Penn State Update - 2/28/2009

Here's what has happened in Penn State sports the last few days as well as some upcoming events.

• The baseball team competed in the Big Ten/Big East challenge last week. They dropped their first game to St. John's, 15-6, but won their next two games versus Northwestern (9-1) and Seton Hall (6-1). They started a four game set at Texas last night and fell in the opener to the Longhorns, 9-2. They have a doubleheader today (1:30 and 4:30). Texas is ranked #4 in the nation. [Black Shoe Diaries & Black Shoe Diaries]
• The men's basketball team had a rough week, losing their only game at Ohio State, 73-59. The loss really hurts the teams chances of making the NCAA Tournament. The boys will need a win tonight at the Bryce Jordan Center vs Indiana, as well as a win versus either Illinois on March 5 or at Iowa on March 7. Winning two of those three will not guarantee a spot, either. They probably have to win a game or two in the Big Ten tournament to have a shot at March Madness. Devon2012 has a look at the loss to Ohio State. [Nittany White Out]
  
• In some more encouraging news on the men's basketball team, Ed DeChellis is being recognized (finally) as underrated coach with a program on the rise. It has taken him a few years but he is finally getting the respect he deserves. Penn State (men's) basketball has never been dominant or among the nation's elite like football has but the basketball team has steadily improved and is reaching the point of solid play, week-in and week-out. [More Than Gold News]
• The Icers continue their fine play, finishing the season 27-8, ESCHL regular season champions, and the #1 seed in the ESCHL post season tournament. They host Drexel today at 3:30. The winner play either Rhode Island or Delaware tomorrow at 1:00 for the post season league championship. No matter the outcome, the Icers will be making an appearance in the ACHA National Tournament. They will most likely be the #2 seed and will play Duquesne on March 14th. More on them next week! Go Icers! [Black Shoe Diaries & Penn State Hockey]
• Last week the men's volleyball team was coming off their first loss, to Loyola (Chicago), 3-2. They have responded by winning their next three matches. They easily dispatched IPFW (3-1), Saint Francis, PA (3-0), and Lewis (3-1). The matches against Saint Francis and Lewis were at Rec Hall, as are the next two matches (vs. NJIT, vs. George Mason). The NJIT match is this afternoon at 2, but it is in the South Gym.
• The men's gymnastics team has been inactive since their Valentine's Day loss to Illinois. They host Ohio State today at 2 in Rec Hall. Ah, that's why the men's volleyball game is in South Gym.
• Last Saturday the women's gymnastics team hosted a four-team match and took 1st place! Other teams competing were New Hampshire, Rutgers, and Bridgeport. The women host another meet tomorrow, when Ohio State and Alabama will visit Rec Hall. The match starts at 2.
• Immediately after I was a bit harsh on the women's basketball team they go out and win their next two games. They defeated Illinois in Champaign, 67-56, and Northwestern in State College, 65-50. They travel to Ohio State tomorrow for their final regular season game of the year. It starts at 4 pm. The women are 12-16 and are assured a losing record unless they make a run in the Big Ten tournament, which starts March 5th.

That's the Penn State update for the week up to February 28.