University of Evansville

PurplePulse

Friday, December 19, 2025

* University Closed for Winter Holiday Break

The University of Evansville will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 19 for Winter Holiday break. The University will remain closed from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2.

Offices reopen on Monday, January 5.

Submitted by University Communications
 
* Volunteers Needed for MLK Day of Service on January 17

The University of Evansville is planning its annual MLK Day of Service on the morning of Saturday, January 17, and students, faculty, and staff are invited to volunteer.

Volunteers may register as individuals or as part of a group using the link below. After registration, participants will be assigned to a community service site across Evansville.

MLK Day of Service Participant Registration 2026 – Fill out form 

Volunteers will check in at Eykamp Hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. to sign in and receive a free MLK Day of Service t-shirt. Service activities will conclude between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

For additional information, please contact Tim Sorota at ts355@evansville.edu.

Submitted by Tim Sorota ts355@evansville.edu
 

Upcoming Events

* Aces Swim School

On Sunday, January 11, at 1 pm, several members from the Swim and Dive team will host Aces Swim School, a swimming clinic for children ages 6–10 of all ability levels. Participants will be grouped according to their skill level. This initiative was created by senior swimmer and Exercise Science major, Evelyn Chin; she has put countless hours into getting this program going.

This free opportunity will serve as a pilot session for the team as they plan to expand the program to community members in future sessions.

If you have any questions, please let me know. If you are interested, registration is available here: https://gopurpleaces.com/AcesSwimSchool.

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 
* University of Evansville Partners with Ascension St. Vincent to Host Third Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Clinic

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the third consecutive year, the University of Evansville will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting a free event for Tri-State area children kindergarten through eighth grade on Saturday, January 31, in association with Ascension St. Vincent.
 
The event is a free multi-sport clinic led by current UE student-athletes, coaches and staff. UE teams represented include golf, volleyball, softball, women's basketball, women's soccer, track & field, and spirit. At the clinic, participants will work on sport specific drills taught and ran by student-athletes. Doors will open at 8:30 AM, with the camp beginning at 9 AM. Pick up starts at 11:45 AM.
 
The event is open for children ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. Campers will receive a free t-shirt and a voucher to attend any home women's regular season sporting event (must be redeemed by December 31, 2026).  Registration is now open and will close on January 27th, 2026. No walk-ups will be allowed. Camps are open to any and all, limited only by number, age or grade.

To register, visit – gopurpleaces.com/ngwsd

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 
* UE Announces 2026 MLK Day Lectureship

The University of Evansville (UE) will host the 2026 William G. & Rose Mays MLK Day Lectureship on Monday, January 19, welcoming renowned journalist and scholar Dr. Jelani Cobb as the keynote speaker. The event will take place in Eykamp Hall within Ridgway University Center, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 4:00 p.m.

This year’s Lectureship focuses on the theme “Servant. Strategist. Change Agent. The Anatomy of Transformative Leadership.” The event is designed to help the campus and community reflect on what strong, positive leadership looks like today. Each year, UE uses this Lectureship to bring important voices to campus who help expand conversations about civil rights, fairness, and how we can work together to create meaningful change. The Center for Inclusive Excellence leads this effort and supports the programming that surrounds it.

Dr. Cobb’s work on race, history, democracy, and social change has established him as one of the most respected voices in contemporary public discourse. His participation in the 2026 Lectureship offers the campus and greater Evansville community an opportunity to explore transformative leadership in both historical and modern contexts.

The Lectureship is open to the public, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details about the event and the full 2026 MLK Celebration schedule can be found here.

Submitted by Noah Alatza na122@evansville.edu
 

Info You Should Know

* Early Timesheet Submission Required for Holiday Break

Dear UE Community,

 With the approaching Holiday break, timesheets are due for the Period Ending 12/27/2025 by Friday, 12/19/2025 at 5 p.m. Supervisors, please approve timesheets before you leave for the break to facilitate the processing of payroll that will need to be processed before campus reopens on January 5. If you are scheduled to work during the first week of break, please estimate your hours based on your work schedule.

 For full time employees, Holiday hours should be entered for December 22-26.

 Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, please email payroll@evansville.edu.

 Office of Fiscal Affairs and Administration

Submitted by Jenni Sauls js944@evansville.edu
 
* UExplore Undergraduate Research Request for Proposals

Proposals are now being solicited from students and faculty for the 2026 UExplore summer research program. A PDF of a letter-of-intent for summer research project proposals is due by Friday, January 23, 2026. A PDF of the summer proposal must be submitted by Monday, February 16, 2026. Both documents must be submitted to Doug Stamps (ds38). See the Undergraduate Research website ( https://www.evansville.edu/undergraduateresearch/ ) for the proposal template and further information about the program. Proposals from nearly every department on campus have been funded. We hope you will participate this year by submitting a proposal.

Submitted by Douglas Stamps ds38@evansville.edu
 
* Apply to be an Orientation Leader

If you're passionate about helping new students make connections and find their way at UE, enhancing your leadership skills, and being a part of a close-knit team, apply to be an Orientation Leader for the 2025 school year! Deadline to apply is January 30th. 

Application Link: https://forms.office.com/r/GtRwcuHArb 

What is an Orientation Leader (OL)?   

An orientation leader is a student committed to serving the University by offering information and assistance to incoming and new students and their families. OLs wear many hats so they must possess a “we care” attitude as they support students during orientation, welcome week, and beyond. OLs are held to the highest standards of good conduct and must possess leadership skills that allow them to be good role models for other students.

The “We Care” Attitude 

OLs must be able to adapt and adjust quickly and easily to different situations and support a variety of differing needs and backgrounds of incoming students. A genuine interest in caring for people and an ability to spend long hours working with others are important. OLs are frequently asked to embody a spirit of team work and prioritize the needs of new students and family members above their own interests.

Qualifications 

  • Understand and believe in the mission of the University of Evansville.  
  • Support the University, including the regulations and policies as stated in the Student Handbook.  
  • Must maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. and be a full-time student.  
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing.  
  • Must relate well with faculty, administrators, families, and new students.  
  • Must be reliable, confident, sincere, flexible, and display a willingness to help others. 
  • Must have good communication and time management skills. 
  • Must have the character, academic success, and exemplary attitude that will serve as a good role model for others. 
  • Must be able to meet all time commitments associated with the position. 

Do you have any questions? Contact co-chairs Cole Johnson (cj174@evansville.edu) or Elise Horton (eh341@evansville.edu).

Submitted by Monique Scott ms1175@evansville.edu
 
* Foundations Newsletter – Wrapping Up The Year

As we finish the semester and head into the holidays, Facilities is pleased to share our final newsletter of the year: Link Here: https://www.evansville.edu/offices/facilities/foundations-2025-12.cfm Inside, you’ll find:

  • A Letter from the Assistant Director with a brief recap of the year and winter priorities.

  • Our New Custodial Partner, FMS, and what their transition means for campus.

  • Holiday Help Desk reminders for submitting work orders before break.

  • New Faces joining the Facilities team.

  • Utility Conservation Tips to help save energy during the break.

  • A Maintenance Update on current operations and upcoming improvements.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday season!

Facilities Management Team

Submitted by Dani Keith dk209@evansville.edu
 
* New Disposal Workflow

We’re excited to announce a new streamlined disposal workflow. This updated process is designed to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.

Effective immediately, please submit requests thru the Property Disposal workflow under Admin Services.

http://workflow.evansville.edu/

Submitted by Natasha Rexing nr143@evansville.edu
 
* Flu Shots available at Student Health Center

Flu shots are available at the student health center!

Students can receive their flu vaccines for $15 paid by credit/debit card: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, no appointment necessary.

Help keep our campus community healthy this flu season and receive your flu vaccines!

Submitted by Tara Ulrich tu19@evansville.edu
 

Athletics

* Escudero Named to TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI First Team

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville freshman Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain/IES Joan Miro) added another award to his ledger on Friday morning, being named to the TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI First Team. Escudero is the first Ace in program history to be named to to TopDrawerSoccer's Freshman Best XI, which began in 2015.

Escudero continued Evansville's legacy of standout freshman this season, scoring a team-leading 11 goals, the most by a Purple Ace since 2017. He became the fourth Ace to be named MVC Freshman of the Year since 2020 and the fifth in the last eight seasons, in addition to receiving First Team All-MVC and All-Freshman Team accolades. Escudero also earned MVC All-Tournament Team laurels after notching a brace in a 4-1 semifinal win over UIC. On December 9, Escudero was selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team.

Escudero's goal total of 11 was good for second among all freshmen in the country, while he was one of two freshmen in the country with four braces this season. Escudero finished the season second in the MVC and 19th in the country in goals.

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 
* UE Athletics teams up with vivenu for on-campus ticketing

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville athletics has announced a partnership with vivenu to handle ticketing for on-campus sporting events.

The new software will be utilized starting with home Purple Aces baseball and softball games in the spring of 2026. Along with its use by UE athletics, May Studio Theater on the UE campus will utilize the software for its shows.

“We are excited to be utilizing and partnering with vivenu for our on-campus ticketing needs when it comes to our athletic events. This ticketing platform will bring a new level of convenience and professionalism to our athletic events on campus,” UE Senior Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation Logan Belz exclaimed. “Buying tickets is the first experience individuals have when they come to an Aces game and with vivenu’s state of the art ticketing system, that experience for fans will be first-class.”

By leveraging vivenu's API-first platform, UE will have the ability to unify its diverse needs—from athletics and performing arts to student activities—streamline operations, and, most importantly, own 100% of its customer data. This is important to provide the infrastructure for UE to expand its fan engagement while allowing the opportunity for long-term revenue growth.

"It's a great day to welcome the University of Evansville to the vivenu family,” vivenu CEO Darby Roggow said. “The UE community—from its dedicated student body to its loyal alumni—deserves a ticketing experience that is as modern and dynamic as the University itself. Our partnership is rooted in giving UE full control over its ticketing future.”

Submitted by Bob Pristash rp113@evansville.edu
 
* Mroz Selected by Minnesota United FC in MLS SuperDraft

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville goalkeeper Michal Mroz (Elk Grove/Elk Grove, Ill.) became the first player in program history to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon, being taken in the third round with the 83rd overall pick by Minnesota United FC. Mroz joins Corey Elenio (2008) and Robby Lynch (2011) as MLS draftees, with the latter two being supplemental selections.

Mroz enjoyed a historic sophomore season for Evansville in 2025, earning the program's first-ever MVC Goalkeeper of the Year award and helping the Aces clinch a share of the MVC regular season title for the first time in program history.

After earning a spot on the MVC All-Freshman team in 2024, Mroz established himself as one of the top keepers in the country this season. Mroz's .950 goals against average ranked 46th nationally, while his save percentage of .750 was good for 60h. In MVC play, Mroz was especially stout, leading the league in goals against average (.714), save percentage (.839), and shutouts (4) in regular season play.

As a freshman in 2024, Mroz was an integral part of Evansville's run to the MVC Tournament championship, starting all 21 matches in goal. Mroz posted an 11-7-3 record with a 1.55 goals against average and posted five clean sheets, the second-most in the Valley. Mroz also ranked second in the MVC with 4.10 saves per game, holding a season save percentage of .723. 

Mroz rose to the occasion during the Aces' 2024 MVC championship run, most notably shutting out top-seeded and nationally-ranked Missouri State in the MVC Tournament semifinal. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Massachusetts, Mroz made a season-high nine saves.

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 
* Aces Baseball First Pitch Dinner Set for January 31

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball program will kick off the 2026 season with the first-ever First Pitch Dinner, presented by the Pinstripe Club, on Saturday, January 31.

The event will be held at Rolling Hills Country Club in Newburgh and will run from 5-9 PM. Guests can enjoy dinner, listen to guest speakers, participate in a silent auction, and mingle with coaches and student-athletes while supporting Aces baseball.

Table sponsorships can be purchased for $1,500, with a sponsorship including a reserved table for eight guests, recognition with your logo displayed during the event, and recognition on UE Athletics social media outlets. Individual tickets can be purchased for $100. Table sponsorships and individual tickets can be purchased here.

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 
* UE Athletics teams up with vivenu for on-campus ticketing

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville athletics has announced a partnership with vivenu to handle ticketing for on-campus sporting events.

The new software will be utilized starting with home Purple Aces baseball and softball games in the spring of 2026. Along with its use by UE athletics, May Studio Theater on the UE campus will utilize the software for its shows.

“We are excited to be utilizing and partnering with vivenu for our on-campus ticketing needs when it comes to our athletic events. This ticketing platform will bring a new level of convenience and professionalism to our athletic events on campus,” UE Senior Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation Logan Belz exclaimed. “Buying tickets is the first experience individuals have when they come to an Aces game and with vivenu’s state of the art ticketing system, that experience for fans will be first-class.”

By leveraging vivenu's API-first platform, UE will have the ability to unify its diverse needs—from athletics and performing arts to student activities—streamline operations, and, most importantly, own 100% of its customer data. This is important to provide the infrastructure for UE to expand its fan engagement while allowing the opportunity for long-term revenue growth.

"It's a great day to welcome the University of Evansville to the vivenu family,” vivenu CEO Darby Roggow said. “The UE community—from its dedicated student body to its loyal alumni—deserves a ticketing experience that is as modern and dynamic as the University itself. Our partnership is rooted in giving UE full control over its ticketing future.”

Submitted by Bob Pristash rp113@evansville.edu
 
* Aces Drop MVC Opener at Belmont

NASHVILLE – The University of Evansville women's basketball team took a four point lead into halftime at Belmont on Wednesday, but the Bruins used a big third quarter to take down the visiting Aces 77-67 in both teams' MVC opener.

Logan Luebbers Palmer (Union, Ky./Randall K. Cooper) paced the Aces with 18 points, tying a career-high and UE single-game high this season with six three point field goals. Camryn Runner (Cicero, Ind./Hamilton Heights) posted her eighth consecutive double-digit scoring effort, scoring 16 points and adding seven rebounds while playing all 40 minutes. Mireia Mustaros (Barcelona, Spain/Ins Argentona) had her top scoring performance as an Ace, scoring nine points while adding six rebounds and two assists. Mustaros knocked down five of six free throws, helping the Aces go 12-for-14 from the line as a team.

Mustaros scored the first three points for Evansville, sinking three of four free throws on two trips to the line, while a three by Luebbers Palmer and a jumper by BeAunna Ward (St. Louis, Mo./John Burroughs School) gave the Aces an 8-6 lead at the 5:44 mark of the first quarter. Belmont regained the lead with a nine-point swing, but a basket by Runner, a triple from Sydney Huber (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Mount Vernon) and two more free throws by Mustaros evened the score at 15-15 at the end of the quarter.

Both teams traded blows early in the second quarter, as the game remained deadlocked at the 6:40 mark with a score of 21-21. Jelena Savic (Melbourne, Australia/Kurunjang Secondary College) briefly regained the lead for the Aces with a three-pointer to make it 24-23 before the Bruins took it back with a pair of baskets. However, Evansville would go on a run in the final four minutes of the half, with a three-point basket by Huber capping a 12-5 run to end the half, giving the Aces a 36-32 lead at the break.

The game remained a back-and-forth affair early in the third quarter, with Belmont holding a 42-40 lead with 5:41 to play in the period. However, the Bruins would go on a run from there, outscoring the Aces 12-4 across the final five and a half minutes of the quarter to go into the final period with a 54-44 lead.  

Belmont extended their lead early in the fourth quarter, taking a 60-44 lead at the six minute mark. Evansville clawed back to stay within fighting distance, cutting the deficit to seven with 2:17 to go on the backs of five three-pointers, including three from Luebbers Palmer. That was as close as the Aces would get, however, as Belmont hung on for a 77-67 win to begin MVC play.

The Aces wrap up their non-conference slate on Sunday with a trip to Dayton to take on the Flyers. Tip-off is set for Noon CT.

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 
* Hundley posts top game at UE in Valley opener

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Trent Hundley put together his top performance as a member of the University of Evansville men’s basketball squad as he knocked down six 3-pointers on his way to 20 points in an 83-78 loss to Belmont on Tuesday at the Ford Center.

Hundley’s effort surpassed his previous Purple Aces high of nine points, which came on four occasions this season. He completed the game 6-of-10 from outside. Leif Moeller scored 17 points while hitting three triples. AJ Casey scored 12 points while Bryce Quinet added 10. James Dyson-Merwe recorded the top performance of his freshman season setting career marks with five points and nine boards.

“It was a huge positive for us tonight especially without Connor Turnbull,” UE head men’s basketball coach David Ragland said after the game. “I'm proud of the response our guys had. There are some things we can do to get us over the hump while being more disciplined.”

Belmont scored the first six points of the night before the Aces got on the board thanks to a Keishon Porter bucket. The Bruins continued their hot start, opening a 9-2 advantage before UE made its way back. Helped by a Josh Hughes 3-pointer, UE made it a 9-7 game.

At the 14:32 mark, a tip-in by James Dyson-Merwe tied the score at 12-12. Belmont posted the next four points while Trent Hundley connected from downtown to get UE within a point at 16-15. The Bruins regained control with a 10-0 run to take a 26-15 lead at 8:36 remaining in the half. Sam Orme hit a pair of triples during the rally.

AJ Casey scored on a second-chance basket just over a minute later to cut the Belmont lead to 26-19. Another triple – this one by Eoin Dillon – opened a 10-2 run that gave the Bruins their largest lead of the half at 36-21 inside of the 5-minute mark. The Aces cut into the deficit over the next two minutes as Hundley’s second triple was followed by a 3-point play by Bryce Quinet that got UE within eight at 36-28.

Five free throws in the final minutes saw Belmont regain its double figure lead at the break – taking a 41-30 lead into the locker room. Their defense held Evansville to 29.0% shooting in the opening 20 minutes. Hughes led the team with seven tallies at the break.

After scoring two points in the opening stanza, Leif Moeller knocked down a triple to begin the second half. Casey followed with his second 3-pointer of the season to cut the Belmont lead to 41-36. The Bruins countered with a 10-2 stretch to go back up by 13 with 16:05 on the clock before Trent Hundley put the Aces squad on his back. Consecutive treys got Evansville within seven – 51-44 – inside of 13 minutes remaining.

One minute later, he drained another triple before Kaia Berridge converted a pair of free throws that got the Aces back within four tallies – 53-49. Once again, the Bruins answered, regaining a 10-point lead as the game entered the final 10 minutes when a Drew Scharnowski dunk gave them a 61-51 edge.

The lead for Belmont stayed within 2-3 possessions until the Aces staged a furious rally in the final minutes. Two Bruin free throws established a 75-67 lead with 2:36 remaining. Moeller hit a layup before a Casey steal led to a triple by Moeller that cut the gap to 75-72. After Belmont went back up by give, a 3-pointer banked in by Casey got Evansville all the way back within a single point at 77-76. Unfortunately, the Bruins held strong over the final second, hanging on for the 83-78 win.

Tyler Lundblade paced the Bruins with 21 points while Scharnowski had a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. The Bruins show 48.3% while holding UE to 37.7%. They also had a slight rebounding edge at 38-37.

UE looks to pick up a conference win on Sunday when Drake comes to town for a 3 p.m. game.

Submitted by Bob Pristash rp113@evansville.edu
 
* MVC Opener Up Next for Women's Basketball

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women's basketball team opens up MVC play on Wednesday, traveling to Nashville for a road test at Belmont. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM from the Music City.

Evansville at Belmont | Wednesday, December 17 | 6:30 PM Site | Location Curb Event Center | Nashville, Tenn. Links 6:30 PM CT:  Live Stats | TV:  ESPN+ Follow the Aces Women's Basketball Site  |  Twitter  |  Instagram | Game Notes

 
Series History   
- Wednesday marks the 9th meeting between Evansville and Belmont
- Belmont leads the series 6-2
- Evansville is looking for their first win in the series since 1998, as Belmont has won all six meetings since joining the MVC ahead of the 2022-23 season

Free Throw Aficionado 
- After finishing last season fifth in the country in free throws made and free throw attempts, Camryn Runner has once again been one of the top free throw shooters in the country in 2025-26
- Runner ranks 26th in the country in free throws made per game (5.0) and 18th in the country in free throws attempted per game (6.7)
- Entering Wednesday's game, Runner has made 19 consecutive free throws
 
Active on the Glass
- Through 10 games, Evansville has posted their highest per game rebounding average since 2013-14 at 35.8 per game
- Elle Snyder leads the team in rebounding at 6.9 boards per game, ranking seventh in the MVC
- Snyder's mark of 6.9 rebounds per game ranks in the 94th percentile nationally, while her 5.2 defensive rebounds per game ranks in the 96th percentile

Scouting the Opponent
- Belmont brings a 4-6 record into the week and is coming off a 77-69 loss to Kentucky on Sunday
- Last season, the Bruins finished third in the MVC regular season standings at 15-5 and reached the MVC Championship Game to earn an invite to the WNIT, where they advanced to the Championship
- Jailyn Banks leads Belmont in scoring at 14.9 ppg, while three other Bruins average 10-plus points per game

Follow Along
Wednesday's game will be streamed live on ESPN+. Live stats are available at GoPurpleAces.com.

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 
* UE men open MVC slate on Tuesday against Belmont

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Tuesday will mark the Missouri Valley Conference opener for the University of Evansville men’s basketball team who plays host to Belmont at 6 p.m. inside the Ford Center. ESPN+ and Purple Aces Radio Network will have the broadcast.

Looking Back

- Last season, the UE excelled against the Bruins, splitting the season series

- Following a close 85-82 home loss, UE earned an 80-75 road win at Curb Event Center on Feb. 2

- Josh Hughes and Connor Turnbull scored 14 points apiece in the road triumph

Last Time Out

- Saturday’s game at Notre Dame saw Connor Turnbull lead the Purple Aces with 17 points and 9 boards in an 82-58 loss

- Josh Hughes added 14 points

- Evansville trimmed a 12-point halftime deficit to just three points (52-49) before UND went on a 26-4 run to pull away

Record-Breaking Performance

- Connor Turnbull set the UE program record with nine blocked shots at WKU and is averaging 6.0 blocks over the last three games

- His total broke the previous Aces mark of eight, which happened on three occasions, and was the most by an MVC player since Ehimen Orukpe of Wichita State had nine against Southern Illinois on Jan. 9, 2013

- On Dec. 8, he was named the MVC Player of the Week after averaging 20 points, 9 boards, and 7 blocks against WKU and BSU

- In the win over Ball State, he posted season highs in points (21) and boards (5) on the way to his second collegiate double-double

- Turnbull is averaging 18.75 PPG over the last four games and has a total of 21 blocks over that span

Still Going Strong

- While AJ Casey has not reached double figures over the last four games, he has registered a solid 6.25 points and 5.75 rebounds per game

- Included in that rebound tally is a career-high 11 caroms in the win over Ball State that saw him add nine points

- Casey is tied for 10th in the MVC with 5.73 boards/game and is tied for 4th in offensive caroms (2.36/gm)

Back to Form

- In the four games leading to the contest at Notre Dame, Josh Hughes averaged 4.0 points per game after posting 13.2 PPG in the first six games

- He knocked down four of his eight attempts from outside to finish with 14 points against the Fighting Irish

- Two of his three career double-doubles have come in the first six games of the season; after opening the season with 15 points and 11 boards at #1 Purdue, Hughes recorded 16 points and a career-best 12 boards in the win over Oregon State

Scouting the Opponent

- Belmont comes into Tuesday’s game with a 10-1 record following an 87-84 win over UIC in their MVC opener on Saturday

- The only loss for the Bruins came against Richmond on Dec. 3

- They have multiple impressive wins this season including Air Force, Oral Roberts, Toledo, Charleston, and Middle Tennessee State

- Four Bruins averaged double figures with Tyler Lundblade leading the way with 15.9 points per game

- Just behind him is Sam Orme, who sits at 14.0 PPG and a team-high 6.4 rebounds per game

- Following them are Nic McClain (12.1 PPG) and Drew Scharnowski (10.3 PPG)

Submitted by Bob Pristash rp113@evansville.edu
 
* Baseball Unveils 2026 Schedule

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Head Coach Wes Carroll and the University of Evansville baseball team unveiled their 2026 season schedule today, highlighted by 24 home games at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium and 12 games against opponents who reached the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Opening weekend is set for February 13-15, as the Purple Aces will travel to Kennesaw, Ga. for a four-game game weekend with Kennesaw State and Marshall. On opening day, Evansville will play a doubleheader, taking on Marshall in game one and Kennesaw State in game two, and will round out the weekend by playing Marshall on Saturday and Kennesaw State on Sunday.

Evansville will open the home slate with a series against SEC foe Kentucky from February 20-22. This will mark the first weekend series against a power conference opponent at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium since the Purple Aces took a two-game sweep over Purdue on March 17-19, 2023, the first visit from an SEC opponent since Kentucky came to Evansville on May 9, 2007, and the first three-game series against an SEC opponent at home in program history.

Following the series with the Wildcats, the Purple Aces will take on another SEC opponent as they face perennial power Vanderbilt in Nashville on February 24. From February 27 to March 3, the Purple Aces will play a three-game series at home against Milwaukee and a midweek at SEMO before traveling to Ole Miss on March 6-8 for a three-game set with the Rebels, their third SEC opponent of the season.

From March 10-15, the Aces will make a trip to the Cincinnati area, playing midweeks at Cincinnati and Miami before a three-game set at Xavier. Following a double midweek slate at home against Lipscomb and SEMO, Evansville will travel to California for the first time since 2009 for a series at Cal Baptist.

MVC play begins on March 27 when the Aces welcome Illinois State for a weekend series, followed by a home matchup with Indiana on March 31. Following a weekend trip to Bradley, Evansville returns home for a midweek with Lindenwood on April 8 before hosting SIU from April 10-12.

The Purple Aces take on the Hoosiers in Bloomington to begin a road swing on April 15, followed by a series at Belmont, a midweek at USI, and a series at Indiana State.

The final month of play sees the Aces play eight of their final 11 games at home, including midweeks with SIUE and USI and weekend series against UIC and Murray State.

Fans can purchase season tickets by calling Logan Belz at 812-488-2623 or online at vivenu. Season tickets are $175 for adults and $150 for youth (ages 3-17).

Submitted by Donovan Schultz ds326@evansville.edu
 

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