Lady Vols defeat Missouri State, South Dakota in Tennessee Invitational

Laura Mealer hits four home runs as Tennessee defeats Bears and Coyotes in Tennessee Invitational.

No. 8 Tennessee (16-4) opened play in the Tennessee Invitational Friday at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

The Lady Vols run-ruled Missouri State (3-11), 16-0 in five innings. Tennessee also defeated South Dakota (10-11), 6-0, in game No. 2.

Laura Mealer went 3-for-3, recording three home runs and five RBIs, while Kiki Milloy went 3-for-4 with four runs and one RBI for Tennessee.

McKenna Gibson went 3-for-3, recording one double, four RBIs and two runs, while Zaida Puni went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run for the Lady Vols.

Tennessee’s Payton Gottshall (6-2) pitched four innings, recording five strikeouts. Charli Orsini pitched one inning and recorded one strikeout.

In game No. 2, Mealer and Puni each hit one home run, while Milloy went 2-for-4, recording one double, one RBI, one run and one stolen base.

Karlyn Pickens pitched a complete game for Tennessee, recording 13 strikeouts.

Hunt for these 8 sights within Wind Cave National Park

Spot bison and explore caves.

Since Wind Cave became a national park in 1903, millions of people have flocked to explore the area. This South Dakota landmark prides itself on protecting “two very different worlds – one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources.” The park’s caves and lakes compel brave tourists to go spelunking, while grasslands and prairies above invite visitors on a lovely nature walk. No matter which part of the park you prefer, Wind Cave has something that will interest you.

Chart your expedition through Wind Cave National Park with this photo guide to its best sights. Get ready to discover some fantastic views.

Saints spotted scouting Missouri vs. South Dakota in college football Week 1

The New Orleans Saints were spotted scouting NFL prospects at Missouri’s thrashing of South Dakota in college football Week 1:

The New Orleans Saints’ scouts were busy in the first week of the college football season, with team personnel reserving seats for Missouri’s game with South Dakota, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Eli Hoff. Other teams in attendance included the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals.

Many of the top 2024 NFL draft prospects in this game suited up for Mizzou (which helped them win a 35-10 landslide): defensive backs Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (who had a pass breakup and tackle for loss) and Kris Abrams-Draine, left tackle Javon Foster (who extended his streak of consecutive starts to 27 games), and linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper were among the standouts.

It’s a long season ahead, and many of these young athletes will have opportunities to show NFL teams what they’re capable of. But don’t expect the Saints to draft one of them just because they sent a scout to catch one of games. This is just one step in the process. With that said, making some plays and looking the part in live action can do a lot to make a strong first impression.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

See why Badlands National Park is actually pretty cool

Don’t let the name fool you.

Some people seem to be under the impression that South Dakota is boring. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The world is large, and there are always new and compelling adventures to embark on. In South Dakota, some of the most incredible adventures a person can find are at Badlands National Park. Don’t let that name scare you off! This destination is an outdoors lover’s paradise, and these photos prove it.

Buffalo, stars, and fossil beds hide within this dazzling and wild region. If you’re planning a trip to the area, start by perusing this list of the best sights and things to do at Badlands National Park.

Oregon to play Syracuse in historic Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls

The Ducks and Orange will meet in South Dakota for the first time since 2018.

Oregon will get to see firsthand how different Syracuse will be without Jim Boeheim as head coach.

The Ducks and Orange will play Dec. 17 in Sioux Falls, SD in a non-conference game at the Sanford Pentagon. These two teams last played each other in 2018 and Syracuse will be in the midst of its first season under new head coach Adrian Autry.

Boeheim retired after the 2022-23 season after 47 years at the helm.

“This is a great opportunity for our program,” Oregon coach Dana Altman said in a press release. “We are excited to play in this historic venue against an opponent like Syracuse. Our team is looking forward to visiting Sioux Falls.”

The facility in South Dakota will also host Oregon State and Nebraska in November.

Although it will be in December, this could be a key game for both the Ducks and the Orange, whom each missed the NCAA tournament last season. Syracuse was just 17-15 in Boeheim’s last year and the Ducks are coming off a disappointing 21-15 season.

 

Highlights of the Eagles 9 undrafted free agents

We’re collegiate highlights of the Philadelphia Eagles’ nine undrafted free agents.

The 2023 NFL draft has concluded, and after some key signings and tryout invites, the Eagles roster sits at 89 players ahead of Day 2 of the team’s rookie minicamp.

Howie Roseman has been open about previous undrafted free agent classes, with several big-named stars holding second-day draft grades.

Recent undrafted free agents who’ve had game action with Philadelphia include Reed Blankenship, Britain Covey, Josh Jobe, Corey Clement, Sua Opeta, Nate Herbig, Kayode Awosika, Joe Ostman, Jack Stoll, Brett Toth, Greg Ward, Marvin Wilson, T.J. Edwards, and future Hall of Famer Jason Peters, who originally signed with the Bills.

Here are highlights of the nine undrafted free agents.

What’s next for the Eagles following the 2023 NFL draft

What’s next for the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL draft is in the books, but plenty of offseason action is still on the way for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Outside of the on-field action with rookie minicamp and organized team activities (OTAs), the NFL is also gearing up for its 2023 schedule release.

The Eagles welcomed seven newly drafted rookies to the roster, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter,  edge rusher Nolan Smith, offensive guard Tyler Steen, safety Sydney Brown, cornerback Kelee Ringo, quarterback Tanner McKee and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo.

Philadelphia also signed nine undrafted free agents.

Here’s a look at the Eagles’ upcoming 2023 off-season slate, including rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp.

Highlights, takeaways from Eagles first rookie minicamp practice

We’re looking at some of the highlights and key takeaways from the Philadelphia Eagles’ first day of rookie minicamp

With the NFL draft and undrafted free agent signings now complete, the Eagles held their first day of rookie minicamps on Friday.

Philadelphia had seven draft picks, nine undrafted free agents, 19 official tryout participants, and a handful of selected veterans or second-year players at the NovaCare Complex for two days of sessions and drills.

With Saturday’s session set to begin, here are highlights and takeaways from Philadelphia’s first rookie minicamp.

Eagles invited 19 players to tryout during rookie minicamp

Philadelphia Eagles invited 19 players to tryout during the rookie minicamp

The Eagles started their rookie minicamp on Friday, as the seven-man draft class and nine undrafted free agent signees participated in their first NFL practice.

With Philadelphia wanting a full roster of attendees, GM Howie Roseman invited 19 players in for a tryout.

Current Eagles’ players on the minicamp roster include Mario Goodrich, Kennedy Brooks, Tristin McCollum, Noah Elliss, and Tyrese Robinson.

Tense moments as mountain lion attempts to cross busy street

A South Dakota resident has captured dawn footage showing a mountain lion attempting to cross a busy street and narrowly escaping oncoming traffic.

A South Dakota resident has captured dawn footage showing a mountain lion attempting to cross a busy street and narrowly escaping oncoming traffic.

“I just saw it dart across the road on my way to work,” Dan Tiede said of the March 21 sighting in Rapid City, miles from the more cougar-friendly Black Hills. “I was pretty positive I knew what I saw, so I turned around to see if I could grab a photo or video.”

The rare footage shows the mountain lion pausing in Tiede’s headlights, then attempting to cross Jackson Blvd. in building commuter traffic.

“Look out kitty… lookout kitty! No, no no!” Tiede says, nervously, in the footage.

Tiede then express relief when the cat changes direction after almost being struck and bounds toward a quieter part of town.

ALSO: Georgia angler’s catch of giant crappie stuns biologists

“Hopefully it found its way safely out of the city,” Tiede said, adding that he notified a local ranger about the sighting.

Mountain lions, or cougars, were listed as a state-threatened species in South Dakota in 1978, and removed from that listing in 2003. A limited hunting season is now allowed in the Black Hills.