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SPORTS

Sports briefs

Brian Beute
October 6, 2003

'U' shuts out Buckeyes Fewer shot attempts and fewer corner kicks led the MSU women's soccer team to a 1-0 loss to Ohio State Sunday in Columbus, Ohio. MSU only attempted 11 shots to OSU's 19, relying on senior goalkeeper Stacy Heller to stop the Buckeyes from scoring, which she did five times. The Spartans also allowed three corner kicks, one of which returned the Buckeyes' only goal. Lutz resigns as coach MSU men's and women's swimming and diving head coach Jim Lutz stepped down Friday because of health concerns and family priorities. Sixth-year associate coach Matt Gianiodis will serve as interim head coach for the 2003-04 season. Lutz was diagnosed with chronic mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus infection and chronic fatigue syndrome in March.

ICE HOCKEY

Icers blank Windsor 6-0 in exhibition game

Paul Day
October 6, 2003

It took two of three periods for the MSU hockey team to defeat the University of Windsor 6-0 in Sunday's afternoon skate."I'm happy that we got a chance to play in a competitive situation," MSU head coach Rick Comley said.

SPORTS

Fans can't just come to games, need to be louder

I'm no good at math, plain and simple, so I have a formula for you to figure out. What does "fans stay entire game" plus "football team plays strong" equal? Two conference wins - just as many as MSU had all of last season. But that's where the flattery ends. Good for you - you are an improved fan who decided to stay long enough to see Jeff Smoker throw Frisbees to Zeke the Wonder Dog. I admit, I was impressed to see the student section withstand a late rain during the Iowa game and poor play from Indiana all game this past Saturday, but there's still insurmountable room for improvement. First, let's try and get to the game on time.

SPORTS

Spreading the wealth

Jon Styf
October 6, 2003

Although MSU was not challenged by a weak Indiana team, it did accomplish one of its goals for this week. With Agim Shabaj nursing a shoulder injury and Ziehl Kavanaght out with an injured kneecap, the Spartans gave many of their secondary options, including Matt Trannon, Jason Randall, Aaron Alexander and Kyle Brown, a chance to make big plays in the Spartans' 31-3 win over Indiana (1-5 overall, 0-2 Big Ten). The major surprise was the involvement of Trannon, a sophomore, in the team's offense.

SPORTS

Grand Ledge's Horford recalls verbal commitment to U-M

Paul Day
October 3, 2003

Possible good news for the MSU men's basketball team has reached campus. Grand Ledge senior forward Al Horford recalled his verbal commitment to Michigan, opening up his recruiting process once again. Two weeks ago the frontcourt future of the basketball team looked to be in question, as three post prospects erased MSU from their list of top school choices.

FOOTBALL

4 Spartans ticketed for alcohol violations

Jon Styf
October 3, 2003

Four MSU football players were charged with alcohol-related violations earlier this year.On June 26, Tyrell Dortch was charged with driving with an open intoxicant and Jeremiah McLaurin was charged with having an open intoxicant in a vehicle in East Lansing.Both charges were reduced to misdemeanor alcohol/stadium violations in 54-B District Court in East Lansing.

SPORTS

Green beats White in 'U' hockey scrimmage

Paul Day
October 3, 2003

The MSU hockey team kept with their scoring pace of an average 3.95 goals per game at the annual Green and White game at Munn Ice Arena on Thursday night. Last season's average was virtually matched by the Green Team as it defeated the White Team, 3-2 - until the shootout. The exhibition wasn't your average hockey game.

SPORTS

Spikers look to rebound from U-M shellacking

Megan Homanick
October 3, 2003

The No. 14 MSU volleyball team plays No. 20 Wisconsin tonight, but in reality, the Spartans will be playing against themselves. In the last four games, MSU (9-4 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) has not won or lost, but rather been given the win or had it taken away by opponents.

SPORTS

Hockey prepares for Green and White game

Paul Day
October 2, 2003

The MSU hockey team faces a familiar foe at 7:05 tonight at Munn Ice Arena - itself. The annual Green and White exhibition will pin Spartans players against one another, serving as warm-up for Sunday's 2:05 p.m.

FOOTBALL

Kavanaght puts team above self

Jon Styf
October 2, 2003

He quietly runs his routes, perfect in form without a flashy strut or any trash talk. Fifth-year senior Ziehl Kavanaght goes about his business, out of the spotlight of media attention but in the sight line of special teams gunners looking to make one big play. But, through it all, the language barrier, the lack of passes thrown his way, the time on the sidelines his first four seasons and being hung out to dry as the punt returner, the 26-year-old Quebec native has no complaints. "I'm just trying to help the team," Kavanaght said.

VOLLEYBALL

Rivalry is about flag, pride

Megan Homanick
October 1, 2003

When the No. 14 MSU volleyball team steps onto the court at 7 p.m. today, there will be a buzz in the air - the Wolverines are in town.People might think an MSU-Michigan volleyball match is not as intense or exciting as a hockey, football or basketball game.The truth: If MSU were to play U-M in curling, there would a heightened level of play and state of emotions."It's a natural rivalry," head coach Chuck Erbe said.

FOOTBALL

'U' works to avoid letdown

As subtle as it seems, a win over Indiana this weekend could be historic for No. 25 MSU. The Spartans finished the 1999 regular season on a three-game winning streak, the last time they won three straight. Spartans players and coaches are glad to have beaten Notre Dame and Iowa but know they can't let their excitement and top-25 ranking get the best of them - or else the Hoosiers might on Saturday. "It's kind of too early for that kind of stuff," senior quarterback Jeff Smoker said of the Spartans debuting in the AP poll.

SOCCER

Robinson 'cool' in Spartans' net

Paul Day
September 30, 2003

MSU fifth-year senior goalkeeper Mike "Mikey" Robinson is cool.Well, that's what junior sweeper Kellen Kalso - Robinson's longtime friend and playing partner going back to Vardar Soccer Club in Metro Detroit - will tell you.