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The Sunflower
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower
Melanie Rivera-Cortez

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Former sports editor

All content by Melanie Rivera-Cortez
Senior Addison Barnard screams and runs to home plate after hitting a home run on March 23 against UTSA. Barnard had two home runs in the game.

Addison Barnard’s record night leads WSU past UTSA in first round of AAC

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
May 9, 2024
Head Coach for the Shockers softball team, Kristi Bredbenner stands by the dugout in the second inning of a game in April 2023.

Softball’s Kristi Bredbenner reflects on coaching, changing the culture

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
May 7, 2024
Senior Bailey Urban celebrates after hitting an RBI double on April 5 against Tulsa. Urban had one hit.

Bailey ‘the softball player’ Urban overcomes adversity in last season

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
May 5, 2024
Andy Sykes poses in front of the logo for his Amplify My Training company on April 26.

Wichita State alum Andy Sykes ‘amplifies’ health and wellness on individual level

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
May 4, 2024
Melanie Rivera-Cortez

Rivera-Cortez: You are in the room because you belong there

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports editor
May 3, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Women’s bowling wins 11th national title, reflects on season

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
May 1, 2024
Junior Caroline Tallent runs down to home plate after hitting a home run on April 26 against UNT. Tallent had one hit and one run scored.

Softball drops two games against North Texas, comes back victorious in the third as freshman Chloe Barber shines

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 29, 2024
Women's basketball head coach Terry Nooner talks about his hopes for the upcoming season. On Oct. 16, WSU hosted a press conference for the women's basketball team for the upcoming season.

Women’s basketball signs three commits for 2024-2025 season, announces Virgin Islands trip

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 26, 2024
Senior Lauren Howell pitches on on April 9 against OU. Howell pitched one inning and gave up seven runs.

Softball takes two wins in series against UAB

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 25, 2024
Alejandro Jacome swings his racquet at the ball during a match against Tulsa on April 6. Jacome is a sophomore at Wichita State.

Men’s tennis concludes AAC bid against Tulsa

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 23, 2024
Wren Callstrom (Photo courtesy of Callstrom)

Wichita State student reflects on being homeless during high school

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 19, 2024
Lipscomb's AJ McGinnis defends Wichita State's Isaac Abidde during a game in November 2023. McGinnis committed to transfer to Wichita State over the weekend.

Lipscomb’s AJ McGinnis commits to Wichita State basketball over the weekend

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 17, 2024
Colby Rogers shoots the ball in the second half of Wichita State's AAC tournament game against Memphis. Rogers scored 13 points during his 38 minutes of play.

Basketball’s Colby Rogers commits to Memphis

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 17, 2024
(Illustration)

Shocker Sports Roundup: What you missed over the weekend

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 10, 2024
Cessna Stadium on April 10, 2024.

Athletic Director Kevin Saal gives update on Cessna Stadium renovations

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 10, 2024
Catcher Mauricio Millan tags Oklahoma State player out during the first inning on April 9. Wichita State fell to Oklahoma State, 9-5.

Baseball bested by No. 21 Oklahoma State in Riverfront Stadium

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 10, 2024
Head baseball coach Brian Green focuses on the game from the dugout against Oklahoma State University. Wichita State lost 9-5 at Riverfront Stadium on April 10.

Baseball coach Brian Green energizes team in first season with the Shockers

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
April 7, 2024
(Illustration)

Shocker Sports Roundup: Softball sweeps UTSA, men’s tennis falls to Rice and UAB

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 27, 2024
Redshirt sophomore forward Isaac Abidde looks to pass the ball against the Southern Illinois on Dec. 16.

Men’s basketball player Isaac Abidde enters NCAA transfer portal

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 22, 2024
Dalen Ridgnal attempts a 3-point shot during the second half on March 15. Wichita State fell to UAB in the third round match of the AAC tournament.

Men’s basketball’s season ends in the quarterfinals of the AAC tournament against UAB

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 15, 2024
Colby Rogers and Bijan Cortes defend against Memphis player during the first half. Wichita State defeated the No. 5 team in the second round of the American Athletic Conference tournament.

Men’s basketball upsets Memphis, advances to quarterfinals in AAC tournament

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 14, 2024
Redshirt junior guard Colby Rogers prepares to make a layup while facing off against Rice University. Rogers broke Wichita State's record for most 3-pointers in a single season with 94 3-pointers, three more than the previous record.

Men’s basketball escapes first round of AAC tournament, Colby Rogers breaks 3-point record

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 13, 2024
Daniela Abies rebounds the ball during the first quarter against Florida Atlantic. Wichita State defeated FAU in the first round of the American Athletic Conference tournament.

Women’s basketball finishes season with a second-round exit in conference tournament

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 11, 2024
Freshman Chloe Barber catches the candy thrown by Head Coach Kristi Bredbenner after her home run hit on Sept. 16. Barber was one of three home runs hit during the Saturday afternoon game against McLennan.

Freshman pitcher Chloe Barber makes her presence known on the pitch

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 8, 2024
Harlond Beverly chases after the ball during the final home game of the season againist Rice. Wichita State won with the score of 87-66.

Night of 3s: Wichita State men’s basketball trumps Rice in 21-point victory

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 4, 2024
(Illustration)

Shocker Sports Roundup: What you missed in sports this weekend

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
March 1, 2024
Followed by her teammates, freshman Salese Blow slams her hands on the table after making a 3-point buzzer shot to send the Shockers into overtime against SMU.

Women’s basketball drop game in overtime against Southern Methodist University

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 28, 2024
Freshman guard Salese Blow drives to the basket during the first half of the game against East Carolina on Feb. 5.

Charlotte crushes women’s basketball in 26-point victory

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 26, 2024
Mike Kennedy smiles as he sits at the press bench on Feb. 21.

Voice of the Shockers Mike Kennedy reveals cancer diagnosis, receives ‘heartwarming’ support

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 26, 2024
Women's bowling head coach Holly Harris talks to players during practice. Harris, a former player, has coached for the team for four years.

‘I couldn’t be more excited’: Women’s bowling prepares for NCAA jump

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 23, 2024
Sen. Roger Marshall talks to the Wichita State women's basketball team on Feb. 19.

Sen. Roger Marshall visits Wichita State women’s basketball, gives words of advice

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 22, 2024
DJ McCarty runs down the court after getting possession of the ball in the first quarter of the the Nov. 1 game against MSSU.

DJ McCarty’s career night aids women’s basketball in victory over Tulsa

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 21, 2024
The Wichita State volleyball team puts the WSU hand sign into the air to celebrate their win versus Drake University that put them into the Fab Four of the NIVT on December 6.

No NCAA, no problem: Volleyball reflects on NIVC Championship

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 16, 2024
Bijan Cortes prepares to pass the ball to a teammate during the game against UTSA on Feb. 7.

Heartbreak in overtime: Men’s basketball loses against FAU

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 13, 2024
Small forward Jordan Parks huddles together with the rest of his team during a timeout during the game against Heartfire. The AfterShocks lost, 76-53.

TBT to return to Charles Koch Arena this summer

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 12, 2024
The Wichita State softball team gathers together before the match against McLennan Community College on Sept. 16.

Softball gears up for a different season with conference newcomers

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 9, 2024
Gary Bender gives a speech at the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame induction on Feb. 6 in Wiedemann Hall. Bender graduated from Wichita State in 1962 with a degree in Speech. Bender came to prominence for his work in CBS sportscasting.

‘I’m a blessed man’: Former sports broadcaster recalls passion for life through work

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 8, 2024
Quincy Ballard during the game against Southern Methodist University on Jan. 28.

Second half woes cause men’s basketball to fall against Tulsa

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
February 1, 2024
Tre'Zure Jobe dribbles the ball up the court as Florida Atlantic guard Aniya Hubbard runs behind. Jobe scored five points against FAU on Jan. 27, breaking a four-game double digit scoring streak.

Women’s basketball falters in fourth quarter against Florida Atlantic

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 29, 2024
Brady Palen, a junior high jumper, attempts to clear the high jump bar at the Herm Wilson Invitational. Palen won the event, jumping seven feet, one-half inch, three inches off his career high.

Track and field complete three-day Wilson Invitational, Wichita State claims seven events

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 27, 2024
Harlond Beverly passes the ball to a teammate during the first half of the Jan. 24 game. Beverly scored 18 points throughout his 36 minutes of play Wednesday night.

East Carolina delivers men’s basketball’s eighth straight loss

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 26, 2024
The Professional Bowlers Association held its championship match at Northrock Bowling Lanes on Jan 15.

Wichita State senior Ryan Barnes places third in PBA Tour

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 16, 2024
Tre'Zure Jobe yells to her teammates the next play late in the Jan. 17 game.

Women’s basketball snaps losing streak against Memphis

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 18, 2024
The Wichita State softball team gathers together before the match against McLennan Community College on Sept. 16.

Softball picked overall No. 1 in preseason coaches poll

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 16, 2024
Tre'Zure Jobe prepares to take a free throw shot in the last few minutes of the Dec. 1 game versus Saint Louis. Jobe went 9-13 for her free throw shots Friday night.

Women’s basketball falters against North Texas in fourth quarter

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 16, 2024
Harlond Beverly jumps to make an attempt at the basket against Memphis. Beverly scored 17 points throughout his 34 minutes of play on Jan. 14.

Men’s basketball allows over 100 points in loss against Memphis

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 16, 2024
Prior to the start of the Tuesday night game, the Shockers do a group huddle.

Women’s basketball slow start allows Temple to cruise to victory

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 11, 2024
Colby Rogers runs past the defensive player during the second half of the Jan. 4 game. Rogers played 38 minutes, and scored 18 points and one rebound.

AAC newcomer North Texas defeats Wichita State men’s basketball in conference opener

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
January 6, 2024
Dalen Ridgnal looks down between free throws in the second half of the Dec. 30 game. The Shockers fell to KU at the T-Mobile Center 86-67.

Men’s basketball falls to No. 2 University of Kansas

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 31, 2023
After defeating Tulane University, senior guard Aniya Bell celebrates on the sidelines. The Shockers defeated the Green Wave by three points, 63-60.

Women’s basketball snaps four-game losing streak in conference opener

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 30, 2023
Xavier Bell yells to his teammates as he runs down the court.

Men’s basketball falter against Kansas State University

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 24, 2023
Sophomore forward Daniela Abies looks for a teammate to pass to during the game against Houston on Dec. 4.

Women’s basketball struggle in fourth quarter against Oral Roberts

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 22, 2023
Junior guard Xavier Bell dribbles down the court during the game against Southern Illinois on Dec. 16.

Strong defensive effort aids Wichita State in victory against Southern Illinois

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 18, 2023
The Shockers celebrate a point made in the second set against Montana State on Dec. 9.

Volleyball crowned champions of NIVC after sweeping UTEP

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 15, 2023
Kenny Pohto looks around for a teammate to pass the ball to during the Dec. 10 game. Pohto scored nine points and 13 rebounds.

Wichita State men’s basketball lose energy against South Dakota State

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 13, 2023
The Wichita State Shockers celebrate their win in the NIVC semi-finals match against Montana State. Following the win, the Shockers beat UTEP for the NIVC championship.

Volleyball heads to NIVC championship match after sweeping Montana State

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 12, 2023
Head women's basketball coach Terry Nooner talks to players during the last four minutes of the game against Houston Christian University on Dec. 4. The team lost, 49-44.

Women’s basketball struggles against the University of Kansas

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 10, 2023
Gabi Maas, Katie Galligan and Morgan Stout celebrate after evening the score early in the first set. Wichita State faced Drake University of Des Moines, Iowa in the Great 8 of the NIVT.

Volleyball sweeps Drake to advance to semifinals of NIVC

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 7, 2023
Senior guard DJ McCarty watches the women's basketball team from the sidelines on Dec. 4. The team lost to the Houston Huskies, 49-44.

Women’s basketball falls to Houston Christian

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 6, 2023
Following the team's win, Aniya Bell and Jeniah Thompson celebrate with a side jump. The Shockers defeated Saint Louis 78-59.

Women’s basketball finds identity against Saint Louis

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 4, 2023
Dalen Ridgnal and Xavier Bell pose for a photo after their win against the Richmond Spiders on Nov. 29. The Shockers won 80-68 on Koch Arena's 20th anniversary.

Men’s basketball exterminates Richmond Spiders in double-digit win

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
December 2, 2023
Junior forward Kenny Pohto drives toward the basket during the game against Norfolk State University on Nov. 25. Pohto played in 36 minutes of the evening's game,

Men’s basketball finds ‘rhythm’ for victory against Norfolk State

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 27, 2023
Salese Blow screams after scoring another two points in the fourth quarter. The freshman guard from Texas scored 19 points in her 22 minutes of play.

Freshman Salese Blow helps lead women’s basketball to victory against Omaha

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 23, 2023
Sydney McKinney, a WSU softball alum, speaks as a panelist during the Nov. 17 press conference in the Heskett Center.

Sydney McKinney comes home in AUX summer tournament

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 18, 2023
Redshirt sophomore forward Isaac Abidde prepares to shoot at the game against Friends University on Nov. 12.

Men’s basketball cruise to victory in intercity match against Friends University

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 13, 2023
The volleyball team celebrates a winning set at the game against the University of Texas at San Antonio on Nov. 11.

Volleyball takes two against UTSA

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 12, 2023
Colby Rogers runs past the opposing defense player during the Nov. 9 game against Western Kentucky. Rogers scored 10 points throughout the game, 10 points less than Monday night's game against Lipscomb.

Wichita State basketball beat Western Kentucky in second half bounce back

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 12, 2023
Tre'Zure Jobe talks about her return to the shockers. On Oct. 16, WSU hosted a press conference for the women's basketball team for the upcoming season.

Tre’zure Jobe returns to home after persistent recruiting by coaching staff

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 10, 2023
Daniela Abies speaks to a reporter on the 2023-2024 Media Day in Charles Koch Arena. Media Day gave reporters in the Wichita area a chance to speak to women's and men's basketball players.

Daniela Abies finds new ‘vibe’ in sophomore season

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 9, 2023
Dalen Ridgnal speaks to a reporter on the 2023-2024 Media Day in Charles Koch Arena. Media Day gave reporters in the Wichita area a chance to speak to women's and men's basketball players.

Ridgnal poised for leadership after being last minute recruit

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 8, 2023
A team of Wichita State students worked on creating new handrails inside Charles Koch Arena. The students were honored for the project at the men's exhibition game on Oct. 29.

Wichita State Athletics update fan amenities for the 2023-24 season

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
November 7, 2023
Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift

REVIEW: Taylor Swift welcomes you to New York for ‘1989’ re-release

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports editor
November 1, 2023
The men's cross country team sticks together through the beginning of the race at the JK Gold Classic on Sept. 11. The first place finisher was Adam Rzentkowski who ran unattached for Wichita State with a time of 18:09.3.

Cross country finishes regular season, prepares for conference championships

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 27, 2023
Aston Castillo watches his ball fly. Castillo, a junior, practiced his short game during practice on Sept. 23, 2022 at Crestview Country Club.

Men’s golf finishes regular season play in the Bahamas

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 26, 2023
Morgan Stout leaps for the kill during the first set in the match against Tulsa. Stout made six kills and five blocks during the Oct. 20 match.

Volleyball regains focus to continue winning streak against Tulsa

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 26, 2023
(Photo courtesy of Brian Barnes/ Wichita State Athletics)

Women’s bowling competes at Mid States tournament

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 23, 2023
(Courtesy of GoShocks)

Wichita State softball names Lexie Elkins as director of operations

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 19, 2023
(Illustration)

WSU professors emphasize importance of local elections, government

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 18, 2023
Junior Quincy Ballard prepares to dunk the ball during warmups for the Shocker Madness scrimmage game.

Basketball shifts into high gear for Shocker Madness

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 11, 2023
Morgan Weber watches as Morgan Stout hits the ball past an opposing player in the Oct. 6 game in Charles Koch Arena.

Wichita State volleyball sweeps South Florida

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 11, 2023
Before the game against South Dakota State on Oct. 8, Wichita State softball players stand in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Wichita State softball to compete in Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 11, 2023
The Wichita State Shockers celebrate after taking a point in the second set. WSU won the first three matches to take the win against Temple on Oct. 6.

Sophia Rohling leads volleyball to victory against Temple

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 8, 2023
Calvin Herrill rubs tears from his eyes during the memorial ceremony. On Oct. 2, Wichita State held its 53rd annual Memorial '70 service to commemorate the players, faculty and supporters who died in the 1970 plane crash.

Survivors, families remember 1970 plane crash as stadium enters demolishment phases

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
October 3, 2023
WSU Athletics hosted a press conference to introduce the new head men's basketball coach Paul Mills on March 23.

Basketball officially enters the Paul Mills era

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 28, 2023
The Wichita State Shockers celebrate after scoring a point in the first set. Wichita State took the set 25-14.

Wichita State volleyball sweep University of Charlotte

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 26, 2023
Wilkins Stadium is undergoing renovations that will see the additions of two new complexes. The stadium was built in 1997 and has been used since the 1998 season.

$1.5 million donated to softball training facility

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 22, 2023
(Courtesy of WSU Strategic Communications)

Shocker Madness will feature a performance from Tech N9ne

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 20, 2023
Stacy Murfin, forward, dribbles with the ball and makes the shot on Sept. 12. Murfin was a part of WSU's women's club soccer team.

Women’s club soccer welcomes all skill levels

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 15, 2023
High jumper Brady Palen stretchs to start off track and field practice on Sept. 12.

Wichita State track athlete Brady Palen high jumps into leadership role

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 13, 2023
Athletics Director Kevin Saal introduces Holly Harris as the first women's bowling head coach in their NCAA Division I era. The team will officially transition to the NCAA on July 1, 2024.

Wichita State women’s bowling to move to NCAA

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 9, 2023
(Courtesy of Shocker of Athletics)

Wichita State alum Toby Lane named director of operations for men’s basketball

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 7, 2023
Lucy Ndungu, a newcomer and one of Wichita State's top runners, comes across the finish line at the JK Classic. Ndungu finished in first place with a time of 17:42.5 in the 5k.

Cross country sweeps at JK Classic

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 5, 2023
Athletic Director Kevin Saal speaks to the Staff Senate on May 17.

Potential DEI ‘team’ to be added to Wichita State’s athletic department

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 3, 2023
Elise Collins celebrates after catching a fish at the S'mores and Oars event hosted by Shocker Rowing. This was the Wichita State freshman's first catch in years.

Wichita State Fishing Club aims to grow after pandemic

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
September 1, 2023
(Illustration)

Men’s golf new schedule adds international tournaments

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
August 31, 2023
After completing the doubles matches, the WSU tennis team gathers for a team huddle.

Wichita State men’s tennis adds two players to their roster

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
August 22, 2023
Redshirt Junior Morgan Stout dominates by the net with a stellar spike against OU at Charles Koch Arena, Aug 17, 2023.

Stout leads volleyball to a win in Oklahoma exhibition match

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
August 18, 2023
Director of Athletics Kevin Saal shows "The Shocker Way" document, which the athletics department uses to achieve its mission, at a press confrence on Aug. 15. The Shocker Way outlines three components: core values, student athletic experience, and competitve excellence.

AD Kevin Saal ‘excited for what lies ahead’

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Sports Editor
August 17, 2023
The Plaza of Heroines located in the center of campus on Nov. 18, 2021. The plaza was contructed with bricks and pavement that record the names of women honored as heroines.

Women’s Studies department rebranded as Women, Ethnicity, and Intersectional Studies department

Melanie Rivera-Cortez, Reporter
June 19, 2023
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