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THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2008
10A SPORTS
FOOTBALL (CONTINUED FROM 12A)
knew we needed a lift out there and he was a very likely candidate, so we made the move."
After giving up some of the worst passing numbers in the nation, it seems Thornton and Patterson have helped stabilize what was once a shaky situation.
"We've made some strides there," Mangino said. "We're
better. We're probably a better football team using those kids, no question. I feel better standing here today than I did a week or two ago with that situation."
And though Patterson said he felt comfortable at cornerback because he played both corner and wide receiver in high school, he still can't figure one thing out.
How can a guy who weighs 175 pounds and stands barely 5-9 eat as much food as he wants, yet not gain any weight?
— Edited by Brenna Hawley
"I've never found that out," Patterson said. "I've always ate a lot my whole life but never gained any weight. I'm still looking into that."
SOCCER
Team needs breakthrough Last conference tournament game victory was in 2004
BY MARK DENT
mdent@kansan.com
No, this San Antonio tournament is not the Final Four. If there's a miracle, it won't be Mario's, but possibly Missy's — as in senior midfielder Missy Geha.
But Kansas could really use a miracle this year, from Geha or anyone else.
The Jayhawks haven't won a game in the Big 12 Tournament since 2004, when they were the No.1 seed.
Back then, the Jayhawks were already destined for the NCAA Tournament. This year, the only way they can get in is they win the Big 12 championship. Can that happen?
Here's a quick guide to this year's Big 12 Tournament.
THE TOP TEAMS
1. No. 8 Oklahoma State — This is the year for Cowgirl soccer.
Okie State won its first Big 12 regular season title and lost just once, to Texas A&M on the road.
2. No. 11 Texas A&M — The Aggies have lost twice to Kansas in program history. One of those losses came earlier this year. You can bet A&M won't make it easy for the Jayhawks in the first round today.
Kansas vs. No.11 Texas A&M 7:30 p.m.
3. No. 15 Texas - Texas
teams win this tournament. The Longhorns and the Aggies have combined to win six of the 12 Big 12 Championships. Texas has won the last two. The Longhorns may be the No. 6 seed, but no one would be surprised if they won again.
Blossom Soccer Stadium San Antonio, Texas
THE TOP PLAYERS
1. Yolanda Odenyo, Oklahoma State — The best player for the best team. She scored 15 goals during the conference season.
2. Kasey Moore, Texas — Two years in a row, Moore has won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. This season, the Longhorns have nine shutouts, and she has six goals and four assists.
3. Nikki Marshall, Colorado — Marshall has starred in all three of her seasons in Boulder. This year, she finished with eight goals and four assists.
THE SLEEPER?
Kansas — It has to be the Jayhawks. No team has been more inconsistent this year. They started 5-1 and have since gone 6-6-1. They beat then-No. 6 Texas A&M and tied last-place Oklahoma.
They could win two games in this tournament, or they could lose big to the Aggies today.
THE TEAM RIPE FOR AN UPSET
Missouri — The Tigers had it too easy on Friday. They won a 6-0 laugher against the Jayhawks. Their focus level could be off, and that's not good considering they're playing Texas. The Longhorns want to run their streak of Big 12 Championships to three.
THE SIGHTS TO SEE
1. The Alamodome — They might not let you in, but hey, just looking at the outside of this building brings back beautiful memories for any KU fan.
2. Any pool — Temperatures should reach the 80s, and the sun is supposed to shine until Sunday. Cannonball.
3. Mexican restaurants Back in the spring, sophomore basketball player and San Antonio native Chase Buford recommended Rio Rio Cantina and The Original Blanco Café.
Edited by Scott R. Toland
First game, last chance?
Jayhawks must beat No. 11 Texas A&M tonight to continue season
Kansas 11-7-1,4-5-1
BY THE NUMBERS
6 — game-winning goals by Emily Cressy and Shannon McCabe
3 — goals by Monica Dolinsky in Big 12 play
38 — goals scored by the Jayhawks
27 — allowed by the Kansas defense
30 — assists by the Jayhawks, 4th in the Big 12
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Monica Dolinsky, junior midfielder
Monica Dolinsky was the Jayhawk's most consistent threat throughout the season. Dolinsky's eight goals lead the Jayhawks, while her six assists rank second on the team.
And that play has received recognition: She was named All-Big 12 First Team.
All season, Bush has been the trigger that sparks the Kansas offense: Her seven assists lead the team. The more telling numbers? The Jayhawks are 4-0-1 in games Bush records a point.
Jessica Bush, senior midfielder
Emily Cressy, freshman forward
Cressy made an immediate impact on the Jayhawks, scoring five goals the first seven games. Since then, though, she's scored only two goals in nine games. If the Jayhawks are to have success in the tournament, they'll need Cressy to score.
Dolinsky
Bush
NCAA OUTLOOK:
If the Jayhawks are to make the NCAA tournament, it's no secret they'll have to win the Big 12 tournament. And things don't appear good for Kansas. First up, 15-3-1 Texas A&M. Then, two teams that beat the Jayhawks during the regular season.
if the Jayhawks are to make the NCAA
Cressy
No.11 Texas A&M 15-3-1,7-2-1
Jayson Jenks
BY THE NUMBERS
4 conference championships won by the Aggies. They fast won in 2005.
6 - goals given up by A&M in 10 conference games
10 — victories in program history against the Jayhawks. The Aggies have lost only twice to Kansas.
5 - Aggies on an All-Big 12 Team: Kelly Dyer, Amber Gnatzig, Bri Young, Becca Herrera and Beth West.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kelly Dyer, goalkeeper
She's arguably the best goalie in the conference. Dyer has six shutouts and has given up 13 goals for the entire season.
Amber Gnatzig, midfielder
She helps the best defense in the conference while also providing enough offensive skills to score four goals and dish out three assists this year.
This SLU transfer doesn't score often, but when she does, watch out. Of Mautz's four goals this year, two of them have been game-winners.
Dyer
Alyssa Mautz
NCAA OUTLOOK:
They're in. Texas A&M has one of the best defenses in the country and has lost only three games this year — to Kansas, North Carolina and Missouri.
The Aggies have won three games in a row, giving up one goal in the stretch, and could earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament if they win the conference championship.
Mark Dent
WHY DIDN'T I JUST GET A FLU SHOT?!
Go ahead and compare. Not only can students get billed for the vaccine instead of paying on the spot, we have some of the LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!
Protect yourself against the flu by getting vaccinated. Student Health Services is committed to your health by offering flu clinics open to all KU students, faculty, staff and retirees (ages 18 and over).
Flu Shot - $15*
Nasal Mist Flu Vaccine - $ 10^{+} $ (ages 18-49; subject to availability)
Can't make it to a clinic? You can also get vaccinated at Watkins Memorial Health Center by calling 785.864.9507 to make an appointment. For the full schedule of flu clinics, visit www.studenthealth.ku.edu.
Watkins Memorial Health Center
1200 Schweger Drive • Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-9500 • www.studenthealth.ku.edu
*Contributing to Student Success*
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- Only current KU students are eligible to be billed for this service. All others must pay at time of service. Medicaid and Medicare are not accepted
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