President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz is slated to present a keynote address to the NAACP Evansville Branch on Thursday, March 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Eykamp Hall.

The Evansville Freedom Fund Banquet, themed "Thriving Together," serves as the key fundraising initiative to bolster programs, activism, and outreach efforts of the organization. For registration, kindly visit the provided link.

Need service hours???? Want to help make a difference? Please join Alumni and Engagement for our annual purple Pep and Vim flag distribution. Snacks and drinks provided.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EACAC22A4FA7-47992890-pepand#/

We hope you can join us for a fun-filled week beginning April 7 with UEclipse activities. Help us welcome our alumni back to campus, celebrate our Alumni Awards recipients, play in our kickball tournament, and stop in for our alumni reunions!

For a full list of Reunion Weekend events, visit www.uealumnionline.com/2024Reunion.

Schedule of Events

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Presentation by Astrophysicist and UE Alumna Maria Weber ’08 PhD

Monday, April 8, 2024

Pep and Vim Virtual 5K (All week)
UEclipse

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series presents Sarah Frey

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Campus Kickball Tournament
Creative Writing Coffee Hour
English & Creative Writing LitFest Banquet

Friday, April 12, 2024

Pep and Vim, UE’s Annual Day of Giving

Harlaxton Society Board Meeting
Board of Visitors Meeting
UEAAA Annual Meeting
Baseball vs. Illinois State
Class of 1974 Cocktail Hour
UET Production: Waiting for Lefty
English & Creative Writing Hemminger-Brown Lecture
Environmental Science
Earth Day Celebration, Natural Sciences Poster Session, Guy Banta Distinguished Lecture Series featuring ES Alumnus Dr. Zac Cheviron ’00, ES Alumni Panel Discussion, ES Mixer

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Music Reunion Breakfast
Giving Event with Pat Barner
Bike Race
50th Reunion Lunch - Class of 1974
UEAAA Zerah Priestly Carter Scholarship Luncheon
Football Alumni Golf Outing
Class of 1974 House Tour
Class of 1974 Campus Tour
Baseball vs. Illinois State
Class of 1974 Emily M. Young Assessment Center Tour
Alumni Awards Cocktail Hour
Alumni Awards Dinner  
UET Production: Waiting for Lefty
English & Creative Writing Student Literary Conference with student panels

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Alumni Breakfast
Campus Tour
Baseball vs. Illinois State

All are invited to the 31st Annual Leadership Awards and Reception. Leadership Awards celebrate the dedication and contributions that students provide on a daily basis to the UE community. Awards are presented from multiple offices across campus including but not limited to the Center for Student Engagement, Center for Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Office of Admissions, Dean of Students, Fitness Center and Intramurals, Presidents Office, and many more.

Come and celebrate you and your peers achievements with us during the 31st Annual Leadership Awards and Reception

Monday, April 22, 2024

Eykamp Hall

6:30pm

For any questions, please reach out to the Center for Student Engagement at cse@evansville.edu

All graduating seniors in good standing at UE are eligible to be considered for the Senior Keynote.

To receive consideration from the Selection Committee, the following must be completed on or before March 25:

• An online application including the name of a faculty reference available at https://www.evansville.edu/commencement/keynote.cfm
• Written draft of Commencement speech - 1000 - 1500 words, or a duration of 8-10 minutes. This speech may have any theme you choose, but should include a reflection on your experiences at the University of Evansville.

A limited number of finalists will be asked to present their speeches before the Selection Committee in April.  The final selection for the Senior Keynote Commencement Speaker will be announced at the University of Evansville Leadership Awards Program on Monday, April 22.

2024 Student Commencement Speaker Selection Committee

James MacLeod, 2024 Committee Chair, Professor, History

Jennifer Calderone, Senior Director, Alumni and Engagement

Kristina Hochwender, Professor, English

Melissa Morehead Moore, Programming Coordinator for the CDEI

Rania Mousa, Professor, Accounting and Business Administration

Katie Mullins, Associate Professor, Creative Writing

Abby Murphy, Executive Administrator, Office of the President

Grace Reisinger, Student Representative

In celebration of Disability Awareness Month, the Office of Counseling & Disability Services and CDEI invite the campus community to attend Josh Rivedal's presentation "Behind the Masks We Wear".  Josh will use a mix of comedy and stroytelling to discuss the importance of living and leading with vulnerability and purpose to move closer to being our best selves.  Prize giveaway and free t-shirts while supplies last!

CDEI is offering Safe Zone training for employees on Friday, March 22nd from 12:00 - 2:15 pm. Safe Zone training provides the opportunity to learn about sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities. The program is designed to increase knowledge and awareness and to create a network of visible allies across campus. Space is limited. To register, please email Dr. Valerie Stein at vs9@evansville.edu.

You are invited to join us for our Alumni Awards Dinner and Celebration on Saturday, April 13, 2024!

Our award recipients:

The Distinguished Alumnae Award -
Linda E. White ’76, M’83

The Young Alumnus Award -
Bryce Weiler ’14

Edie Bates Volunteer Service Award -
Promise Neighborhood Core Team

Samuel Orr Honorary Alumni -
Dr. Mark and Mrs. Jennifer Browning

To learn more about our award recipients and register for the event, visit www.evansville.edu/AlumniAwards.

Trivia Night is a fundraising event to help raise money for Ace CARE in hopes to bring money into our organization to allow us to continue to provide our treatments. The event is planned to run 6:00-9:00pm with teams of 6 (max) competing in trivia rounds and small mini games in between. We hope this event will be a fun and active evening while raising money for our amazing organization!

Scan the QR code or follow this link to sign your team up!

https://www.uealumnionline.com/s/1096/bp20/interior.aspx?sid=1096&gid=1&pgid=4148&cid=7135&ecid=7135

Help us celebrate National Disability Awareness Month!

• Are you a senior looking for full-time employment? 
• Not a senior, and looking for a summer internship or part-time position? 
• Could you use practice with your interviewing skills?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this event is for you! 

You will have the opportunity to interview with multiple employers AND receive feedback to help you perfect your skills. Following interviews, there will be time for networking.

All majors and classes are welcome to attend.

Space is limited, so register in Handshake today! 

Speed Networking Event

Tuesday, March 19th

6:00pm-8:30pm

Eykamp Hall, RUC

Questions? Want to update your resume ahead of this event? Contact the Center for Career Development at 812-488-1083 or career@evansville.edu

Please support our mission to better understand infant mortality in Vanderburgh County. We cannot change what we do not understand. Join us on March 18th for a stimulating conversation and meet local community partners.

Did you know that tatooing is one of the greatest (and oldest) human artistic expressions?

The current exhibit in the Krannert Gallery, "SKIN DEEP", features the tatoo work and paintings of six local artists.  The Gallery is open Mon - Sat 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Sun. from noon - 8:00 p.m.

Please join us for a reception in Krannert Gallery on Thursday March 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Deadline for the Outstanding Senior Service Award applications is coming up quick. Seniors should have their application in by March 22 by 5:00 PM.

Call for Nominations: Dean of Students Leadership Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for consideration of The Howard S. Rosenblatt “Dean of Students Leadership Awards.”  These awards will be presented at the 31st Annual Leadership Awards Reception scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2024.  Invitations will be prepared by the Center for Student Engagement.

Awards from the Dean of Students Office are presented in the following categories:

• Student Organization Advisor of the Year
• Student Organization of the Year
• Student Leader of the Year

Our student organizations are successful because of the commitment of the student leaders and the advisors who give freely of their time and support.  The recipients of these awards are selected based on their commitment to the University of Evansville as well as the development and success of their efforts within their chosen student organization.

The deadline for nominations is March 22, 2024.  Click on this link to submit your nomination:

https://forms.office.com/r/hzQ0FqBMQT

If you have any questions, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students office at 812-488-2500 or by e-mail via ar564@evansville.edu

Thank you in advance for celebrating our student leaders’ achievements!

Students,

Your opinions are needed, would you be interested in participating in Club Sports?

Will you please take a minute to fill out a club sports interest survey?

https://forms.office.com/r/bhsCeAhQvg

Hey Juniors and Seniors!

In an era where cultural preservation meets modern innovation, we are excited to announce the launch of our newly revamped Master of Arts program in Cultural Resource Management based right here at UE. Formerly known as 'Innovative Leadership in Heritage Management,' the program has undergone a transformation to better reflect its focus and appeal to aspiring students like you.

Designed with your passions and aspirations in mind, our MA in Cultural Resource Management offers a blend of theory and practice, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the diverse landscape of heritage and cultural preservation.

With an emphasis on accessibility and flexibility, our online, asynchronous format allows you to pursue your degree at your own pace, seamlessly integrating your studies into your busy life. Whether you're juggling work commitments, social engagements, or other academic pursuits, our program empowers you to chart your own path to success. We even have four dynamic 'majors' within the MA, putting you in the driver's seat of your graduate studies. You can choose between:

• Historic Preservation and Conservation
• Sustainable Landscape Management
• Cultural Resource Governance and Policy
• Cultural Business and Economics 

From internship placements in Evansville to immersive workshops at Harlaxton College, you'll gain hands-on experience and invaluable insights from industry leaders and experts. Our extensive network of partners and collaborators ensures that you'll be at the forefront of cultural preservation efforts, making a tangible impact in communities near and far.

As a student in our MA program, you'll delve into a diverse range of courses and workshops, including:

• Cultural Heritage Conservation
• Museum Studies and Exhibition Design
• Archaeological Resource Management
• Cultural Policy and Advocacy
• Digital Humanities and Cultural Mapping
• Heritage Tourism and Sustainable Development

Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to pursue a wide array of rewarding career paths, including:

• Cultural Resource Manager
• Museum Curator or Director
• Heritage Conservation Specialist
• Archaeological Field Supervisor
• Cultural Policy Analyst
• Tourism Development Officer

With no standardized test results required for admission, there's never been a better time to apply and embark on your journey towards a fulfilling career in cultural resource management. We're still accepting applications for this Fall 2024, so seize the opportunity to shape the future of our shared heritage and make a difference in the world and continue your journey with the UE and Harlaxton family!

Dr. William Stroube, Professor of Health Service Administration, and Dr. Erik Brown, Assistant Professor of Health Science, were recently in India presenting to faculty and students at various institutions (Jaipur National University, Jaipuria Institute of Management, IIHMR, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, etc.) on numerous healthcare topics along with faculty development workshops. Erik also held a distinguished lecture on concussion management at Sharda University in Agra.

The 2024 UE Student Research and Honors Symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17. This event will showcase the scholarly activities of students of diverse disciplines across UE’s campus, including the graduating seniors of the Honors Program.

All students are invited to apply to participate by submitting an abstract for their papers. For more information or to submit an abstract, please visit: https://www.evansville.edu/undergraduateresearch/student-research-symposium.cfm

The deadline for submitting an abstract is Friday, March 22.

Contact Jayme Williams at jw504@evansville.edu with any questions.

In conjunction with the Office of Public Safety, the University of Evansville was able to donate a dozen abadoned bicycles to Patchwork Central. Patchwork is a non-profit that is dedicated to repairing and servicing bikes in an effort to give bikes to people in need across the Tri-state.

Patchwork Central provides free servicing for students. If you have a bike and would like for it to be repaired, please visit their shop on Tuesday or Thursday between 8am and 10:30am to drop off your bike. Their building is located at 100 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN.

Grab a friend and join us for a whimsical weekend brunch because Dr. Seuss is taking over the Eatery on Saturday, March 23! Featuring fun foods and vivacious vibes!

Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day with shamrock cookies! Featured in the Eatery at lunch on March 21.

Information on ordering your cap and gown can be found at the link below.

https://www.evansville.edu/commencement/central.cfm

Please contact the UE Bookstore with any questions related to your order.

Order deadline: March 18

We are looking for volunteers to come to our prom for special needs programs in Evansville!  It is April 5th, 2024 from 7-9pm! It is a fun filled night of dancing!  Sign up with the link below!

https://forms.gle/As1s2h13vsRoNNga8

Summer housing applications are available.  If you will be staying in Evansville for the summer for classes, work, research, or other reasons, you can live in a townhouse.  Additional information and applications are available on the Residence Life website and are due April 19.

https://www.evansville.edu/residencelife/campushousing/summerhousing.cfm

Interested in working over the summer break? Want a place to stay for free?

Come to the Summer Resident Assistant Interest Meeting on Monday, March 18th at 8pm in SOBA 170! Information about the Summer Resident Assistant position will provided as well as time for Q&A.

Applications will open on UEngage on Wednesday, March 20th.

UE students seeking financial aid or intending to use loan funds for summer courses at UE should complete a Summer Financial Aid Application and return it to the Office of Student Financial Services (Olmsted 105) however is most convenient by April 25, 2024. The application will allow our office to assess your financial aid and loan eligibility.

Work-Study:

On-campus jobs are available for continuing UE students during the summer. You do not need to be eligible for need-based Federal Work-Study during the academic year in order to apply. You may also apply regardless of your enrollment in summer courses. Applications will be available within the Student Employment area of Self-Service.

Activities are being planned for Monday, April 8, beginning at 11:00 a.m. as the eclipse approaches totality at 2:02 p.m. If you or your student organization is interested in providing an activity, please contact Kelsey Rowland at kr286@evansville.edu and copy Paula Heldt at ph28@evansville.edu by March 1.

Learn more about the eclipse by visiting, https://www.evansville.edu/ueclipse/

Congratulations to the Criminal Justice and Sociology senior students who presented their senior research projects. Each student conducted individual research in the areas below and presented their findings to program students and faculty. Congratulations on a job well done!

The research projects included:

The Effects of Family Support on Levels of Anxiety and Depression in LGBTQ+ Young Adults by Lexi Albin

College Students’ Beliefs about Drug and Alcohol Addiction by Parker Andresen

Is Greek Life Worth It? by Logan Lampert

Parental Pressure on Student Athletes by Connor Pfau

College Students and Stress by Sean Stevens

Perception of Stress in College by Majestica Weatherford

Student Stress While in College by McKenzie White

Perceptions of College Students with Disabilities by Haley Worland

Makayla Gomperts ('24, Biology) presented her research at the Genetics Society of America's "The Allied Genetics Conference" (TAGC) in National Harbor, MD, March 6-10, 2024. Makayla's poster was titled "Sar1, a GTPase involved in COPII vesicle trafficking, is critical for Drosophila oogenesis". Makayla was awarded a competitive Victoria Finnerty Travel Award to support her attendance at the conference. Makayla has worked on this research since Summer 2021 and is mentored by Dr. Julie Merkle (Biology). This work was funded by a Guy Banta Summer Research Fellowship and the UExplore Undergraduate Research Program.

Dr. Julie Merkle (Biology) also presented research at TAGC 2024. Dr. Merkle's poster, "Fly-CURE and connecting curriculum: multi-institutional course-based undergraduate research experiences in genetics and beyond", describes the learning and confidence gains made by students in Genetics lab courses at UE and other institutions across the US. This research is funded by two National Science Foundation (NSF) awards.

This research study aims to investigate and understand the efficacy of wellness and mental health practices within colleges and universities.  We are inviting students attending the University of Evansville to participate in this research study through a focus group session.

NOTE: Participation in this focus group session is completely voluntary.  Your contact information and any details you provide to share in the availability form and during the focus group session will remain confidential. Responses shared within the session will only be accessible to the student researcher and faculty sponsor. The session will be approximately 60 minutes long.

To provide your availability regarding the upcoming session, please click here.

After providing your availability using the above link, the research team will contact you via email to provide more information regarding the session and your involvement. There is no cost for participating in this survey. All data information obtained will be securely stored and will only be accessible to the student researcher and faculty sponsor.    There are minimal risks to participating. If at anytime you experience discomfort, harm, or you no longer desire to participate, you may withdraw from the study. No compensation is involved in this study due to confidentiality and anonymity purposes. However, your involvement in this study will help determine effective strategies that your university could implement which will positively impact the campus community and better support students struggling with mental health and wellness.    If you agree to participate, you will be asked to do the following:

-          Provide consent (written, verbal, and online)

-          Be asked to share your experiences briefly and privately about mental health and wellness and your thoughts on the effectiveness of these practices and interventions at your university with peers.

Questions regarding this study should be directed to:

Student Researcher: Leairra Carter (lc213@evansville.edu)

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Patel-Dovlatabadi (pp42@evansville.edu)

Questions regarding your rights/complaints or problems:

University of Evansville

Academic Affairs

Dr. Kate Schwartzkopf-Phifer, IRB Administrator and Institutional Review Board-Chair

812-488-2453| IRB@evansville.edu

We appreciate your participation.

This research study aims to investigate and understand the efficacy of wellness and mental health practices within colleges and universities.  We are inviting students attending the University of Evansville to participate in this research study through a focus group session.  Participation in this focus group session is completely voluntary.

There is no cost for participating in this survey. All data information obtained will be securely stored and will only be accessible to the student researcher and faculty sponsor.    There are minimal risks to participating. If at anytime you experience discomfort, harm, or you no longer desire to participate, you may withdraw from the study. No compensation is involved in this study due to confidentiality and anonymity purposes. However, your involvement in this study will help determine effective strategies that your university could implement which will positively impact the campus community and better support students struggling with mental health and wellness.    NOTE: BY COMPLETING THE SURVEY AND CLICKING SUBMIT, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY. Link to Student Survey: UE Student Research Survey

Questions regarding this study should be directed to:

Student Researcher: Leairra Carter (lc213@evansville.edu)

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Patel-Dovlatabadi (pp42@evansville.edu)

Questions regarding your rights/complaints or problems:

University of Evansville

Academic Affairs

Dr. Kate Schwartzkopf-Phifer, IRB Administrator and Institutional Review Board-Chair

812-488-2453| IRB@evansville.edu

We appreciate your participation.

For the second time this week, junior outfielder Harrison Taubert played the hero in extra innings for the University of Evansville baseball team, as Taubert hit a two-out, two-run double in the 11th inning on Saturday to help power the Purple Aces past the host Michigan State Spartans, 5-3, at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field in East Lansing, Michigan.

“Today was just an overall great team win,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “I think that today was actually a pivotal game in our season, and we gave a gritty effort that really started on the mound for us.  Kenton Deverman really battled all day long and showed the competitor that he is for us, to be able to give our offense a chance in ‘winning time.’

“Offensively, I thought we had some great at-bats, especially late, and then for Harrison to step up and deliver a barrel for us in the 11th was huge.  Today’s a big win, and it now sets up tomorrow as an important game for us.  We have to come to the park ready to battle tomorrow.”

Taubert, who came through with a walk-off RBI single in Wednesday’s 6-5 win over Southeast Missouri State, launched a double over the head of the left-fielder to score both senior first baseman Kip Fougerousse and graduate catcher Brendan Hord in the top of the 11th inning to give UE a 5-3 lead.  Senior reliever Jakob Meyer (2-2) then worked a perfect bottom of the 11th inning to pick up the victory and help Evansville even the series with the Spartans.

Michigan State scored first on Saturday, getting a three-run home run from shortstop Randy Seymour in the second inning.  But, from there, UE freshman starter Kenton Deverman silenced the Michigan State bats, as he allowed just the three runs on six singles and Seymour’s home run in 8.0 solid innings of work, striking out seven.

Deverman’s teammates would chip away late to force extra-innings, as Hord launched a solo home run in the seventh inning, and UE tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning.  In the eighth, Evansville was able to get a one-out double by graduate third baseman Brent Widder, a two-out infield single by Fougerousse, and a run-scoring wild pitch to plate its first run.  Junior outfielder Ty Rumsey then tied the game with a two-out single to left field to score Fougerousse and knot the game at 3-3.

The game would remain tied at 3-3 until the 11th, when Fougerousse worked a one-out walk, and Hord was hit by a pitch with two outs to bring up Taubert.  Taubert laced a 1-0 fastball from Michigan State reliever Tommy Szczepanski (0-2) to deep left to score both runners and give UE the win.

Evansville out-hit Michigan State, 9-8, in the contest, with both Widder and freshman second baseman Brodie Peart delivering two-hit days.

With the victory, Evansville evens its record at 9-9 and evens the series at one win apiece.  The two teams will square off in the rubber match on Sunday afternoon at 12 p.m. central time.  Senior LHP Donovan Schultz (0-1, 10.38 ERA) will get the start for UE on the mound.  Sunday’s game can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS.

The Michigan State baseball team rallied for two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning on Sunday to knock off the visiting University of Evansville Purple Aces, 6-5, at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field in East Lansing, Michigan.

“This is a tough one,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “After we rallied to take the lead with some great at-bats in the middle innings, to lose this late is really tough.

“We have to find a way to put this game behind us and bounce back quickly though.  This week is a very important week for us, especially with MVC play starting on Friday.”

After Evansville rallied for three runs in the sixth inning to take a 5-4 lead on home runs by senior first baseman Kip Fougerousse and graduate catcher Brendan Hord, the Spartans mounted a rally of its own in the eighth inning to win the game and the series.  Outfielder Nick Williams and second baseman Ryan McKay knocked back-to-back one-out doubles to tie the game at 5-5.  Then, the Spartans worked back-to-back walks to load the bases, and after a strikeout, catcher Noah Bright worked another walk to give Michigan State a 6-5 lead.

After a brief delay for snow going into the ninth inning, Michigan State closer Tommy Szczepanski worked a perfect ninth inning with a pair of strikeouts to earn his second save of the year.

Michigan State took an early 3-0 lead in the contest with two runs in the first inning, and one more in the third inning, before Evansville would begin to chip away.  A lead-off double by senior shortstop Simon Scherry and an RBI single by junior second baseman Cal McGinnis in the fourth inning plated UE’s first run of the contest.

The two teams traded runs in the fifth inning, before Fougerousse and Hord powered Evansville to a 5-4 lead in the sixth inning.  With one out, Fougerousse wrapped a solo home run around the right-field foul pole for his team-leading fifth home run of the year.  Then, after a single by junior outfielder Harrison Taubert, Hord launched his second home run of the series over the wall in right field to give UE a 5-4 lead with a two-run blast.

Evansville out-hit Michigan State, 11-7, in the contest, as graduate third baseman Brent Widder went 3-for-4, while graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger went 2-for-3 with a run scored to extend his on-base streak to 35-straight games dating back to last year.  Third baseman Dillon Kark led Michigan State by going 3-for-4, while McKay went 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI.

With the victory, Michigan State improves to 7-10 overall.  Evansville, meanwhile, falls to 9-10 on the 2024 season.  Evansville will be back in action on Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. central time with a contest at the University of Kentucky.  Tuesday’s game can be heard live on 107.1 FM-WJPS and seen on the SEC Network+ streaming service.

Opening day of the spring season saw the University of Evansville men’s golf team compete at the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate at the River Course of the Sevierville Golf Club.

Leading the way for the Purple Aces was Caleb Wassmer.  He opened the tournament with a 4-over 76 and stands in a tie for 35th place with two rounds remaining.  Carson Parker and Andres Rodriguez were just behind him with rounds of 77.  Both are in a tie for 47th with their 5-over-par rounds.

Isaac Rohleder was fourth for the Aces with a 79 while Daniil Romashkin carded an 81.  Rohleder and Romashkin are tied for 68th and 80th, respectively.

Evansville wrapped up Sunday with a team score of 309 to stand in the 12th position.  They are four behind Tennessee State and trail 10th place Northern Kentucky by seven strokes.

Belmont holds the team and individual lead following day one.  The Bruins’ 282 has them 10 shots in front of their nearest competition with Morehead state in second.  Michael Senn of Belmont leads the individuals with a 68.  His 4-under opening round is one in front of Nolan Piazza from MSU.

Round two begins on Monday morning.

Sydney Weatherford tossed a 3-hit shutout while the offense came alive with eight runs as the University of Evansville softball team defeated Valparaiso by a final of 8-0 on Friday at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field and James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.

Weatherford threw the full 5-inning contest while striking out three batters.  UE accumulated its eight runs on 10 hits.  Jess Willsey, Zoe Frossard and Jenna Nink posted two hits apiece while Nink led the way with three runs batted in.

Sydney Weatherford pitched out of a jam in the first as the Beacons notched a pair of 2-out hits.  Evansville took advantage in the second when Jenna Nink laced a 2-run double to center to put the Purple Aces on the board.  Alexa Davis led the inning off with a walk before moving to second on a sac bunt by Zoe Frossard.  With two outs, Marah Wood was walked and made a heads-up play to steal second on the play.  Those walks set the table for Nink, who came through with the clutch 2-out, 2-RBI hit.

Davis opened the third inning with a solo home run, her first of the season.  Frossard followed up with a single and Nink would bring her home with an RBI single.  Jess Willsey added the fourth UE hit of the inning and Brooke Voss walked to load the bases for Taylor Howe.  She added to the lead, forcing a walk for the 5th Evansville run.

Marah Wood’s team-leading fifth homer of the year saw the Aces extend the lead to 7-0 in the fourth.  Base hits from Willsey and Brooke Voss set the table for Howe to walk it off and that is exactly what she did.  Her single brought in Willsey for the walk-off run as UE took the 8-0 triumph in five innings.

Saturday’s game is set for a 2 p.m. first pitch.

In their second tournament of the spring, the University of Evansville women’s golf team travels to Prospect, Ky. for the Nevel Meade Collegiate.  Action takes place on Monday and Tuesday at Nevel Meade Golf Club.

Par is set for 72 and the yardage for the course is 5,953.  The field consists of Bellarmine, Cleveland State, Detroit Mercy, Evansville, UIC, Indiana State, Oakland, Purdue Fort Wayne, Western Michigan and Youngstown State.

Evansville opened the spring with a trip to the Rio Verde Collegiate in Rio Verde, Ariz. in February.  Kate Petrova led the way with a tie for 12th place.  Her even round of 72 in the final round gave her a total of 217 strokes in the tournament.  Petrova’s tournament was highlighted by a 2-under 70 in the second 18 holes.

Allison Enchelmayer was second on the team with a final tally of 226.  She tied for 50th in the tournament.  Completing the contest four behind her was Destynie Sheridan.  Her 230 tied her for the 65th position.

Up by a score of 9-3 in the top of the seventh inning, the University of Evansville softball team overcame a 4-run rally by Valparaiso to finish with a 9-7 victory inside Tri-State Orthopaedics Field and James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.

The Beacons plated four runs in the 7th with the Purple Aces regaining control thanks to a double play and a groundout to end the game.  Zoe Frossard was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and a walk in the contest.  Marah Wood was 2-3 with three RBI and a walk while Alexa Davis recorded a home run, two hits, two runs and three RBI.

Valparaiso plated the first run of the day, executing a steal of home to take a 1-0 lead.  Evansville quickly got it going in the bottom of the frame.  With one out, Zoe Frossard singled, Hannah Hood walked and Marah Wood turned a check swing into a base hit to load the bags for Jenna Nink.  A patient at-bat resulted in a walk that would tie the game.  Next up was Jess Willsey who hit a sacrifice fly to give the Purple Aces their first lead of the day.

Evansville did even more damage in the second, adding five runs to the lead.  Taylor Howe reached on a leadoff double and crossed the plate on Lacy Smith’s single.  Smith came home when Alexa Davis hit a ground rule double to right field.  UE continued its offensive success, loading the bags for Marah Wood, who hit a bases clearing double to make it a 7-1 game.

Over the next two innings, the Beacons made their way back, adding single runs in the third and fourth frames to get within four.  They threatened to add more in top half of the fifth, loading the bases before Megan Brenton pitched out of the jam with Willsey making a nice defensive play to end the threat.

In the 5th, it was Alexa Davis hitting one out of the park as her 2-run shot put the Aces in front 9-3.  Valpo made a late comeback attempt in the 7th.  Trailing by six runs, the Beacons scored four times and threatened to get even closer before a double play got the Aces back on track and relief pitcher Elle Jarrett got a ground out to end the game.  Jarrett earned the save as she recorded the final three outs.  Mikayla Jolly made the start and picked up her second win of the year.  She allowed three runs on six hits in 3 2/3 frames.

Sunday’s series finale is set for a 12 p.m. first pitch.

Michigan State starting pitcher Joseph Dzierwa hand-cuffed the University of Evansville offense on Friday, limiting the Purple Aces to just two runs on three hits while striking out eight men in 7.1 innings of work to help guide the host Spartans to an 11-3 victory over UE at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field in East Lansing, Michigan.

Dzierwa (2-1) set the tone in the first inning, retiring Evansville in order with a pair of strikeouts.  He would get all of the offensive support he would need in the bottom of the first inning thanks to a three-run frame by the Michigan State offense, highlighted by back-to-back RBI doubles down the left-field line by second baseman Ryan McKay and third baseman Dillon Kark.

Dzierwa would retire the first seven Purple Aces he would face before UE freshman second baseman Brodie Peart would get to the left-hander for his first career home run – an opposite-field shot to right field – to cut Michigan State’s lead to 3-1.  Dzierwa would bounce back though to retire eight of the next nine men he faced, and Michigan State would blow things open with five two-out runs in the fourth inning to push the lead to 8-1.

UE senior first baseman Kip Fougerousse would add a first-pitch home run in the top of the eighth inning to cut the MSU lead to 8-2.  He would add an RBI double in the ninth inning after Michigan State scored three more two-out runs in the eighth inning.  Fougerousse was the lone Purple Ace to post a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBI.

With the victory, Michigan State improves to 6-9 on the 2024 season.  Evansville, meanwhile, falls to 8-9 overall.  The series will continue on Saturday afternoon at 2:35 p.m. central time in a game that can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS with the Voice of the Aces, Jevin Redman, providing the play-by-play coverage.  Freshman left-hander Kenton Deverman (2-1, 5.24 ERA) is scheduled to get the Saturday start for UE.

University of Evansville sophomore diver Levi McKinney (Boonville, Ind./Boonville) wrapped up the 2024 swimming and diving season in strong fashion for the Purple Aces on Friday afternoon, as he placed 23rd in the one-meter competition at the NCAA Zone C Diving Championships in Louisville, Kentucky.

McKinney posted a six-dive score of 253.05, finishing right behind Dash Glasberg of Indiana in the men’s standings.  Overall, McKinney placed 23rd out of 34 divers in a competition which featured competitors from the Big Ten, the Atlantic Coast Conference, Southeastern Conference, and the Mid-American Conference, among others.  The field also featured reigning NCAA one-meter diving champion Lyle Yost of Ohio State.

McKinney’s 23rd-place finish is UE’s best finish at the NCAA Zone Diving Championships since former Missouri Valley Conference Diver of the Year Sadie Wells placed 17th on the women’s side in 2010.  He is the first male to compete at the NCAA Zone Championships since Andy Balzco did in 2011.

The 2024 NCAA Zone Diving Championship concludes the 2023-24 swimming and diving season for the University of Evansville.  The Purple Aces are expected to return 19 swimmers and divers on the men’s side, and 10 competitors on the women’s side next season.

Spring action commences this weekend for the University of Evansville men’s golf team when they travel to Sevierville, Tenn. for the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate.

Running from Sunday through Tuesday, the tournament features 18 holes each day with tee times starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.  The River Course at the Sevierville Golf Club will be the host for the event.  Par is set for 72 and the yardage is 6,891.

This year’s field includes Alabama A&M, Bellarmine, Belmont, Chicago State, Christian Brothers, Cleveland State, Delta State, Detroit Mercy, Evansville, Lee, Morehead State, Northern Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee State and host Tennessee Tech.  West Virginia will have individuals competing.

Evansville last competed in the fall at the Lehigh University Invitational.  Daniil Romashkin was the top finisher for the Purple Aces, coming home in 11th place in a tournament highlighted by an even par of 72 in the opening round.

As a team, the Aces finished in 6th place out of 13 participants.  Prior to that event, UE was in Murray, Ky. for The Buddy.  With a team score of 856, Evansville came home in second place in the team standings while Carson Parker was the runner-up on the individual side.