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Sports

FOOTBALL

Spartans let game slip away

Jon Styf
September 13, 2003

The MSU football team held a lead late into the fourth quarter, but for the second straight season the third time lost its charm. The Spartans were stunned by Louisiana Tech 20-19 after a series of MSU errors gave the Bulldogs an opportunity to win. Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker injured his right big toe in the second quarter and never returned, leaving backup quarterback Damon Dowdell as the Spartans only hope. "I'm in disbelief," Smoker said.

BASEBALL

Lugnuts defeat Snappers, take 2-0 series lead

Megan Homanick
September 11, 2003

Lansing - Two game-saving plays helped the Lansing Lugnuts remain undefeated in the playoffs with a 3-2 win over the Beloit Snappers in game two of the Midwest League Championship Series. Lansing is now ahead in the series, 2-0, needing to win just one of the last three games to claim the title. With two outs, two runners on and one run already scored in the top of the seventh, right fielder J.J.

ICE HOCKEY

Comley names Slater captain

Paul Day
September 11, 2003

Jim Slater's hockey résumé has many highlights. Being named captain for the Spartans' 2003-04 campaign by MSU hockey coach Rick Comley is somewhere below the header.

FOOTBALL

Fantasy gurus say Owens, Moulds in for a good week

With the first test of the fantasy football season now in the books, it's time to regroup, reflect and rethink what went well - and what didn't - in Week One. Sure, there were disappointments. Top-flight running backs Marshall Faulk of the Rams, LaDainian Tomlinson of the Chargers and Corey Dillon of the Bengals ran like mere impostors of their typical selves, combining for 96 yards on the ground and no touchdowns. And there were sweet surprises. Rookie Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin reset the record books for a debut receiver, with 10 catches for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

SPORTS

Field hockey earns top 10 national ranking

Dawn Klemish
September 10, 2003

After a tough loss to North Carolina over the weekend, the MSU field hockey team still earned a top 10 national ranking for the season's first poll.The National Field Hockey Coaches' Association (NFHCA) tabbed the Spartans as the nation's 8th-best squad in a poll released Tuesday.

SOCCER

Goalkeeper holds 'U' record

Patrick Walters
September 10, 2003

MSU's best soccer goalkeeper didn't even want to play goalie after her first time in net."When I was 5, I got put in goal and I hated it," senior goalie Stacy Keller said.

SPORTS

Cross country starts season ranked No. 13

The Spartans have earned a No. 13 national ranking in the FinishLynx/NCAA preseason poll released Tuesday, receiving 227 votes.MSU finished second place in the Big Ten last season and third at the NCAA Regionals, while bringing home a 12th-place overall showing at the NCAA Championships.Michelle Carson and Jamie Krzyminski will return as Spartan standouts once again for their senior crusade.

FOOTBALL

Spartans conference leaders in penalties

With two games behind them and two weeks before conference play begins, MSU the defending national champion Ohio State are on top of the Big Ten. But the statistical category they share is not one to be proud of.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey players wanted

Those interested in being a part of the MSU Hockey team have a chance this month. There will be a meeting for all interested athletes at 4 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Spartans move up to No. 17

Megan Homanick
September 9, 2003

Sometimes when a younger player beats out an older player for a starting position, team tension can arise.But that hasn't happened with the MSU volleyball team.When sophomore libero Marley Bellwood beat out senior libero Emmy Miller for the key defensive position, head coach Chuck Erbe had cause for concern.

FOOTBALL

Knott, McKinney doubtful; Dortch questionable

Jon Styf
September 9, 2003

It's only the third week of the season, but the injuries have already started to mount for the MSU football team. Junior tight end Eric Knott and junior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney are listed as out for Saturday's game against Louisiana Tech, although head coach John L.

SPORTS

Lugnuts advance to championship series

The Lansing Lugnuts will play in game one of the 2003 Midwest League Championship Series at 6:05 tonight at Oldsmobile Park.It is the second straight year the Lugnuts will play in the championship series.

VOLLEYBALL

'U' dominates in Carolina Classic; now 5-0

Megan Homanick
September 8, 2003

The No. 25 MSU volleyball team continues to dominate the volleyball world. South Carolina and North Carolina were MSU's victims over the weekend. MSU defeated the host school South Carolina 30-19, 24-30, 30-17 and 30-28 on Friday night to improve to 4-0 on the season. The team was paced by three players, led by junior opposite side hitter Michelle Kopka with 14 kills.

SPORTS

Spartans have 2-victory weekend

Paul Day
September 8, 2003

Detroit's net was very inviting to the No. 19 MSU women's soccer team Sunday afternoon.MSU (3-1) defeated Detroit 4-0 in a game MSU women's soccer head coach Tom Saxton said was the type of offensive effort his team needed.

FOOTBALL

Comeback spurs win

MSU attacked from every angle Saturday against Rutgers, but despite putting up 44 points, the victory was anything but easy. It took the Spartans almost 28 minutes to grab the lead from the Scarlet Knights, who opened up the scoring early with a 65-yard passing touchdown just two-and-a-half minutes into the game. Head coach John L.

FOOTBALL

Hayes shines with touchdowns

While most receivers contemplate their next move as they snatch the ball out of the air, Jaren Hayes is just praying he'll catch it. Perhaps Hayes' new style of play was inspired by his team's new nickname Saturday, for he was lining up for the Aggies, not the Spartans. Or maybe it was the chance to shine after starting running back Tyrell Dortch left the game in the second quarter because of a sprained ankle. But ask Hayes and he'll tell you he doesn't care where he played, or even how, just as long as the team, Aggies or Spartans, won. "In the first touchdown I scored, I was just praying that I was going to catch the ball and try and get some yards.