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Sports | Hockey

VOLLEYBALL

Spartans to host NCAA Tournament

Megan Homanick
December 1, 2003

After going all season without losing two matches in a weekend, the MSU volleyball team was swept for the first time by Northwestern and Illinois this past weekend.The Spartans (19-11 overall, 11-9 Big Ten) were hoping to win at least one match before heading into the NCAA Tournament, but were unable to accomplish their goal.On Sunday evening, the Spartans found out they will host the first and second round of the NCAATournament.

BASKETBALL

Exorcising the Demons

Patrick Walters
December 1, 2003

If a breakout season is what those outside East Lansing are expecting from junior guard Kelvin Torbert, they'll have to be satisfied with a breakout tournament instead. Torbert and No.

SPORTS

Lions still have slim chance of making playoffs

The champagne is on ice, chilling for the celebration of the century. And as the weeks go by, it becomes more and more of a possibility because, contrary to popular belief, the Detroit Lions (4-8) still have a shot at the playoffs. If asked about his team's chances, new head coach Steve Mariucci would certainly deny it, but with a little help and a whole lot of love, the hometown professional pigskin tossers will be sitting pretty in the playoffs. All this playoff talk gets me excited and also makes me remember the infamous words of former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora, who shouted, "Playoffs?

FOOTBALL

Deadline set for Ottney case closure

After more than two months of mourning and mystery, officials still are attempting to figure out what caused the seizure-like episode that ended Brian Ottney's life. Ottney, a former MSU football captain, died at 12:59 a.m.

FOOTBALL

Williams a finalist for Eastern coaching job

Patrick Walters
November 26, 2003

Reports from The Grand Rapids Press on Tuesday named former MSU head football coach Bobby Williams - along with MSU running backs coach Reggie Mitchell - as two of six finalists for the Eastern Michigan head coaching position. Neither Williams nor Mitchell were available for comment Tuesday, although Eastern Michigan athletics director David Diles maintained that the Eagles would not be confirming reports considering their vacant coaching position. "I will not confirm or deny anything regarding (the position)," Diles said.

ICE HOCKEY

Team hopes to rebound

Paul Day
November 26, 2003

There will be little time to rest for the MSU hockey team (8-5-1 overall, 6-3-1 CCHA) after eating turkey and stuffing on Thursday.Friday marks the start of the 11th Annual College Hockey Showcase at Munn Ice Arena, with the Spartans playing host to defending national champion Minnesota (4-7-1, 3-6-1 WCHA) in game one of the showcase.

FOOTBALL

Big-time coach

Toward the end of last season, MSU head coach John L. Smith was leading Louisville to its fifth straight bowl game.

VOLLEYBALL

Spikers face road test before tourney

Megan Homanick
November 26, 2003

As the MSU volleyball team closes its season on the road at Northwestern and No. 18 Illinois, they will focus on getting healthy and playing well in preparation for the NCAA Tournament."I think that win (over Iowa) pretty much puts us in the NCAA Tournament, especially with the schedule that we've played," head coach Chuck Erbe said.

VOLLEYBALL

Injuries coming at wrong time

Megan Homanick
November 25, 2003

Every team has injuries, but for the MSU volleyball team, most have come over the past two weeks. Senior setter Nikki Colson, senior middle Jenny Rood, junior outside hitter Sara Villwock and sophomore middle Brooke Langston have all sat out because of injuries. "It's hard when you come into practice and your starting setter is sitting out, your starting M1 (middle) is not dressed for practice and your L2 (leftside hitter) is wearing a boot," head coach Chuck Erbe said. Colson has had tendinitis in both knees and shin splints in one leg, but the problems have gotten worse over the past two weeks. Rood has been dealing with shin-splint problems as well, but it has become a big problem for her when she jumps and lands.

SPORTS

Quickstart

Tara Miller
November 24, 2003

MSU women's basketball coach Joanne P. McCallie would probably agree that the best way to start a season is with two victories over powerful teams, a tournament championship and a senior clutching tournament MVP honors. During the weekend, MSU hosted the Spartan Classic Tournament, defeating Davidson College, 74-68, on Saturday, then winning the championship game on Sunday against Temple, 78-40.

BASKETBALL

Izzo calls team 'soft' after game, demands toughness

Chris Mackinder
November 24, 2003

Tom Izzo slammed his right fist into the palm of his left hand. The veins were clearly visible in his forehead and neck as he screamed across the court to any Spartan who would listen. It was a reoccurring scene Friday night in the Spartans' sloppy, 64-52 victory over Bucknell at Breslin Center. Rebounding, a staple in MSU's program during Izzo's tenure, evaporated against the Bison (0-1). The Spartans (1-0) weren't crashing the boards, and when the final buzzer sounded, MSU was slimly the victor in the rebounding category, 42-39. The poor display and representation of Spartan basketball caused Izzo to call this squad the softest team he's had in his nine-year reign as head coach. "This team needs a toughness transfusion," Izzo said.

SPORTS

Steroids are ruining sports; users should be ashamed

I'm blaming Barry Bonds for my inability to log onto ESPN.com and not be pissed off. His sixth National League MVP award notwithstanding - though I could devote an entire newspaper to why I think Bonds should never be mentioned in the same breath as Willie Mays - I'm furious for another reason. Acronyms. Specifically, two of them - "THG" and "BALCO." Until about a month ago, I thought THG was what gave the left-handed cigarette its punch and BALCO was the brave, cartoon sled dog voiced by Michael J.