Women's Gymnastics Big Ten Championships Tomorrow and Saturday Champaign, Ill. The Michigan Daily SPORTS Women's Rugby vs. Dayton Saturday, noon Mitchell Field Page 9 Thursday, March 21, 1991 0 .,, . FULL COURT PRESS, BASEBALL TEAM WINS HOME OPENER, 9-4 . Hitters lead assault N Eastern *sets tone for state by Matthew Dodge Daily Sports Writer Now I know how the Native Americans felt when the Europeans sailed into town proclaiming themselves as the discoverers of a new land. Probably just like the Eastern Michigan Hurons do this week. Actually, they're not the Hurons anymore; they are searching for a new nickname. Maybe State Champs would be better. This squad has opened up many eyes this season, and has taught *everal lessons to other prominent programs in the state of Michigan. The average fairweather fan is jumping on the bandwagon way too late. You all don't know what you have missed. But Steve Fisher does. Here is a list of the coups pulled by Ben Braun and his staff: 1. Lorenzo Neely. As the point uard at Detroit Northern in 1987, cely helped send Derrick Coleman to Syracuse, and then the NBA. And this year, by his absence, he helped send Michigan to the NIT. After a 1988 game, Bill Frieder said, "Neely was tremendous, he completely outplayed Rumeal." Were Neely playing in the Big Ten, he would be the second best point guard in the conference, behind Ohio State's Mark Baker. He penetrates, dishes to the big fellas, and knocks down the jumper. He plays defense. And the pro scouts like him. The NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers have been to every Eastern game since February to see Neely. But Lo stands out above other Midwest guards because he's a winner. In his four years, EMU has won the MAC title twice. These *titles were sandwiched around two second place finishes in his sophomore and junior years. 2. Theron Wilson. The All-State forward from Royal Oak Dondero 1-igh - ranked No. 3 in Class A - signed with EMU in the early signing period in November. This catch is significant because Wilson is the first prime time recruit to pass up the Wolverines *for the Hurons. Not only did Eastern beat out its rival in Ann Arbor for the silky smooth blue- chipper, but Braun swiped Wilson right out from under the grasp of Jerry Tarkanian and UNLV. However, Wilson's decision should be no surprise. Braun and his staff treat their players right. The Eastern program is the classiest in the state, bar none. And the crowd at 1Bowen Fieldhouse is unreal. Any recruit would rather play in an intimate, deafening gym than a cavernous, half-empty arena. 3. Gary Waters. In his second year as Braun's top assistant, Waters is indispensable to the Hurons' program. He gives EMU something that Michigan does not have - a coach who relates well to the players. Waters' old stomping ground was Ferris State, where he coached the Bulldogs to several consecutive league titles. Upon arriving in Ypsi, he gave the Eastern program a hefty boost by walking onto campus with the man in the center, Marcus Kennedy. And the center is where the entire Eastern team sits this week - the center of attention. The Hurons' tourney run may not last long, but the talent and class of the program will. by David Schechter Daily Baseball Writer Behind the strength of Dennis Kon- uszewski's right arm, Michigan (9-6) treat-ed its opening day crowd to a sizeable 9-4 victory over Bowling Green yesterday. Konuszewski (1-0), the third pitcher in Michigan's starting rotation, threw six in- nings for the victory, allowing only one hit and no runs. "I felt good out there today," Konuszewski said. The Falcons, on the other hand, could not find an effective pitcher to lead them. Starting with left-hander Vince Metzger (1-1), Bowling Green coach Danny Schmitz called on six more of his pitchers, but none could provide the consistency Schmitz needed. Offensively, the Wolverines packed a po- tent punch. They stranded nine runners, but took full advantage of men in scoring posi- tion. In the fourth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, outfielder Steve Buerkel hit a single to knock in one run. Buerkel's hit was followed by a double from third baseman Tim Flannelly to send in two more runs. In the sixth inning, with the bases once again loaded, outfielder Pat Maloney sent the ball deep into left-center and racked up three runs to add to Michigan's total. All told, the Wolverines loaded up the bases in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, and tallied 8 runs. Though Freehan was pleased with his starting pitcher, the only other pitcher he had praise for was short reliever Todd Marion who came in to close the game. "We planned on using Todd in one shape or form today, Michigan lacrosse falls to Oberlin by Mitch Rubenstein Daily Sports Writer whether it was 11-0 or whatever. He needs to pitch to be an effective short reliever," Freehan said. Freehan's staff of middle relievers left the coach dismayed. "You take out your starter and your middle relief gives up four runs. That's the area we've been most vulnerable so far this year," Freehan said. "I'm still searching for somebody to come in and do that kind of job for me," Freehan added. Defensively, Michigan displayed shinning spots - with notable catches - and gaping holes - by giving up three errors. "I don't like to see three errors on the part of Michigan," Freehan said. "Pat Maloney made a good play, Steve Buerkel made a great play, but our infield needs to play better." If there was something that Freehan couldn't complain about, it was the hitting that ripped Bowling Green's pitching staff for 11 hits and nine runs. The Falcons staff gave up eight walks to Michigan. In this weekend's doubleheader with Eastern Michigan, Freehan plans to start Wolverine ace pitcher Jason Pfaff. Freehan will look from a stronger performance from his middle relievers this weekend. Yesterday's early taste of Spring and warm weather brought out large numbers to Michigan's opening game. Baseball fans came to take in some baseball and enjoy the sunshine. Michigan football players, basketball players and lacrosse players alike showed up to cheer on another Wolverine team. Michigan hurler Dennis Konuszewski pitches the Wolverines to a 9-4 win over Bowling Green in the 1991 home opener yesterday at Fisher Stadium. Women's tennis team heads A. . to South Bend for triple play by Adam Miller Daily Sports Writer On the eve that marked the first day of spring, the Michigan lacrosse team took the field expecting to beat Oberlin College. In a game where desire would decide the winner, the Wolverine players were unable get their hearts out of hibernation. The end result was a 15-10 loss at the hands of the Yeoman. The Wolverines played like champions in the first quarter and raced out to a quick, 3-1, lead. When the Michigan team broke its huddle at the start of the second quarter, the team left their determination on the sidelines. Not even the tongue- lashings that the players received from their captains could thaw out the team's frozen hearts. Michigan had superior athletes in its arsenal of attack, but the size and strength of the powerful squad was neutralized by Oberlin's sharp passing. The precision with which the Yeoman moved the ball seemed to tire out the weary Wolverines. A victory for Michigan should not. have been out of the question. According to the Albion head coach, "We were very concerned about our chances of beating Michigan coming into the game." He continued to say that, "Michigan always plays us tough. Michigan is a good team that is going to win a lot of games." Academic All-Big Ten Women's Basketball Jennifer Nuanes Women's Gymnastics Deborah Geiger Eva Gordon Allison Winski Tiffany Kinaia Women's Swimming Lisa Cribari Mindy Gehrs Minoo Gupta Missy McCracken Karen Sinclair Sandra Smith Claudia Viera Jennifer Zakraisek It's been a season of streaks for the Michigan women's tennis team. The Wolverines began the season with a four-match winning streak against non-conference opponents. But now, Michigan (6-4) is on a two-match losing streak, having fallen to Northwestern and Wiscon- sin, two of the top three teams in the Big Ten. Michigan looks to regain its ear- lier success with a trio of non-con- ference matches this weekend in South Bend. The Wolverines face Boston College on Friday, Notre Dame (8-3) on Saturday and Okla- homa (4-4) on Sunday. The toughest match of the week- end should be against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame is currently ranked 21st in the nation and second in the Midwest Region. Once again, the competition at No. 1 singles will be stiff. Last weekend, Christine Schmeidel (52nd nationally), Michigan's No. 1 seed, was pitted against Wisconsin's Elaine DeMetroulois, a three-time Look your best for Easter! .6 Barber Stylists *No waiting Dascola Stylists opposite Jacobson's 668-9329 All-Big Ten selection. Saturday, she will have to contend with another tough opponent, Notre Dame's. Tracy Barton (28th). As far as Schmeidel is concerned, Sunday will be the first time in a while that she will face a player whom she outranks. Oklahoma's No. 1 player, Stacey Bullman, is 53rd in the national polls. Friday's game against Boston: College is a late addition to the, Wolverines' schedule. * C44 COPIES ' with this coupon 8 1/2 X 11, wtuite. serf serve or auto ted onlv expires 4/30/91 Open 24 Hours 540 E. Liberty 761-4539 1220 S. University 747-9070 Open 7 Days Michigan Union 662-1222 Michigan senior captain Stacey Berg, the No. 2 singles player, pounds a backhand in a match last season against Wisconsin. The Wolverines will travel to South Bend tomorrow to play three dual matches. The Wolverines believe they have the physical talent to stay with anyone, but it seems that their mental game needs to be worked on. Throughout the game, the words, "keep your head in the game" could be heard over and over again coming from the bench. The MVP of the game appeared to be Ivan Frank, who showed the hustle and determination of a winner. The Wolverines have to pick up their level of play if they are going to compete with the elite teams on their schedule. The entire game was summed up by captain Marc Silbergeld, who led the team with five goals, in a post- game talk with his team. "Never in the four years that I have been playing lacrosse at Michigan have I seen a team roll over and die like you guys did tonight." 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