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Sports

SPORTS

Spikers prepare for 1st road trip

The MSU volleyball team has more to prove this weekend in the Green Mill Restaurant Classic at Wichita State in Kansas. The Spartans will be facing stronger competition in the weeks ahead such as Arkansas, Wichita State and Washington, head coach Chuck Erbe said. "The bar's going to be at a higher level, and we're going to have to play better this coming weekend," Erbe said. Among the biggest areas that the Spartans need to improve upon include diversifying combinations, hitting off the block and timing back court attacks, Erbe said. MSU (3-0) put up high numbers in its season and home opener last weekend and currently lead the Big Ten with a .347 hitting percentage an average of 3.28 blocks per game. The Spartans were second to Minnesota with 17.89 kills and 16.33 assists per game. But those numbers won't make up for serious errors in the future, said senior outside hitter Kim Schram.

SPORTS

Hockey cheer section looks for new recruits

Matt Bishop
September 9, 2004

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.

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.

SPORTS

Cross country opens season; Higgins 3rd

Jon Gunnells
September 7, 2004

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

Field hockey remains unbeaten; record 4-0

Jon Gunnells
September 7, 2004

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.

SOCCER

Spartans win Radisson Fall Classic; record 3-0

Matt Bishop
September 7, 2004

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.

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

Laura Collins
September 2, 2004

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

6 'U' gymnasts earns top academic honors

Matt Bishop
September 2, 2004

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.