UE will reduce business hours during the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. This schedule will be in place beginning Monday, May 12, and we will extend these hours for one additional week through Friday, August 8. Regular hours will return Monday, August 11.

Juneteenth

For the second year, on Thursday, June 19, all University offices will be closed in honor of Juneteenth, marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. In addition to time with your family and friends, we encourage you to utilize this time for reflection.

July 4 Holiday

The long Holiday weekend will get a little longer. We are adding one additional day to create an even longer holiday weekend. In addition to the University observing the July 4 holiday on Friday, the University will also be closed on Thursday, July 3.

The Sesquicentennial Front Oval will be closed all day on Friday, May 9, for students to take commencement photos. It will remain closed until Saturday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

The University of Evansville’s 167th Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10th to honor the Class of 2025. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Ford Center. No tickets are required. For those who cannot attend in-person, the ceremony will also be live streamed at evansville.edu/live/. This will also include closed captioning for those in need. Full information is available at the Commencement Central webpage at evansville.edu/Commencement.

In September 2025, a review team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) will visit the university as part of our reaffirmation of accreditation. To learn more about the criterion on which UE will be evaluated, please take a moment to watch the following video guides.

HLC Criterion 1 | Mission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJYe4poqk-Q

HLC Criterion 2 | Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEcGIsTJRmU

HLC Criterion 3 | A-D Teaching and Learning for Student Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4M_MgYDQDg

HLC Criterion 3 | E-G Teaching and Learning for Student Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJAb7We7y6M

HLC Criterion 4 | Sustainability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ4quibQzaQ

HLC Federal Compliance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fIP_9MOi0E

University of Evansville Theatre students, faculty, and UE Theatre Society Board members gathered on Thursday, May 1, at the Log Inn for their annual Student Awards Dinner, where they recapped the year, celebrated achievements, and looked forward to the year ahead.

Following remarks by UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz, Theatre Society President Justin McCullough-Haddix, and Department Chair Sharla Cowden, awards were presented in several categories. Student award winners were the Buddy Barnes Award for Outstanding First Year Students, Luis Alejandro Gonzalez, a performance major from Midland, Texas, and Jasmine Hardin, a stage management major from Aurora, Colo; the Mary Lou Muth Wooley Award for Outstanding Sophomore, Saray Rodríguez Hernández, a theatre management major from Caracas, Venezuela; the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Award for Outstanding Junior, Quinn McGaugh, a performance major from McAlester, Okla; the John W. Streetman III Young Artist Award of the Year Award, Emily Proctor, a sophomore theatre studies major from Jeffersonville, Ind; the Jeanne Suhrheinrich Award for Outstanding Senior, Delaney Ross, a performance major from Keller, Texas, and the William A. Gumberts Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award, Lauren Shinoski, a senior design and technology major from Grain Valley, Mo., for her costume design of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN.

Come Celebrate the Senior Art Exhibition 2025!

The Department of Art is excited to invite you to this year's Senior Art Exhibition at the Melvin Peterson Gallery, featuring the work of Madison Adams, Wren Brooks, Mari Mueller, and Dezeree Shepherd.

Exhibition Dates:

April 21 - May 9

Opening Reception:

Wednesday, April 23 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Closing Reception:

Friday, May 9 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Come check out the amazing artwork and help us celebrate these talented students!

The Menstrual Equity Club is hosting the annual Jampon Event (Jam for tampons). It will be on the East Terrace Lawn APRIL 13TH AT 5:30PM. We need artists, vendors, comedians, dancers, or any talented people. It's for a great cause, low stakes, and a fun time!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyyNKHXJp1DIb7dRgoImr8fCiE5jVbclvcBbi0eu6_sZklQg/viewform?usp=sharing

Reach out to Katie Lawhorn or Delaney Ross OR fill out this form before the 10th of April.

Happy Jamming!

Matthew 25 will be at the health center the first Wednesday of every month from 9-11am for free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing.  No appointment necessary. $15 Walmart giftcards available while supplies last.  Testing available to all faculity and students.

Whether you have coached a ChangeLab or are interested in coaching one, this FREE workshop is for you! Spaces are very limited, so respond soon. RSVP to ac116@evansville.edu to receive registration link!

All full-time UE faculty are invited to join the Center for Innovation & Change team for an innovation in education workshop in downtown Evansville on May 26 and 27!

Sessions will start immediately after lunch on May 26. Following hte workshop, join everyone for a happy hour downtown and then come back for Day 2! Meals will be provided.

At this workshop, we'll learn from experienced coaches, provide helpful tools, and help you think about this unique approach to experiential learning in your class or department.

Spots are extremely limited and will be given first come, first served. Meals and materials provided.

RSVP to ac116@evansville.edu to receive registration link!

The library is offering to keep students' plants alive over the summer if they cannot take them home. Contact Meg Atwater-Singer at ma35 for more information.

The University of Evansville Theatre announces five productions for the 2025–2026 season in Shanklin Theatre and the May Studio Theatre. The Shanklin Theatre season kicks off with the emotionally captivating musical ONCE, book by Edna Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, directed by Assistant Professor Wes Grantom ’03, with musical direction by Tyler Simpson. UE Theatre’s Rogue and Peasant Aces will again produce a free touring production, under the direction of Assistant Professor Stacey Yen, with William Shakespeare’s MACBETH. In the spring semester, Yen will take the helm of PASSAGE by Christopher Chen, and Wes Grantom will direct THE STEADFAST, by 2001 UE Theatre alumnus Mat Smart. Directing in the May Studio next year will be Antonio Cortés Román ’26, a theatre performance major from Metepec, Mexico and Landry Barker ’26, a theatre performance major from Ft Worth, Texas.

Dates and subscription tickets for the three-play Shanklin Theatre series as well as the two-play May Studio Theatre series will be announced later this year.

Beginning Friday, May 2nd, all official transcript requests will be held unfil final grades are posted or degrees are conferred. If you need an unofficial transcript, you can access it anytime through self-service.

The Office of Marketing is using a new template for all business card orders that aligns with the recent brand identity (Changing lives. Changing the world.), and the design is shown below. If you have previously ordered business cards and need to order more, your card will be updated with the new template.

Need to order business cards? Submit a Lytho request!

If you have questions, please reach out to Julie Beer at jb855@evansville.edu.

🎓 Graduation Cap Decorating Station

Celebrate your accomplishment with a touch of creativity! From May 1–May 9, stop by our DIY Graduation Cap Decorating Table located in Rademachers Lounge (across from Rademachers), in front of the UE Bookstore. The station will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, fully stocked with decorating supplies to help you personalize your cap and make it uniquely yours.

Swing by anytime—no registration needed!

Headline: 2025-26 Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship application deadline has been extended!

Start/End Date: Daily through May 5, 2025

Message: Family, friends and loved ones of the late Dr. Marvin E. Hartig are pleased to announce the application process for the Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Hartig, Dean of Evansville College’s Evening College in 1967, and administrator for the Center for Advanced Study, director of the Evansville chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), and the international student advisor. In 1974, Dr. Hartig was appointed Dean of Academic Services. He retired in 1984 after serving his alma mater for thirty-five years and passed away in 2007.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving sophomore student. Preference will be given to a student working while being enrolled as a full-time student. International students are encouraged to apply.

Eligible students for the 2025-2026 Hartig Memorial Scholarship will be sophomores in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Download the application.

Deadline: Please return all materials to the Office of Student Financial Services by May 5, 2025. The decision will be announced by May 27, 2025.

Questions: Amber Chandler, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Financial Services, at ac547@evansville.edu or 812-488-2364

Our New Foundations Newsletter Is Out Now!
Read all about it — featuring major projects, milestones, employee recognitions, operations updates, shout-outs, and more!

Foundations Newsletter - April 2025 - Office of Facilities Management and Planning - University of Evansville

The Office of Residence Life is seeking a creative and motivated student to serve as our Marketing Assistant. This position supports the promotion of Residence Life programs and services through social media, newsletters, event marketing, and more. The role averages 10-15 hours per week. A housing scholarship is provided. 

Applicants must be in good standing with the University of Evansville, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate strong communication skills, attention to detail, and experience with social media, marketing, and design. 

To apply, submit an application, resume. and a sample advertisement by May 10, 2025. You can find the application on eRezLife.

For questions, contact the Office of Residence Life.

The University of Evansville’s current fiscal year, FY25, will end on May 31, 2025. The offices of Administrative Services and Accounting & Audit announce the following procedures related to the purchase of goods and services during the month of May:

Pcard Purchases:

• Pcard purchases posting for the month of May (cycle ending May 21) will be paid from the current fiscal year, FY25, unless the purchase is a prepaid item for the next fiscal year.
• All Pcard users should enter the allocation account numbers for May’s posted transactions in Chrome River by June 6, 2025. After that date, transactions will be posted to the Pcard user’s default budget account number.
• Pcard purchases that qualify as a prepaid expense for the next fiscal year should be noted as follows on reconciliation reports:
  • When adding your transaction to a reconciliation report, please use the “Miscellaneous” tile and then the “Prepaid Expense” tile
  • The allocation account number will be: 10-00-000000
  • In the Description field, add the details of this expense and the account number it should be charged to in Fiscal Year 2026

Purchase Orders:

• To enter a purchase order for the next fiscal year, FY26, please create the purchase order with an effective date of 6/1/2025 or later.
• Approved requisitions converted into purchase orders with delivery by May 31, 2025, will be paid from this fiscal year’s budget.

Blanket Purchase Orders:

• To enter a blanket purchase order for the next fiscal year, FY26, please create the order with an effective date of 6/1/2025 or later.
• All FY25 blanket orders expire on May 31, 2025.

Payment Requests:

• All invoices to be paid from FY25 must be submitted through Self Service by June 10, 2025.

Employees in need of a headshot can have theirs taken on Thursday, May 8 at 9:45AM.

Headshots will be taken outdoors near the southwest corner of the front oval lawn. In the event of rain, they will be moved indoors to the SOBA atrium.

To add your name to the list, please contact Abbie Perry at ap445@evansville.edu.

*Your exclusive Columbia Employee Store Invite has arrived. *

Columbia Employee Store Invitation Details:

• University of Evansville Alumni Association offer is valid April 18th - May 11th! 
• Shop our family of brands – Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna at 40% off retail pricing
• For store access, please provide your digital invite (printed or shown on your mobile device) + proof of affiliation
• Invitees can bring up to four additional guests with each visit
• This offer is for store access (not valid online)
  
  

Have a wonderful week!

Kentucky Employee Store Team| Columbia Sportswear Company

Store Location: 2480 US-41 N | Henderson, KY 42420

Store Phone: (270) 854-3265

Email: kentuckyemployeestore@columbia.com 

Columbia Sportswear | Mountain Hardwear | SOREL | prAna

SPAN 211 and SPAN 212 will be offered during Summer Session 1 and Summer Session 2, respectively. Foreign language courses through the 212 level are required for those seeking BA degrees. Both courses are online and asynchronous to accommodate busy schedules and diverse locations.

Questions?  Contact Dr. Cindy Crowe: cc109@evansville.edu

If you are interested in building bridges instead of walls, register for CHNG-310-S02: Latino Community Outreach for the fall semester. In this ChangeLab, students will explore ideas and work collaboratively with businesses and nonprofits to promote diversity and multicultural  harmony and to meet the needs of the local Latino community. Examples of outreach include working with healthcare providers; presenting research; translating documents; teaching basic Spanish and promoting Latino culture in after-school programs; tutoring English language learners in local schools; and offering English classes for adults. Students choose the project or projects that interest them.  Heritage speakers are encouraged to join!

If you want to learn more about our award-winning ChangeLab, contact Profe Cindy Crowe: cc109@evansville.edu

Would you like to help the tri-state’s growing Haitian population overcome challenges and successfully integrate into our community while maintaining their cultural identity? Then register for CHNG-310-S02: Haitian Community Outreach for the fall semester.  Students can earn up to 4 credit hours while supporting our Haitian community and developing projects to meet their needs. If you speak Haitian Creole, you are especially needed! However, speaking the language is not a requirement.

If you want to learn more about this ChangeLab, email Dr. Cindy Crowe: cc109@evansville.edu

2025-26 MARGERY FLORENCE KAHN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

It was the desire of the donor, Margery Florence Kahn, that her scholarship be awarded to "dedicated and conscientious students who exhibit a true passion for their chosen fields of study, and who, in the opinion of the members of the University of Evansville faculty, are likely to bring the same enthusiasm into the performance of their jobs or the practice of the professions which they will pursue following graduation."

All University of Evansville full-time undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors in the 2025-26 academic year may apply. An essay of about 300 words must accompany the application along with two to five faculty recommendation letters.

View the application and faculty recommendation information.

Completed applications and recommendation letters should be returned to the Office of Student Financial Services by MAY 9, 2025.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 812-488-2364 or studentfinancialservices@evansville.edu.

Dr. Lora Becker, Professor Ralph Larmann, Dr. Rob Montgomery, Dr. Gregory Rike, and Dr. Mark Shifflet were honored this past Sunday at the Faculty Retirement Tree Planting Ceremony and Reception.  The Autumn Blaze Freeman Red Maple tree that was planted in their honor is located by the Koch Center along Lincoln Avenue by the green house and Lot C.  They will each leave with a great legacy of successful careers and excellent service to our institution.

Dr Lora Becker

Professor Ralph Larmann

Dr Rob Montgomery

Dr Gregory Rike

Dr Mark Shifflet

Rhonda Spaulding was named the SAA Employee of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year. Rhonda has served as the Controller in the University of Evansville's Accounting and Audit Department for the past five years. Rhonda was awarded the Employee of the Month Award for September 2024.

Thank you for all you do for UE, Rhonda, and Congratulations!

Congratulations to the faculty members who received a Dean's Teaching Award for 2024-2025 from their Dean or Associate Dean. Their dedication to our students through their teaching and support is exceptional. The faculty members being recognized are:

Tommy Housman, Instructor of Communication from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences.

Dennis Malfatti, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities from the William L. Ridgway College of Arts and Sciences.

Yolanda Obaze, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management from the College of Business and Engineering.

Douglas Stamps, Professor of Mechanical Engineering from the College of Business and Engineering.

Hanna LaMar, Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy from the College of Education and Health Sciences.

William Miller, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences from the College of Education and Health Sciences.

Congratulations to our amazing faculty members!

Please join us in congratulating the winners of The Howard S. Rosenblatt “Dean of Students Leadership Awards.”  These awards were presented at the 32nd Annual Leadership Awards Reception on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 hosted 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: Stacie Miller

• Student Organization of the Year: Student Activities Board

• Student Leader of the Year: Trinitie Terrell

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.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you for your leadership at UE!

Condolences are extended to the family and friends of Dr. Laura H. Weaver who died on April 18 in Evansville. Dr. Weaver was a member of the faculty in the Department of English at UE from 1980 to 1999 and taught composition and World Cultures. She described herself as a lifelong Mennonite and often wrote and spoke about her conservative Mennonite family and upbringing and contrasted them with the more secular life she adopted as an adult.

A full obituary is at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/evansville-in/laura-weaver-12361332

A memorial service will be held at Patchwork Central, 100 Washington Avenue, Evansville, on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 pm.

In just their second year of existence, the Aces Esports Overwatch team has made program history by qualifying for the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) National Championship for the very first time.

This unprecedented achievement marks a monumental milestone for the Aces Esports program, which has rapidly risen through the ranks to earn national recognition. With a season defined by grit, coordination, and standout performances, the Aces have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the collegiate esports stage.

“This is more than just a win for our Overwatch team—it’s a win for our entire program and school community,” said Samuel Henderson, Head Coach of Aces Esports. “To reach the national stage in only our second year speaks volumes about the dedication and passion of our players.”

Throughout the season, the Aces have impressed opponents with their disciplined strategies, high mechanical skill, and cohesive teamwork. Their journey to the NECC National Championship included a hard-fought playoff run against some of the top collegiate programs in the nation- Valpo, UI-Springfield, University of Akron, University of Mississippi, and Illinois State University.

The National Championship match will be held today in Esports Center at 7:00 PM CST against Fort Lewis, where the Aces will look to bring home their first national title and show our vision of training champions.

Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s progress on social media @AcesEsports and cheer them on in the Esports Center as they chase Gold.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Scoring three runs in the top of the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, Southern Illinois pulled away for an 11-1 win over the University of Evansville softball team on Sunday at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.

Picking up three hits in the top of the first, the Salukis took the early 1-0 lead. Zoe Frossard and Jess Willsey recorded hits in the first as the Purple Aces loaded the bags before a pop out halted the rally.  SIU added a sacrifice fly in the third to extend the advantage to 2-0.

Looking to tie the game in the bottom of the third, Morgan Adams hit a long fly ball over the wall that was inches away from tying the game. In the fourth, UE got on the board.  Brooke Voss reached on a 1-out double before walks from Keghan Pye and Frossard loaded the bases for Niki Bode, who walked to cut the deficit in half.

Three SIU runs would score in the top of the fifth with a 2-run home run by Emily Williams highlighting the frame.  They added three more in both the sixth and seventh to extend the lead before finishing with the 11-1 win.  In total, the Salukis had 14 hits with Emma Austin and Williams posting three apiece.  Evansville had five hits with Jess Willsey registering two.

Elle Jarrett was tagged with the loss.  She gave up five runs in five innings.  McKenzie Newcomb took the win.  In 3 2/3 innings of relief, she gave up just two hits.

Seeding for this week’s Missouri Valley Conference Championship will be announced when results from today are finalized.  UE is slated to be the #11 seed with its opening game set for 8 p.m. on Wednesday in Des Moines.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In a rainy and cold series finale, the University of Evansville baseball team was swept by the Belmont Bruins in a 10-6 loss.

Another late-game offensive rally from Belmont kept the Purple Aces from picking up a win over the weekend. UE led going into the final three innings of Sunday’s contest, but the Bruins added 11 runs to sweep the series. Sophomore left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) had almost half of Evansville’s hits with three in his sixth game of the season with three hits.

"It was one of those weekends where nothing broke our way,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll following the game. “[Starter Max] Hansmann gave us a warrior effort on the mound to give us a chance, but we couldn't get enough out of some other guys."

It was another fast start to the game on Sunday as both sides mostly went down in order in the first two innings. The offenses exploded in the third inning as both teams put multiple runs on the board. Belmont had its biggest inning in the top of the third, scoring five runs on five hits as they batted through the order.

The Aces had a good start to the bottom of the third as right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) led off with a double. Taubert moved to third on a fielder’s choice to outfielder Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS). Rumsey then also made his way into scoring position with his 29th steal of the season. Longmeier brought in both runners with a deep single to left to cut the Bruins' lead to three.

UE’s defense was able to hold Belmont scoreless over the next three innings as starting pitcher Max Handsmann (Elmhurst, Ill. / York HS) allowed only two hits and one walk. Evansville’s offense continued its two-run-per-inning clip through the next two innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Taubert added his seventh home run of the year, making it a 5-4 game.

During the bottom of the fifth, second baseman Mason McCue (Bourbonnais, Ill. / Bishop McNamara HS) led off with a single. McCue found himself coming home two at-bats later as Longmeier had his sixth home run of the season and his third in six games to give the Aces a 6-5 lead. UE kept the lead through the sixth inning, but the Bruins tied the game in the seventh.

Evansville’s offense went cold in the final four innings, not registering another hit after the bottom of the fifth. Belmont took over the game from the Aces in the final two innings, scoring a combined 10 runs on six hits and five walks for the 16-6 final score.

UE heads across town for its next game, taking on Southern Indiana Tuesday night. Evansville will play the Screaming Eagles at USI for its midweek game each of the next two weeks. The first of the two games on May 6 at USI Baseball Field is set for a 6 p.m. first pitch.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Gracie Hollingsworth threw a 6-hit complete game shutout to lead the University of Evansville softball team to a 2-0 win over Southern Illinois at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.

In the effort, Hollingsworth struck out four and did not record a walk in seven frames.  The Purple Aces accumulated seven hits in the game with Taylor Howe going 2-3 with two runs.  Kynadee Warner also had two hits.

A leadoff triple got the day going for SIU, but Hollingsworth pitched out of the jam as she recorded three quick outs.  The offense countered with a run in the bottom of the inning.  Taylor Howe and Niki Bode reached on singles before Howe scored on a sacrifice fly by Morgan Adams.

Hollingsworth continued to keep the Salukis off the board and the offense came through with its second run of the game in the bottom of the 5th.  Howe hit a leadoff single before stealing second and moving to third on a Zoe Frossard sacrifice.  Niki Bode brought her win with a double off the left field wall.

From there, Hollingsworth finished the game on the way to her 8th victory of the season.

Evansville looks for the series win on Sunday with the finale set for a noon first pitch.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – It was a back-and-forth game through eight innings on Saturday afternoon. But a big ninth inning on offense for the Belmont Bruins handed the University of Evansville a 12-8 loss.

The Purple Aces headed into the final inning of Saturday’s game with a two-run lead, looking to tie the series against Belmont. But the Bruins had a seven-run ninth inning to take the series win on Saturday afternoon. UE had 10 hits on the day from seven different batters for an improved offensive performance from Friday. Three Evansville batters led the team with two hits each in catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine), designated hitter Evan Waggoner (Bedford, Ind. / Bedford North Lawrence HS), and infielder Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS)

“It was a poorly managed game,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll following the loss. “To fall apart like that in winning time is on me. We need to salvage the weekend tomorrow with a win.”

It was an even game early as the two teams almost matched one another in the first and second innings. Both teams had a hit but stranded a runner in the first. While each team scored two runs in the second inning, with at least one homer. Belmont took the lead first with a solo shot to begin the inning and scored on a single five at-bats later.

On the opposite end, the Aces scored their first two runs on two separate solo home runs. Freshman infielder Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. / Christian Brothers Academy) recorded his first career home run in a UE uniform by going yard over the right field wall. Only two at-bats later, McConnell put his third homer of the season in almost the exact same spot.

The offense slowed down over the next three and a half innings as neither team scored a run until the sixth inning. The team’s starting pitchers, Evansville sophomore Kevin Reed (Martinsville, Ind. / Martinsville HS) and Bruins sophomore Zane Brown, dealt through the fifth. Pitching six innings, Reed scattered six hits and only allowed the two runs to score while striking out three batters for the Aces.

Brown was not as lucky as UE had a four-spot in the bottom of the sixth, forcing the reigning MVC Pitcher of the Week to exit midway through the frame. Infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) was the first Evansville player to score as he walked to lead off the half inning. McGinnis was brought home on a double from designated hitter Evan Waggoner (Bedford, Ind. / Bedford North Lawrence HS).

The Aces’ next five batters all reached base with two singles, two walks, and a fielder’s choice to score three more runs, giving UE a 6-2 advantage after two-thirds of the game. Belmont was able to answer immediately by tying the game up in the seventh with three runs on four hits off Evansville senior reliever Drew Fieger (Fort Mitchell, Ky. / Lincoln Trail CC). The Aces were able to retake the lead in the bottom of the inning with another pair of runs on two singles from catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) and McConnell and two walks.

UE held onto the 8-6 lead through the eighth as a double play on defense took down the Bruins in order. A batter made it on base for Evansville in the bottom of the eighth but wasn’t able to score to give the Aces any more insurance. Belmont tied up the game in only two at-bats in the top of the ninth with a single followed by a home run to make it 8-8 with no outs on the board.

The Bruins’ offense cruised through their lineup at the top of the ninth, batting all the way through their order and then some. Belmont overtook UE in the final inning with eight hits, two walks, and a fielder’s choice to score seven runs. Evansville faced a 13-8 deficit going into the final frame of the day. Waggoner led off with his second double of the afternoon to right center. But the Aces’ next three batters went down in order, falling to the Bruins by five runs.

UE will try to take a game from Belmont on Sunday afternoon in the rubber match. Evansville will have junior right-hander Max Hansmann (Elmhurst, Ill. / York HS) on the mound to try and earn the win. First pitch for the series finale between the two teams is set for 1 p.m. at Charles H. Braun Stadium.

NASHVILLE – The University of Evansville track and field team had two more record performances on Saturday for a successful weekend at the Outdoor Music City Challenge.

The Purple Aces finished their time in the Music City with three more new records and two podium finishes. UE’s men set two more program records on the track in the 800-meter race and the 4x400-meter relay race. Sophomore Cedrik Flipo (Beloeil, Quebec) ran the 800-meter race in 1:49.41 while Evansville’s 4x400 relay team improved on their record from two weeks ago. Sophomore sprinter Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind. / Reitz HS) took down an eight-year record in the 400-meter hurdles in her first-ever collegiate hurdles event with a time of 1:03.66.

“This weekend was a critical weekend for big performances, and we delivered in a major way,” said Head Coach Dylan Anderson after the meet. “Vanderbilt always puts on a great, efficient meet and did so even with weather delays both days. I’m really encouraged that we are at our best at the right time.”

SPRINTS, HURDLES, RELAYS

The Aces' first event of the afternoon was one of their best results of the day, the men’s 4x100-meter relay. UE’s team of sophomore Connor Shin (Bloomington, Ind. / Bloomington North HS), junior Jose Ocampo (Monterrey, Nueva Leon, Mexico), freshman Myles Terry (Evansville, Ind. / North HS), and sophomore Raymond Felton III (Houston / Clear Brook HS) earned the top spot in the event with a time of 41.16 seconds. The mark by the relay team was three hundredths of a second behind their best performance of the season at SIUE.

Terry was the next Evansville runner to compete, finishing the 400-meter race in 53.68 seconds. Johnson ran the women’s 100-meter dash, placing 14th with a time of 12.47 seconds. In the preliminary men’s 100-meter dash, Shin had the highest finish at seventh with an even 11.00 seconds to qualify for the finals. Ocampo finished 12th to round out the Aces runners at 11.14 seconds.

Johnson competed in her first-ever hurdles event on Saturday, running in the 400-meter hurdles. She ran the event in 1:03.66 to finish in the Top 10 right at 10th while also setting a new program record in the process. In the men’s 100-meter dash final, Shin finished eighth with a slightly slower time of 11.08 seconds.

UE finished its day on the track with another broken program record. The men’s 4x400 relay team of Felton III, Terry, Shin, and Flipo placed second in the event with a time of 3:16.86, only two and a half seconds behind winners, Tennessee State. The relay team improved on their program record from their prior meet by two seconds.

MID-DISTANCE

Evansville only had one mid-distance event on Saturday afternoon, with the 800-meter races. Sophomore Chase Hayes (Noblesville, Ind. / Western HS) finished just off her PR with a time of 2:21.04.

Both of the Aces’ runners in the men’s race finished in the Top 10, with Flipo at fifth with a time of 1:49.41. Flipo’s time set a new program record for UE in the event, just beating out teammate Rafael Rodrigez’s (Sergovia, Spain) time from last season by almost two seconds. Senior Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS) set a PR to finish ninth with a time of 1:51.29 to round out individual track performances for Evansville.

THROWS

The Aces’ meet day began early in the field with the hammer throws. Sophomore Tyler Cherne (Boardman, Ohio / Boardman HS) was the first to compete as he had a throw of 43.32 meters. Junior Gwen Darrah (Cleveland / Orange HS) placed fourth in the women’s hammer throw at a half meter off her season best with a throw of 42.43 meters. UE’s final throws event was the women’s shot put, where freshman Emma Bertel (Franklin, Ind. / Franklin Community HS) threw 9.47 meters.

UP NEXT

Evansville will run in its final meet before the postseason next week, just up the road at Indiana. The Aces will be part of the Billy Hayes Invitational on Friday, May 9, before the MVC Outdoor Championships the following week.

NASHVILLE – The University of Evansville track and field team finished its first day at the Outdoor Music City Challenge, resetting two program records and earning a podium finish in one of the most competitive meets of the season.

Sophomores Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind. / Reitz HS) and Samuel Lea (Worcester, England) reset their Purple Aces program records in the women’s 200-meter dash and the men’s 5K race on Friday. Sophomore thrower Cole Johnson (Salem, Ill. / Salem Community HS) also earned UE’s only podium finish of the day in the men’s discus throw to begin the Outdoor Music City Challenge. Evansville had multiple people earn PRs during Friday’s action in a tight day of competition.

SPRINTS

The Aces' night on the track began with the 100-meter dash, where sophomore Raymond Felton III (Houston / Clear Brook HS) placed just outside the top 10 with a time of 10.60. UE didn’t return to the track until over an hour later with the men’s and women’s 200-meter dashes. Johnson improved on her program record in the event with a 24.96 finish on Friday night.

In the men’s race, Felton had the fastest finish, placing ninth with a time of 21.37 seconds, just a hundredth of a second behind his PR. Sophomore Connor Shin (Bloomington, Ind. / Bloomington North HS) and junior José Ocampo (Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico) also finished the race just two places away from each other with times of 22.40 and 22.48 seconds.

MID-DISTANCE

Evansville’s only mid-distance race of the night was the men’s and women’s 1500-meter event. Sophomore Chase Hayes (Noblesville, Ind. / Western HS) ran the first 1500 race of her career in Nashville. She finished the race in 4:49.58 for the Aces' fastest finish in the event during the outdoor season.

In the men’s race, senior Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS) set a new PR at 3:54.58 for 24th. Oulgout’s time was also the fastest for UE in the event and was less than 10 seconds off the program record set by David Denny in 1983. The senior was only three seconds off the fastest MVC runner in the event on Friday night, Belmont senior Joel Wolf.

DISTANCE

Similar to mid-distance competition, Evansville only ran in one distance event on Friday night. Sophomores Avery Stephens (Newburg, Ind. / Castle HS) and Lea ran the final event of the evening, the 5K race. Stephens improved her PR in the event by over 15 seconds, finishing in 18:02.92. On the men’s side, Lea had the Aces' best track finish of the day, placing fifth in the event with a time of 14:35.11 to improve on his own program record by more than six seconds.

THROWS

UE’s day in Nashville began in the field with the men’s and women’s javelin throw. Sophomore Cole Johnson (Salem, Ill. / Salem Community HS) threw just under his PR at 46.24 meters to place fourth in the event. While on the women’s side, Kaitlyn Sansone (Fairfield, Ohio / Mercy McAuley HS) threw 26.11 meters.

Evansville’s other throws event on Friday night was the men’s and women’s discus throw. The women’s event freshman Emma Bertel (Franklin, Ind. / Franklin Community HS) threw for 33.66 meters. On the men’s side, the Aces had two throwers participate in Johnson and sophomore Tyler Cherne (Boardman, Ohio / Boardman HS).

Johnson was again just shy of his PR in the discus event with a throw of 42.32 meters. While he didn’t break his PR, Johnson earned the only podium finish of the day for UE, placing third in the event. Cherne wasn’t far behind Johnson with a throw of 40.34 meters for sixth place.

UP NEXT

Evansville will continue its time in the Music City with the second day of the meet on Saturday. The Aces' first event of the day will be the men’s and women’s hammer throws at 9:30 a.m. UE’s first track event on Saturday will be the men’s 4x100 relay race at 1:40 p.m.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Scoring three runs in the third and eight in the sixth, Southern Illinois finished with an 11-0 victory over the University of Evansville softball team on Friday night at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.

Each team recorded its first hit of the game in the second inning with Eliza Piggott reaching on a single for UE.  Southern Illinois was the first to break through in the third, scoring three runs in four hits in the frame.

Looking to answer, Kynadee Warner and Taylor Howe picked up consecutive hits in the bottom of the third before SIU pitched out of the jam unscathed.  The Salukis threatened again in the top of the fourth, loading the bases before clutch pitching by UE starter Kate Ridgway kept it a 3-run game.  Rain caused a delay of roughly 20 minutes in the top of the frame.

Warner’s second hit of the game started another threat from the Aces in the bottom of the fifth.  Walks by Niki Bode and Morgan Adams loaded the bases with two outs until a long fly out sent the game to the sixth.  Southern Illinois extended the lead in the top of the sixth when a 2-run triple by Amanda Knutson made it a 5-0 contest.  SIU continued to roll as they plated a total of eight runs in the inning to go up 11-0.

Piggott and Miriah Powell picked up hits in the bottom of the sixth but SIU was able to secure the shutout victyory.  UE had six hits on the day with Powell and Warner finishing with two apiece.  SIU had 13 hits with Sage Grann going 3-4 with three RBI and a run.  Ridgway allowed eight runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings while Cassidy Gall finished the remainder of the game.

Saturday’s game is set for a 2 p.m. start.  Seniors Zoe Frossard and Sydney Weatherford will be recognized after the game.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team began the weekend with a close 3-0 loss to the Belmont Bruins on Friday night.

Sophomore right-hander Kellen Roberts (Monroe, Mich. / Monroe HS) had a career game for the Purple Aces on Friday night, pitching five innings, only allowing five hits, two runs, and a walk while striking out six batters. But Roberts' big game couldn’t make up for UE’s lack of offense on Friday night against Belmont’s two pitchers. Five different batters recorded a hit for Evansville while three reached base twice in the quiet game.

“It was a competitive Friday night game in the Valley that didn’t go our way,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll after the loss. “Our guys on the mound really competed tonight and gave us a chance. We couldn’t get the big hit through nine innings.”

It was a defensive showdown early in the River City on Friday evening. Neither team allowed a runner to get past second base for the first four innings of the night. Belmont added a hit in the first three innings while the Aces had a single in the first and a double in the fourth from infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley).

The Bruins broke the shutout in the top of the fifth after starting the inning with two free bases. Belmont’s first two batters were hit by pitches and both advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. Roberts struck out the next batter and intentionally walked Bruin’s shortstop Pete Daniel, loading the bases.

Belmont took advantage of the situation with a single through the right side to score two runs. UE’s defense was able to get the third out after the runs scored, heading to the bottom of the fifth down by two. Catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) singled for Evansville during the frame, but was thrown out on a double play in the next at-bat to end the Aces' potential scoring chance.

The Bruins added another run to their lead in the sixth with three straight hits off reliever Jack Clevidence (Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny HS). Clevidence was able to lock in after the hits, striking out the next batter and getting Belmont’s fifth of the inning to ground into a double play.

UE had its best opportunity to end the shutout at the bottom of the sixth inning, as three straight walks from Bruins starter Joe Ruzicka loaded the bases. It looked like Evansville was going to score when McGinnis hit a ball that seemed like it was going to drop into shallow left center field. But Daniels leaped up to grab the ball that was going over his head, not only getting McGinnis out on the play but also firing to second for a double play. The double play ended the sixth inning to head into the final third of the game.

The Aces' defense and pitching staff kept Belmont mostly quiet over the next three innings, only allowing one hit in 12 batters. UE had a chance in the bottom of the ninth to make something happen as leadoff batter Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) put a single through the right side to start the frame. McGinnis also reached base for Evansville on a walk two at-bats later. But the Aces’ final two batters of the night struck out, falling to the Bruins 3-0.

UE will try to even the series on Saturday afternoon at German American Bank Field. Evansville’s pitcher with the most starts this season, left-hander Kevin Reed (Martinsville, Ind. / Martinsville HS), will take the mound on Saturday in the middle matchup of the weekend. First pitch between the Aces and Bruins on May 3 is set for 2 p.m., weather permitting.