Saturday, June 27, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports | Football 1081

ICE HOCKEY

No. 1 MSU hockey faces Ohio State in last regular-season home series

Audrey Dayton
February 26, 2026

No. 1 Michigan State hockey will host Ohio State in its last regular-season home series this weekend, opening play on Friday, Feb. 27 at 8:30 p.m. The series finale will be on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. The Spartans are second in the Big Ten with 45 points and a record of 15-5-0 (24-6-0 overall). No. 2 Michigan leads the conference by just one point but has played two more games than MSU. The Spartans are in prime position to clinch the regular-season title for the third-straight year.

ICE HOCKEY

Martone earns Big Ten weekly award following hat-trick performance

Audrey Dayton
February 24, 2026

Freshman winger Porter Martone has been named Second Star of the Week, following his first collegiate hat trick, released by the Big Ten conference this morning. Martone scored four goals in No. 1 MSU hockey's sweep of Notre Dame last week. His performance moved him to 41 points and 20 goals on the season. He now ranks ninth in points and fourth in goals in the history of MSU freshmen.  

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.