glass, 43-37. Additionally, USI had 28 bench points and 42 points in the paint. Shafford paced the Screaming Eagles with 16 points and 12 rebounds, her fifth double-double of the season and 10th career double-double. Gannon finished with 15 points in front of a large group of family and friends who made the trip. Webb recorded 14 points, and Raley posted 13 points and nine boards.
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Tennessee Tech was held below 40 percent shooting, going 23-64 for 36 percent, and limited to 5-27 for 19 percent from outside the arc. The Golden Eagles were 21-23 for 91 percent at the foul line. Tennessee Tech had two players in double figures, as sophomore Reagan Hurst and senior Anna Walker combined for 37 points. Tennessee Tech dropped to 9-11 this season with a 4-5 mark in the OVC.
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The Screaming Eagles continue the road trip Saturday at 1 p.m. from Nashville, Tennessee against Tennessee State University. Saturday’s game can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ a
USI builds on OVC lead with 10th consecutive victory
County Policy Maker Calls for Data Mapping to Help Reduce City Crime
County Policy Maker Calls for Data Mapping to Help Reduce City Crime
Statewide conference draws top attendance to Evansville to discuss global-information mapping
EVANSVILLE, IND (May 11, 2023) — Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners President Cheryl Musgrave gave
the keynote address today at the statewide Indiana Geographic Information Council conference at the Old
National Events Plaza, where she called for local officials to leverage the advances in GIS data in developing
solutions to Evansville’s crime and gun-violence problems.
“Vanderburgh County has been a pioneer for Indiana over the years in leveraging GIS for everything from
assessing property tax to identifying infrastructure and helping our farming communities,†said Musgrave. “And as
the technology has advanced, policy makers and change agents in our community can now take greater
advantage of GIS to help solve some of our most pressing and threatening problems.â€
Musgrave presented Vanderburgh County’s development of its GIS system, one of the first in the state. At the
heart of her keynote address, Musgrave focused on the how the power of GIS data mapping can, as one example,
illustrate the murder locations within Evansville over the past 10 years, which can be vital in helping policy makers
see the true picture and develop real solutions to address the rise in violent crime in the city.
“GIS changes the way we see our world by combining data with geography,†Musgrave explained. “The data show
the way humans live, work, behave and, in this example, mis-behave. Combining this data with a geographic
location on a map creates a picture, and that picture creates new perceptions and sparks ideas for new solutions.â€
The IGIS conference attracted local-government participants from throughout Indiana, with attendance holding
strong to attendance numbers from the last IGIS conference held in Evansville.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE RYAN HATFIELD OFFICIALLY FILES FOR JUDGE
Evansville, IN – State Representative Ryan Hatfield officially filed for Vanderburgh County Circuit
Court Judge today on February 1, the day the United States Supreme Court first officially convened in 1790.
Full Statement:
“It is an honor to officially file and run for Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge. Choosing this
historic day, February 1st, holds a special significance as it commemorates the day our U.S. Supreme
Court first convened over 200 years ago. This choice reflects not only my deep respect for our judicial
system but also my unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice.
Throughout my professional career, I have dedicated myself to the practice of law within this very court.
This experience has provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that our
community faces. It is with this insight that I seek to uphold integrity, fairness, and a deep understanding
of the law to the bench.
I recognize the importance of fostering an environment in which the community can trust and have
confidence in its judges. If elected, I will tirelessly work to maintain and enhance the integrity of our
courts, fostering an atmosphere where justice prevails, and the rule of law is upheld.â€
Ryan Hatfield
State Representative Ryan Hatfield serves as the Assistant Minority Leader in the Indiana General
Assembly. He serves as the ranking minority member of the Indiana House Judiciary and Employment,
Labor and Pensions committees. Ryan is also a member of the Public Health and Utilities, Energy and
Telecommunications committees.
Hatfield has served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing his hometown of
Evansville, since 2016. He is an accomplished lawyer at Hatfield Law, representing an extensive array
of criminal, family, divorce, and business law matters in state and federal courts. He also has served as
an adjunct faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College and as an instructor at the Southwest
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Prior to serving in the Indiana General Assembly and joining the law firm, Hatfield was a deputy
prosecutor in Vanderburgh County, where he prosecuted homicides, sexual assaults and drug offenses.
During his tenure, Hatfield secured one of Indiana’s first convictions alleging Munchausen Syndrome by
proxy. As a member of the Vanderburgh County Treatment Court, as well as the Veterans Court, he
worked to transition drug-addicted offenders into rehabilitation and back into their community.
Hatfield serves as a Commissioner of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State
Laws, an organization that provides states with nonpartisan legislation that brings clarity and stability to
critical areas of state statutory law. His legal expertise, competency, professional reputation, and ethical
standards have earned him distinctions such as Rue’s Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America, Top 10% in
the USA by Lawyers of Distinction, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. In 2018, Rep.
Hatfield was named Farm Bureau’s Emerging Leader for his work expanding broadband in rural Indiana
and the Indiana Trial Lawyers’ Legislator of the Year for championing a fair civil justice system and
open access to the courts for all Hoosiers.
Ryan’s wife, Kendra, is a nurse and supervisor at St. Vincent’s Evansville. They have three children and
are active on local boards and committees, particularly for the protection and care of children
State Senator and Congressional Candidate Mark Messmer Endorses Donald Trump
UE Archaeology Students Undertake Unique Campus Project
EVANSVILLE, IND. (02/01/2024) The Grounds Crew at the University of Evansville (UE) recently removed a tree located near the Koch Center, sparking an unexpected chain of events.
Archaeology majors undertook a unique project following the removal of a tree. They were inspired by their newfound knowledge of dendrochronology, and took it upon themselves to uncover the tree’s age and leave an indelible mark on the stump.
In a display of academic curiosity and in a testament to the caliber of students at UE, they meticulously examined the tree rings, determining its age, and inscribed significant dates in UE’s history on the stump. This impromptu project not only showcases the students’ enthusiasm for learning but also their ability to apply acquired skills in unconventional yet meaningful ways.
“This initiative exemplifies the kind of students we attract to UE and highlights our commitment to providing them with skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Alan Kaiser, Professor of Archaeology. “We take pride in fostering an environment where students feel empowered to explore and apply their learning in innovative ways.”
Learn more by visting https://www.evansville.edu/archaeology/
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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Responsive employerUSI Softball projected 4th in OVC
Newman named to 2024 OVC Softball Players to Watch List
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball is projected to place fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference in a vote submitted by the league’s head coaches and communication directors.
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The 10-team OVC will feature a schedule with each team playing each other in one three-game series for a 27-game conference schedule from March 9 through May 5. The conference’s season concludes with the OVC Softball Championship Tournament in Peoria, Illinois May 8-11.
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Reigning OVC regular-season champion Southeast Missouri State University was predicted first in the OVC preseason poll with 157 points and 13 first-place votes. Reigning 2023 OVC Tournament champion Eastern Illinois University was selected second with 148 points and six first-place votes. The University of Tennessee at Martin rounded out the top three with 120 points and a first-place vote.
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The Screaming Eagles, coming off a third-place finish in their inaugural D-I and OVC season in 2023, were picked fourth with 112 points. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was slotted fifth with 111 points ahead of Tennessee State University in sixth with 80 points. Lindenwood University earned 65 points for a projected seventh-place finish. Morehead State University was picked eighth with 44 points while OVC newcomer Western Illinois University (33) and Tennessee Tech University (30) rounded out the preseason poll.
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As part of the Ohio Valley Conference’s preseason announcement, junior pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) represented USI on the 2024 OVC Softball Preseason Players to Watch List. Newman comes off a stellar 2023 campaign, earning All-OVC First Team honors at the end of last season.
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Newman finished the 2023 regular season tied for first in the OVC with 15 wins and 17 complete games, alone in first with 139 strikeouts and six shutouts, and second with 145 innings pitched and a .206 opposing batting average. In conference-only action, Newman’s 10 OVC wins were first in the league in addition to her 95.1 innings pitched, 83 strikeouts, 14 starts, and 13 complete games. Her three OVC shutouts were tied for first in conference-only action.
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Plus, Newman had three starts with 10 or more strikeouts, threw two one-hitters, and earned her 16th overall win last season in the opening round of the OVC Tournament in USI’s win against Tennessee State. Newman was also a three-time OVC Pitcher of the Week in 2023.
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The 2024 squad features 20 players – 13 returning players and seven newcomers. Head Coach Sue Kunkle, who enters 2024 with a 649-443-1 career record at USI, heads into her 23rd season at the helm of the Screaming Eagles. Kunkle has USI primed to make another good run in 2024 after a historic first season as an NCAA Division I program and first in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Eagles made their D-I debut last year with a 21-23 overall record and a 13-9 mark in the OVC. USI captured its first OVC Tournament win last May as a No. 3 seed. At the end of last year, USI had two All-OVC First Team selections in Newman and graduated designated player Allie Goodin, who also took home OVC Player of the Year honors.
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Alongside Newman in the circle, USI also returns junior pitcher Hailey Gotshall (Lucerne, Indiana) and sophomore pitcher Raegan Gibson (Louisville, Kentucky). Gotshall was 4-5 with 28 strikeouts and a 4.28 ERA in 55.2 innings pitched. Gotshall made 10 starts in 15 appearances. Gibson tallied a 1-1 record in her freshman season, posting a 6.14 ERA in 21.2 innings. Gibson had three starts in 12 appearances.
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At the plate, USI returns senior outfielder Mackenzie Bedrick (Brownsburg, Indiana). Bedrick started all 44 games last season and batted .308 at the top of the order with a team-best 31 runs scored, which ranked sixth in the OVC. The top returning run producer in the Screaming Eagles’ lineup with Bedrick is senior Lexi Fair (Greenwood, Indiana). Fair also started all 44 games in 2023, hitting .222, and was second on the team with four home runs and 23 RBI. The power-hitter also added seven doubles last season.
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Opening day for the Screaming Eagles in 2024 will be February 16 at the Easton Bama Bash when USI opens against the University of Virginia and the University of St. Thomas. USI will play five games from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to begin the 2024 campaign, including a matchup against the host and top-15 ranked University of Alabama on February 18. Southern Indiana will start conference play March 9-10 at Tennessee Tech before hosting its home-opening series from USI Softball Field March 16-17 against Morehead State.
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2024 OVC Softball Predicted Order of Finish
(as voted on by the league’s head coaches and communication directors)
1. Southeast Missouri (13) 157
2. Eastern Illinois (6) – 148
3. UT Martin (1) – 120
4. Southern Indiana – 112
5. SIUE – 111
6. Tennessee State – 80
7. Lindenwood – 65
8. Morehead State – 44
9. Western Illinois – 33
10. Tennessee Tech – 30
2024 OVC Softball Players to Watch
Rachel Kaufman, Eastern Illinois
Amanda Weyh, Lindenwood
Jessie Begley, Morehead State
Aubrie Shore, Southeast Missouri
Sydney Baalman, SIUE
Josie Newman, Southern Indiana
Anayah Baker-Rowell, Tennessee State
Mackenzie Fitzgerald, Tennessee Tech
Kaci Fuller, UT Martin
Bella Alvarez, Western Illinois
Attorney General Todd Rokita helps Hoosiers protect themselves during Identity Theft Awareness Week
January 29 kicked off Identity Theft Awareness Week, and Attorney General Todd Rokita is encouraging all Hoosiers to beware of cyber criminals and how to protect their personal information. Â
“We rely heavily on technology these days, and while it often makes life easier, it also puts everyday Hoosiers at greater risk,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Cyber-attacks happen far too often, and our identities are vulnerable with any online activity. The best thing Hoosiers can do is educate themselves and stay on high alert.â€Â
Cyber-attacks do not only affect schools and businesses. Whether it is the result of a data breach, phishing scam, or hack, identity theft can happen to anyone at any given time, including children.Â
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were more than 353 million victims of ID theft in 2023. Â
The Office of the Attorney General suggests all Hoosiers read the following to avoid, detect, and respond to this crime:Â
- Tips to protect you and your family:Â
- Do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, on a public Wi-Fi network.Â
- Create a unique password for each online account and change often.Â
- Don’t click on anything in unsolicited emails or text messages.Â
- Be careful with the information you and your family share on social media. Sharing things like pet names, schools, and family members can give scammers the hints they need to guess your passwords or the answers to your account security questions.Â
- Place a security freeze on your credit reports to block an identity thief from opening a new account or obtaining credit in your name and keep new creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission.Â
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- Common clues someone has stolen your identity:Â
- Bank account transactions you can’t explain.Â
- Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.Â
- Medical bills for services you didn’t use.Â
- A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’thave.Â
- The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.Â
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- What to do right away if your identity is stolen:Â
- Call the companies where you know the fraud occurred.Â
- Place a security freeze and request a free credit report with all three credit unions, Experian, Transunion, and Equifax.Â
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Any Indiana resident can request a credit freeze free of charge. There is no fee for Indiana residents to place, temporarily lift, remove or request a new password or PIN.Â
2024 IHSAA Wrestling State Finals: A Historic Event for Evansville
 Evansville, IN – January 31, 2024 – In a landmark moment for Evansville, the Ford Center will play host to the 2024 Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Wrestling State Finals, marking the first time in over 120 years that a state champion will be crowned in the city. The tournament is set to take place Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17.Â
A Fan Festival will be held outside of the Ford Center on Saturday, February 17, from 1 PM to 6 PM. A variety of activities and attractions will provide attendees with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement surrounding the event. A shuttle will also be available to transport visitors between Main Street and West Franklin Street from 1 PM – 6 PM. Additionally, the Corner Club at the southwest corner of the Ford Center will be open to non-ticketed patrons. The Fan Festival is free and open to the public.Â
Tickets for the 2024 IHSAA Wrestling State Finals will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, February 14 at 10 AM. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Ford Center box office. Due to high demand, tournament officials anticipate that tickets will sell out quickly.Â
The IHSAA is the governing body for high school sports in Indiana, overseeing more than twenty championships, primarily held in the greater Indianapolis area. The decision to hold the 2024 IHSAA Wrestling State Finals in Evansville represents a significant milestone and an opportunity to showcase the city to a statewide audience. With over 10,000 athletes and spectators expected over the two-day event, the community could see an estimated economic impact of over $3.3 million. “Beyond the financial benefits, this tournament provides Evansville the opportunity to shine on the statewide stage, demonstrating its warm hospitality, vibrant local businesses, hotels and attractions,†said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO for Explore Evansville.Â
For more information, visit the IHSAA State Finals or Explore Evansville websites.Â
What: 2024 IHSAA Wrestling State FinalsÂ
When: February 16-17, 2024Â
Where: Ford Center, 1 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47708Â
Event Schedule: Friday, February 16, 2024Â
12:30 PM Doors Open to Ticket HoldersÂ
Full Aces track and field team returns to action at PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic
The Purple Aces head down to Louisville for the second week in a row
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —Â After a small group of runners competed in Louisville last week, the entire University of Evansville track and field team is in town on Friday.
The Purple Aces head back to the Norton Healthcare and Sports Learning Center with their full squad for the PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic hosted by the Knights. After setting a new program record, a podium finish, and three personal bests at the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational hosted by Louisville, UE hopes to have another strong weekend in the Ville.
Evansville’s lone new program record last week came in the men’s 400-meter as Cedrik Flipo (Beloeil, Quebec, Canada) ran in 49.11 seconds to break the previous record set in 1977 by Jeff Korb. Freshman Sonja Inzinger (Mautern an der Donau, Austria) had a podium finish in her first collegiate 5000-meter race with a time of 17:42.43 for third place. And personal bests were set by Rafael Rodriguez (Segovia, Spain)Â in the mile race, Samuel Lea (Worchester, England) in the 5K race, and Nayla Martin (Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada) in the women’s mile race.
At the PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic, the Aces will run against 24 other NCAA teams along with multiple running clubs. Other Missouri Valley Conference teams in Louisville on Friday include Belmont, Murray State, and Southern Illinois. UE has raced against over half of the teams participating in Friday’s meet including Western Kentucky, Vincennes, Southern Indiana, Miami (OH), Marshall, Louisville, Eastern Kentucky, Bellarmine, Lipscomb, and Jacksonville State.