Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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Sports

SOFTBALL

Sloppy split

With a five-run lead and an ace in the hole, MSU softball head coach Jacquie Joseph thought a doubleheader sweep of Wisconsin was a safe bet. After winning the first game, 7-5, the Spartans (21-16 overall, 3-5 Big Ten) took a 6-0 lead into the bottom of the fourth of the second game.

SPORTS

Fan utopia lies in 'D'

Detroit is flat-out the hottest sports town in America right now. It wasn't but a few years ago that the only team Detroit sports fans had to look forward to was the Red Wings, because they were the only team that was going to win. I credit the Detroit Pistons and general manager Joe Dumars with starting the winning attitude the Tigers and Lions have now adopted.

BASEBALL

Kobs Korner

There is the Izzone, Slapshots, Corner Blitz and now a new kid on the block of the MSU cheering sections - Kobs Korner. Kobs Korner is the beloved student section of the MSU baseball team (14-10). An MSU baseball team that is 10-0 at home this season, courtesy of a little help from the Korner. "It's been fantastic," MSU head coach Ted Mahan said.

SPORTS

Spartans leave comfort of home

The Spartans couldn't have asked for a better way to finish their nonconference schedule and begin the Big Ten season: 10 games, 10 wins. MSU (14-10 overall, 4-0 Big Ten) knows, however, that each of those games and victories came with the comfort of playing at Kobs Field.

SOFTBALL

Spartans return home to play Big Ten opponents

After spending the majority of the season on the road, including the past six games, the MSU softball team is back in the comforts of its own dugout to open up the Big Ten season at home. The Spartans (19-14, 1-3 Big Ten) hope to put their recent woes behind them - 1-4 in the past five - as Minnesota (22-11, 3-1) and Wisconsin (21-17, 1-3) come to East Lansing.

SPORTS

Grrreat day for a Tigers fan

There are few things in my life I love more than Detroit Tigers baseball - my job, my dog, Long Islands from the Peanut Barrel, uhmm … I'd say that's it.

SPORTS

Defending league champs to open season at Battle Creek

Last season, the Lansing Lugnuts ended their run as champions of the Midwest League. The Lugnuts will look to duplicate their efforts from last season with fresh faces but the same winning attitude. "We have a pretty good nucleus coming back, and our pitching is going to be good again this year," manager Julio Garcia said. Pitching was the story last season, when it carried Lansing to an undefeated postseason run.

BASEBALL

Gulick, team extend streak in 12-1 victory

After the MSU baseball team romped Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne at Kobs Field on Wednesday, manager Ted Mahan called baseball a "streaky game." His observation is especially fitting for the Spartans, considering they just won their 10th straight game and junior outfielder Travis Gulick extended his hitting streak to 20 games. The Spartans (14-10) annihilated IPFW (11-18) in all phases of the game in their 12-1 win.

SPORTS

Club to host conference tourney

For Jennifer Scully, April 16 cannot come any sooner. To the four-year starter and president of the MSU women's water polo team, it's the date she's been waiting for since she came to MSU four years ago.

BASEBALL

Spartans prepared to extend winning trend

With the Spartans riding a nine-game winning streak, Travis Gulick's play probably has gone unnoticed by most. On Tuesday, however, the Big Ten recognized the junior right fielder's achievements by giving him co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors. "It was really a surprise to me," Gulick said.

SPORTS

Beech named Big Ten Player of the Week

After going 7-for-14 at the plate in five games last week, senior pitcher Jessica Beech earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors. The Okemos native became the first Spartan to be named Player of the Week in 2004 by scoring a run in each matchup, bringing the Spartans' total runs to 13 while MSU's opponents scored 23 runs. MSU faces Central Michigan at 4 p.m.

FOOTBALL

Maples, Smith build 'chemistry' on field

Every gambler needs an insurance plan in case of disaster. Senior cornerback Roderick Maples, who is known for taking risks on the field, is no exception. Only, Maples' insurance plan comes in the form of junior strong safety Eric Smith. "We kind of got attached," Maples said.

SPORTS

Gymnasts end season with 5th-place finish

MSU gymnastics took home fifth place from the Central Region Championship on Saturday, scoring a combined 195.025. The event was held in Maravich Center at Louisiana State, and featured five top-25 teams. Junior Lauren Simpson led MSU on bars, junior Nicole Anderson took the lead on the floor and sophomore Sarah Alexander led the Spartans on beam. Alexander, along with freshman Chayla Hill, led scoring for the Spartans on vault, each scoring a 9.800. MSU broke numerous records this season, including the school's record team score twice, and ended the season with a 19-20-1 record.

SPORTS

Spartans snag 15th at Texas tournament

The MSU men's golf team placed 15th in the Border Olympics on Saturday at the Laredo Country Club in Laredo, Texas. Junior Andrew Ruthkoski led the Spartans with 215 (70-70-75) and tied for 12th; freshman Matt Harmon came in 41st with 222 (75-72-75). In three rounds, MSU shot a total of 893 (297-290-306). The Spartans continue competition Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.

ICE HOCKEY

Fast records first NHL goal with Hurricanes

Time was almost running out for former Spartans defenseman Brad Fast to record his first NHL goal in his professional debut with the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. With less than three minutes left in regulation, Fast's wrister went past Miami goaltender Roberto Luongo to force the game into overtime.