FOOTBALL
The UNK football team pulled off another thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, beating Washburn 31-24 Saturday in Topeka. UNK rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns, sealing the win with 14 points in the final 15 minutes.
Quarterback Daron Bryden scored twice on the ground before hitting Jaden Jude for a 62-yard touchdown to tie the game in the fourth. Running backs Jahmez Ross and Jett Turner stepped up big after Isaiah Harris went down with an injury, with Turner punching in the game-winning score.
The Loper defense held strong down the stretch, forcing several critical stops to preserve the win. Senior Xavior Morrow led the way with 10 tackles, while linebackers Parker Wise and Caden McGruder combined for a key six-yard sack on a crucial fourth-quarter play. Cornerback Ife Current added two interceptions, bringing his season total to four. Kicker Kyle Failing also nailed a career-best 47-yard field goal.
With the win, UNK moved to 4-1 on the year and extended its win streak over Washburn to five games. The Lopers now turn their focus to a road matchup at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.4, against No. 17 Pittsburg State.
TENNIS
Both tennis teams wrapped up their fall season last weekend, competing in separate tournaments.
The women traveled to Omaha for the Creighton/UNO Invitational, where senior Clare Plachy and freshman Patricija Cechanaviciute went 2-1 in doubles, including wins against Division I opponents South Dakota and Oral Roberts. Junior Julia Wartecka also earned two singles victories, helping the team finish the fall season.
On the men’s side, UNK competed at the ITA Central Regional in Topeka. Junior Andy Brisdon reached the “A” singles quarterfinals after winning a dramatic 14-12 third set, while junior Tom van den Dungen advanced to the consolation semifinals. In “B” flight singles, senior Alex Jaulin finished as runner-up after three wins, including an 11-9 third set in the semifinals. Brisdon and sophomore Ivan Melnik also teamed up to reach the doubles quarterfinals.
The tennis teams now take a break until February, when they return for the indoor season at the Ernest Grundy Tennis Center.
