Illinois' Zach Barlow ended Friday as the individual leader, firing a 66 in the second round and is six-under for the championships. He is trailed by Ohio State's Bo Hoag, who is four-under par and Iowa's Barrett Kelpin, who is at four-under par.

NORTHWESTERN at ILLINOIS
Friday, April 30 - 6:05 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
RHP Francis Brooke (4-3, 4.78 ERA) vs. RHP Lee Zerrusen 2-3, 5.52 ERA)
Saturday, May 1 - 3:05 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
LHP Eric Jokisch (3-5, 4.88 ERA) vs. RHP Kevin Johnson (3-2, 6.61 ERA)
Sunday, May 2 - 3:05 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
RHP Zach Morton (2-4, 7.20 ERA) vs. RHP Kevin Manson (3-1, 4.03 ERA)
Storylines: One of the Big Ten's four co-leaders, Northwestern heads to Illinois for a three-game set that will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Two-way players Paul Snieder and Zach Morton lead the Wildcats on offense, Snieder ranking 10th in the conference with a .377 average and Morton ranking 10th with a .458 on-base percentage. Snieder also has an ERA of 1.93, while Morton holds a 2-4 record on the mound. Casey McMurray fronts the Illini offense with a .367 average and a slugging percentage of .602 which ranks eighth in conference.

PURDUE at INDIANA
Friday, April 30 - 3:05 p.m. ET
RHP Matt Bischoff (6-1, 2.37 ERA) vs. LHP Drew Leininger (6-2, 2.13 ERA)
Saturday, May 1 - 1 p.m. ET
LHP Calvin Gunter (1-0, 3.92 ERA) vs. TBA
Sunday, May 2 - 1 p.m. ET
RHP Drew Wurdack (4-2, 5.05 ERA) vs. TBA
Storylines: Indiana and Purdue represent two of the three teams tied for fifth in the Big Ten standings, and both will rely on different strengths in the weekend's series. Purdue owns one of the conference's top pitching staffs with a collective opposing batting average of .271, which is first in the Big Ten, and an ERA of 4.47, which is second. The Boilermakers also lead the conference with 319 strikeouts, led by ace Matt Bischoff who has an ERA of 2.37 and has held opponents to .247 hitting. Indiana boasts one of the nation's most powerful offenses, led by Alex Dickerson and Jerrud Sabourin. Dickerson is first in the Big Ten in slugging (.810), RBI (55) and home runs (17) and second in average (.411), second only to Sabourin's mark of .429.

MINNESOTA at IOWA
Friday, April 30 - 6:05 p.m. CT
RHP Seth Rosin (4-3, 3.66 ERA) vs. LHP Jarred Hippen (3-3, 3.46 ERA)
Saturday, May 1 - 1:05 p.m. CT
RHP TJ Oakes (2-3, 4.33 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Brown (3-4, 6.34 ERA)
Sunday, May 2 - 1:05 p.m. CT
LHP Phil Isaksson (3-0, 3.40 ERA) vs. RHP Phil Schreiber (3-4, 5.13 ERA)
Storylines: Iowa and Minnesota both look to improve their standings in the conference standings, the Gophers coming in tied for fifth, and the Hawkeyes just one game behind in a tie for eighth. On the mound, Minnesota's Seth Rosin is the nation's leader in walks allowed, having surrendered just two in 64 innings of work. Phil Isaksson, the Gophers' Saturday starter, is among the Big Ten's best in ERA (3.40) and opponents' batting average (.232). Hawkeye ace Jarred Hippen ranks among the Big Ten's leaders with a 3.46 ERA and 44 strikeouts, while Kevin Lee is tied for the Big Ten lead with eight saves this year.

OHIO STATE at MICHIGAN
Friday, April 30 - 6:35 p.m. ET
RHP Alex Wimmers (9-0, 1.61 ERA) vs. TBA
Saturday, May 1 - 6:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Drew Rucinski (3-2, 4.34 ERA)
Sunday, May 2 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Dean Wolosiansky (3-5, 5.95 ERA)
Storylines: Two of the Big Ten's co-leaders meet this weekend as Michigan hosts Ohio State. Collectively, the Buckeyes lead the conference with a .335 average, led by Zach Hurley who is hitting .406 and slugging .663. National Pitcher of the Year candidate Alex Wimmers anchors the OSU pitching staff with a conference-leading 1.61 ERA and a 9-0 record, which is tied for the national lead. The Wolverines are led by Ryan LaMarre, who leads the Big Ten in average (.632), slugging (1.000) and on-base percentage during conference play. Wolverine catcher Chris Berset leads the Big Ten in on-base percentage (.480) in all games, played, while Patrick Biondi paces the conference with 52 runs scored.

MICHIGAN STATE at PENN STATE
Friday, April 30 - 6:35 p.m. ET
RHP A.J. Achter (4-2, 3.27 ERA) vs. RHP Steven Hill (2-4, 5.15)
Saturday, May 1 - 2:05 p.m. ET
RHP Kurt Wunderlich (7-1, 2.97 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Wanamaker (2-2, 6.81 ERA)
Sunday, May 2 - 1:05 p.m. ET
RHP Tony Bucciferro (6-3, 4.19 ERA) vs. RHP Ryan Ignas (3-3, 5.83 ERA)
Storylines: Michigan State heads to Penn State as one of four Big Ten co-leaders, while Penn State looks to get out of the Big Ten cellar despite just being three games back of the leaders. The Spartans lead the conference in average (.356), slugging (.559) and ERA (4.17) during Big Ten play and rank second in the NCAA in fielding (.980) in all games played. Eli Boike (.400), Jeff Holm (.388) and Ryan Jones (.382) lead MSU on offense, all ranking among the Big Ten's best in average. Penn State is led by catcher Ben Heath, ranking among the conference's elite in slugging (.745), RBI (47) and homers (15). Reliever David Lutz is the Big Ten's leader in appearances with 27, also ranking among the conference's best in ERA (3.57) and opponents' batting average (.271).

For complete information on this weekend's championship regatta, click here.

For complete information on the All-Big Ten Women's Tennis Team, click here.

For complete information on the Men's Tennis All-Big Ten Team, click here.

For more information on this weekend's championship, click here.

In addition to the location, other changes have been made for future championships. The 2011-13 events will be held on the Sunday that falls two weekends prior to the NCAA Championships. The 2011 Big Ten Championships will be held May 15. The format of the event will be altered to a seven-lane finals-only regatta.

For more information, click here.

For complete information on this week's tournament, including schedule of events and history, click here.

DeForest claims his second consecutive Big Ten Golfer of the Week Award after winning medalist honors and leading Illinois to the team title at the Boilermaker Invitational over the weekend. The junior finished with a 10-under par 206 to win the individual title by six strokes. After a pair of 69s during Saturday's first and second rounds, DeForest cemented his win with a four-under 68 in Sunday's final round, recording a score in the 60s for the seventh time in his last eight rounds.

Last Illinois Golfer of the Week: Chris DeForest (April 21, 2010)

For the full preview, including standings, bracket, and history, click here.

For compmlete information on this week's winners, click here.

For complete details on this week's winners, follow this link.

It's Gameday! Three mid-week Big Ten doubleheaders on the slate along with Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin hosting non-conference foes. Today's complete schedule is below. Don't forget to check www.bigtennetwork.com tonight for recaps, results and standings.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28                 

ILLINOIS at INDIANA (DH)                                                                                                            2 p.m.

MICHIGAN STATE at PURDUE (DH)                                                                                             3 p.m.

North Dakota at WISCONSIN (DH)                                                                                            4 p.m.

MICHIGAN at OHIO STATE (DH)         Big Ten Network                                                      4:30 p.m.

Illinois-Chicago at NORTHWESTERN                                                                                       5 p.m.

Northern Iowa at IOWA                                                                                                             7 p.m.

Kronauge earns Big Ten Athlete of the Week status for the sixth time in his career after clinching the outright Big Ten Championship for Ohio State over the weekend and finishing with an individual conference mark of 10-0 in singles play. With Ohio State and Wisconsin tied, 3-3, and falling behind a set to No. 19 Moritz Baumann on Sunday, 40th-ranked Kronauge rallied to take the next two sets and win the match, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, giving Ohio State the outright title. On Friday against Northwestern, he knocked off Spencer Wolf in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0, as the Buckeyes clinched at least a share of their fifth-straight Big Ten Championship. In doubles action over the weekend, Kronauge and teammate Balazs Novak defeated Northwestern's Andrew McCarthy and Sidarth Balaji, 8-2, and Wisconsin's Chris Freeman and Luke Kantor, 8-4.

Last Ohio State Athlete of the Week: Chase Buchanan (April 13, 2010)

Eddie Bourchier, Penn State
Jr., Hobart, Australia/Open Learning Network

Bourchier wins his first Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor after scoring wins against three ranked opponents over the weekend. In Friday's matchup against Wisconsin, Bourchier teamed with Guillaume St-Maurice to knock off the 16th-ranked team of Moritz Baumann and Marek Michalicka, 8-7. Then in Sunday's 4-3 victory over No. 57 Northwestern, the tandem continued its winning streak over ranked foes by defeating the No. 54 duo of Josh Graves and Spencer Wolf, 8-3. After helping Penn State secure the doubles point, Bourchier, ranked 108th nationally, clinched the match for the Nittany Lions by defeating No. 91 Graves, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, his third win over a ranked foe on the weekend.

Last Penn State Athlete of the Week: Michael James (March 19, 2009)

The Gophers' first varsity eight claimed the year's final Boat of the Week distinction after cruising to a nearly 30-second win against Kansas over the weekend. Team members from the first varsity eight include coxswain Linnea Trandem, Cassie Drozynski, Erika Berg, Tracy Merth, Lucy Mulvey, Jenna Schuder, Sarah Krueger, Sarah Graham and Rebekah Brzozowski. The eight raced out to a 30-second lead midway through the 2,000-meter course and finished with a time of 6:41.8. The Gophers have won back-to-back races after winning the Lake Natoma Invite last weekend.

Last Minnesota Boat of the Week: First Varsity Eight (April 28, 2009)

Nguyen claims her first career Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor after helping fourth-ranked Michigan clinch the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 1997. Michigan defeated No. 21 Illinois on Saturday to clinch a share of the conference crown, then knocked off No. 43 Indiana on Sunday for the outright title. Individually, Nguyen's two victories at No. 3 singles over Illinois' Maris Lambropolous, 6-2, 6-2, and Indiana's Katya Zapadalova, 4-6, 6-1, 1-0 (5), improved her conference singles record to 10-0. In doubles action, Nguyen and teammate Michelle Sulahian won matches over Illinois' 61st-ranked tandem of Leigh Finnegan and Megan Fudge, 8-6, and Indiana's duo of Leslie Hureau and Maria Guerreiro, 8-4.

Last Michigan Athlete of the Week: Denise Muresan (April, 6, 2010)

Players of the Week
Michigan State's Bo Felt and Penn State's Ben Heath were named Big Ten Co-Players of the Week on Monday, while Minnesota's Seth Rosin was named Pitcher of the Week. COMPLETE RELEASE

In the Polls
Michigan State and Ohio State are receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches Poll, while the Buckeyes are also receiving votes in the NCBWA Poll.

For more information on the NCAA Regionals, click here.

2010 Big Ten Rowing Championships Seeds

MINNESOTA def. INDIANA, 10-0
Recap and Box Score
Minnesota juniors Phil Asaksson and Scott Matyas combined to one-hit Indiana, leading the Gophers to a series win against the Hoosiers with a 10-0 win on Sunday. Isaksson started and earned the win, allowing just one hit and three walks with six strikeouts in seven innings. Matyas fanned five over two relief innings. Matt Puhl led the Minnesota offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs. Ryan Abrahamson was 2-for-4 with two runs and four RBI, hitting his second homer of the year. Michael Early had the Hoosiers' only hit, his second triple of the season. Matt Carr was tagged with the loss.

NORTHWESTERN def. PURDUE, 6-3
Recap and Box Score
A three-run second propelled Northwestern to a 6-3 win over Purdue on Sunday, giving the Wildcats the series victory. Chad Noble led NU on offense, going 2-for-5 with a run and three RBI. Paul Snieder picked up his first win of the season, allowing one run in three innings of relief. Snieder also went 1-for-4 with an RBI at the plate. Cameron Perkins had two home runs for the Boilermakers, both solo shots. Matt Jansen took the loss.

PENN STATE def. OHIO STATE, 18-10
Recap and Box Score
Penn State scored early and often, jumping out to an 11-6 lead after three innings, earning an 18-10 win over Ohio State to take the series, 2-1. PSU catcher Ben Heath tallied his second four-hit game in as many days also scoring and driving in four runs, hitting two home runs. Louie Picconi also drove in four on a grand slam in the third. David Lutz earned the win in relief, allowing just two hits in 4.2 innings. Michael Stephens led the Buckeyes at the dish, going 3-for-4 with a run and four RBI. Drew Rucinski took the loss.

For more information on the tournament, click here.

For more information on the tournament, click here.

For more information, click here.

MICHIGAN STATE def. ILLINOIS, 16-1
Recap and Box Score
Michigan State earned the series win over Illinois with a 16-1 win on Saturday. Torsten Boss went 2-for-3 and Bo Felt went 3-for-4 for the Spartans, each with a home run and four RBI. Jonathan Roof and Jeff Holm each had four hits and a pair of RBI, while Roof scored four runs and Holm scored three. Tony Bucciferro earned the win, allowing an unearned run on six hits with three strikeouts in seven innings. Will Strack was tagged with the loss. Christian Cummins led the Illini with three hits, while Thomas Shelton had two.

INDIANA def. MINNESOTA, 7-2
Recap and Box Score
Indiana took Game 2 of the series on Saturday with a 7-2 win against Minnesota. Alex Dickerson went 2-for-4 for the Hoosiers, scoring two runs and driving in three, including his 17th homer of the year, an upper-deck shot in the first. Jonny Hoffman earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Walker Stadler earned his first save, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings. TJ Oakes was tagged with the loss for Minnesota, who was led offensively by Kyle Knudson, who knocked his third homer of the season.

MICHIGAN def. IOWA, 7-5
Recap and Box Score
Michigan salvaged the series finale with a 7-5 victory against Iowa on Sunday afternoon. The Wolverines scored four in the fifth and were led by Ryan LaMarre, who went 4-for-4 with his second home run of the season. Coley Crank had two hits and a pair of RBI. Tyler Burgoon picked up the win with a five-inning relief appearance, improving to 6-1 on the year. Phil Schreiber took the loss for the Hawkeyes. Kurtis Muller and Phil Keppler had three hits each to lead Iowa at the plate, while Muller also had a pair of RBI.

PURDUE def. NORTHWESTERN, 2-1
Recap and Box Score
Matt Bischoff became Purdue's all-time strikeout leader, fanning 10 Northwestern players as the Boilermakers took Game 1 of a Saturday doubleheader, 2-1. Bischoff picked up his sixth win of the season, scattering seven hits and three walks without allowing a run in eight innings. Tyler Spillner and Eric Charles had two hits each to lead the Boilermakers. Jon Moore scored the eventual game-winner in the fifth on a straight steal of home. Eric Jokisch was the tough-luck loser for the Wildcats despite allowing just two runs on seven hits and two walks in a complete-game effort. Chad Noble and Chris Lashmet led the NU offense with 2-for-4 performances.

NORTHWESTERN def. PURDUE, 7-5
Recap and Box Score
Northwestern snapped Purdue's longest winning streak since 2001 with a 7-5 victory over the Boilermakers in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader. Chad Noble, Chris Lashmet and Trevor Stevens had two hits each for the Wildcats, while Zach Morton scored three runs and Hamilton Wise had a pair of RBI. Francis Brooke picked up the win in relief, allowing two runs on six hits in 4.1 innings, while Paul Snieder picked up his eighth save with a perfect ninth. Matt Morgan took the loss for Purdue. Cameron Perkins went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs to lead the Boilermakers.

PENN STATE def. OHIO STATE, 18-10
Recap and Box Score
Penn State took Game 2 of the series at Ohio State on Saturday, knocking off the Buckeyes, 18-10. The Nittany Lions jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first, then had two more big innings with six in the third and four in the ninth. Elliot Searer had five hits and three runs for the Nittany Lions, while Ben Heath had four hits, four runs and four RBI, hitting his 13th and 14th home runs. David Lutz picked up the win with 4.2 scoreless relief innings, while Ohio State starter Drew Rucinski was tagged with the loss. Michael Stephens led the Buckeyes with three hits, four RBI and one run.

ILLINOIS def. MICHIGAN STATE, 4-3 (10)
Recap and Box Score
Illinois took Game 1 of its doubleheader with Michigan State on Friday, edging the Spartans, 4-3, in 10 innings. Casey McMurray led Illinois with two hits and three RBI, including a home run, also driving in what proved to be the game-winner in the top of the 10th. Wes Braun picked up the win in relief, throwing three scoreless innings. Bryan Roberts earned his sixth save with a clean 10th frame. Illinois starter Lee Zerrusen allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in six innings. Torsten Boss, Chris Roberts and Andy Johnson had two hits each to lead the Spartans. Tim Simpson took the loss in relief, while starter A.J. Achter threw nine innings, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks with seven strikeouts.

MICHIGAN STATE def. ILLINOIS, 10-2
Recap and Box Score
Michigan State rebounded from a narrow loss in Game 1 of its doubleheader, downing Illinois, 10-2, in the nightcap. The Spartans combined for six extra-base hits in the game, while Ryan Jones and Jeff Holm had three hits each. Bo Felt had three RBI on two hits, including his second homer of the season. Kurt Wunderlich picked up the win, allowing just one run on nine hits with two strikeouts in eight innings. Kevin Johnson suffered the loss for Illinois. Catcher Aaron Johnson led the Illini at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double.

MINNESOTA def. INDIANA, 14-0
Recap and Box Score
Minnesota collected 24 hits en route to its third shutout of the season, a 14-0 triumph over Indiana on Friday. Seven Gophers had multiple hits, including Nick O'Shea, who went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. Five Minnesota players had multiple RBI, led by Andy Henkemeyer's three. Seth Rosin picked up his fourth win of the season, allowing just three hits while striking out seven in 7.2 innings. Drew Leininger took the loss for Indiana, just his second of the year. Center fielder Mack Sterling had two of Indiana's three hits, going 2-for-4.

IOWA def. MICHIGAN, 5-2
Recap and Box Score
Iowa knocked off Michigan, who entered the game tied for first in the Big Ten, in Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader. Zach McCool led the Hawkeyes with three hits, while Kurtis Muller had two and each had a double. Jarred Hippen tossed a complete game, giving up one earned run on six hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Alan Oaks was tagged with the loss. Anthony Toth and Mike Kittle each had two hits for the Wolverines, while Kittle also scored a run.

IOWA def. MICHIGAN, 5-3
Recap and Box Score
Iowa completed its doubleheader sweep of Michigan with a 5-3 win on Friday evening. Three Hawkeyes had multiple hits in the game, including Ryan Durant who went 2-for-5 with four RBI and a pair of doubles. Nick Brown earned the win, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Kevin Lee picked up his seventh save with a scoreless, hitless ninth. Bobby Brosnahan took the loss for Michigan. The Wolverines were led at the plate by Ryan LaMarre and Coley Crank who had two hits each.

OHIO STATE def. PENN STATE, 3-1
Recap and Box Score
Ohio State claimed sole possession of first place in the Big Ten with a 3-1 win over Penn State on Friday. Buckeye ace Alex Wimmers threw a complete game, allowing just one run on four hits and five walks with 11 strikeouts. Matt Streng led the Buckeyes, going 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI on a double and his first home run of the season. Steve Snyder led the Penn State offense with one hit and an RBI. Steven Hill took the loss despite allowing just three runs on eight hits and three walks with five strikeouts in seven innings of work.

The 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and 2009 and 2010 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year, Personett is a three-time first team All-American and multiple Big Ten Champion. She advanced to Saturday night's individual event finals after placing fourth in the all-around on Thursday night.

ILLINOIS at MICHIGAN STATE
Friday, April 23 - 12:05 p.m. ET
RHP Lee Zerrusen (2-3, 5.68 ERA) vs. RHP A.J. Achter (4-2, 3.30 ERA)
Friday, April 23 - Following Game 1
RHP Kevin Johnson (3-1, 5.21 ERA) vs. RHP Kurt Wunderlich (6-1, 3.23 ERA)
Saturday, April 24 - 12:05 p.m. ET
RHP Will Strack (1-2, 6.75 ERA) vs. RHP Tony Bucciferro (5-3, 4.72 ERA)
Storylines: Illinois (17-16, 4-5 Big Ten) and Michigan State (24-10, 5-4 Big Ten) both look to rebound from series losses last weekend, each having lost to a team tied at the top of the conference standings. The Illini dropped two of three to Michigan, while the Spartans salvaged the series finale from Ohio State. Michigan State is one game out of first in the Big Ten and leads the conference with a .351 team average during Big Ten play. The Spartans also rank second in team ERA (4.95) and first in fielding, a category in which they also lead the nation. The MSU offense is led by Eli Boike, who is hitting .407 on the year. A.J. Acther is the ace of the staff, ranking among the Big Ten's best in ERA (3.30), opponents' batting average (.257) and strikeouts (49). Illinois is led by Casey McMurray, who ranks among the conference's top 10 in slugging (.616) and on-base percentage (.463). Willie Argo provides the speed with a conference-leading 26 steals and 34 runs scored, reaching base at a .463 clip.

INDIANA at MINNESOTA
Friday, April 23 - 6 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
LHP Drew Leininger (6-1, 1.20 ERA) vs. RHP Seth Rosin (3-3, 4.15 ERA)
Saturday, April 24 - 6 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
TBA vs. RHP T.J. Oakes (2-2, 3.94 ERA)
Sunday, April 25 - 1 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
TBA vs. LHP Phil Isaksson (2-0, 3.95 ERA)
Storylines: Indiana (19-16, 5-4 Big Ten) enters the weekend series coming off a sweep over Iowa, while Minnesota (14-23, 4-5 Big Ten) looks to rebound after dropping two of three to Northwestern last weekend. The Hoosiers are one of the most powerful teams in the country, leading the conference with a .523 slugging percentage on the strength of 52 homers and 82 doubles. Alex Dickerson holds the Hoosiers' biggest bat, leading the Big Ten in slugging (.822), homers (16) and RBI (51). Dickerson is also among the Big Ten's elite in average (.421), runs (39) and doubles (13). Jerrud Sabourin complements the left fielder, ranking first in the conference in average (.458), on-base percentage (.494) and hits (71). Indiana ace and National Pitcher of the Year candidate Drew Leininger is first in the Big Ten and among the NCAA's leaders in ERA (1.20) and opponents' average (.201). Minnesota will counter with a pitching staff that is third in the Big Ten in opponents' batting average (.291) and fourth in ERA (4.89). Seth Rosin is the stingiest pitcher in the nation in terms of walks allowed, having given up just two in 56.1 innings of work. He also has 49 strikeouts and has held opposing hitters to a .258 average.

IOWA at MICHIGAN
Friday, April 23 - 2:30 p.m. ET
LHP Jarred Hippen (2-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. RHP Alan Oaks (4-4, 3.60 ERA)
Friday, April 23 - Following Game 1
RHP Nick Brown (2-4, 7.27 ERA) vs. LHP Bobby Brosnahan (4-3, 4.26 ERA)
Saturday, April 24 - 1:05 p.m. ET
RHP Phil Schreiber (3-3, 5.29 ERA) vs. TBA
Storylines: Tied for the Big Ten lead, Michigan (24-12, 6-3 Big Ten) is one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, having won eight of its last 10 games. Iowa (14-20, 3-6 Big Ten) is looking to rebound from a series sweep last weekend at the hands Indiana. Reigning Big Ten Co-Player of the Week Patrick Biondi, a freshman for the Wolverines, leads the conference with 50 runs and is third with a .489 on-base percentage. After suffering an injury early in the season, Ryan LaMarre has returned to provide the power for Michigan, owning a .593 average, .889 slugging percentage and .607 on-base percentage in Big Ten play. Michigan closer Tyler Burgoon is the reigning Big Ten Pitcher of the Week and has not given up an earned run in conference play this season. Zach McCool leads the Hawkeye offense, ranking among the Big Ten's top 10 in average (.533), slugging (.700) and on-base percentage (.607) during conference play. Jarred Hippen is the ace of the Iowa staff, among the Big Ten's best with a 3.86 ERA. Closer Kevin Lee is tied for second in the conference with six saves.

NORTHWESTERN at PURDUE
Friday, April 23 - 4 p.m. ET
LHP David Jensen (1-2, 6.47 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Bischoff (5-1, 2.76 ERA)
Saturday, April 24 - 2 p.m. ET
LHP Eric Jokisch (3-4, 5.06 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Morgan (3-1, 4.47 ERA)
Sunday, April 25 - 1 p.m. ET
TBA vs. TBA
Storylines: Purdue (22-14, 5-4 Big Ten) enters the weekend series as the Big Ten's hottest team, having won its last seven games and eight of its last 10. Northwestern (13-22, 5-4 Big Ten) is also riding high, having taken two of three from Minnesota last weekend, plus a mid-week game vs. Illinois State on Wednesday. Both squads are led by their pitching staffs, as the Boilermakers rank first in the conference in ERA (4.64), opponents' batting average (.273) and strikeouts (286) in all games, while the Wildcats are fourth in ERA (5.27) and opponents' batting (.297) and second in strikeouts (71) during Big Ten play. Purdue ace Matt Bischoff ranks among the conference's top 10 in most statistical categories including ERA (2.76), opponents' average (.249) and strikeouts (54), while Northwestern's Eric Jokisch has come alive during Big Ten play, owning a 3.52 ERA, .271 opponents' average and 16 strikeouts over three conference series. Northwestern's Francis Brooke is among the nation's best in control, having given up just six walks in 54 innings of work.

PENN STATE at OHIO STATE
Friday, April 23 - 6:35 p.m. ET
Steven Hill (2-3, 5.40 ERA) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (8-0, 1.71 ERA)
Saturday, April 24 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Mike Wanamaker (2-2, 5.30 ERA) vs. RHP Drew Rucinski (3-1, 2.56 ERA)
Sunday, April 25 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Ryan Ignas (2-3, 6.10 ERA) vs. TBA
Storylines: Ohio State (21-11, 6-3 Big Ten) enters the weekend series tied for the Big Ten lead, while Penn State (15-21, 2-7 Big Ten) is looking to snap a three-game conference skid. The Buckeyes lead the Big Ten in average and on-base percentage, hitting a combined .338 as a team and reaching base at a .412 clip. Zach Hurley leads the OSU offense with a .407 average and a .660 slugging percentage on 13 doubles. National Pitcher of the Year candidate Alex Wimmers is first in the Big Ten and among the national leaders in strikeouts (67) and wins (8) and is second in ERA (1.71) and opponents' average (.228). Catcher Ben Heath leads the Nittany Lion offense, ranking among the NCAA's best in slugging percentage (.727) on the strength of 12 home runs and 14 doubles, which each rank among the top three in the Big Ten. Heath is also tied for second in the conference with 40 RBI. David Lutz has been a source of reliability for PSU on the mound, leading the Big Ten by a wide margin with 24 appearances, all in relief. Lutz owns a 3.86 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 38.2 innings and is holding opponents to a .282 average.

Impending rain on Sunday has caused changes to the Iowa at Michigan and Illinois at Michigan State series.

Michigan and Iowa will play a doubleheader today beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET, followed by one game on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Michigan State and Illinois will play a doubleheader today at Noon ET, followed by one game on Saturday at 12:05 p.m. ET.

For more information on the first night of competition at the NCAA Championships, click here.

In the evening session, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, Michigan will take to the floor with the hopes of advancing to Saturday's Super Six. In the all-around, Minnesota's Alexis Russell and Penn State's Brandi Personett will compete for a spot in Saturday's all-around finals.

More information can be found here.

A block of hotel rooms for fans and media traveling to Columbus for the 2010 Big Ten Baseball Tournament has been reserved at the Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown. To make reservations, call 1-800-338-4462 and use the promo code FAN for a nightly rate of $95.

Visit Tournament Central for more information.

Riley wins his second career Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week honor and his first of the 2010 season. The sophomore reset his own school record in the 100-meter hurdles at the LSU Alumni Gold Invitational over the weekend, finishing first in 13.53 seconds and defeating a talented field that included Olympian Ryan Fontenot. Later Riley picked up a second-place medal in the 100-meter dash, clocking in at 10.62. Riley's time in the hurdles ranks second in the NCAA this season, and his finish was .08 seconds ahead of his old school mark set last year at the Drake Relays.

Last Illinois Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week: Andrew Riley (April 29, 2009)

Men's Field Athlete of the Week:
Joe Kovacs, Penn State
So., Nazareth, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic

Kovacs wins his first Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week honor after scoring two first-place finishes at the Bucknell Team Challenge over the weekend. Kovacs finished first in the shot put with a launch of 61-5.50 (18.73 meters), a mark that ranks fifth in the country this season. The throw was also a personal best, broke the facility record, and ranks third in Penn State history. He also earned the gold in the discus with a heave of 164-7 (50.17 meters).

Last Penn State Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week: John Vellenweth (May 13, 2009)

Appearing in the top five once again is Ohio State, which moved up to No. 4 in Tuesday's poll. The Buckeyes are joined by Illinois, ranked No. 14, in the top 25 this week. Michigan moved up to No. 26 this week, while Wisconsin jumped five spots to No. 27. Minnesota is No. 35, followed by No. 39 Indiana and No. 57 Northwestern. Iowa makes the biggest jump of any Big Ten team this week, vaulting 12 spots to No. 59, and Penn State rounds out the field at No. 75.

Tuesday's updated team, singles, and doubles rankings can be found at the following links.

Wright claims her first career Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week honor after posting a top-10 time nationally and finishing second in the 100-meter hurdles over the weekend at the Mt. SAC Relays at Mt. San Antonio College. The junior set two personal records, including her time of 13.17 in the hurdles, which is the best in the Big Ten this season and seventh-fastest in the NCAA. It is the fifth-best time in Ohio State history, while her time of 11.85 in the 100-meter dash is eighth-best in the conference this season.

Last Ohio State Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week: Jordan Jennewine (April 1, 2009)

Women's Field Athlete of the Week:
Aja Evans, Illinois
Sr. - Chicago, Ill. - Morgan Park

Senior Aja Evans collects her third consecutive weekly honor after finishing first in the shot put with a toss of 55-9 (16.99 meters) at the LSU Alumni Gold Invitational last weekend. The senior now owns the second-best mark in the country in the event this season and is just .04 meters off from her school record. Overall, Evans has won six Big Ten Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week honors in her career.

Last Illinois Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week: Aja Evans (April 14, 2010)

Two conference teams appear in the top six of Tuesday's poll with Michigan appearing at No. 4 and Northwestern checking in at No. 6. Both teams have been staples of the top 10 for most of the season. Moving up six spots to No. 27 in this week's poll was Illinois and is followed closely by No. 28 Iowa. Also appearing in this week's ranks includes No. 32 Ohio State, No. 43 Indiana, No. 52 Purdue and No. 66 Minnesota.

Complete team rankings can be found here. Also, singles and doubles polls are also available this week.

DeForest wins his third Big Ten Golfer of the Week honor of the season after leading the Illini to a win at the Crooked Stick Invitational last weekend in Carmel, Ind. The junior won his second tournament of the spring season, finishing first with a six-under par 207, averaging a 69 through the three-round competition. With a low score of 67 in Monday's second round, DeForest fired a 69 in Monday's first round and finished with an even 71 in the tournament's final on Tuesday. Led by DeForest, Illinois finished with a combined score of 859, 15 strokes ahead of the second-place squad to win the team title. The honor is the third of DeForest's career.

Last Illinois Golfer of the Week: Chris DeForest (March 31, 2010)

Kueny wins her third weekly award of the 2010 season and fourth overall. The senior won her second career tournament by claiming medalist honors at the Lady Buckeye Invitational on Sunday. She fired an 11-over par 227, edging Ohio State's Rachel Rohanna by one stroke, with a low of 73 in the invitational's final round. Led by Kueny, the Spartans finished second overall with a team total of 933, closing with a 302, the lowest round by any team over the weekend. Kueny finished Sunday's back nine with a one-under par to close out her second tournament title.

Last Michigan State Golfer of the Week: Laura Kueny (April 14, 2010)

Indiana's Jerrud Sabourin (No. 3 first baseman), Alex Dickerson (No. 4 outfielder) and Drew Leininger (No. 10 pitcher), Michigan's Chris Berset (No. 7 catcher) and Ohio State's Alex Wimmers (No. 5 pitcher) represent the Big Ten in this week's Rivals.com Power Rankings.

Baseball America ranks Wimmers as the No. 22 player in this year's draft class.

Click HERE to see where your favorite Big Ten teams and players rank among the NCAA's stat leaders.

Notable (top 25):

Moving up one spot from last week is Penn State, which checks in at No. 6 this week with a total of 175.06 points. Illinois is the second conference team ranked and also moved up one spot this week, appearing at No. 23 with 88.01 points.

Complete team rankings can be found here, and individual event-by-event ranks are available here.

The 20th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers check in the weekly poll with 95.58 total points, ahead of the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers with a total of 79.54 points.

A complete look at the team rankings can be found here. Additional event-by-event breakdowns can be found here.

Sammons claims her first Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor after a pair of wins at No. 1 singles this past weekend, including a victory against a top-20 opponent. The senior opened the weekend on Saturday with a three-set win over 20th-ranked Denise Muresan of No. 4 Michigan, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Her Sunday performances led Purdue to a victory against Michigan State, its 15th of the season and the second-highest total in program history. Sammons defeated Michaela Silesova, 6-4, 6-2, then teamed with Jennifer Rabot to defeat Nicole Herzog and Whitney Wilson, 8-6, at No. 1 doubles. The duo recorded its 24th win of the season, setting the program's single-season record for doubles victories.

Last Purdue Athlete of the Week: Jennifer Rabot (March 16, 2010)

Gallego won two singles matches over ranked opponents last weekend to earn his first Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor. Playing at No. 1 singles, the junior battled to three-set wins in each of his matchups. On Friday against No. 82 Joshua Graves of Northwestern, Gallego, ranked No. 80, dropped the first set, but came back to win a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 decision. His contest on Sunday against 22nd-ranked Marek Michalicka played out similarly to his Friday match. Gallego dropped the first set, but rallied to win the next two, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, to earn the victory.

Last Minnesota Athlete of the Week: Ishay Hadash (March 3, 2009)

The No. 10 Michigan Second Varsity Eight was named Big Ten Boat of the Week after picking up its fifth win over a ranked opponent this season. The second varsity eight consists of coxswain Erica Macke, Nellie Ruedig, Jordan Peek, Ariel Piotter, Cristina Felix, Felice Mueller, Kristen Henkels, Paige Heil, and Olivia Klipa. The eight knocked off ranked Big Ten rivals from No. 7 Michigan State and No. 15 Ohio State as well as the team from No. 8 Southern California with a time of 6:27.10, ahead of the second-place Buckeyes (6:29.10), the third-place Spartans (6:31.48) and the Trojans (6:34.16).

Last Michigan Boat of the Week: First Varsity Eight (April 6, 2010)

Players of the Week
Indiana's Josh Lyon and Michigan's Patrick Biondi were named Big Ten Co-Players of the Week on Monday, while the Wolverines' Tyler Burgoon was named Pitcher of the Week. Lyon is the third Hoosier hitter to be honored this season, while Michigan claims honors in both categories for the first time since Jake Fox and Rich Hill did it in 2002. FULL STORY

In the Polls
Michigan State and Ohio State are receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches and NCBWA polls.

The Illini check in at No. 11 in the team polls this week, led by Scott Langley, who is 21st in Golfweek's weekly individual rankings. Langley leads a list of three conference golfers with rankings in the top 50 of this week's poll.

Click here for the latest team and individual rankings from Golfweek.

Coming in at No. 8 and leading the Big Ten trio in the rankings this week is Purdue. The Boilermakers are ahead of No. 13 Michigan State and No. 19 Ohio State. Individually, Boilermaker Maude-Aimee LeBlanc is ranked eighth individually, one of nine conference golfers to appear in the top 100 of this week's individual ranks.

Check out this week's team and individual rankings from Golfweek magazine.

Coming in at No. 8 and leading the Big Ten trio in the rankings this week is Purdue. The Boilermakers are ahead of No. 13 Michigan State and No. 19 Ohio State. Individually, Boilermaker Maude-Aimee LeBlanc is ranked eighth individually, one of nine conference golfers to appear in the top 100 of this week's individual ranks.

Check out this week's team and individual rankings from Golfweek magazine.

Michigan's Ryan McCarthy and Ohio State's Brandon Wynn left the NCAA Championships with individual crowns. McCarthy won his first national championship with a 14.750 effort on the high bar, clinching the Wolverines first individual event title since 2003. Wynn's triumph came on the still rings, where he posted a score of 15.900, .750 points ahead of the closest competitor to clinch his first national crown.

Click here for more information.

For more information on Michigan's successful evening, click here.

MICHIGAN at ILLINOIS
Friday, April 16 - 6:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Alan Oaks (3-4, 4.02 ERA) vs. RHP Kevin Manson (2-0, 2.35 ERA)
Saturday, April 17 - 3:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
LHP Bobby Brosnahan (4-2, 4.54 ERA) vs. RHP Kevin Johnson (2-1, 5.73 ERA)
Sunday, April 18 - 1:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Brandon Sinnery (3-0, 3.34 ERA) vs. RHP Lee Zerrusen (2-1, 5.96 ERA)
Storylines: One of three teams tied for the Big Ten lead, Michigan (20-11, 4-2 Big Ten) is the hottest team in the conference right now, entering this weekend's series having won eight of its last 10 games, including four straight. Illinois (15-13, 3-3 Big Ten) dropped two to Iowa last weekend, but rebounded by winning a pair of mid-week contests. After suffering an injury on Feb. 20, Michigan's Ryan LaMarre made his first starts since then last week and hit .692 with a 1.077 slugging percentage against Purdue to take home Big Ten Player of the Week honors. Willie Argo and Casey McMurray lead the Illini at the plate, batting .396 and .394, respectively. McMurray is also among the Big Ten's best in slugging (.649) and on-base percentage (.478), while Argo has reached base at a .500 clip and is among the NCAA's leaders with 26 stolen bases.

IOWA at INDIANA
Friday, April 16 - 3:05 p.m. ET
LHP Jarred Hippen (2-2, 3.17 ERA) vs. LHP Drew Leininger (5-1, 1.38 ERA)
Saturday, April 17 - 1 p.m. ET
RHP Nick Brown (2-3, 8.38 ERA) vs. LHP Matt Igel (0-4, 8.38 ERA)
Sunday, April 18 - 1 p.m. ET
RHP Phil Schreiber (3-3, 5.49 ERA) vs. RHP Walker Stadler (3-3, 5.36 ERA)
Storylines: Iowa (13-16, 3-3 Big Ten) has won its last three straight, including a series victory against Illinois last weekend, while Indiana (16-15, 2-4 Big Ten) dropped two of three to Ohio State before picking up a mid-week win against Valparaiso. The Hoosiers boast some of the conference's heaviest hitters in Jerrud Sabourin (.445) and Alex Dickerson (.430), who rank first and second in the Big Ten in average. Zach McCool has provided the offense for Iowa during the conference slate, ranking first in average (.632) and on-base percentage (.65) and second in slugging (.913) over two Big Ten series. The two squads also boast tough pitching challenges for their opponents as Indiana is led by Drew Leininger, who ranks among the NCAA's best in ERA (1.38), and Iowa closes out games with Kevin Lee, who is among the nation's best with six saves.

OHIO STATE at MICHIGAN STATE
Friday, April 16 - 3:05 p.m. ET
RHP Alex Wimmers (7-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. RHP A.J. Achter (4-1, 2.44 ERA)
Saturday, April 17 - 1:05 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
RHP Drew Rucinski (3-1, 2.50 ERA) vs. RHP Kurt Wunderlich (6-1, 3.49 ERA)
Sunday, April 18 - 1:05 p.m. ET
RHP Dean Wolosiansky (3-3, 5.65 ERA) vs. RHP Tony Bucciferro (4-3, 4.47 ERA)
Storylines: Michigan State (22-7, 4-2 Big Ten) and Ohio State (19-9, 4-2 Big Ten), two of the teams tied at the top of the Big Ten standings meet this weekend in one of the nation's most talked-about series. National Pitcher of the Year candidate Alex Wimmers leads the Buckeyes, owning a 7-0 record and a 1.80 ERA, which are both among the nation's best. As a staff, Ohio State pitchers lead the Big Ten in ERA (4.52). On offense, Ohio State leads the Big Ten with a .336 average, fronted by Cory Kovanda's .398 mark. Kovanda is one of six Buckeye regulars hitting over .300, joining Michael Stephens and Zach Hurley, who both rank among the Big Ten's best in slugging. A.J. Acter leads the Spartan staff that is the Big Ten's best in opponents' batting average and wins, himself ranking among the conference's elite in those categories as well as ERA. The Michigan State offense is second only to the Buckeyes in batting, but just barely, with a combined .335 average. Eli Boike leads the Spartan bats with a .409 average, .638 slugging percentage and .473 on-base clip, which all rank among the Big Ten's top 10.

MINNESOTA at NORTHWESTERN
Friday, April 16 - 3 p.m. CT
RHP Seth Rosin (2-3, 4.01 ERA) vs. RHP Francis Brooke (3-2, 4.25 ERA)
Saturday, April 17 - 1 p.m. CT
RHP TJ Oakes (2-2, 3.69 ERA) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (2-4, 5.30 ERA)
Sunday, April 18 - 1 p.m. CT
LHP Phil Isaksson (2-0, 4.06 ERA) vs. LHP Joe Muraski (0-5, 7.09 ERA)
Storylines: Minnesota (13-20, 3-3 Big Ten) and Northwestern (10-21, 3-3 Big Ten) both come in to this weekend's series with .500 conference records and 5-5 marks over their last 10 contests. Friday's matchup features two of the Big Ten's control leaders on the mound as Minnesota's Seth Rosin ranks first in the nation in walks allowed per game, and Northwestern's Francis Brooke is eighth. Combined, the two hurlers have allowed just seven walks over 98 innings this year. On offense, Paul Snieder leads four Wildcats hitting over .300 with a .390 average. Snieder is one of two two-way Northwestern players, also with a 2.21 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. Gopher shortstop AJ Pettersen is one of six Minnesota regulars batting over .300, leading the squad with a .338 mark and 24 runs scored. Michael Kvasnicka leads the club in slugging (.578) on 13 doubles, five homers and two triples.

PENN STATE at PURDUE
Friday, April 16 - 4 p.m. ET
RHP Steven Hill (2-2, 3.55 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Bischoff (4-1, 2.09 ERA)
Saturday, April 17 - 2 p.m. ET
RHP Ryan Ignas (2-2, 5.82 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Morgan (2-1, 4.46 ERA)
Sunday, April 18 - Noon ET
RHP Mike Wanamaker (2-2, 6.21 ERA ) vs. TBA
Storylines: Penn State (14-17, 2-4 Big Ten) is riding high after its come-from-behind win over Pittsburgh, ranked No. 24 by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, on Tuesday, while Purdue (17-14, 2-4 Big Ten) upped its win total to 17 with a pair of mid-week wins. Both squads enter the series with 2-4 conference records following series losses last weekend. Penn State is led by catcher Ben Heath, who is second in the conference with a .756 slugging percentage on the strength of 11 home runs and 13 doubles. He has also driven in 38 runs, ranking second in the conference. The Boilermakers are led by their pitching staff, which ranks in the top half of the Big Ten in almost every statistical category. Friday starter Matt Bischoff is third in ERA (2.09) and strikeouts (44) and fourth in opponents' batting average (.236).

For complete results from Thursday's action, click here.

Complete team results can be found by clicking here.

Information regarding all six Big Ten teams in their quest for a national championhip can be found in the 2010 NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships Release.

Click here for complete championships information.

The award is presented annually to the nation's top senior male gymnast and honors excellence in gymnastics, good sportsmanship and fair play and a high standard of scholarship throughout his collegiate career.

Stannard is the third Illini gymnast to win the award. David Zeddies (1989) and current Illinois associate men's head coach Justin Spring (2006) also have won the award. At the banquet, Spring was named Central Region Coach of the Year and Ivan Ivankov was named Assistant Coach of the Year.

More information can be found here.

Ohio State remains in the top five, checking in at No. 5. Illinois appears at No. 17 this week, while Michigan was voted in at No. 25. Wisconsin appears at No. 32 followed by Minnesota at No. 37. Indiana is ranked No. 41 this week, ahead of No. 53 Northwestern and No. 61 Penn State.

Complete team rankings, as well as singles and doubles polls, can be found here.

The conference boasts two teams in the top 10, including No. 4 Michigan and No. 9 Northwestern. Iowa moved up one spot to No. 21 this week, while Illinois jumped 10 places and is No. 26 in the latest rankings. Ohio State appears at No. 33, Indiana is No. 38, Purdue checks in at No. 48 and Minnesota closes out the ranked Big Ten squads at No. 60.

Complete weekly team rankings, along with updated singles and doubles polls, can be found here.

Michigan State led the way at No. 7, while Michigan remained steady at No. 10 this week. Wisconsin checks in at No. 14 and Ohio State is No. 15. Squads not ranked but receiving votes in the latest poll included Minnesota and Iowa.

Complete team rankings can be found here.

Click HERE to see where your favorite Big Ten teams and players rank among the NCAA's stat leaders.

Notable:

The Big Ten Conference office announced on Wednesday the third weekly women's outdoor track and field awards for meets through March 24-31. Indiana's Sarah Pease and Illinois Aja Evans were named Track and Field Athletes of the Week, respectively, after landing top-three spots on the national leaderboard last week.

Pease claimed top honors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in a school-record time of 10:05.67. The Indiana native finished nearly 40 seconds ahead of the field and owns the third-best time in Division I and fifth in the world this season.

Evans collects her second consecutive weekly honor of the 2010 campaign after finishing first in the shot put with a toss of 55-1 (16.79m) on Saturday at Tennessee's SeaRay Relays. The performance marked the second straight top-finish for the Chicago native, who currently owns the third-best mark in the country in the event. READ MORE ...  

The Big Ten Conference office announced on Wednesday the third weekly men's outdoor track and field awards for meets through April 7-13. Indiana swept the weekly awards for the second time this season as Hoosier sophomores Andy Bayer and Derek Drouin earned the nod as Big Ten Track and Field Athletes of the Week, respectively.

Bayer collects his second Big Ten Athlete of the Week award in 2010 after posting a winning time of 3:41.87 in the 1,500-meter open at the Border Battle last week. The Leo, Ind., native now owns the fourth-best time in Division I this season, and the 10th best time in school history in the event.

Meanwhile, Drouin posted 13 points for the Hoosiers, winning the high jump and 110m hurdles while taking second in the javelin Drouin's clearance is 1.5 inches better than the closest jumper in Big Ten this season and also ranks sixth in the nation. READ MORE ...

Purdue's Kelly Miller is one of the featured softball student-athletes in Faces of the Big Ten.

Big Ten teams combined to post a 6-0 record last night, including Penn State's thrilling come-from-behind win over Pittsburgh, who is ranked No. 24 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Poll.

ILLINOIS def. Eastern Illinois, 10-1
INDIANA def. Valparaiso, 11-2
IOWA def. UW-Milwaukee, 9-3
MICHIGAN def. Toledo, 8-4
PENN STATE def. Pittsburgh, 14-8
PURDUE def. Ball State, 10-5

The Big Ten featured two teams in the latest USTFCCCA poll as announced on Tuesday evening. Minnesota voted in at no. 21 while Wisconsin earned a spot at No. 24.  The top five positions on both men's and women's sides of the national team rankings remained unchanged.

Look here for a complete look at this week's poll.

The Big Ten featured two teams in the latest USTFCCCA poll as announced on Tuesday. Penn State maintained its position in the top-10, checking in at No. 7 while Illinois leaped three spots to appear at No. 24. The top five positions on both men's and women's sides of the national team rankings remained unchanged.

Look here for a complete look at this week's poll.

Big Ten Baseball Tournament Central has all you need to know about this year's event to be held May 26-29 at Bill Davis Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Read the complete Q&A, here.

Michigan State's Jonathan Roof is just one of the Faces of Big Ten baseball.

Michigan State's first varsity eight earned Big Ten Boat of the Week status after going 2-0 over the weekend at a Big Ten Double Dual in Bloomington, Ind. Members included coxswain Amanda McGeachie, Michelle Mussett, Shannon Dunn, Laura Cowal, Emily Regan, Michelle Neuder, Kellie Lapointe, Stephanie Bochenek, and Victoria Woodard. In its first race against Indiana, the boat topped the Hoosiers by 24 seconds en route to a time of 6:51.0 in Michigan State's 44-25 win over Indiana. Against Ohio State in the second session, the Spartan boat jumped to an early lead and rode that momentum to a 13-second win, finishing in a time of 6:39.3, clinching the Spartans' 36-31 come-from-behind win.

Last Michigan State Boat of the Week: First Varsity Eight (March 30, 2010)

Illinois' Megan Fudge claimed her second Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor of the 2010 season and the fifth of her career. The senior went 2-0 at No. 1 singles over the weekend as the 13th-ranked Illini earned conference wins over No. 22 Iowa and No. 60 Minnesota. In Illinois' 6-1 win over Iowa, Fudge, ranked No. 106, knocked off No. 55 Sonja Molnar, 6-1, 6-3, recording her fifth win over a ranked foe this season. The following day against Minnesota, she teamed with Leigh Finnegan in an 8-4 win against Minnesota's No. 2 doubles team of Tijana Koprivica and Jackie Sperling before defeating Alessandra Ferrazzi, 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 (10-8) in a 6-1 Illinois victory.

Last Illinois Athlete of the Week: Megan Fudge (Jan. 19, 2010)

Buchanan clinches his sixth Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor of the 2010 season after winning three singles and three doubles matches last week. Buchanan defeated two ranked opponents, first knocking off No. 29 Casey Watt of Notre Dame, 6-1, 6-1, in a 7-0 win. He also defeated No. 41 Jason Jung of Michigan, 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) in the Buckeyes victory over No. 26 Michigan, 6-1. The sophomore's third singles win came against Michigan State's Ronnie Hulewicz, 6-0, 6-2. Buchanan, ranked No. 12 in singles, also teamed with Dino Marcan for three wins in doubles play last week, including a 9-7 win over Michigan's 33rd-ranked team of George Navas and Mike Sroczynski.

Last Ohio State Athlete of the Week: Chase Buchanan (April 6, 2010)

Players of the Week
Ryan LaMarre became the first Michigan player to be named Player of the Week this season, hitting .692 and slugging 1.077 during the Wolverines' weekend series against Purdue. Ohio State's Alex Wimmers claimed his sixth career Pitcher of the Week accolade after striking out 14 in a complete-game effort against Indiana on Friday. COMPLETE RELEASE

In the Polls
Michigan State and Ohio State are receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches and NCBWA polls.

Michigan will be one of the 12 squds competing for the team title after qualifying out of the Morgantown Regional with a score of 195.800. The Wolverines advance to their 18th NCAA Championships and will begin competition on Thursday, April 22 in one of two semifinals.

Six Big Ten gymnasts qualified for the all-around competition at the national meet, including Illinois' Sarah Schmidt, Iowa's Rebecca Simbhudas, Michigan State's Nicole Curler, Minnesota's Alexis Russell, and Penn State's Sharaya Musser and Brandi Personett. Illinois' Allison Buckley won the vault competition at the Lexington Regional and will compete in the event at the NCAA meet.

Three teams from Thursday's two semifinals advance to the Super Six on Friday, April 23, while the top four individuals from the preliminary team and all-around competition will compete in the individual finals on Saturday, April 24.

The complete release from the NCAA can be found here. More information on the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships can be found at NCAA.com's Championships Central Page.

Pruner was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the first time in her career by way of her 2.732 OPS in Ohio State's weekend series with Illinois. The senior belted two home runs over the weekend, knocking in seven as she finished the series with an .857 batting average. On Saturday, Pruner was 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Against the Illini on Sunday, she was 3-for-4 with another homer, five RBI and two runs scored in a 10-2 Buckeye victory. Pruner now has 144 career RBI, which ranks third all-time on the Ohio State list.

Last Ohio State Player of the Week: Alicia Herron (March 29, 2010)

Pitcher of the Week
Jordan Taylor, Michigan
Jr., RHP, Valencia, Calif./Valenica

Taylor wins her fourth Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honor of the season and the sixth of her career. The right-hander threw the first perfect game of her career on Sunday, pitching five flawless innings against Minnesota, striking out 10 of the 15 batters she faced to notch her second win of the weekend and improve her record to 16-2 this season. Against Indiana on Thursday, the junior earned the win with a seven strikeout effort, allowing just five hits and two allowed in an 8-2 Wolverine win. She finished the week with a 1.17 ERA and 17 strikeouts.

Last Michigan Pitcher of the Week: Nikki Nemitz (April 5, 2010)

IOWA def. ILLINOIS, 4-2
Recap and Box Score
Iowa won its Big Ten-opening series with a 4-2 victory in the rubber match on Sunday. Hawkeyes sophomore Phil Schreiber pitched a career-high eight innings, giving up one earned run on five hits with three strikeouts. Kevin Lee picked up his sixth save, retiring the side in order in the ninth. Zach McCool and Phil Keppler led the Iowa offense, each with two hits, one run and an RBI. Craig Lutes and Thomas Shelton had two hits each for the Illini, while Lutes scored a run and Shelton drove one in. Lee Zerrusen was tagged with the loss.

OHIO STATE def. INDIANA, 10-8
Recap and Box Score
Ohio State scored 10 runs on 13 hits en route to a 10-8 victory over Indiana, securing the series win on Sunday. Brian DeLucia led the Buckeyes, going 3-for-3 with four RBI and a run scored. Dean Wolosiansky earned the win, allowing four earned runs on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts in six innings. Theron Minium picked up his third save this year in a three-inning outing. Josh Lyon led the Hoosiers with three hits, three runs and an RBI, including a solo homer. Alex Dickerson hit his conference-leading 13th home run for the Hoosiers, driving in his 41st and 42nd RBI, which is also the Big Ten's best. .

MICHIGAN def. PURDUE, 9-4
Recap and Box Score
A seven-run fourth inning led Michigan to a 9-4 win over Purdue on Sunday, giving the Wolverines the series win. Preseason All-American Ryan LaMarre led Michigan with two doubles and a triple, scoring two runs and driving in three. Brandon Sinnery improved to 3-0 on the year, allowing just one earned run on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts in six innings. Kolby Wood pitched three innings to pick up his first save. Tyler Spillner and Angelo Cianfrocco each had two hits, a run and an RBI to lead the Boilermaker offense.

MINNESOTA def. MICHIGAN STATE, 6-3
Recap and Box Score
Minnesota scored all six of its runs in the seventh and eighth innings in a 6-3 win over Big Ten-leading Michigan State on Sunday. The Gophers trailed 3-2 in the bottom of the eighth before Kyle Knudson gave Minnesota its first lead of the day with a two-run double, making it a 4-2 affair in the Gophers' favor. Nick O'Shea had three hits for Minnesota, while Kyle Geason, Trip Schultz and Try Larson had two each, as the Gophers' last four hitters combined to go 9-for-16 in the game. Scott Matyas picked up the win in relief, throwing two scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Jeff Holm led the Spartans with two hits and a pair of RBI.

PENN STATE def. NORTHWESTERN, 6-5
Recap and Box Score
Penn State erased an early three-run deficit with four runs in the third, then came back again with single runs in the fifth and seventh to take Game 3 of the series against Northwestern, 6-5. Ben Heath extended his career-long hitting streak to 17 games with a 3-for-3 performance. Jesse Alfreno picked up the win in relief, while Heath Johnson tossed a scoreless ninth to grab the save. Paul Snieder had two hits to lead the Wildcats, while Trevor Stevens drove in a pair on one hit and two walks.

IOWA def. ILLINOIS, 6-4
Recap and Box Score
Hawkeye right-hander Nick Brown pitched a season-high eight innings to lead Iowa to a 6-4 win over Illinois on Saturday. Brown scattered six hits for three runs with two strikeouts to pick up his second win of the year. Kevin Lee picked up his fifth save of the season. Mike McQuillan led the Hawkeye offense with two hits, including a double, and a pair of RBI. Willie Argo hit his second homer of the year for the Illini, a three-run shot in the third. Kevin Johnson was tagged with the loss.

INDIANA def. OHI O STATE, 6-4 (10)
Recap and Box Score
Michael Earley broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the 10th with a solo homer to lead off the inning, lifting the Hoosiers to an extra-inning win at Ohio State on Saturday. Earley and Micah Johnson had three hits each for the Hoosiers, while Johnson also scored two runs Drew Leininger improved to 5-1 on the year, scattering four hits without allowing an earned run and striking out eight in nine innings. Chris Squires picked up his fifth save of the year, while Eric Best was tagged with the loss. Brian DeLucia's grand slam, his fourth homer of the year, led the Buckeye offense.

MICHIGAN def. PURDUE, 6-4
Recap and Box Score
Michigan scored five runs over the first two innings to even the series with Purdue on a 6-4 win on Saturday. Ryan LaMarre had three hits for the Wolverines, including a double, also driving in and scoring one run. Bobby Brosnahan picked up his fourth win of the year, while Tyler Burgoon earned his fourth save. Blake Mascarello was tagged with the loss for the Boilermakers. Eric Charles and Cameron Perkins each had two hits and scored a run to pace Purdue at the plate.

MICHIGAN STATE def. MINNESOTA, 12-5
Recap and Box Score
Michigan State claimed sole possession of first place in the Big Ten standings with a 12-5 win at Minnesota on Saturday. Four Spartans had multiple hits, including Eli Boike and Ryan Jones who had three each. Boike drove in two runs and scored one, while Jones tallied one RBI and crossed home four times. Kurt Wunderlich improved to 6-1, allowing four earned runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts in eight innings. TJ Oakes was tagged with the loss. AJ Pettersen led the Gophers at the plate with three hits and two runs scored, while Kyle Knudson drove in a pair.

NORTHWESTERN def. PENN STATE, 3-2 (11)
Recap and Box Score
Geoff Rowan tallied three hits, including a two-out double in the 11th plate the go-ahead run, leading Northwestern to a 3-2 win at Penn State on Saturday. Rowan's hit plated Zach Morton, who had two hits and an RBI in addition to his game-winning run. Morton also picked up the win, throwing three scoreless innings in relief. Eric Jokisch was solid in the start for the Wildcats, giving up just two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in nine innings. Paul Snieder, who was 3-for-5 at the plate, picked up his third save. Ryan Ignas was the tough-luck loser, giving up just one earned run while scattering 10 hits in a career-high 7.1 innings.

ILLINOIS def. IOWA, 9-8
Recap and Box Score
A three-run eighth capped an Illinois comeback on Friday night as the Fighting Illini took Game 1 of the series, 9-8, retaining a share of first place in the Big Ten. Casey McMurray led the Illinois offense, going 4-for-6 with three RBI and a run scored. Brian de la Torriente picked up the win in relief, while Bryan Roberts converted on his fourth consecutive save opportunity with two shutout innings. Michael Jacobs was tagged with the loss in relief, coming on for Jarred Hippen, who scattered five earned runs on 10 hits in six innings with seven strikeouts. Ryan Durant led the Hawkeyes at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run.

OHIO STATE def. INDIANA, 7-1
Recap and Box Score
Led by All-American pitcher Alex Wimmers, Ohio State maintained a share of first place in the conference standings with a 7-1 win over Indiana on Friday. The Buckeye right-hander pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on six hits with 14 strikeouts and no walks, improving his season record to 7-0. Zach Hurley led Ohio State on offense with three hits, an RBI and a run, while Michael Stephens blasted his seventh homer of the year. Micah Johnson went 2-for-4, driving in the Hoosiers' only run. Matt Igel was tagged with the loss.

PURDUE def. MICHIGAN, 8-5
Recap and Box Score
Purdue struck early with four runs in the first two innings and never looked back, grabbing an 8-5 win over Michigan in Ann Arbor on Friday. Tyler Spillner had three hits, while Drew Madia and Barret Arthur each homered to lead the Boilermakers. Matt Bischoff picked up the win, allowing two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out nine over eight innings. Alan Oaks was tagged with the loss. Patrick Biondi and Ryan LaMarre had three hits each for the Wolverines, while Biondi also scored three runs and drove in two.

MICHIGAN STATE def. MINNESOTA, 5-3
Recap and Box Score
Michigan State maintained its share of first place in the Big Ten standings with a 5-3 win at Minnesota on Friday. Eli Boike, Brandon Eckerle and Torsten Boss had two hits each for the Spartans, while Boike and Boss also drove in two runs. A.J. Achter picked up his fourth win of the year, allowing three runs on 11 hits and a walk, striking out five in six innings. Kurtis Frymier picked up his fifth save, tossing 1.1 shutout innings. Seth Rosin was tagged with the loss for Minnesota. The Gophers were led at the plate by AJ Pettersen and Michael Kvasnicka, who had two hits each.

NORTHWESTERN def. PENN STATE, 11-5
Recap and Box Score
Northwestern scored two runs in the seventh and six in the eighth to down Penn State in the series-opener on Friday in University Park. Chris Lashmet led the Wildcats, going 4-for-5 with a double, four RBI and two runs scored. Paul Sneider drove in three runs on three hits, while Chad Noble touched home three times in the game. David Jensen earned the win in relief, tossing three scoreless frames. Steven Hill took the loss for Penn State. Ben Heath went 3-for-4 for the Nittany Lions, while Jordan Steranka had three RBI on his sixth homer of the year.

Checking in at No. 7 for the second straight week, Michigan State received 341 total points and is the highest Big Ten in the poll. Michigan appears at No. 10 for the second consecutive week, while Wisconsin moved up two spots this week and appears at No. 11. Ohio State is the fourth team ranked in the top 20, voted in at No. 13, while Indiana and Iowa received votes.

Complete team rankings can be found by clicking here.

Elsewhere around the conference, #2/3 Michigan (26-5, 3-0) travels to the Twin Cities to face Minnesota for the two-game weekend set with games beginning at 2 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. The conference's third unbeaten squad, Iowa (18-13, 4-0) hosts Purdue (16-20, 1-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. In Bloomington, Indiana (7-21, 0-2) welcomes Michigan State (16-17, 2-2) for a pair of 1 p.m. contests on Saturday and Sunday, while Wisconsin (8-20, 0-4) faces Penn State (23-11, 2-2) at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in Madison, Wis.

ILLINOIS at IOWA
Friday, April 9 - 6:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Will Strack (1-1, 5.74 ERA) vs. LHP Jared Hippen (2-2, 2.62 ERA)
Saturday, April 10 - 1:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Kevin Johnson (2-0, 5.73 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Brown (1-3, 11.91 ERA)
Sunday, April 9 - 1:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Lee Zerrusen (2-1, 5.96 ERA) vs. RHP Phil Schreiber (2-3, 6.55 ERA)
Storylines: Iowa (1-2, 10-15) welcomes Illinois (2-1, 12-11) for a three-game tilt that will be broadcast on www.BigTenNetwork.com. The Hawkeyes took one from Michigan State last weekend, while the Illini won their series against Penn State before splitting a pair of mid-week games. The Illinois offense is paced by Willie Argo, who ranks fifth in the Big Ten in hitting (.415) and third in one-base percentage (.510). Casey McMurray is ninth in average (.395) and fourth in slugging (.679). Iowa's Friday starter, Jarred Hippen is among the Big Ten's elite in several categories, including ERA (2.62), opponents' batting average (.257) and strikeouts (32).

INDIANA at OHIO STATE
Friday, April 9 - 6:35 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
LHP Matt Igel (0-3, 9.00) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (6-0, 1.98 ERA)
Saturday, April 10 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
LHP Drew Leininger (4-1, 1.66 ERA) vs. RHP Drew Rucinski (3-1, 2.53 ERA)
Sunday, April 11 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Walker Stadler (3-2, 5.06 ERA) vs. RHP Dean Wolosiansky (2-3, 5.60 ERA)
Storylines: Indiana (1-2, 14-13) travels to Columbus to face Ohio State (2-1, 17-8) where two of the conference's top hitting squads will square off. Indiana's Jerrud Sabourin and Alex Dicerson rank first and second in the Big Ten in average and second and first in slugging, while Sabourin is first in on-base percentage and Dickerson is tops in RBI and homers. Despite not having a player in the Big Ten's top 10 in hitting, the Buckeyes lead the conference with a team average of .344. Cory Kovanda leads Ohio State with a .390 average, while Zach Hurley (.664) and Michael Stephens (.628) are among the Big Ten's best in slugging. The Indiana and Ohio State pitching staffs are led by a pair of Pitcher of the Year candidates in Indiana's Drew Leininger. Leininger leads the Big Ten in ERA (1.66) and opponents' batting average (.209), while Ohio State's Alex Wimmers leads in wins (6) and strikeouts (46).

PURDUE at MICHIGAN
Friday, April 9 - 7 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
RHP Matt Bischoff (3-1, 2.06 ERA) vs. RHP Alan Oaks (3-3, 3.29 ERA)
Saturday, April 10 - 1 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
LHP Blake Mascarello (1-2, 2.61 ERA) vs. LHP Bobby Brosnahan (3-2, 4.36 ERA)
Sunday, April 11 - Noon ET - Big Ten Network
RHP Matt Morgan (2-0, 3.23 ERA) vs. TBA
Storylines: Michigan (2-1, 16-10) welcomes Purdue (1-2, 14-12) for a three-game series that will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. The Wolverines won last weekend's series against Indiana before winning a mid-week matchup against Central Michigan and have earned victories in nine of their last 10 games. The Boilermakers took one of three games from Minnesota last weekend before posting a win over Valparaiso on Tuesday. Coley Crank leads the Wolverines with a .632 slugging percentage and is third in the Big Ten with 32 RBI and fourth with six home runs. The Purdue pitching staff is fourth in the conference in ERA (4.73), third in opponents' batting average (.284) and second in strikeouts (203). The staff is led by reigning Big Ten Pitcher of the Week Matt Bischoff, who is third in the conference in ERA (2.06).

MICHIGAN STATE at MINNESOTA
Friday, April 9 - 6:35 p.m. CT
RHP A.J. Achter (3-1, 2.19 ERA) vs. RHP Seth Rosin (2-2, 3.61 ERA)
Saturday, April 10 - 2:05 p.m. CT
RHP Kurt Wunderlich (5-1, 3.29 ERA) vs. RHP T.J. Oakes (2-1, 2.91 ERA)
Sunday, April 10 - 1:05 p.m. CT
RHP Tony Bucciferro (4-2, 4.14 ERA) vs. LHP Phil Isaksson (2-0, 4.70 ERA)
Storylines: Michigan State (2-1, 20-5) heads to Minnesota (1-2, 12-17) having won nine of its last 10 games and the Big Ten's only 20-game winner so far this season. The Spartans and Gophers are both riding three-game winning streaks after each won its opening conference series last weekend and a mid-week non-conference game. Minnesota (4.46) and Michigan State (4.50) rank first and second in the Big Ten in ERA and in opponents' batting average (Michigan State, .264 and Minnesota, .277). At the plate, Jeff Holm and Eli Boike lead the Spartans with respective averages of .418 and .417. Reigning Big Ten Player of the Week Michael Kvasnicka has a .327 average and a .600 slugging percentage for the Gophers, while AJ Pettersen leads the squad with a .342 average.

NORTHWESTERN at PENN STATE
Friday, April 9 - 6:35 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Francis Brooke (3-2, 4.22 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Wanamaker (2-2, 6.46 ERA)
Saturday, April 10 - 2:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
LHP Eric Jokisch (2-4, 5.97 ERA) vs. RHP Ryan Ignas (2-2, 6.75 ERA)
Sunday, April 11 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
TBA vs. TBA
Storylines: Penn State (1-2, 12-15) welcomes Northwestern (1-2, 7-20) after each squad took one game in last weekend's conference-opening series. Ben Heath provides the power for the Nittany Lions, ranking third in the conference in slugging (.708) and second in home runs (9) and RBI (34). Penn State reliever Steven Hill is among the Big Ten's top 10 in ERA (3.03) in 13 appearances. The speedy Wildcats have 12 triples and 27 stolen bases as a team, led by Trevor Stevens and Chris Lashmet who each have three three-baggers. Francis Brooke leads Northwestern with three wins and a 4.22 ERA, having allowed just four walks over 42.2 innings this season.

For more information on Thursday's draft, click here.

Two of the Big Ten's own earned spots in the top five in this week's poll. After winning the head-to-head dual last weekend, Michigan appears at No. 3 in this week's poll, while Northwestern is now ranked fifth after the Wolverines won a 4-3 decision over the Wildcats last weekend. At No. 22 this week is Iowa, ahead of No. 30 Ohio State, No. 34 Indiana and No. 36 Illinois. Purdue appears at No. 47 this week, while No. 60 Minnesota rounds out the Big Ten contingent in this week's poll.

For complete team rankings, click here.

Ohio State is the conference's highest-ranked team, appearing at No. 2 in the polls. The Buckeyes are joined in the top 15 by Illinois, which appears at No. 13. Michigan checks in at No. 26, followed by Wisconsin at No. 33 and Minnesota at No. 39. Indiana is ranked 41st, seven spots ahead of No. 48 Northwestern. Iowa and Penn State round out the ranked Big Ten squads, checking in at Nos. 60 and 63, respectively.

Complete team rankings can be found by clicking here.

The national qualifier, consisting of two pre-qualifying sessions, will be conducted on April 15 on the campus of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. The finals will take place April 16-17.

More information on the selections can be found here.

Eric Terrazas, ILL
Nate Everhart, IND
Ryan Morningstar, IOWA
Justin Zeerip, MICH
Franklin Gomez, MSU
Jayson Ness, MINN
Eric Metzler, NU
Mike Pucillo, OSU
Cyler Sanderson, PSU
 Cashé Quiroga, PUR
Drew Hammen, WIS

The Big Ten Conference office announced on Wednesday the second weekly women's outdoor track and field awards for meets through March 24-31. Penn State's Shavon Greaves and Illinois Aja Evans were named Track and Field Athletes of the Week, respectively, after leaving their mark on the national leaderbaord last week.

Greaves notched the highest Nittany Lion finish at the Florida Relays, earning second-place honors in the 100-meters with a time of 11.33 (+3.1w) before sprinting to a career-low 23.07 in the 200-meters -- the second-fastest performance in Penn State history and the second-best time in the NCAA this year.

Evans posted the best outdoor opener of her collegiate career, winning the shot put crown with a mark of 55-5 (16.89m) at the Mike Poehlein Invitational. Her mark ranks third-best in the country and is just shy of her own school record in the event. READ MORE ...

The Big Ten Conference office announced on Wednesday the second weekly men's outdoor track and field awards for meets through April 1-6. Penn State's Ryan Foster ran away with the weekly award on the track while Illinois' Matt McHugh collected Field Athlete of the Week honors.

Foster clocked a personal-best 3:41.26 in the 1500-meters at the Florida Relays, finishing just shy of Alabama's Julius Bor (3:41.11).  The pair are now ranked first and second among NCAA Division I competitors. Foster also anchored the Nittany Lions in the 4x800-meter relay, turning in a 1:46.9 split to lead his squad to a winning time of 7:18.72.

In filed competition, junior Matt McHugh reset his own school record in the hammer throw, winning the event at the Mike Poehlein Invitational with a mark of 202-10 (61.83m).

Week 2 Release

Players of the Week
Minnesota's Michael Kvasnicka was named Player of the Week for the first time in his career, while Purdue's Matt Bischoff earned Pitcher of the Week honors for the second time this season and the third time in his career. COMPLETE RELEASE

In the Polls
Michigan State is receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Baseball Top 25 Coaches Poll, while the Spartans and Ohio State are receiving votes in the NCBWA Division I Top 30 Poll.

Weekly Release
Click HERE for the Big Ten baseball weekly release.

Muresan wins the first Athlete of the Week award of her career after leading eighth-ranked Michigan to a pair of wins last week, including a victory over No. 4 Northwestern on Saturday. Against the Wildcats, Muresan teamed with Tania Mahtani to defeat Stacey Lee and Linda Abu-Mushrefova at No. 3 doubles, 8-4. She then knocked off No. 13 Maria Mosolova at No. 1 singles, 6-3, 6-0, as Michigan won the match, 4-3, ending Northwestern's 81-match conference-winning streak. Against Wisconsin on Sunday, the junior again teamed with Mahtani to defeat Lauren Gruber and Jessica Seyferth, 8-6 before winning at No. 1 singles against Hannah Berner, 6-0, 6-2.

Last Michigan Athlete of the Week: Whitney Taney (March 2, 2010)

The new top team in the nation is Illinois, who won their second straight Big Ten Championship last weekend. The Illini boast a national qualifying average of 358.030, tops in the nation. Michigan is No. 3 in the poll with an NQS of 356.810 and Ohio State is fifth with 349.690. Minnesota is seventh with 348.790 and is followed closely by Penn State, which is eighth with 348.340. Iowa rounds out the Big Ten contingent, checking in at No. 11 with 341.770 points.

Complete team and individual rankings can be found here.

Buchanan wins his fifth Big Ten Athlete of the Week certificate of the 2010 season after posting four victories in No. 2 Ohio State's dual wins against No. 44 Minnesota and No. 73 Iowa, extending the team's conference winning streak to 57. Playing at No. 1 singles, Buchanan won two matches in straight sets, defeating Iowa's Marc Bruche, 6-4, 6-2, on Friday and Minnesota's 66th-ranked Sebastian Gallego, 6-4, 6-1, on Sunday. During doubles play, the sophomore teamed with Dino Marcan to earn wins over Iowa's Tom Mroziewicz and Bruche, 8-5, and Minnesota's 27th-ranked team of Gallego and Phillip Arndt, 8-4. Buchanan is now 13-1 at No. 1 singles and is 5-1 at No. 1 doubles when teaming with Marcan this season.

Last Ohio State Athlete of the Week: Justin Kronauge (March 30, 2010)

Michigan's first varsity eight earned Big Ten Boat of the Week distinction after defeating No. 11 Clemson at Saturday's Big Ten/ACC Double Dual at Lake Monticello in Virginia. The No. 10 Wolverine team of coxswain Margaret Deinek, Melisa Ongun, Ashley Kroll, Adrienne Mecham, Cristina Felix, Felice Mueller, Emily Eiffert, Lauren Schneider, and Julia Darnton clocked in at 6:39.1, finishing nearly two lengths ahead of the Clemson boat, which finished with a time of 6:51.8.

Last Michigan Boat of the Week: First Varsity Eight (March 31, 2009)

Shaw was perfect on the weekend for the Wolverines, going 3-for-3 from the plate with two walks and a hit by pitch in two games against Wisconsin. The junior finished with two singles on Saturday, driving in a pair of runs, and scoring two more in five-inning Michigan win. She followed that effort with a three-RBI outing on Sunday, two coming off a first-inning double and one on a walk, in an 8-0 Michigan win. Shaw finished the weekend with a 1.333 slugging percentage, giving her an OPS of 2.333 as the junior claims her second weekly honor this season and of her career.

Last Michigan Player of the Week: Dorian Shaw (March 8, 2010)

Pitcher of the Week
Nikki Nemitz, Michigan
Sr., St. Clair Shores, Mich./Regina

The Wolverine senior pitched five shutout innings over the weekend as Michigan defeated the visiting Wisconsin Badgers, 8-0, on Sunday afternoon. Nemitz earned the victory, allowing just one hit while striking out six as she won her ninth-straight start and improved her record to 11-3 on the season. The Michigan left-hander earns Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honors for the first time this season and the seventh overall in her career.

Last Michigan Pitcher of the Week: Jordan Taylor (Feb. 22, 2010)

ILLINOIS def. PENN STATE, 15-3
Recap and Box Score
Illinois scored five runs in the sixth and again in the eighth, while its bullpen tossed five shutout innings to take the series finale from Penn State on Sunday. The Illini combined for four homers, including two off the bat of Adam Davis, who had four RBI on the day. Five Illinois players had multiple hits, led by a 4-for-5 performance from Casey McMurray, who doubled and homered. Corey Kimes got the win in relief, tossing three innings of scoreless relief. Neal Herring took the loss, giving up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings. Sean Deegan led the Nittany Lions with two hits, including a home run, and two RBI.

INDIANA def. MICHIGAN, 26-6
Recap and Box Score
Indiana scored 26 runs on 27 hits to take the series finale from Michigan on Sunday. Four different Hoosiers had four hits, including Tyler Rogers, who drove in six runs. Alex Dickerson scored five runs and hit his conference-leading 11th homer in the game. Drew Leininger earned the win, allowing three runs on five hits with five strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Eric Katzman was tagged with the loss for the Wolverines. Three Michigan players had multiple hits, led by John Lorenz who went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI.

MICHIGAN STATE def. IOWA, 16-2
Recap and Box Score
Michigan State completed Saturday's suspended game, securing a 16-2 win over the Hawkeyes. Ryan Jones and Chris Roberts led the Spartans with three hits each. Jones drove in two and scored three, while Roberts scored two runs and also drove in a pair. Kurt Wunderlich picked up the win, allowing two runs while scattering nine hits over seven innings. Zach Kenyon took the loss for Iowa, who was led offensively by Ryan Durant, who went 3-for-4 with a run scored.

MICHIGAN STATE def. IOWA, 26-11
Recap and Box Score
Michigan State took the rubber match of its conference-opening series with a 26-11 win over Iowa on Sunday. The Spartans combined for 31 hits, led by a 6-for-7 performance from Brandon Eckerle. Eckerle's six hits is a single-game conference-high this season and ties a Big Ten record. Tony Bucciferro picked up his fourth win, giving up two runs on six hits with four strikeouts in six innings. Phil Schreiber was tagged with the loss. Zach McCool led the Hawkeyes with four hits, three runs and a pair of RBI.

MINNESOTA def. PURDUE, 9-7
Recap and Box Score
Minnesota overcame a late 5-2 deficit with a Kyle Knudson homer in the eighth and a five-run ninth, taking the series from Purdue with a win in Game 3. Knudson was 2-for-4 in the game with two runs scored and three RBI, including his two-run shot.  Reliever Scott Matyas was the beneficiary of the Gophers' comeback, picking up his first win of the season, throwing 1.2 innings to close out the game. Matt Morgan recorded a solid start for the Boilermakers, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in 7.1 innings, but the bullpen could not hold on. Kevin Plawecki led the Purdue offense, going 3-for-4 with two runs and a pair of RBI.

OHIO STATE def. NORTHWESTERN, 11-6
Recap and Box Score
Ohio State overcame a 4-3 Northwestern lead with a three-run fifth, holding on for an 11-6 win in the series finale on Sunday. Zach Hurley led the Buckeye offense with four RBI on two hits, including a double, and one run scored. Dan Burkhart had two hits, including a triple, to drive in three. Dean Wolosiansky allowed three earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts in five innings to pick up the win. Joe Muraski took the loss, giving up six runs in four innings. Trevor Stevens led the Wildcat offense, going 3-for-5.

ILLINOIS def. PENN STATE, 10-8
Recap and Box Score
A six-run second inning lifted Illinois to a 10-8 win over Penn State on Saturday, giving the Illini their first win of the conference season. Willie Argo and Adam Davis had three hits each for Illinois, while Craig Lutes went 2-for-4 with three RBI. Kevin Johnson picked up the win in a six-inning start, while Bryan Roberts tossed two scoreless frames to pick up the save. Ryan Ignas was tagged with the loss, while Bobby Jacobs and Elliot Searer each had three hits for the Nittany Lions.

MICHIGAN def. INDIANA, 6-4
Recap and Box Score
Michigan picked up a 6-4 win over Indiana in Bloomington on Saturday, opening the conference season with a 2-0 record. Nick Urban led the Wolverines at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a triple, one run scored and three RBI. Bobby Brosnahan earned his third win of the season, scattering four runs on 10 hits while striking out seven in seven innings. Tyler Burgoon picked up his third save of the year. Alex Dickerson led the Hoosiers with three hits and an RBI, extending his hitting streak to 18 games. Matt Igel tossed a complete game, but was tagged with the loss.

MICHIGAN STATE leads IOWA, 16-6 (rain delay)
More Information
Michigan State jumped out to a 16-2 lead over Iowa through seven innings on Saturday before the game was halted due to rain. The game will continue on Sunday at 12:05 p.m. ET prior to the series finale.

MINNESOTA def. PURDUE, 14-5
Recap and Box Score
Minnesota scored 10 runs on nine hits in the second, ultimately defeating Purdue, 14-5, on Saturday. Troy Larson scored three runs and had four hits and an RBI for the Gophers, while Michael Kvasnicka drove in three on two hits. Overall, five Minnesota players had multiple RBI and six had multiple hits. TJ Oakes earned the win, while Allen Bechstein picked up his first save of the year, pitching 3.1 innings in relief. Matt Jansen took the loss for Purdue, while Arthur Barret led the Boilermakers with three hits, two runs scored and an RBI.

NORTHWESTERN def. OHIO STATE, 8-2
Recap and Box Score
Eric Jokisch pitched eight strong innings to guide Northwestern to an 8-2 win over Ohio State on Saturday. Jokisch scattered eight hits and four walks, striking out two, allowing jus the two runs. Paul Snieder finished the game with a scoreless ninth, fanning two of the three batters he faced. Eight different Wildcats drove in a run, while Chris Kontos led his team with four hits. Snieder and Zach Morton had three hits each for Northwestern. Michael Stephens led Ohio State with two hits and an RBI, while Drew Rucinski took the loss.

For complete information on Saturday night's men's gymnastics action, click here.

• The Spartans are making their sixth Final Four appearance in the last 12 years.

• Head Coach Tom Izzo is one of only seven coaches to lead his team to the Final Four at least six times. Izzo joins the ranks of such legendary coaches as John Wooden (12), Mike Krzyzewski (11), Dean Smith (11), Roy Williams (7), Adolph Rupp (6) and Denny Crum (6) in number of Final Four appearances.

• The Big Ten is one of only two conferences since 2000 to advance at least five different programs to the Final Four. The Big East leads all conferences with six different schools in the Final Four during this span.
  

• Since 2000, the Big Ten has sent nine teams to the Final Four to rank second behind only the ACC with 10 teams during the last 11 years.
  

PENN STATE def. ILLINOIS, 16-9
Recap and Box Score
Penn State blasted four home runs, including two from Mario Eramo, to down Illinois in its Big Ten opener on Friday. Mike Wanamaker got the win, going 7.2 innings, while Will Strack took the loss in a four-inning start. Six Nittany Lions had multiple hits in the game, led by a 4-for-4 performance from Jordan Steranka. Brandon Hohl went 4-for-5 for the Illini, while Craig Lutes, Pete Cappetta and Josh Parr each had three base knocks.

MICHIGAN def. INDIANA, 16-10 (10)
Recap and Box Score
Michigan scored six runs in the 10th to earn the win in a wild conference opener in Bloomington on Friday. The Wolverines' Mike Dufek went 3-for-6, including a two-run single in the 10th to break a 10-10 tie. Michigan totaled 20 hits in the game with seven players recording multi-hit games. The Hoosiers had 16 base knocks in the contest, led by five players with two hits each. Tyler Burgoon got the win in a 3.1-inning relief appearance, while Jerry Kleman was tagged with the loss. 

IOWA def. MICHIGAN STATE, 5-3
Recap and Box Score
A complete game from Hawkeye starter Jarred Hippen propelled Iowa to a 5-3 win in East Lansing on Friday, snapping the Spartans' 11-game winning streak. Hippen gave up three runs on seven hits and just one walk, striking out two. Ryan Durant led the Hawkeyes at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored. The Spartans were led by Eli Boike, who tallied three hits and scored a run. AJ Achter took the loss, giving up five runs on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

PURDUE def. MINNESOTA, 3-2 (10)
Recap and Box Score
Purdue opened its Big Ten season with a dramatic extra-inning win at home on Friday, edging Minnesota, 3-2. Cameron Perkins doubled in the winning run in 10th, capping a come-from-behind effort that saw the Boilermakers down 2-0 early in the game. Boilermaker starter Matt Bischoff allowed two runs on six hits without a walk, striking out two in nine innings of work. Calvin Gunter got the win, getting the last two outs in the 10th. Minnesota's Seth Rosin allowed just one earned run on four hits without walking a batter, striking out four in 7.2 frames. Michael Kvasnicka led the Gophers at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run with a homer and a double.

OHIO STATE def. NORTHWESTERN, 11-1
Recap and Box Score
Ohio State built an early lead and never looked back, defeating Northwestern, 11-1, in the teams' conference opener on Friday. The Buckeyes combined for seven extra-base hits, including three home runs in the contest. Four Ohio State players had multiple hits, including a 4-for-5 performance from Cory Rupert. OSU starter Alex Wimmers gave up one run on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts in seven innings for his sixth win of the year. Chris Kontos and Geoff Rowan each went 2-for-4 to lead the Wildcats at the plate.

For more information on the 2010 Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships, click here.

Elsewhere around the Big Ten, Wisconsin travels to face #2/3 Michigan in Ann Arbor at 2 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, while Penn State heads to West Lafayette to take on Purdue, with first pitch set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday and 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

After the conference's opening weekend of play, there is a four-way tie at the top of the standings. Michigan (1-0 Big Ten, 24-5 overall), Ohio State (2-0, 18-10), Northwestern (2-0, 16-11) and Iowa (2-0, 16-12) each finished the opening weekend with unblemished conference marks.

PENN STATE at ILLINOIS
Friday, April 2 - 6:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Mike Wanamaker (1-2, 5.62 ERA) vs. RHP Will Strack (1-0, 4.28 ERA)
Saturday, April 3 - 3:05 p.m. CT
RHP Ignas (2-1, 5.34 ERA) vs. RHP Kevin Johnson (1-0, 5.00 ERA)
Sunday, April 4 - 12:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
RHP Neal Herring (2-1, 5.20 ERA) vs. TBA
Storylines: Illinois enters the conference season with a 9-9 record, while Penn State comes in with a 10-13 mark. The Illini are led by junior first baseman Matt Dittman, who paces the conference with a .500 average and .617 on-base percentage, which rank third and second, respectively, in the NCAA. Casey McMurray also ranks among the Big Ten's best in average (.407), slugging (.712) and on-base percentage (.479). Ben Heath fronts the Lions' offensive attack with a .667 slugging percentage on the strength of nine doubles and seven homers, which all rank among the conference's elite. On the mound, the Illini pitching staff combines for an ERA of 5.27, while the Nittany Lions hold a mark of 6.55.

MICHIGAN at INDIANA
Friday, April 2 - 3:05 p.m. ET
RHP Alan Oaks (3-3, 2.79 ERA) vs. RHP Walker Stadler (3-2, 4.91 ERA)
Saturday, April 3 - 1 p.m. ET
LHP Bobby Brosnahan (2-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. TBA
Sunday, April 4 - 1 p.m. ET
TBA vs. LHP Drew Leininger (3-1, 1.22 ERA)
Storylines: Michigan opens its conference schedule with a 13-9 record, currently riding a seven-game winning streak, while Indiana holds a 12-11 mark, most recently coming off a hard-fought 5-4 loss to No. 8 Louisville on Tuesday. Coley Crank provides the strength for Michigan with a .727 slugging percentage on seven home runs and nine doubles. Alex Dickerson and Jerrud Sabourin are doing the heavy lifting for the Hoosiers with Dickerson ranking first in the Big Ten in slugging (.837) and third in hitting (.429). Sabourin is second in batting(.452) and seventh in slugging (.663). On the mound, Indiana's Sunday starter Drew Leininger leads the Big Ten with a 1.22 ERA and is second in opponents' batting average (.206), while Michigan's Friday starter Alan Oaks is fourth in opponents' batting average (.217) and ninth in ERA (2.79).

IOWA at MICHIGAN STATE
Friday, April 2 - 4 p.m. ET
LHP Jarred Hippen (1-2, 2.54 ERA) vs. RHP AJ Achter (3-0, 1.52 ERA)
Saturday, April 3 - 1:05 p.m. ET
RHP Zach Kenyon (1-1, 4.62 ERA) vs. RHP Kurt Wunderlich (4-1, 3.44 ERA)
Sunday, April 4 - 1:05 p.m. ET
RHP Phil Schreiber (2-2, 5.22 ERA) vs. RHP Tony Bucciferro (3-2, 4.33 ERA)
Storylines: Michigan State opens the Big Ten season with the conference's best record at 17-4, which matches the Spartans' best start since 1992. MSU is riding an 11-game winning streak, which is the program's longest since 2004. The Spartan pitching staff is second in the Big Ten with a 4.64 ERA and is allowing opponents to hit just .264, which leads the conference. At the plate, Michigan State batters are reaching base at a Big Ten-leading .420 average, led by Jeff Holm and Eli Boike who are hitting .405 and .398, respectively. The Hawkeyes enter the series with a 9-13 mark, led by Kurtis Muller, who is hitting .407 and slugging .489. Friday starter Jarred Hippen holds a team-best ERA of 2.54 and has struck out 30 batters this season.

MINNESOTA at PURDUE
Friday, April 2 - 4 p.m. ET
RHP Seth Rosin (2-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. TBA
Saturday, April 3 - 2 p.m. ET
RHP TJ Oakes (1-1, 2.86 ERA) vs. TBA
Sunday, April 4 - 1 p.m. ET
LHP Phil Isaksson (2-0, 3.91 ERA) vs. TBA
Storylines: Purdue opens its conference slate with a 12-10 mark, while Minnesota comes in at 9-16. The Boilermakers are led by their pitching staff, which holds a conference-best ERA of 4.38 and is allowing opposing batters to hit just .275. Matt Bischoff has a team-best ERA of 2.08, while Bischoff (.245), Matt Jansen (.231) and Matt Morgan (.233) all rank among the Big Ten's best in opponents' batting average. Minnesota will also rely on its arms with a staff that holds a collective 4.65 ERA and .278 average against. Friday starter Seth Rosin has allowed just two walks all season while striking out 33. He is the reigning Big Ten Pitcher of the Week.

OHIO STATE at NORTHWESTERN
Friday, April 2 - 3 p.m. CT
RHP Alex Wimmers (5-0, 2.12 ERA) vs. RHP Francis Brooke (3-1, 3.46 ERA)
Saturday, April 3 - 1 p.m. CT
RHP Drew Rucinski (3-0, 2.03 ERA) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (1-4, 7.40 ERA)
Sunday, April 4 - 1 p.m. CT
RHP Dean Wolosiansky (1-3, 5.62 ERA) vs. RHP Zach Morton (0-4, 8.10 ERA)
Storylines: Ohio State begins its Big Ten title defense, opening the conference slate with a 14-7 record. Northwestern comes in with a 6-18 mark. Friday's opener will feature two Pitcher of the Year candidates in the Buckeyes' Alex Wimmers and the Wildcats' Francis Brooke. On offense, Cory Kovanda paces Ohio State with a .414 average, while Zach Hurley (.667 slugging, 11 doubles) and Michael Stephens (.632 slugging, five home runs) provide the power. For Northwestern, Paul Sneider ranks among the Big Ten's leaders with 35 hits, while the speedy Trevor Stevens has three triples and nine stolen bases.

More information on this weekend's meet can be found in the Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships Preview Release.

MICHIGAN STATE vs. BUTLER BREAKDOWN: How do Michigan State and Butler match up? Greg Anthony and Seth Davis join Greg Gumbel to talk about this exciting semifinal.

FINAL FOUR BOUND: Korie Lucious stepped in for the injured Kalin Lucas and helped keep Michigan State's momentum alive, driving them to a memorable Midwest Regional title.

The Big Ten Conference office announced on Wednesday the first weekly men's outdoor track and field awards for meets through March 24-31. Indiana swept the first edition of weekly honors for the 2010 campaign as Hoosier freshman Andy Bayer was tabbed Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week and senior Jeff Coover earned the nod as Field Athlete of the Week.

Freshman Andy Bayer led a talented crop of Hoosier harriers at the Stanford Invitational on placing third in the 5,000-meter run with a time of 13:45.75. His effort marks the third-best time in Division I this season and is the fourth-fastest in school history.

Senior Jeff Coover claimed top honors in the pole vault competition at the Alabama Relays, with a mark of 5.35m (17-6.5). His clearance is just a centimeter off his outdoor career best and ranks as the fourth-best mark in Division I this season. READ MORE ...