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Sports | 1117

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

4,566 miles from home, Sambolić finds her fit at MSU

Tyler Gaylord
February 22, 2026

Slovenia native Sara Sambolić stepped into the starting lineup for just the second time in her career Wednesday, delivering a composed 13-point, six-assist performance in MSU's 104-68 win over Northwestern. The junior guard, who earned her spot at Michigan State after a standout showing in the U20 European Championship, is living proof that Robyn Fralick's program welcomes talent from anywhere in the world — even 4,566 miles away.

SPORTS

Michigan State dominates floor to secure home victory

Tanya Arora
February 22, 2026

Michigan State gymnastics put on a strong all-around performance, featuring impressive floor routines from Gabi Ortiz (9.900) and MaKayla Tucker (9.950). They defeated their Big Ten rival, Ohio State University, with a score of 197.300-196.850, continuing to gain momentum as the season progresses.

SPORTS

MSU names Tamara Durante head field hockey coach

Audrey Dayton
February 20, 2026

After a month of searching, Michigan State has named Tamara Durante as the head coach of its field hockey program. Durante is the 10th head coach in program history. She has spent the last 11 seasons as assistant and associate coaching roles at MSU.

SPORTS

Evie Doezema navigates life after college athletics

Nandini Jaithalia
February 20, 2026

After years of structured routines and identities built around sport, college athletes face an uncertain transition when their playing careers end. Former Michigan State volleyball player Evie Doezema reflects on leaving the game and navigating her identity beyond athletics.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 1 MSU hockey edges Notre Dame in tight, hard-fought win

Audrey Dayton
February 20, 2026

No. 1 Michigan State hockey edged Notre Dame 4-2 in a hard-fought matchup, with key goals from Charlie Stramel, Gavin O’Connell, and Porter Martone and a 37-save performance by junior goalie Trey Augustine. The win boosted MSU’s Big Ten record to 14-5-0 and put it one point behind Michigan for the Big Ten lead.

SPORTS

MSU sports have up and down week as they prepare for busy weekend

The State News Sports Desk
February 19, 2026

It was a week of redemption and record-breaking moments for Spartan athletics. Men's basketball rebounded from its worst loss of the season with a dominant three-point barrage against UCLA, while MSU baseball turned heads by stealing a series from then-No. 8 Louisville. The women's basketball team answered a tough rivalry defeat with a 104-point Senior Day statement, and women's golf's Paula Balanzategui posted the best finish of her collegiate career. Not every result went the Spartans' way, but with championship seasons approaching, Michigan State is hitting its stride at exactly the right time.

ICE HOCKEY

Fresh off bye week, No. 1 MSU hockey set to host Notre Dame

Audrey Dayton
February 18, 2026

No. 1 Michigan State hockey will host Notre Dame at Munn Ice Arena for a two-game series after spending the last week on a bye. The opening game is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. The series finale is set for Friday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. Notre Dame has a poor record but holds talented players who are dangerous on the power play. MSU must continue to win to contend for the Big Ten regular-season title, although it's taking things one day at a time. The bye week allowed MSU to recover after spending much of the last two months on the road.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Michigan sweeps MSU women's basketball in commanding 86-65 victory

Tyler Gaylord
February 15, 2026

What began as a highly anticipated rematch between in-state rivals quickly unraveled for Michigan State. After trading blows early, a turnover-plagued second quarter flipped the game on its head, allowing Michigan Wolverines to seize control and cruise past the Michigan State Spartans, 86-65. Michigan capitalized on MSU’s mistakes and second-chance opportunities to complete the season sweep, while injuries and exposed weaknesses compounded a frustrating night for the Spartans as they search for answers late in the season.