A special salute to the Back To Back State Champion Lady Aces golf team.
MCHS To Host Volleyball Regional
2022 IHSA Volleyball Regional Hosted by: Mount Carmel High School
Dates: October 24, 25, 27
Teams: Benton, Carmi, Eldorado, Harrisburg, Mc.Leansboro, Mt. Carmel
Ticket Prices:$5.00
Schedule: Monday, October 24th
Match 1 at 6:00 pm: (6) Benton vs. (9) Eldorado
Match 2 at 7:00 pm: (5) Mt. Carmel vs. (10) Harrisburg
Tuesday, October 25th
Match 3 at 6:00 pm: (1) McLeansboro (Hamilton County) vs. Winner Match 1
Match 4 at 7:00 pm: (4) Carmi (C.-White County) vs. Winner Match 2
Thursday, October 27th
Match 5 at 6:00 pm: Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4
ACES COMPETE AT LIC
The MCHS cross country team traveled to Eastern Illinois University on Tuesday to compete in the Little Illini Conference meet.
The Aces sent a four man contingent to run against their conference rivals. Jason Miller was first across the line for the Aces with a 20th place finish in a time of 18:50 over the three mile course. He was followed by Anthony Bleyer 42nd (22:47), Xzavien Williams 44th (23:16) and Jacob Wall 45th (23:19). Next up for the Aces is the regional on October 22nd.
Lady Aces Tennis Picks Up Win On Senior Night
MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - 7, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - 2,
Singles:
No. 1 - Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Mylie Cronin, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-0 , -;
No. 2 - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Ellie Kiser, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-0 , -;
No. 3 - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Olivia Cox, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 7-5 , 6-3 , -;
No. 4 - Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Callie Accord, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 5 - Gracin Rice, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL def. Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 2-6 , 7-5 , 1-0 (8);
No. 6 - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Sophia Smith, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 6-3 , 6-0 , -;
Doubles:
No. 1 - Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Ellie Kiser, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - Olivia Cox, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 2 - Callie Accord, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - Olivia Deain, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL def. Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 7-5 , -;
No. 3 - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Sophia Smith, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - Gracin Rice, CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, 7-5 , 6-2 , -;
ACES CROSS COUNTRY HONOR SENIORS
The MCHS Cross Country Aces honored its senior runners at its home meet Thursday against Fairfield. Anthony Bleyer, Caleb Carwile, Jason Miller, Jacob Wall and Xzavien Williams were recognized in a ceremony prior to the meet.
Jason Miller (19:48) and Anthony Bleyer (20:06) led the way for the Aces with 4th and 5th place finishes respectively. They were followed by Jacob Wall (24:50) in 11th place and Xzavien Williams (25:14) in 12th place.
In the girls race Hallie Courter (26:13) finished 4th place. The Aces next meet is The LIC Conference to be held Tuesday at Eastern Illinois University.
Lady Aces Poised For 2nd Straight State Title
The Lady Aces have an 11 shot lead headed into today’s 2nd and final round as they look for their second straight state championship.
On Friday, we talked with coach Karin Kelsey about her team’s first round.
Aces Rout Paris; Win 2nd Straight LIC Championship
Mt. Carmel jumped out to a 47-0 halftime lead Friday night on their way to a 47-14 laugher over the Paris Tigers in Little Illini Conference action at a chilly Riverview Stadium. The win wraps up an undefeated LIC and conference championship for the Aces.
Mt. Carmel returns home next Saturday afternoon for a non-conference matchup against Woodstock (Marian).
Photo Cred: FlashMac Photography
Lady Aces Tennis Fall At Carbondale; Head To LIC Tourney Today
MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - 3, CARBONDALE COMM H S - 6,
Singles:
No. 1 - Skylar Moore, CARBONDALE COMM H S def. Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-1 , -;
No. 2 - Eislee Moore, CARBONDALE COMM H S def. Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 6-1 , -;
No. 3 - Daphne Johnson, CARBONDALE COMM H S def. Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-0 , -;
No. 4 - Julia Oberg, CARBONDALE COMM H S def. Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-4 , 6-0 , -;
No. 5 - Josie Hall, CARBONDALE COMM H S def. Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 6-4 , -;
No. 6 - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Shelby Dierks, CARBONDALE COMM H S, 7-5 , 6-1 , -;
Doubles:
No. 1 - Eislee Moore, CARBONDALE COMM H S - Julia Oberg, CARBONDALE COMM H S def. Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-3 , 7-5 , -;
No. 2 - Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Lauren Mueller, CARBONDALE COMM H S - Shelby Dierks, CARBONDALE COMM H S, 6-1 , 7-5 , -;
No. 3 - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Leila Chandler, CARBONDALE COMM H S - Mira Chandler, CARBONDALE COMM H S, 6-1 , 6-0 , -;
Lady Aces Tennis Sweeps Fairfield, 9-0
Singles:
No. 1 - Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Maddie Foster, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-0 , -;
No. 2 - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Sara McGehee, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 6-1 , -;
No. 3 - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. McKenna Poole, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-7 (1), 6-1 , 10-6 ;
No. 4 - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Serenity Yingst, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-0 , -;
No. 5 - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Kenzee Scarbrough , FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 6 - Selby Patberg, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Addyson Kiktavy, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
Doubles:
No. 1 - Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Maddie Foster, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL - McKenna Poole, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-1 , -;
No. 2 - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Kenzee Scarbrough , FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL - Kinley Poole, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 4-6 , 10-4 ;
No. 3 - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Selby Patberg, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Sara McGehee, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL - Serenity Yingst, FAIRFIELD COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-4 , 6-0 , -;
Lady Aces Volleyball Recap
Week 9/26-9/30 Recap
On Monday the Lady Aces traveled to play the Fairfield Mules. They lost 18-25, 19-25. Ashby Willis had 10 kills 7 digs and 5 aces, Kathryn Blake had 4 kills, Piper Belt had 6 digs and Sarah McCorkle had 13 assists.
Tuesday they had a home conference match against Lawrencville. They won that match, 25-9, 25-11. Ashby Willis had 17 kills 9 digs and 2 aces, Kathryn Blake had 4 kills and 3 aces, Piper Belt had 4 digs and Savannah Zimmerman had 14 assists and Sarah McCorkle had 9.
Thursday night they traveled to Olney for another Conference Match. They won 25-18, 28-26. Ashby Willis had 14 kills 9 digs and 2 aces, Madi Stevens and KathrynBlake both had 6 kills, Piper Belt had 6 digs and Grace Thacker and Ava Harrington added 4 digs each.
The Lady Aces are now 13-8 overall and 4-1 in the Conference.
This coming week they play at Mt. Vernon IL Monday, Home Tuesday vs Newton and Home Thursday vs Paris, both conference matches.
SIJHSAA Class L State Softball Scores/Schedule
SIJHSAA Class L Softball Quarterfinals
Saturday, October 1st At Rotary Park in Centralia
Game #1
DuQuoin Middle School 18
Mascoutah Middle School 8
Game #2
Marion Junior High 14
Salem Franklin Park Middle School 3
Game #3
Carterville Junior High 5
Waterloo Junior High 2
Game #4
Mt.Carmel Junior High School 13
Wolf Branch Middle School 0
Semifinals-Tuesday, October 4th
1pm: DuQuoin Middle School vs. Marion Junior High
3pm: Carterville Junior High vs. Mt.Carmel Junior High
Thursday, October 6th
1pm: 3rd Place Game-
3pm: State Championship Game
Radio Broadcast Of Jr. Lady Aces Win At State On WSJD
Radio Broadcast Of Jr. Lady Aces Win At State On WSJD
Jr. Lady Aces Blast Their Way To Final 4
Lyla Keepes Throws a complete game shutout and the Jr Lady Aces pound out 12 hits as the Mt. Carmel Jr. Lady Aces Defeats Wolf Branch 13-0 in front of a great home crowd.
Lyla Keepes surrendered zero runs on three hits over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces pounded out 12 hits. Evie Sellers went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces in hits.
Quincy Keepes led Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces to victory by driving in four runs. Keepes went 2-for-3 at the plate. Keepes drove in runs on a triple in the first and a single in the fourth.
Offensive leaders:
Evie Sellers: 3-3, 3RBIs, 2R, 2B
Quincy Keepes: 2-3, 4RBIs, 2R, 3B
Leah Lewis: 2-3, 2RBIs, 2R, 3B
Lyla Keepes: 1-1, 3R, 2BB
Kinley Harris: 1-3, 2RBIs, 1R
Kyleigh Smith: 1-2, 2R, BB
The Mt. Carmel Jr. Lady Aces didn't commit a single error in the field.
The Jr. Lady Aces move to 21-1 on the season and move to the Final 4. They will face Carterville in the semi-finals of the state championship at 3PM on Tuesday in Centralia at Rotary Park.
Official Stats From Mt. Carmel 42, Newton 7
Newton at Mt. Carmel
September 30, 2022
Mt. Carmel
Rushing Sisson 6 carries 76 yards (2 TD’s)
Kight 6 carries 34 yards (1 TD)
Coston 4 carries 24 yards
Kennard 2 carries 11 yards
Fullop 3 carries 10 yards
Gillihan 1 carry 9 yards
Acree 3 carries 6 yards
TOTALS. 25 carries 170 yards (3 TD’s)
Passing Sisson 14 completions 22 attempts 185 yards (1 TD)
Coston 1 completions 1 attempt 18 yards
TOTALS 15 completions 23 attempts 203 yards (1 TD)
Receiving Kennard 6 catches 110 yards (1 TD)
Smith 3 catches 40 yards
Beesley 1 catch 18 yards
Gillihan 3 catches 14 yards
Weir 1 catch 12 yards
Kightq 1 catch 9 yards
TOTAL 15 catches 203 yards (1 TD)
Penalties 4 – 35 yards
Fumbles 4 (2 lost)
Punts 1-30 yards
First Downs 18
_______________________________________________________________
NEWTON
Rushing 22 – 79 yards
Passing 8 – 19 = 87 yards (1 TD/2 INT)
Penalties 3 – 30 yards
Fumbles 0
Punts 6 – 29 yd avg
First Downs 8
SCORING
1st QUARTER
5:39 77 YARD INTERCEPTION RETURN BY SISSON MT.C. 6 NEW 0
KICK FAILED
2ND QUARTER
11:14 5 YARD RUN BY KIGHT MT.C 12 NEW 0
KICK BLOCKED
6:59 20 YARD BY SISSON MT.C 20 NEW 0
RUN BY SISSON GOOD
1:25 27 YARD INTERCEPTION RETURN BY KENNARD MT.C 28 NEW 0
RUN BY GILLIHAN GOOD
0:00 36 YARD PASS TO KENNARD FROM SISSON MT.C 35 NEW 0
KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK
HALFTIME MT. C 35 NEW 0
3RD QUARTER
10:13 9 YARD RUN BY SISSON MT.C 42 NEW 0
KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK
5:08 8 YARD PASS FROM KINCADE TO MEINHART MT.C 42 NEW 7
KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK
4TH QUARTER
NO SCORE
FINAL SCORE
MT. CARMEL 42 NEWTON 7
Lady Aces Tennis Split Matches With Flora & Newton
9/27/2022. MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - 0, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL - 9,
Singles:
No. 1 - Lanie Carder, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 2 - Madison Eastin, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 7-5 , 6-3 , -;
No. 3 - Kathryn Jennings, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 4 - Ava Cammon, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 6-1 , -;
No. 5 - Jenny Powless, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 6 - Elise Duke, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 10-3 , -, -;
Doubles:
No. 1 - Ava Cammon, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL - Kathryn Jennings, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-0 , -;
No. 2 - Lanie Carder, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL - Madison Eastin, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 3 - Jenny Powless, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL - Addie Larch, FLORA HIGH SCHOOL def. Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 7-5 , -;
9/29/2022 MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - 7, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL - 2,
Singles:
No. 1 - Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Charlotte Schackmann, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 2 - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Jean Lin, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-4 , 6-3 , -;
No. 3 - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Grace Warfel, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 6-1 , -;
No. 4 - Avery Zumbahlen, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL def. Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-3 , -;
No. 5 - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Paige Klingler, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-4 , 7-5 , -;
No. 6 - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Jailyn Hall, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 7-5 , -;
Doubles:
No. 1 - Camryn Strine, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Carli Merritt, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Charlotte Schackmann, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL - Jean Lin, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 3-6 , 6-3 , 1-0 (5);
No. 2 - Grace Warfel, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL - Avery Zumbahlen, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL def. Kami McWilliams, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Elizabeth Hefner, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, 6-2 , 6-4 , -;
No. 3 - Mackenzie Sanders, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL - Ashleigh Hedge, MOUNT CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL def. Paige Klingler, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL - Jailyn Hall, NEWTON COMM HIGH SCHOOL, 4-6 , 6-2 , 1-0 (11);
Senior Aces Golfers Honored
The Golden Aces boys golf team celebrated Senior Day with a win over Carmi Monday.
From Coach Nick Toothman:
Aces get the win tonight vs Carmi tonight at home on senior night. Scores are posted below but tonight was about our 3 seniors. As a coach I couldn't ask for three better role models inside and outside of the classroom. Tripp Bingham, Konner Kelsey, and Owen Dougherty you have been an absolute pleasure to coach for all of us coaches. My job has been easy having you three as our leaders. You will be missed but we aren't quite done yet. Off to regionals on Wednesday at Robinson.
Lady Aces Win 114th Straight Match On Senior Day
Mount Carmel Lady Aces Golf
West Berwick Golf Course
September 26, 2022
Mount Carmel 147
Carmi White County 221
Mount Carmel: Medalist Lilly Gottman 34 (-2); Miley Kennard 37; Mady Young 38; Maria Kennard 38; Emily gottman 44; Zeme Moore 45; Ava Brumagin 46; Ashlin Trail 64
Carmi; Ava Shiever 50; Maeve Atteberry 56; Kinley Carter 57; Cournley Snow 58; Saylor Mason 61; Sadie Balding 62
Mount Carmel finishes the regular season 36-0. Last year the team finished the season 78-0 making this their 114th win in two seasons. The Lady Aces now begin their road to the IHSA State Tournament run. Defending State Champions will travel to IHSA Regionals at Red Hawk Golf Course hosted by Pinckneyville on Thursday September 29th.
MILLER AND BLEYER LEAD ACES
The MCHS Cross Country team traveled to Lawrenceville Saturday for a seven team cross country meet. Due to injuries, the Aces did not field enough runners for a team score.
The Aces runners who did participate, ran very competitive races. They were led by Jason Miller (19:31) and Anthony Bleyer (19:49), who finished 7th and 10th respectively. Also running was Jacob Wall (23:16) finishing 26th.
In the girls race Jayla Smith (25:52) and Molly Hagerty (28:57) finished 15th and 20th respectively. The Cross Country Aces next race is Thursday at the Robinson Invite.
Inaugural Hall Of Fame Class To Be Recognized Friday Night
Attention Golden Aces Fans!
This is the inaugural year for Golden Aces Athletics Hall of Fame brought to you by Mt. Carmel Aces Boosters, Inc. We will be recognizing the 2022 Hall of Fame class during halftime of the Aces football game this coming Friday, September 30th, 2022.
The 2022 class includes the following teams, coaches, and players:
1927 Boys Basketball
1981 Football
2010 Boys Golf
Cliff Garrett, coach of the 1927 State Championship Basketball team
Larry Davis, head football coach of the 1981 State Championship Football team
John Gates, longtime assistant football coach and wrestling coach
Gil Mains
Ollie Shoaff
Archie Dees
Don Liddle
Please join us after the game at Stymies at West Berwick Golf Course, for our celebration!
Jr. Lady Aces Head Back To State After Beating Olney For Regional Crown
The Mt. Carmel Jr. Lady Aces won their second consecutive regional title Saturday with a 4-1 win over Richland County.
This was the third time these teams had matched up, with the Jr. Lady Aces taking the first two games 17-1 & 11-1. Richland County put up a good effort with a state berth going to the winner of the game.
In the first inning, Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces got their offense started when Evie Sellers doubled on a 0-1 count, scoring Lyla Keepes after she had singled.
In the bottom of the second, Journey Loudermilk singled to left. Kinley Harris provided a sacrifice bunt to move Loudermilk to third. Alivia Peach came next to provide a sacrifice fly allowing Loudermilk to tag up from third to score the run making it 2-0.
It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth when the Jr. Aces would put more runs on the board. Riley Hershey led off the inning with a hard single to left. Next, Lyla Keepes singled on a bunt, putting runners on first and second. Keepes and Hershey then steal second and third. Evie Sellers doubles on a line drive that hit the centerfield wall in the air, scoring Hershey and Keepes making it 4-0.
Richland County would score their only run in the top of sixth making it 4-1, which is what the score remained.
Lyla Keepes toed the rubber for Mt. Carmel Jr. Golden Aces. The righthander allowed six hits and one run over seven innings, striking out five and walking one.
Leading the Jr. Lady Aces offensively were:
Evie Sellers: 2-3, 3RBIs, (2) 2B
Lyla Keepes: 2-2, 2R
Journey Loudermilk: 1-2, R
Riley Hershey 1-3, R
Kyleigh Smith 1-3
The Jr. Lady Aces move to 19-1 on the season and qualifying for state. Their first round state game will be Saturday, 10/1 at 1pm in Centralia vs. Wolf Branch Middle School (Swansea).