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Sports | 1000

FOOTBALL

Early enrollees transitioning to new positions

The jump from high school to college football requires more strength and a better knowledge of the game. To help better prepare for this jump, freshmen Donald Spencer and Patrick White decided to get a head start on the process by enrolling at MSU early so they could participate with the team in spring practices.

SPORTS

MSU golfer misses Masters cut by 3 shots

A historic week for MSU golfer Jack Newman ended Friday after he fell three strokes short of making the cut at the Masters in Augusta, Ga. Newman, a junior on the MSU men’s golf team, shot a four-over-par 76 in his second round, leaving him four over par through two rounds. The cut was one over par.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Iowa State loss still troubles MSU coach

About 10 minutes after her team’s season-ending loss to Iowa State, MSU women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant located a TV backstage at Haas Pavilion. For the first of what would prove to be many times, Merchant relived the anguishing final 87 seconds of the game. Since the March 28 loss, Merchant estimates she’s replayed the conclusion of the game at least 500 times.

SOFTBALL

Letting it get away

The MSU softball team nearly captured its first Big Ten victory Sunday but lost control in the last few innings, losing to Indiana 5-2 in extra innings, its seventh-straight loss. The Spartans were bolstered early by strong pitching by senior Megan Hair. Hair was nearly flawless through the first four innings, not giving up a hit and allowing only three Hoosiers to reach base.

SOFTBALL

MSU routed by Purdue

After crushing Detroit Mercy in its first homestand, the second time back for the MSU softball team wasn’t as pleasant. The team was beat handily by Purdue in its doubleheader Thursday, losing 12-0 in the first game and 8-3 in the nightcap.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Most players returning in conference

The 2008-09 college basketball season just ended, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next season. With that being said, here’s an early look at how the Big Ten should stack up next season. Disagree? Send me your predictions at altmanal@msu.edu.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Reporter looks forward to next year's team

One of the best things about sports is that there’s always next year (just ask Chicago Cubs fans). And while the MSU men’s basketball team had an unbelievable run to the national championship game, losing 89-72 to North Carolina on Monday night, it’s never too early to look ahead to the future.

SPORTS

Michigan trounces MSU men's tennis, 7-0

The MSU vs. Michigan rivalry always brings out the best in both teams. But on Wednesday afternoon, the No. 49 Wolverines showed dominance on the tennis court as they defeated the Spartans 7-0 at the MSU Indoor Tennis Facility.

BASEBALL

Moody earns national honors

After throwing the MSU baseball team’s first no-hitter in more than 16 years Saturday, MSU senior pitcher Nolan Moody was named Pro-Line Athletic Pitcher of the Week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. He was also named to the Collegiate Baseball newspaper’s Louisville Slugger National Players of the Week list and the College Baseball Foundation’s National All-Star Lineup.

SPORTS

Newman paired with PGA veterans

MSU junior golfer Jack Newman opens play in the first round of the Masters is in Augusta, Ga., which begins today. On Tuesday, the pairings were announced for the first two days of the tournament. Newman will be playing with PGA Tour veterans Rocco Mediate and Fred Couples.

SOFTBALL

No place like home for MSU

After recent snow pushed the MSU softball team’s doubleheader with Purdue to today, the Spartans spent Wednesday’s practice catching up for lost time. Because of scheduling and bad weather, the team wasn’t able to practice on the field for nearly a week, something the team will try to counter as it prepares for one of the fastest teams in the Big Ten, head coach Jacquie Joseph said.