College Softball: MU Wins 2

The Madonna University softball team continues to win games.  The Crusaders currently have a 23-6 overall record!

     I was at Ilitch Park on Wednesday (April 2nd) watching the Madonna University baseball team play their 2014 home opener against Siena Heights University.  The teams played a double header, and there was about a 25 minute break between games.  I decided to walk over to the softball diamond to check out the field, and the overall facilities for the softball program.  University Field is home to the Madonna University softball team, and the turf along with the dugouts, and scoreboards would be considered to be top notch for any college program. The bleacher section is a bit inadequate for the amount of fans that attend games, but the softball program at Madonna University continues to grow, and the team continues to win games.
     The Madonna University Crusaders hosted the Aquinas College Saints in a WHAC (Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference) Conference, double header showdown.  This was the first college softball game that I've ever been to, and this is the first women's athletic event that has ever been featured on the Mitten State Sports Report. The Crusaders swept the Saints 2-1, and 4-1 to improve their winning streak to 9 games.  Their winning streak improved to 11 games before #23 Davenport University defeated the Crusaders 3-2 yesterday.  Madonna University earned a bit of revenge against the #23 ranked team in the nation by winning the second game of the double header 4-3 (in 8 innings).
     The Madonna University Crusaders feature one of the best pitchers in all of college softball.  #5 Bree Crampton has already been named WHAC Conference Pitcher of the Week twice this season, and was named NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) National Pitcher of the Week earlier this month. Crampton has already thrown two perfect games this season, and is the only Madonna pitcher to ever throw multiple perfect games.  Crampton went 3-0 in one week posting remarkable numbers in the process.  In 14 innings of work, Bree Crampton allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, and struck out 27 batters (0.00 earned run average).
     The Madonna University Crusader softball team currently has an overall record of 23-6, and a 9-1 record in the WHAC Conference.  There are only two opportunities left this season to see the softball team play at home.  The Crusaders will host the Indiana Institute of Technology on April 16th, at 4:00 p.m.  Madonna University will host Concordia University on April 19th, at 1:00 p.m.  Both events are scheduled for double headers.  Click on the link below for more information about Madonna University athletics.  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from some archived Crusaders games!
     The Aquinas College Saints softball team currently has an overall record of 11-10, and a 3-3 record in the WHAC Conference.  Click on the links below for more information about Aquinas College athletics, the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, or the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics!  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from some archived Saints games!







For more information about Madonna University athletics click on  http://www.madonnacrusaders.com



For more information about Aquinas College athletics click on  http://www.aquinas.edu/athletics



For more information about the NAIA click on http://www.naia.org



For more information about the WHAC Conference click on  http://www.whac.net



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Be sure to check out exclusive photos from Wednesday's college softball showdown!



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Madonna vs. Siena Heights

On Wednesday afternoon, the Madonna University Crusaders (in white) hosted the Siena Heights University Saints! 

Both schools are NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) programs.

Both schools compete against each other in the WHAC (Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference).

The game was played at Ilitch Park in Livonia.  The Crusaders play all of their home games there.  

Both teams brought their offenses to the field.  Siena Heights University accumulated 14 hits in the first game.

This was the 2014 home opener for the Madonna Crusaders.  The temperature was 58 degrees with a light breeze.

#7 Victor Barron attempts to move the runner.  Barron is an infielder playing in his senior season at Madonna.

The Saints went to the bullpen. #19 Kyle Burkholder entered the game. Burkholder is a junior, and a right handed pitcher.

The Siena Heights Saints celebrated the 10-7 victory in the first game of the double header

The Madonna University Crusaders celebrated the 11-5 victory in the second game of the double header.

For more information about Madonna University athletics click on  http://www.madonnacrusaders.com



For more information about Siena Heights University athletics click on  http://shusaints.com



For more information about the NAIA click on http://www.naia.org



For more information about the WHAC click on  http://www.whac.net



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College Baseball Returns!

Madonna University split a two game series with Siena Heights University! The double header was played on Wednesday.

     College baseball is back in the Midwest, and several schools have returned from the southern states to play their conference schedules.  On Wednesday afternoon, I attended Ilitch Park for the Madonna University Crusaders home opener against the Siena Heights University Saints.  Although I have been to the MAC (Madonna Athletic Complex) before, this was my first time at Ilitch Park.  I was impressed by the field, and the overall facilities for the Madonna University baseball program.  The turf at Ilitch Park may be the nicest in the state of Michigan, and the only upgrade that should be made is to the bleacher section.  Along with having a soccer/lacrosse field, the Madonna Athletic Complex also includes a softball diamond, a concession stand, and a parking lot.  The MAC is located at 15090 Newburg Road, in Livonia.
     The Madonna Crusaders played a double header against Siena Heights, and the schools split the two game series.  Both teams came ready to hit, and the Saints won the first game 10-7.  Siena Heights accumulated 14 hits, and did most of their damage in the 2nd inning.  The Saints scored 7 runs in the 2nd inning, and added 2 more runs in the 4th.  Madonna University took game two of the series 11-5 aided by 5 runs in the 4th inning. The game was tied at 5 heading into the bottom of the 4th inning, and the Crusaders broke the game open, and held on for the win. Siena Heights University, and Madonna University are both NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) programs, and both schools compete in the WHAC (Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference).
     The Madonna University baseball team currently has an overall record of 15-14, and the Crusaders are 2-6 in the WHAC.  The Crusaders are hosting University of Northwestern Ohio today (1:00 p.m.) for a double header at Ilitch Park.  Click on the link below for more information about Madonna University athletics.  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from some archived Crusaders games.
     The Siena Heights University baseball team currently has an overall record of 11-10, and the Saints are 3-3 in the WHAC.  Click on the links below for more information about Siena Heights University athletics, the NAIA, or the WHAC.  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Click on past months to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material! 

Ilitch Park is home to the Madonna University Crusaders baseball team!

The Madonna University Crusaders baseball program has a rich tradition!

Click on the links below for more information about these baseball programs!

For more information about Madonna University athletics click on  http://www.madonnacrusaders.com



For more information about Siena Heights University athletics click on  http://shusaints.com



For more information about the NAIA click on  http://www.naia.org



For more information about the WHAC click on  http://www.whac.net



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Be sure to check out exclusive photos from Wednesday's double header at Ilitch Park!



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Preparing Papp Park!

The Henry Ford Community College baseball team went to work preparing Papp Park!

     The Henry Ford Community College baseball team was supposed to be hosting Macomb Community College on Tuesday, but when I arrived at Papp Park, I noticed that there was only one team on the field.  I figured I would walk over to the bleacher section to catch some batting practice, but the players were swinging rakes instead of bats, in an effort to clean up the field.  Papp Park is the home of the Henry Ford Community College baseball team, and the park features several diamonds for softball, and youth leagues.  The Henry Ford Hawks will play their official 2014 home opener this Thursday, April 10th, at 2:00 p.m. against Lake Michigan College. Last Tuesday's game has been rescheduled for April 24th.
     The Henry Ford Hawks currently have an overall record of 11-10-2, and the team is riding a four game winning streak.  The Hawks are a NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II program, and the school competes in the MCCAA (Michigan Comunity College Athletic Association) Conference along with 13 other local area colleges.  The Hawks have won 12 MCCAA Conference Championships, but have not claimed one since 1996.  The Hawks most successful season was in 1994 when the team won the Conference Championship, the Regional Championship, and finished 2nd in the Nation.
     The Henry Ford Community College baseball team plays all of their home games at Papp Park, in Taylor. The ball fields are located on the corner of Wick Road, and Westlake.  Click on the links below for more information about Henry Ford Community College, the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, or the National Junior College Athletic Association.  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com    Scroll down to see exclusive photos of Papp Park in Taylor.  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from some college baseball games.

The Hawks swung rakes instead of baseball bats last Tuesday in Taylor!

Check out this behind the scenes look of the bullpen, and picnic area at Papp Park!

Papp Park features several diamonds for softball, and youth leagues!

Papp Park is located at 9350 Westlake, in Taylor.  The fields are located at the corner of Wick Road, and Westlake!

For more information about Henry Ford Community College click on  http://www.hfcc.edu



For more information about the MCCAA click on  http://www.mccaa.org



For more information about the NJCAA click on  http://www.njcaa.org



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March Poll Results! 2014

     Last month, the Mitten State Sports Report celebrated 1 year of monthly Poll Questions.  The results are displayed at the beginning of every month, and a new question is selected by our team of experts.  Last months question was in regards to March Madness, and this months question tackles a social issue.  Click on past months to check out results from archived Poll Questions!  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com   Here are the results from last months Poll Question!











                     



                      Here are the Poll results from the month of March!  The question was...












             Which school will advance further in this years NCAA men's basketball tournament?











Michigan                                                                                             50%











Michigan State                                                                                     25%











Both teams will be eliminated in the same round                                     25%









         Both schools were eliminated in the Elite 8 just one game prior to a Final Four appearance!











   There was another Poll Question during the month of March!  Here is the question, and the results!











                                         Which brand of Root Beer is the best?









A&W Root Beer                                                                                                            100%











Barq's Root Beer                                                                                                                 0%











Faygo Root Beer                                                                                                                0%











IBC Root Beer                                                                                                                    0%











Mug Root Beer                                                                                                                   0%













                              Did you forget to vote last month?  Here is another question...











                                                   Should college athletes be paid?









Yes











No













                                                                  Here's How To Vote!









1.  Log onto the Mitten State Sports Report at  mittenstatesportsreport.blogspot.com
     (if you're reading this then you're already logged on)



2.  Click on your favorite post!
     (this is important in order to view the Poll Question)



3.  Scroll down and locate the monthly Poll Question!
     (it is on the bottom, and to the left)



4.  Vote!
     (it's so simple)









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Best of February 2014!

                                                             

     The month of February featured 21 posts that were viewed by you, and people all over the world.  "Top 10 Dormant Local Radio Stations!" (posted on February 15th) received the most views, and could potentially be a future selection for the Top 10 Most Viewed.  Information about the AAA Mid-Winter Classic, and Lawrence Tech University hockey also brought in significant traffic.  Click on past months to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material!  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Here are the Top 3 most viewed posts from February, 2014!











                                                         Best of February 2014











1.  "Top 10 Dormant Local Radio Stations"  posted 2/15/2014



                                                                                                                                   No Photos!














2.  "AAA Mid-Winter Classic"  posted 2/9/2014


                                                                                         

3.  "Holy Cross 7 - LTU 2"  posted 2/1/2014


                                                                         

                                                               Best of the Rest!











"ACHA:  Recent Local Success"  posted 2/23/2014

                          The Mitten State Sports Report's most viewed post of all time is...












"Local Wrestling Tournament Bracket"  posted 6/28/2013

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Snow Eliminated!

The last piles of snow are disappearing throughout the state of Michigan!

     The site of snow on my lawn two days ago was no April Fools' Day joke.  The remaining piles of snow are disappearing throughout the state of Michigan, and the signs of Spring are upon us.  It was a brutal Winter in Michigan consisting of record breaking snow totals, record low temperatures, and even a Polar Vortex.
     The Mitten State Sports Report is excited about the warmer months ahead, and is committed to providing the latest information about local sports.  I look forward to attending some college baseball games this season, and I can't wait to check out some of the auto races at Flat Rock Speedway!  The Michigan Bucks have scheduled some outdoor games this season, and FC Sparta will be returning to the city of Berkley.  I will also be on the lookout for new teams, and new events this year, so be sure to stay connected with the Mitten State Sports Report!
     Do you know of a sporting event that you would like to see featured on the Mitten State Sports Report?  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at  mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com   Scroll down to see an exclusive photo of snow melting in my yard! Click on past months to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material!

The snow has finally been eliminated from the Southeast Michigan area!

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Wolverines & Spartans Eliminated!

    University of Michigan, and Michigan State University were both eliminated from this years NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament.  Both schools lost in heartbreaking fashion, and both teams were just one win away from a Final Four appearance.  The Wolverines lost on a late shot by University of Kentucky, and the Spartans loss was a result of turnovers, combined with University of Connecticut's high percentage free throw shooting.
     The Michigan Wolverines finished the 2013-2014 season with an impressive overall record of 28-9.  The Wolverines were 15-3 in the Big 10 Conference, and they were the regular season Big 10 Conference Champions.  Although the Wolverines have no seniors on the team, some players such as #1 Glen Robinson III, #4 Mitch McGary, #11 Nik Stauskas, and #23 Caris LeVert may elect to leave school early, and enter the NBA (National Basketball Association) draft.  Click on the link below for more information about University of Michigan athletics.
     The Michigan State Spartans finished the 2013-2014 season with a remarkable overall record of 29-9.  The Spartans were 12-6 in the Big 10 Conference, and they were the Big 10 Tournament Champions.  The Spartans will miss the senior leadership next season of #11 Keith Appling, and #5 Adreian Payne.  The Spartans will be lead next year by #22 Branden Dawson, #20 Travis Trice, and #45 Denzel Valentine.  Click on the link below for more information about Michigan State University athletics.
     Who will leave early for the NBA draft?  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at  mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Click on the links below to follow this years NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament.  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from some college basketball games!






For more information about University of Michigan athletics click on  http://www.mgoblue.com



For information about Michigan State University athletics click on  http://www.msuspartans.com



Follow the Final Four!  Click on  http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/bracket


                                                    or

Click on  http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/ncaa-tournament/brackets/viewable_men



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Bulldogs Eliminated

Click on past months to see exclusive photos from several college hockey games!

     The Ferris State University Bulldogs made a run in this years NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, but their season came to a conclusion in the Midwest Region Final.  The Bulldogs were lead by their goaltender #30 C.J. Motte through the 2013-2014 season, and Motte came up big in the 1st round of the tournament.  Ferris State eliminated Colgate University 1-0 to advance to their regional final against hockey powerhouse University of North Dakota.  The game went into double overtime, but North Dakota was victorious 2-1.  The Bulldogs will miss the contributions of seniors such as #8 Cory Kane, and #16 Garrett Thompson, but C.J. Motte will be returning for his senior season next year.  Ferris State competed in the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) this season, and were the regular season Conference Champions.  The Bulldogs finished the 2013-2014 season with a remarkable overall record of 29-11-3.
     Will the Ferris State Bulldogs continue to have success in the WCHA, and in the NCAA?  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  Click on the links below for more information about Ferris State University athletics, or the NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey Tournament!  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from several college hockey games!






For more information about Ferris State University athletics click on  http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com



Follow the Frozen Four!  Click on  http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/icehockey-men/d1



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Whalers & Spirit Eliminated!

#21 Ryan Hartman (in white) is a Chicago Blackhawks draft pick!  Hartman has a promising future in the NHL.

     The Plymouth Whalers, and the Saginaw Spirit each ran into buzz saws in their respective series, and both teams have been eliminated from the 2014 OHL (Ontario Hockey League) Playoffs.  The Guelph Storm eliminated the Plymouth Whalers, and the Erie Otters finished off the Saginaw Spirit.  The best of seven series ended in 5 games for both the Whalers, and the Spirit, and both teams won game 3 of their respective series.
     The Plymouth Whalers were a young team this year, and weren't expected to be a top team in the OHL.  The Whalers finished the regular season with 63 points, and an overall record of 28-40 (7 shootout losses).  The Whalers earned the final spot in this years OHL Playoffs, but were outscored 7-2 in game 4, and 8-3 in game 5. The Whalers will miss the contributions next season of players like #4 Nick Malysa, #9 Zach Lorentz, and #25 Carter Sandlak.  It is expected that #21 Ryan Hartman will be on a NHL (National Hockey League) roster next season, and #32 Gianluca Curcuruto has a chance to make it as well.  Hartman is a Chicago Blackhawks draft pick, and Curcuruto is a Columbus Bluejackets draft pick.  The Whalers will be lead next season by #39 Alex Nedeljkovic, #22 Matt Mistele, #16 Victor Crus Rydberg (VCR), and #23 Connor Sills.  Click on the link below for more information about the Plymouth Whalers.
     The Saginaw Spirit were a scrappy bunch, and were lead by their goaltender #57 Jake Paterson.  Paterson is a Detroit Red Wings draft pick, and certainly has a future in the NHL.  The Spirit finished the season with 71 points, and an overall record of 33-35 (4 overtime losses, and 1 shootout loss).  Saginaw earned a #3 seed in this years OHL Playoffs, but lost 3 games to the Erie Otters by 1 goal.  The Spirit will miss the contributions of #15 Eric Locke next season, but Saginaw will have several players returning to the team.  Click on the link below for more information about the Saginaw Spirit.
     Do you think that either Ryan Hartman, or Jake Paterson will have a successful career in the NHL?  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com   Click on the links below for more information about the Ontario Hockey League, or the National Hockey League.  Click on past months to check out exclusive photos from several OHL games.

The Plymouth Whalers will be back next season!  Click on the links below!

 







For more information about the Plymouth Whalers click on  plymouthwhalers.com



For more information about the Saginaw Spirit click on  http://www.saginawspirit.com



For OHL stats, and standings click on  http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com



For NHL stats, and standings click on  http://www.nhl.com



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