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KANSAN.COM/SPORTS |MONDAY, AUG.22, 2016
Freshmen start path to Final Four
► TIFFANY LITTLER
Recently ranked No. 5 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, the Kansas volleyball team started out their Crimson & Blue Scrimmage with as much heart and intensity as a real game. They were divided into two teams, with players often switching sides to change it up a bit.
The four freshmen — not including redshirts Ashley Smith and Patricia Montero — got to witness the unveiling of the 2015 Final Four banner their teammates earned last season. In all, six of the Jayhawks have never played in a collegiate match.
Kansas has nine returning players this season, but it was the newcomers that stood out most.
Smith was successful in playing both offensively and defensively in the scrimmage. She had 10 kills and added eight digs while playing in a six-rotation. Freshman Allie Nelson landed an ace as well as recording a total of nine digs, while freshman Jacqui Mostrom recorded ten. Montero added to the success of the freshmen with eight kills and six digs.
Despite the impressive stats coming from the freshmen, coach Ray Bechard gave a reminder that this was their first collegiate game in front of referees and a big audience.
"There were some nerves there," Bechard said. "You can't replicate that in practice with officials and people in the stands, so yes, there were some nerves but I thought each of them at some point had some good moments."
The freshmen will start chasing their first Final Four banner at 7 p.m. on Friday, against Mississippi State, the start of the Bulldog Invitational.
Senior Taylor Soucie hits the ball just over the outstretched arms of Madison Rigdon and Kayla Cheadle in Kansas' intra-squad scrimmage Saturday.
Baxter Schanze/KANSAN
Depth chart and more on the 2016 volleyball season on Page 11
Missu Minear/KANSAN
Kansas guard Frank Mason dribbles past an Austin Peay defender in an NCAA tournament first-round game. Mason threw out the first pitch at the Royals-Twins game at Kauffman Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Frank Mason throws first pitch at Royals' KU Day
MATT HOFFMANN
@MattHoffmannUDK
Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy has two qualities in his fastball: speed and command. That's what's made him the Royals' ace this season.
Senior guard Frank Mason III. on the other hand, does not.
On Sunday, deep in the bowels of Kauffman Stadium, Mason was warming up to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for KU Day at the K. Mason was receiving instruction from just about everyone present - Royals personnel, KU Athletics personnel and a handful of teammates lining the concrete wall.
The Kansas baseball gameday operations manager was attempting to explain to Mason that a four-seam fastball is thrown with two fingers across the seams of the ball, with the pinkie off the seams. It wasn't going exceptionally well.
At one point, Mason's pitch nearly hit a bystander in the back of the head. After all, Mason hadn't thrown a baseball since he was a kid. This brief game of concourse catch was Mason's first and only preparation for the throw.
So how was Mason chosen for the honor, seeing as he has never played baseball even in elementary school?
"I'm not sure," Mason
Perhaps that was Kansas basketball coach Bill Self's plan: At least walk away from KU Day at the K with a few laughs. Self joked at Traditions Night on Saturday, via the LJ World: "I don't think he's ever played baseball, so I kind of hope he throws it against the backstop. It would be kind of funny."
said. "I guess my coaches just picked me but they only told me a couple of days ago."
Junior Devonte' Graham, Mason's teammate and fellow guard, seemed optimistic about Mason's abilities. He was be tasked with catching the first pitch.
"I tried to play baseball in high school, but it didn't turn out too well."
Flanked by Big Jay, Baby Jay and teammates, Mason took the mound and, after a brief introduction, delivered a short hop three feet in front of the plate that sent Graham scrambling to his left. After a few more bounces, the ball came to rest at the backstop. Laughter from all in attendance ensued.
Graham said. "I think [Mason] might throw a strike."
Other aspects of KU Day at the K included a special "KU Day" hat, extra KU signage around the ballpark and the inclusion of KU-related songs during half-inning breaks.
It was the second time Kansas was represented at Kauffman Stadium this year. Kansas baseball playd a regular season game at Kauffman Stadium on April 28, where they fell to Nebraska 3-1.
I don't think he's ever played baseball, so I kind of hope he throws it against the backstop."
Fans in attendance were treated to a close and exciting ballgame, which ultimately saw the Royals defeat the Minnesota Twins 2-1.
Bill Self Kansas basketball coach
Duffy went six and 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on eight hits, often tipping his cap to the stellar defensive plays of his teammates. First baseman Eric Hosmer doubled to send right fielder Lorenzo Cain home, who scored from first for the go-ahead run in the sixth inning.
The Royals now head to Miami for a three-game series starting Tuesday night. Meanwhile, classes begin Monday for University of Kansas students, including Mason and his teammates.
- Edited by Matthew Clough
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