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MSU athletics teams hope for post-season play  Patrick Bergin As some of you may know, and most of you probably don't, this is the last edition of The Reflector this semester. Always trying to keep our readers informed of sports life on campus, here's a brief round-up on the year in sports and a little look forward to what we have left. Some of you have been making it out to Dudy Noble for a game on the weekends. As the weather and the Dogs have begun to heat up, it's been fun. Ranked 12th in the nation off back-to-back series wins over LSU and Ole Miss, State looks to be riding high into the SEC tournament and the NCAA Regionals. Barring a complete blowout loss against Tennessee and Florida, the Bulldogs look to be competitive in the post-season. The Bulldogs will get their chance to showcase their talent in the SEC tournament May 17-21 in Hoover, Ala. With 29 wins already under their belt and the enormous fan support at Dudy Noble, the Bulldogs once again have a shot at hosting an NCAA Regional. Keep May 26-28 open on your calendars as the NCAA Regionals begin. Baseball action will continue June 2-4 with the Super Regionals followed by the College World Series June 9-17. While baseball continues on its winning ways, the MSU softball team has come into its own with a stellar performance this year. With a 20th ranking nationally, the Lady Bulldogs appear to be in an excellent position for a berth in the NCAA tournament. First off the Bulldogs have a date in the SEC tournament in Columbus, Ga. On May 11-14, the softball squad will get a chance to keep their historical season going. After that, the NCAA looms on May 18-20. With their momentum, they should be a team to watch in the weeks to come. Both the men's and women's tennis teams have enjoyed good years on the court. Both should also garner NCAA berths with solid performances all year long. The men are ranked in the top 25 and have recently competed in the SEC tournament, taking their first match against Alabama before losing to Ole Miss for the third time this year. Despite that loss, the State team will be ready for this year's NCAA on May 12-14. The Bulldogs also have a couple of outstanding players who will have a shot at the NCAA individual tournament on May 24-28. The women's tennis program also has enjoyed a successful season. Sitting at No. 34 nationally, the Lady Bulldogs are awaiting an NCAA invite. The Lady Bulldogs also went one-and-one in the SEC tournament, losing to No. 2 Georgia. This youthful, talented team looks to be in a great position to repeat their appearance in the NCAA on May 12-14. The men's and women's golf teams have enjoyed success throughout the season. The women have a great shot at entering the NCAA tournament after a fifth place finish in the SEC tournament. The men also have a legitimate shot despite being considered "on the bubble" for the NCAA. After a strong third-place finish in the SEC tournament, the men certainly look to be building their case for an invitation. With these strong showings in spring sports combined with incredible seasons by the football squad and the women's tennis team, MSU athletics has enjoyed a great year. Keep watching as MSU athletes compete for their respective championships. |
