Sports

Sept. 22, 2022 | The Eagle | csceagle.com Sports

2022 SEASON FOOTBALL STANDINGS sponsored by

As of Sept. 21, 2022 1. Black Hills State 2. South Dakota Mines 3. New Mexico Highlands 4. Colorado School of Mines 5. Western Colorado 6. Colorado Mesa 7. CSU Pueblo 8. Adams State 9. Chadron State 10. Fort Lewis

2022 SEASON VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS

As of Sept. 21, 2022 1. MSU Denver 2. Regis 3. CSU Pueblo 4. Colorado Mesa 5. Colorado School of Mines 6. Colorado Christian 7. Chadron State 8. Fort Lewis 9. Westminster 10. Adams State 11. Western Colorado 12. South Dakota Mines 13. Black Hills State 14. UCCS 15. New Mexico Highlands

CSC’s Aiyana Fujiyama (14), sophomore of Wahiawa, Hawaii, skies above her Texas A&M-Kingsville opponents attempting a kill in Tuesday’s action at the Chicoine Center.

Photo by Kayden Singpiel

V’ball moves up to 7th in RMAC

Despite a 5-8 overall record, the Eagles remain 3-1 in the RMAC, and jumped from 10th to 7th in the rankings

u By Kamryn Kozisek

Staff Editor

The Eagles ended the weekend with a 3-1 record in conference and a 5-8 total record.

After a winning weekend, CSC volleyball took on Texas A&M Kingsville, Tuesday night for a 3-0 loss.

The Javelinas and the Eagles held a tight match during all three sets, with multiple tied scores throughout the match. The final scores were 25-23, 25-15 and 25-18.

CSC struggled with 0.108 hitting percentage during the match to the Javelinas 0.273.

Many of the Eagle hitters ended the match with negative hitting percentages including Aiyana Fujiyama, sophomore of Wahiawa, Hawaii, Lexi Hurtado, junior of Aurora, Colorado .

The team peaked in the second set with 11 kills to Texas A&M’s 18.

The Eagles struggled in the third set with 0.03 hitting percentage which led to only seven successful kills and six errors.

Setter, Kiley West, freshman, Colorado Springs, Colorado had a kill against the Javelinas as well as eight assists, leading with a 0.500 hitting percentage.

Athletes Weekof the

Grant Turek

Hometown: St. Paul Class: Freshman Sport: Rodeo

Turek dominated tie-down roping, posting the fastest times in both go-rounds to win the event. He also placed fifth in team roping. Overall he scored 240 points, good enough to finish second for the all-round cowboy title. Please see, Volleyball, page 15

Alpine Hickstein

Hometown: Chadron Class: Senior Sport: Golf

Hickstein led the Eagles at South Dakota Mines’ Hardrocker Fall Invite, Rapid City, Monday and Tuesday, shooting 77 and 85 respectively for a two-round 162 and second-place overall.

Sports

Photo by Kamryn Kozisek CSC middle hitter Aiyana Fujiyama, sophomore of Wahiawa, Hawaii, jumps up to block an incoming spike during Tuesday’s game against Texas A&M-Kingsville in the Chicoine Center. The Eagles lost the game after losing in three straight sets. Volleyball from Page 12

“We came out flat and weren’t able to get into any rhythm,” said CSC Head Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler to CSC Sports Information. “We need to come into each match with intensity and we just didn’t have that tonight.”

The Eagles played two conference games this weekend on road.

CSC played South Dakota Mines, Saturday, the Eagles won three out of five sets.

The team held its

highest hitting per- “centage this match with a 0.188. The third set proved to be “We need to come into a high hitting set with a hitting percentage each match with intenof 0.323. CSC did hit a 0.368 in the the fifth sity and we just didn’t set to win the game. The Eagles lost the have that tonight.” first set 25-20, won the next two 25-19 - Jennifer Stadler and 25-22, lost the fourth set 25-22. CSC went on to win the last set of the match 15-8.

The Eagles had started the weekend at Black Hills state for another 3-5 win. The team won 25-23, 25-18, 18-25, 13-15 and finally 15-12.

Defensively the team was led by Abby Shaefer, senior of Greeley, Colorado, with 19 digs.

Bella Adams, freshman of Pueblo, Colorado, and Fujiyama both had nine kills during this match. Hurtado led the team, however, with 11 kills.

CSC volleyball will play Fort Lewis, Friday in the Chicoine Center at 6 p.m. The game is listed as a Mental Health Awareness Match.

Hickstein leads Eagles in Hardrocker Invite

Team captures second straight Hardrocker Invite title

u By Kennie Gable

Reporter

The CSC women’s golf team are back on top after finishing first as a team at the South Dakota Mines Hardrocker Fall Invite in Rapid City on Monday and Tuesday.

The team took first in the invite for the second year in a row after shooting 332 in round one and 343 in round two, for a two-round total 675.

“It was an amazing team effort this weekend,” Coach Ritzen stated in an email. “We did a good job of staying focused which resulted in a good finish for the team.”

The Eagles were coming off of an amazing opening tournament, setting a three-round, 54-hole school record at the Swam Memorial Invite in Thornton, Colorado.

The team had five golfers compete on Monday and Tuesday, along with Alpine Hickstein, senior of Chadron, who scored a 77 in round one. On the next day, she scored an 85 in round two for an overall score of 162, which led her to being CSC’s top golfer and the tournament runner-up. The Chadron native has been a key asset to the team in her seasons at Chadron State. In her sophomore season, Hickstein finished first at the Yellow Jacket Fall Classic, her highest placement that season. That same year, she tied for 17th in the RMAC Championships. “It is always great to win a tournament, but we know we need to improve,” Ritzen stated. “We will need to put the work in, but the main focus will be improving our confidence.”

The Eagles will continue their season when they travel to Marshall, Minnesota, to compete at the Everspring Inn and Suites Mustang Invite.

Photo courtesy CSC Sports Information Office CSC senior Alpine Hickstein of Chadron shot a two-round 162 to lead the Chadron State golf team to tournament victory at South Dakota Schoool of Mines’ 2022 Hardrocker Fall Invite in Rapid City.

14 Sept. 22, 2022 | The Eagle | csceagle.com Sports

Photo by Aubrie Lawrence

With 4:09 remaining in the second quarter, offensive lineman Michael DeCamillis, junior of Westminster, Colorado, dives for a fumble in the end zone, which he recovered for a touchdown in Saturday’s game against the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets at Elliott Field, Don Beebe Stadium. BHSU, ranked No. 1 in the RMAC, beat the Eagles 32-23.

After 0-3 start, Eagles seek first win at WCU

u By Eben Rosentrater

Sports Editor

CSC football is looking to put a disappointing home loss against the Yellow Jackets of Black Hills State behind them as they prepare to face the Western Colorado Mountaineers in Gunnison, Colorado.

“We have to focus on ourselves and getting back to our game,” CSC Head Football Coach Jay Long said. “I really, really want our guys, this week, to focus on execution against Western Colorado, and when we have an opportunity to make a play, we have got to make it.”

Many people, both CSC students and fans, were skeptical of the Eagles’ ability to perform against topranked Black Hill State. While much was to be desired of the team’s output, the Eagles look to do well against the Mountaineers who are ranked fifth in the RMAC.

For the second week in a row, both sides of the ball showed major improvement. This was apparent from the Eagles’ first play from scrimmage as quarterback Heath Beemiller, junior of Chandler, Arizona, rolled out and hit wide receiver Ahlonte Hair, junior of Live Oak, Florida, for a 76-yard pass reception. However, the Eagle offense was stopped short on that drive and kicker Gunnar Jones, graduate student of Rogersville, Alabama, scored the first points of the game with a 21yard field goal.

The Eagle defense responded well after that and held the Yellow Jackets to zero points in the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets scored their first points after a long seven-minute drive which ended in a 27-yard field goal by kicker Coleman Chapman.

Photo by Kamryn Kozisek CSC running back Dorian Collier (11), sophomore of Tallahassee, Florida, jukes past BHSU linebacker Aaron Thiele (30), sophomore of Buffalo, Wyoming, Saturday’s home opener against the Yellow Jackets at Elliott Field, Don Beebe Stadium. Black Hills State, at 3-0 and ranked No. 1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, beat the now 0-3 Eagles, 32-23.

Football from Page 14

On the subsequent drive, a strong run game from Eagle running back Jalen Starks, senior of Chicago, led the Eagles down the field to the goal line. While attempting to cross the goal line, Beemiller fumbled the ball into the end zone. Eagle center Michael DeCamillis, junior of Westminster, Colorado, was quick to the rescue and scooped up the ball for the Eagles’ first touchdown of the game.

However, the Yellow Jackets quickly responded with a fast three-minute drive that ended in an eight-yard connection to receiver Hasaan Williams for a touchdown. Going into halftime, the game was tied, which to many was a surprise considering Black Hills State’s first place ranking in the RMAC.

Despite the slow start, the Yellow Jackets came out in the second half with a fire and scored quickly on their first possession of the half. Coleman, however, missed the extra point attempt making the score 16-10. On the following kickoff, the Eagles fumbled on the return on their own 33-yard line. The Yellow Jacket offense took quick advantage of the mistake and scored another touchdown, going up by 13 points after the extra point attempt.

The game continued to look bleak for the Eagles, especially after Beemiller went down during the fourth quarter after taking a big hit on a pass play. However, backup quarterback Mason Hamilton, freshman of Gillette, Wyoming, was the spark the Eagles needed. On the next drive, Hamilton drove the Eagles down the field 75 yards and scored a touchdown on a 7-yard connection to running back Dorian Collier, sophomore of Tallahassee, Florida. After the Eagle defense held the Yellow Jackets to a three-and-out, the offense marched the ball down the field off the backs of Starks and Collier. Starks powered the ball across the goal line and brought the Eagles within three points of the Yellow Jackets.

The defense needed one more stop to give the Eagles the chance to win the game. The defense had the Yellow Jacket offense held down to a 3rd and 17 when running back Nolan Susel ran for a 29-yard touchdown, sealing the game for Black Hills State with a score of 32-23.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Eagles looked far better than they have in previous games. Overall, the Eagle offense had more yards than their opponent with 205 passing and 261 rushing for a combined total of 466 all-purpose yards, which was 56 more than the Yellow Jackets.

Beemiller lead the passing game with 128 yards on eight completions. However, his injury early in the fourth quarter stopped him from being able to play. Hamilton seamlessly picked up where Beemiller left off throwing for another 77 yards on 9 completions and one passing touchdown.

“As of now, we’re not sure about Heath’s injury or when he’ll be back, we’ll have to see later in the week,” Long said, “however, we’re confident in Mason. He’s come into the game every game and has been a real spark for us and has allowed us to do good things.”

In terms of receiving, the Eagles were led by Hair who had 117 yards on four receptions. The running game was led strongly by Starks who gained 125 yards and one touchdown. Collier and Beemiller combined for another 108 rushing yards as well. Unsurprisingly, the offensive line continues to be the Eagles’ best asset, giving up no sacks for the third week in a row and even scoring some points of the DeCamillis scoop-and-score.

“I think the team played hard. I think our offense had too many mental mistakes, and that what really hurt us,” DeCamillis stated in a text. “Big game this week. Western Colorado always plays tough. Big emphasis on being physical and doing our jobs.”

As for the defense, the Eagles were led yet again by defensive back Ritchie McCormack, freshman of Tucson, Arizona, who recorded 11 tackles and a half tackle-for-loss. Defensive backs Harvey Reynolds and Xavier Harrell combined for another 18 tackles and a half tackle-for-loss as well.

“Offensively, we need to end drives in points, specifically the end zone. Field goals aren’t going to win us games,” Long said. “Defensively, we need to focus on forcing the other team to be one-dimensional. Shutting down the run game forces our opponents to pass and when you force a team to constantly pass, it becomes easier to defend. I think if we can do that, the score will sort itself out.”

The Eagles will be taking on the Mountaineers of Western Colorado in Gunnison, Colorado, 1 p.m. Saturday at Katy O. Rady Field.

Sports

Photo by Aubrie Lawrence Chadron State running back Jalen Starks (34), junior of Chicago, attempts to leap over defenders in CSC’s home-opener Saturday night against the Yellow Jackets of Black HiIls State University, Spearfish, South Dakota. Starks was the game’s leading rusher, amassing 150 yards on 20 carries, but the Yellow Jackets, 3-0 and ranked No. 1 in the RMAC, went on to beat the now 0-3 Eagles, 32-23.

16 Sept. 22, 2022 | The Eagle | csceagle.com Sports

Photo by Kamryn Kozisek

IT’S TOPI TIME - Topi Alahuhta, freshman of Pine, Colorado, hits his stop watch to check his time as he crosses the finish line in CSC’s home cross country meet Friday against Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota. Alahuhta finished third overrall.

Alahuhta leads Eagles men, finishes third, but BHSU wins overall in dual

u By Ahlonte Hair

Reporter

The CSC men’s and women’s cross country teams lost a home dual meet Friday against Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota.

“I thought the meet went well for our group. It was nice to be home having a dual meet,” CSC Head Cross Country Coach Luke Karamitros said. “I felt like the team improved as a whole from the last meet.”

Topi Alahuhta, freshman of Pine, Colorado, led the men’s team, placing third overall in 19:28.70, the second fastest time by a male runner in a 6-K race in CSC’s history.

Other notable men’s runners were a pair of freshmen, Charles Fossey, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, and Kyle Shirley, of Queen Creek, Arizona, who placed fifth and eighth respectively.

Success is nothing new to Alahuhta this season. At the team’s Sept. 10 meet at the Gage McSpadden Memorial in Spearfish, he placed fifth, edging out Black Hills State’s All-America runner Keith Osowski, by 7 seconds.

“I ran well on Friday. A long summer of running is paying off,” Alahuhta stated in an email. “I was very patient in the race and kicked at the right time. The entire team looked very good on Friday, and we are right on track to run even faster this fall.”

On the women’s side, Josie Diffendaffer, freshman of Berthoud, Colorado, led the Eagles, placing fifth overall in 20:46.48. Other notable runners included Lydia Peters, freshman of Sidney, who finished sixth, and Alissa Wieman, sophomore of Box Elder, South Dakota, who finished seventh.

The Eagles’ next competition is Oct. 15 when they travel to Colby, Kansas, for the Colby Community College Trojan Invite.

Photo by Kamryn Kozisek

Jacie Lussetto, freshman of Bridgeport, runs down the trail during CSC’s home cross country meet Friday against Black Hills State University. Lussetto finished the women’s meet 11th overall.