SPORTS
Women's golf ranked No. 24, UCLA at No. 1
With nine returning golfers, five which are letter winners, the MSU women's golf team took the No.
BASKETBALL
'U' to take on Nevada at The Palace
MSU head coach Tom Izzo can resurrect his dignity after last season's playoff defeat against Nevada head coach Trent Johnson with this season's Spartan Clash at 4 p.m.
SPORTS
Hockey cheer section looks for new recruits
Slapshots, MSU's student hockey spirit section, is looking for new members for the upcoming season. The cheering section offers ticket packages of 9-18 games, along with the chance to go on road trips and the opportunity to meet head coach Rick Comley. Other perks of being in the section include MSU Student Alumni Foundation membership and an official Slapshots long-sleeved T shirt. For more information or to purchase tickets for Slapshots, visit at www.msusaf.com or go to the SAF office on the third floor of the Union.
FOOTBALL
Starting quarterback still up in the air, Stanton back in mix
Senior Damon Dowdell is MSU's starting quarterback, but as ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend." For the second straight week, head coach John L.
VOLLEYBALL
Spikers lead Big Ten in hits, blocks
The MSU volleyball team (3-0) leads the Big Ten in both hitting percentage and blocking after a 3-0 weekend at the MSU/Coca-Cola Classic Championship. The team has a .347 hitting percentage and 3.28 blocks per game, followed by Wisconsin, with 3.11 blocks per game.
FOOTBALL
Special teams not a factor; penalties cost 'U' 16 yards
As far as special teams units go, MSU's cast is star-studded. Senior running back DeAndra Cobb is a constant threat to take a kickoff to the house.
SPORTS
Cross country opens season; Higgins 3rd
The MSU cross country teams began their seasons at the Jeff Drenth Memorial meet at Central Michigan over the weekend. The men placed five runners in the top 10, beginning with senior Steve Sherer in second, freshman Stephan Shay in third and freshman Dustin Voss in fourth. On the women's side, freshman Kelly Higgins lead the Spartans team by finishing third overall in her first collegiate race. The Spartans men's and women's continue the action at 2 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Spartans 3-0 in weekend matchups
The MSU volleyball team opened its season by capturing the Coca-Cola/MSU Classic Championship at Jenison Field House this past weekend. The team went 3-0, defeating Ohio University, St.
SPORTS
'U' beats Kentucky, prepares for Mercy
After a victorious two-game weekend, the MSU women's soccer team gears up to meet Detroit Mercy 4 p.m.
SPORTS
Field hockey remains unbeaten; record 4-0
The MSU women's field hockey team spent its holiday weekend in Virginia improving its regular season record to 4-0 with wins over Virginia and James Madison. The Spartans squared off against Virginia (2-1) on Sunday, beating the locals, 6-2.
FOOTBALL
Defense gives up big plays, 415 yards in loss
The MSU defense allowed only four field goals in Saturday's 19-14 loss to Rutgers, but gave up 415 total yards.
SOCCER
Spartans win Radisson Fall Classic; record 3-0
Senior forward John Minagawa-Webster had one goal and an assist to lead MSU to a 3-0 win over Western Illinois to capture the MSU/Radisson Fall Soccer Classic championship Sunday at Old College Field. "We feel like we're moving in the right direction," MSU head coach Joe Baum said.
SPORTS
WEB ONLY: Field hockey to travel to Virginia
After leading the MSU women's field hockey team to a 2-0 start at the Inaugural Champions Challenge Tournament last weekend, Spartans goalkeeper Christina Kirkaldy was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
VOLLEYBALL
Spartans host weekend invite
The MSU volleyball team is hungry to make some kills on home court heading into this weekend's season opener - the Coca-Cola/MSU Classic at Jenison Field House. "We're ready for any competition you throw at us," junior setter Mickey Davis said.
SPORTS
My money's on Dowdell to start
Since John L. Smith decided not to name a starting quarterback this week - leaving MSU fans in the dark until Saturday - I'm going to take my best shot at reading his mind. Embattled senior Damon Dowdell will be under center Saturday at Rutgers Stadium, taking the first snap for the Spartans' offense this season. Why is Dowdell embattled?
SPORTS
Televised Minnesota game to use replay
Illinois State approved the use of the instant replay system in its Sept. 11 game at Minnesota, the school announced Tuesday. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN Regional Television and because of recent approval from the nonconference team, the replay tool will be part of the game. "I'm kind of excited about being involved in a game experimenting with the instant replay rule," Illinois State coach Denver Johnson said in a written statement. "It could add a new element to the game, and I'll be looking to the officiating crew before the game to help me with the process.
SPORTS
Sevin hired as new track assistant coach McMahon to play in final exhibition game
Former U.S. National Team member Ty Sevin will join the MSU men's track and field team as an assistant coach to Spartan throwers, jumpers and multi-event competitors. Before coming to MSU, Sevin was a volunteer assistant coach at Texas A&M, coaching the pole vaulters from 1999-2001 and then again this past season.
SPORTS
6 'U' gymnasts earns top academic honors
Sporting a cumulative grade-point average of 3.31, the MSU women's gymnastics team ranks among the top 30 schools in the nation, finishing second to Eastern Michigan in the state. MSU ranked third in the Big Ten, trailing only to Iowa and Minnesota, with team GPA's of 3.32. Six Spartans were named to the 2004 NACGC/W All-America Team, which honors gymnasts with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
SPORTS
Dopirak named MVP of Midwest League
Lansing Lugnuts first baseman Brian Dopirak has been named the Midwest League's Most Valuable Player.
SPORTS
Spartans begin season led by McMahen, Minagawa-Webster
After losing four All-Big Ten players including star goaltender Mike Robinson to graduation after last season, it would be logical to assume the MSU men's soccer team would be in a rebuilding phase. Not so fast, according to head coach Joe Baum. "It was a tremendous loss," Baum said.