Penn State 8, Purdue 5
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Nittany Lion softball team overcame a three-run deficit on Saturday at Beard Field to defeat Purdue, 8-5. Penn State used a three-run third inning and a five-run fourth inning rally to cement the victory. Kailyn Johnson (Yorba Linda, Calif.) went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored to lead the Nittany Lions. RECAP

Minnesota 6, Michigan State 3
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota softball team tallied its 28th win of the season on Saturday afternoon, taking down Michigan State 6-3 to lock up a winning record for the 2011 season. After morning showers delayed the start of Saturday's series opener by over two hours, freshman pitcher Sara Moulton picked up her 25th win of the season, moving the freshman into a tie with Angie Recknor (2000) and Steph Klaviter (1996) for second place on the Minnesota single season list. Moulton needs two wins to tie Vicki Swanson (1978) for the school's single season record. RECAP

Indiana 3, Iowa 1
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana Hoosiers (33-15, 13-2 Big Ten) continued their win streak, pushing it to 13 straight games with a 3-1 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes (26-20, 8-7 Big Ten) at the IU Softball Field. Indiana has now won 14 of 15 at home this season and have won a school-record 12 consecutive Big Ten games. Morgan Melloh (28-14) went the distance in the circle for the Hoosiers, her seventh straight complete game victory. She allowed just two hits in the game and one run while walking three and striking out nine. She improves her Indiana single-season record for strikeouts to 427 in the process and now has 1565 in her career to remain in ninth on the NCAA career list. RECAP

Illinois 5, Northwestern 4
URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois Softball squad grabbed its first walk-off home run of the season on Saturday as the Illini earned a 5-4 victory over Northwestern. Down, 4-3, entering the bottom of the seventh, Hollie Pinchback (katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch) drove the first pitch of her at bat over the center field fence with Danielle Zymkowitz (West Hills, Calif./Chaminde) on first base to end the contest. Pinchback also hit a solo shot as part of a three-run third frame for Illinois. RECAP

MICHIGAN STATE def. PENN STATE, 5-4
Tony Wieber's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning scored Jeff Holm for the game-winning run as the Michigan State baseball team edged Penn State, 5-4, Saturday afternoon before a season-high crowd of 2,187 at McLane Baseball Stadium. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MINNESOTA def. IOWA, 5-4 (12)
Minnesota extended its Big Ten winning streak to five games by fighting through extra innings to defeat Iowa, 5-4, on Saturday afternoon at Target Field. RECAP & BOX SCORE

ILLINOIS def. NORTHWESTERN, 6-3
Northwestern faced a four-run deficit before it came to bat for the first time and could never completely recover, falling to Illinois 6-3 Saturday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. MICHIGAN, 7-6 (11)
Ohio State came back to win Game 1 of a doubleheader against Michigan Saturday in dramatic fashion, 7-6, in 11 innings by scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to send the game into extra innings and then winning it in the 11th when Matt Streng singled home Brian DeLucia from third with two men out. The win, Ohio State's second of the series, improves Ohio State's records to 8-6 in the Big Ten and 18-18 overall. Michigan dropped to 6-8 and 13-27, respectively. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. MICHIGAN, 4-3 (10)
Ohio State swept a Big Ten Conference series over Michigan for the first time in Bill Davis Stadium and the first time in 15 years with a doubleheader sweep Saturday after the Game 1 win Friday night. A season-high crowd of 2,957 was at Bill Davis Stadium Saturday to enjoy the fine weather and the fun that comes with a 7-6, 11-inning win in the first game Saturday and a 4-3, 10-inning win in the nightcap. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. INDIANA, 6-2
Joe Haase pitched at least eight innings in a quality start for the third time this season and the offense scored four times in the second inning to give him an early lead, propelling Purdue baseball to a 6-2 series-clinching victory against rival Indiana Saturday afternoon at Lambert Field. RECAP & BOX SCORE

Saturday's complete schedule can be found below.

MICHIGAN at WISCONSIN, 1:00 PM ET
IOWA at INDIANA, 1:00 PM ET, www.BigTenNetwork.com
MICHIGAN STATE at MINNESOTA, 2:00 PM ET
PURDUE at PENN STATE, 5:00 PM ET
NORTHWESTERN at ILLINOIS, 6:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network

MICHIGAN STATE def. PENN STATE, 5-4 (10)
The Michigan State baseball team defeated Penn State, 5-4 in 10 innings, Friday afternoon at McLane Baseball Stadium in a matchup of teams tied atop the Big Ten standings. With pinch runner Grant Newsome on third base and two outs in the bottom of the 10th, Justin Scanlon hit a grounder to Penn State shortstop Michael Glantz, who bobbled the ball for an error as Newsome came across to the plate to score the game-winning run. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MINNESOTA def. IOWA, 1-0
Minnesota's baseball team defeated Iowa, 1-0, in a pitchers' duel on Friday, Apr. 29 at Target Field, stretching its Big Ten winning streak to four games. RECAP & BOX SCORE

NORTHWESTERN def. ILLINOIS, 9-2
Northwestern scored eight times in its final three at-bats to rally from an early two-run deficit and defeat Illinois 9-2 in the series opener between the teams Friday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. MICHIGAN, 7-2
Ohio State topped Michigan, 7-2, in the opener of a three-game set in front of 1,757 fans Friday evening at Bill Davis Stadium. With the win, the Buckeyes improve to 17-18, 7-6 in the Big Ten while Michigan drops to 13-26, 6-7 in conference play. The victory also keeps the Buckeyes in a tie for third in the conference, a game back of Michigan State and Purdue. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. INDIANA, 5-4 (12)
In a wild back-and-forth game befitting of the rivalry, freshman Sean McHugh played the hero with two outs in the bottom of the 12th inning, delivering a pinch-hit walk-off single on a full-count pitch to lift Purdue baseball to a 5-4 victory against Indiana Friday afternoon at Lambert Field. RECAP & BOX SCORE

ILLINOIS (6-6) at NORTHWESTERN (5-7)
Illinois Notes - Northwestern Notes

Friday, April 29 - 3:05 p.m. CT
Illinois: RHP Kevin Johnson (2-4, 3.99 ERA)
Northwestern: RHP Michael Jahns (1-3, 4.50 ERA)

Saturday, April 30 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Illinois: RHP John Anderson (4-5, 3.77 ERA)
Northwestern: RHP Luke Farrell (4-1, 3.25 ERA)

Sunday, May 1 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Illinois: LHP Corey Kimes (1-4, 6.22 ERA)
Northwestern: TBA

INDIANA (6-6) at PURDUE (7-5)
Indiana Notes - Purdue Notes

Friday, April 29 - 4 p.m. ET
Indiana: LHP Blake Monar (4-3, 3.59 ERA)
Purdue: RHP Matt Morgan (4-1, 4.02 ERA)

Saturday, April 30 - 2 p.m. ET
Indiana: RHP Chad Martin (2-3, 3.19 ERA)
Purdue: RHP Joe Haase (4-2, 3.24 ERA)

Sunday, May 1 - 1 p.m. ET
Indiana: LHP Joey DeNato (5-2, 2.86 ERA)
Purdue: TBA

IOWA (4-8) at MINNESOTA (6-6)
Iowa Notes - Minnesota Notes

Friday, April 29 - 3:05 p.m. CT
Iowa: LHP Jarred Hippen (2-4, 3.68 ERA)
Minnesota: RHP TJ Oakes (3-4, 3.81 ERA)

Saturday, April 30 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Iowa: LHP Matt Dermody (4-4, 4.26 ERA)
Minnesota: LHP Phil Isaksson (2-4, 3.12 ERA)

Sunday, May 1 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Iowa: TBA
Minnesota: RHP Austin Lubinsky (3-3, 5.23 ERA)

MICHIGAN (6-6) at OHIO STATE (6-6)
Michigan Notes - Ohio State Notes

Friday, April 29 - 7:05 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Michigan: TBA
Ohio State: RHP Drew Rucinski (4-1, 2.22 ERA)

Saturday, April 30 - 3:05 p.m. ET
Michigan: RHP Kyle Clark (2-4, 3.59 ERA) or RHP Brandon Sinnery (2-2, 2.56 ERA)
Ohio State: RHP Brett McKinney (1-3, 5.77 ERA)

Sunday, May 1 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Michigan: RHP Kyle Clark (2-4, 3.59 ERA) or RHP Brandon Sinnery (2-2, 2.56 ERA)
Ohio State: RHP Greg Greve (1-1, 6.46 ERA)

PENN STATE (7-5) at MICHIGAN STATE (7-5)
Penn State Notes - Michigan State Notes

Friday, April 29 - 3:05 p.m. ET
Penn State: RHP Steven Hill (4-3, 2.56 ERA)
Michigan State: RHP Kurt Wunderlich (7-1, 3.00 ERA)

Saturday, April 30 - 3:05 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Penn State: RHP John Walter (5-3, 2.26 ERA)
Michigan State: RHP Tony Bucciferro (6-2, 3.38 ERA)

Sunday, May 1 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Penn State: LHP Mike Franklin (2-0, 4.62 ERA)
Michigan State: RHP Andrew Waszak (3-2, 3.65 ERA)

Game 2: Indiana 3, Illinois 1
The Hoosiers (32-15, 12-2 Big Ten) had plenty of opportunities to break game two of a doubleheader at Illinois (20-20, 7-7) wide open but the three runs they were able to score proved to be enough for a 3-1 win at Eichelberger Field. Ashely Warrum had two RBI in the game while Morgan Melloh fanned 10 Illini batters on her way to her 27th win of the season. RECAP

Indiana's Alex Dickerson is a draft prospect on the rise, writes Jason A. Churchill of ESPN.com (subscription required).

Indiana head coach Tracy Smith talks "Rain Delay Theatre" and more in the latest edition of Skip's Scoop.

Iowa enjoyed some team bonding at a bowling alley during a recent rainout.

Michigan will welcome back members of its 1961 and 1962 teams during its May 4-6 series against Minnesota.

Michigan State baseball is truly a family affair, writes Chris Vannini of The State News.

Click here to vote for Michigan State's Brandon Eckerle - a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.

Trevor Stevens' speed has been a key factor for Northwestern, writes The Daily Northwestern's Jonah Rosenblum.

This weekend's Michigan-Ohio State series will feature fireworks, clothing giveaways and more.

Check out the promotions for this weekend's Indiana-Purdue series.

APRIL 28

Drake Relays Day One, All Day [1]

Penn Relays Day One, All Day [2]

APRIL 29

Drake Relays Day Two, All Day [1]

Penn Relays Day Two, All Day [2]

APRIL 30

Drake Relays Day Three, All Day [1]

Penn Relays Day Three, All Day [2]

PURDUE at Stan Lyons Invitational, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at UW-Whitewater Alternative, All Day [4]

[1] -- Des Moines, Iowa

[2] -- Philadelphia, Pa.

[3] -- Indianapolis, Ind.

[4] -- Whitewater, Wis.

APRIL 28

Drake Relays Day One, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN at Hillsdale Relays Day One, All Day [2]

Penn Relays Day One, All Day [3]

APRIL 29

Drake Relays Day Two, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN at Hillsdale Relays Day Two, All Day [2]

Penn Relays Day Two, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at Steve Scott Invitational Day One, All Day [4]

APRIL 30

Drake Relays Day Three, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN at Hillsdale Relays Day Three, All Day [2]

Penn Relays Day Three, All Day [3]

PURDUE at Stan Lyons Invitational, All Day [5]

WISCONSIN at Steve Scott Invitational Day Two, All Day [4]

[1] -- Des Moines, Iowa

[2] -- Hillsdale, Mich.

[3] -- Philadelphia, Pa.

[4] -- Irvine, Calif.

[5] -- Indianapolis, Ind.

Non-Conference Games
Oakland 5, Michigan State 3
Michigan State 8, Oakland 0

Click here for the NCAA stats page

Team
Batting Average
11. Purdue, .332
16. Michigan, .327
18. Northwestern, .324

Earned Run Average
12. Michigan, 1.61
20. Indiana, 1.80
49. Penn State, 2.19

Runs Per Game
12. Michigan, 6.48
17. Northwestern, 6.11
23. Illinois, 5.87
45. Purdue, 5.52

Stolen Bases Per Game
4. Purdue, 2.26
8. Northwestern, 2.23
13. Wisconsin, 1.98

Slugging Percentage
18. Michigan, .506
22. Purdue, .500
37. Michigan State, .471

Individual
Batting Average
2. Adrienne Monka, NU, .506
7. Emily Allard, NU, .489
9. Andie Varsho, PUR, .464
23. Malisa Barnes, MINN, .439
41. Danielle Zymkowitz, ILL, .418
47. Bree Evans, MICH, .414
49. Stephanie Ochoa, IOWA, .413

Home Runs Per Game
18. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, .34
33. Brett Williams, MSU, .32
36. Jessica Davis, ILL, .32
42. Ashley Lane, MICH, .30

Runs Batted in Per Game
6. Adrienne Monka, NU, 1.31
13. Brett Williams, MSU, 1.17
18. Amanda Chidester, MICH, 1.16
21. Meredith Hackett, ILL, 1.13
23. Ashley Lane, MICH, 1.13
39. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 1.05
50. Michelle Batts, NU, 1.00

Stolen Bases Per Game
2. Emily Allard, NU, 1.03
4. Jennifer Krueger, WIS, .84
6. Molly Garst, PUR, .76
6. Andie Varsho, PUR, .76

Wins
5. Morgan Melloh, IND, 25
7. Sara Moulton, MINN, 24
7. Suzie Rzegocki, PUR, 24
15. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 21
37. Stephanie Speierman, MICH, 18

The conference office announced on Wednesday the weekly men's outdoor track and field awards. Penn State's Casimir Loxsom received Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week accolades, while Minnesota's Ben Peterson earns the nod as Field Athlete of the Week.

March 23  T: No selection; F: Micah Hegerle, So., MINN
March 30  T: Thomas Murdaugh, Jr., OSU; F: Derek Drouin, Jr., IND
April 6   T: Chris DeSilva, Jr., ILL; F: Michael Hartfield, Jr., OSU
April 13 T: Erik Sowinski, Jr., IOWA; F: Cody Riffle, Fr., MICH
April 20 T: Elliot Krause, So., WIS; F: Brock Spandl, Sr., MINN; F: Joe Kovacs, Jr., PSU
April 27 T: Casimir Loxsom, So., PSU; F: Ben Peterson, Sr., MINN

For the complete release, click here.

The conference office announced on Wednesday the weekly women's outdoor track and field awards. Ohio State's Christina Manning garnered Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week accolades, while Michigan's Erin Pendleton earned Field Athlete of the Week.

March 23  T: Chimerem Okoroji, Jr., MINN; F: Allison Liske, Jr., MICH
March 30  T: Letecia Wright, Sr., OSU; F: Vera Neuenswander, Sr., IND
April 6  T: Letecia Wright, Sr., OSU; F: Karlee McQuillen, Sr., PSU
April 13 T: Kelsey McHugh, Sr., OSU; F: Vera Neuenswander, Sr., IND
April 20 T: Jillian Smith, So., MICH; F: Jessica Flax, Jr., WIS
April 27 T: Christina Manning, Jr., OSU; F: Erin Pendleton, So., MICH

Click here for the complete release.

Big Ten spring football wraps up this weekend when Michigan State plays its spring game on Saturday, April 30. Every other Big Ten team has already concluded spring practice. MSU's spring game is set to stream live at 1:30 p.m. ET at www.bigtennetwork.com and to air on the Big Ten Network at 8 p.m. ET. The Big Ten Network is the ultimate destination for Big Ten spring football coverage, with studio shows airing Wednesday and Saturday nights through May 4. In all, the network will telecast nine Big Ten spring games and dedicate more than 26 hours to Big Ten spring football, with every team receiving live television or streaming coverage.

Big Ten Among NCAA Leaders
Big Ten teams/players among NCAA top 25 through April 24
COMPLETE NCAA RANKINGS

TEAM LEADERS
Batting Average
   16. Purdue (.314)
Runs per Game
   11. Purdue (7.7)
Hits
   11. Purdue (448)
Doubles per Game
   21. Purdue (2.3)
Sacrifice Bunts
   3. Iowa (61)
Hit by Pitch
   4. Purdue (75)
Sacrifice Flies
   8. Purdue (27)
Walks Allowed per 9.0 IP
   25. Michigan State (2.74)
Double Plays per Game
   6. Penn State (1.27)
   15. Northwestern (1.11)
   23. Ohio State (1.06)

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Batting Average
   21. Brandon Eckerle, MSU (.409)
Runs Scored
   18. Stephen Talbott, PUR (45)
Doubles per Game
   7. Joey DeBernardis, PSU (.51)
Triples per Game
   6. Trevor Willis, IOWA (.19)
   24. Sean Deegan, PSU (.14)
RBI per Game
   19. Jordan Steranka (1.24)
Stolen Bases per Game
   25. Patrick Biondi, MICH (.55)
Hit by Pitch per Game
   24. Kevin Plawecki, PUR (.36)
Most At-Bats per Strike Out (toughest to strike out)
   11. Casey McMurray, ILL (22.8)
   18. Kevin Plawecki, PUR (18.9)
   19. Ryan Jones, MSU (18.9)
Sacrifice Bunts per Game
   12. Zach McCool, IOWA (.34)
Sacrifice Flies
   T16. Torsten Boss, MSU (6)
   T16. Barrett Serrato, PUR (6)
Victories
   17. Kurt Wunderlich, MSU (7)
Saves
   18. Nick Wittgren, PUR (9)
Walks Allowed per 9.0 IP
   17. Steven Hill, PSU (.90)

Monka hit 1.000 from the plate, recorded a 1.000 on-base percentage and drove in seven runs, helping the Wildcats to a weekend sweep of Ohio State. In the series opener on Saturday, the junior hit a three-run home run in the second inning followed by a two-run double in the fourth, giving her five RBI for the day. After two intentional walks to start the game on Sunday, Monka singled home two runs as Northwestern completed the sweep. She slugged 2.333 on the week to combine for an OPS of 3.333. It is the fourth weekly honor of her career and first this season.

Last week, Indiana's Morgan Melloh was named USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week.

NFCA Release

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released week four regional computer rankings for NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field on Tuesday. The Big Ten is well represented in three of the nine regions, including two number one teams. In the Great Lakes Region, Ohio State takes the top spot, with Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Purdue in the top six, respectively. Penn State ranks No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic Region while Minnesota (3), Illinois (7) and Iowa (9) round out the top-10 in the Midwest section.

Click here for all the details regarding this week's regional rankings.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released week four national computer rankings for NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field on Tuesday. On the men's side, Penn State moves to No. 17 in the nation while Wisconsin makes the biggest jump, moving 36 spots to land at No. 22 this week.

Texas A&M moves up a spot to take over No. 1 for the first time this season, followed by LSU, Florida State and Florida as the top five teams.

Click here for the latest information regarding the rankings.

Northwestern 12, Ohio State 2
EVANSTON, Ill. -- For the second-straight day, Northwestern hung a snowman on Ohio State in the fourth inning to blast itself to a 12-2, five-inning run rule victory over the Buckeyes Sunday at Sharon J. Drysdale Field. Northwestern improves to 22-13 overall with its win, 4-6 in the Big Ten. Ohio State now is 11-29 on the season, 2-10 in the conference with its loss. After scoring 14 runs in the two teams' encounter Saturday, Northwestern wasted little time finding home plate Sunday. RECAP

Indiana 4, Michigan State 2
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Hoosiers (30-15, 10-2 Big Ten) continued to swing the bats well and the steady pitching of Morgan Melloh all added up to a 4-2 win at Michigan State (21-20, 3-9 Big Ten) on Sunday to extend to a 10-game win streak, the longest such streak since 1994. Melloh went the distance in the circle and laced a two-run double to provide the eventual winning runs. RECAP

Michigan 3, Iowa 2
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Shaking off a sluggish start at the plate, the No. 1-ranked University of Michigan softball team scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to surge past Iowa, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon (April 24) in front of 1,221 fans at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field. With the victory, the Wolverines earned the series split against Iowa and improved to 10-2 in Big Ten Conference play to stay atop the league standings. RECAP

Non-Conference Results
Longwood 3, Penn State 0
Longwood 5, Penn State 3

ILLINOIS def. MICHIGAN STATE, 11-8
Catcher Adam Davis beat out a bunt single with one out in the sixth inning, breaking a string of 11 consecutive retired Illinois hitters and igniting a six-run outburst that gave the Illini the lead for good as they beat Michigan State 11-8 on Sunday to clinch a series win. The Spartans entered the series tied atop the Big Ten standings with Indiana, but the weekend finished with five teams within a game of co-leaders Michigan State, Purdue and Penn State. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MINNESOTA def. INDIANA, 5-2
The Indiana University baseball team (25-15, 6-6 Big Ten) dropped a 5-2 decision Sunday afternoon to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-15, 6-6). Indiana tallied a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to start a rally before stalling out in the loss. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN def. IOWA, 5-2
Michigan scored three early runs and held on to beat the Iowa baseball team 5-2 in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Duane Banks Field. The Wolverines capitalized on timely hitting, scoring four of their five runs with two outs. With the win, the Wolverines captured the three-game set with two victories. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. NORTHWESTERN, 10-2
Four Northwestern errors in the first two innings led to six early Purdue runs as the Wildcats dropped their series finale with the Boilermakers 10-2 Sunday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PENN STATE def. OHIO STATE, 10-9
The Penn State baseball team pulled out a wild 10-9 victory over Ohio State during a back-and-forth Big Ten battle as the Nittany Lions capitalized on a pair of three-run rallies to capture the series finale from the Buckeyes on a cloudy Sunday afternoon at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

Purdue 3, Minnesota 2
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Boilermaker softball team salvaged a doubleheader split with Minnesota, taking the night cap 3-2 with the game-winner coming in the sixth inning. Sophomore Ashley Courtney drove in the run with a one-out double, moving Purdue to 28-13-1 on the year and 6-4 in the Big Ten. Purdue scored its three runs on six hits and two Gopher miscues. Minnesota posted two runs on six hits and three Boilermaker errors, but stranded 11 runners. Freshman Andie Varsho went 2-for-3 to lead Purdue at the plate. RECAP

Minnesota 3, Purdue 2
Natalie Neal's first home run of the season started a two-run seventh inning for the Minnesota softball team as the Gophers came from behind to win 3-2 over Purdue in the first game of doubleheader on Saturday. After allowing the Boilermakers to jump out to an early lead with a pair of unearned runs in the third inning, Minnesota had its work cut out for itself in the second half of the ball game. But the Gophers were up to the task and clawed their way into the lead with three unanswered runs. RECAP

Northwestern 14, Ohio State 0
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern racked up 12 base hits and scored 14 runs -- including eight in the fourth inning -- during a 14-0, five-inning run-rule victory over Ohio State Saturday at Sharon J. Drysdale Field. Northwestern improves to 21-13 overall on the season with its win, 3-6 in the Big Ten. Ohio State falls to 11-28 on the year, 2-9 in the conference with its loss. RECAP

Indiana 7, Michigan State 2
EAST LANSING, Mich. - It might not have been the prettiest game that the Indiana Hoosiers (29-15, 9-2 Big Ten) have played this season but the bats came alive in the late innings in the 7-2 win against Michigan State (21-19, 3-8 Big Ten) at Secchia Stadium in East Lansing, Mich, extending the Hoosiers' win streak to nine games. The Hoosiers committed five errors in the first four innings but the Spartans were only able to score one run thanks to the continued dominant pitching of Morgan Melloh, who registered 11 strikeouts. RECAP

Iowa 4, Michigan 2
ANN ARBOR, Mich -- The University of Iowa softball team knocked off top-ranked Michigan, 4-2, Saturday night at Alumni Field. The victory is the Hawkeyes' first over a No. 1 ranked team since the 2005 season. "The team did a nice job of coming out and jumping on them early and staying with them," said UI head coach Marla Looper. "They had some chances where we could have sat on our heels and let them take control, but we did a good job of holding them, and Chelsea Lyon did an exceptional job in the circle." RECAP

MICHIGAN STATE def. ILLINOIS, 8-5
ILLINOIS def. MICHIGAN STATE, 5-2
Fifth-year senior John Anderson tossed an 81-pitch complete game, scattering six hits, and the Illini scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to score a 5-2 comeback victory in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader with Michigan State, earning a split on the day. The Spartans won the first game, 8-5, behind the strength of six doubles. RECAPS & BOX SCORES

MINNESOTA def. INDIANA, 3-2
MINNESOTA def. INDIANA, 12-1
Both Mother Nature and the Minnesota Golden Gophers wreaked havoc at Sembower Field on Saturday as the Hoosier Baseball squad was swept in a doubleheader that spanned over seven hours due to a 100-minute lighting delay in the middle of game one. RECAPS & BOX SCORES

IOWA def. MICHIGAN, 13-7
Iowa baseball rallied from a six-run deficit to beat Michigan 13-7 in game one of a twin bill at Duane Banks Field. It marks the Hawkeyes' first Big Ten series opener win of the season. Iowa scored 11 of its 13 runs in the middle innings (seven in the fourth, three in the fifth and one in the sixth). RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN def. IOWA, 2-1
The Michigan baseball team used a solo home run in the eighth inning to edge Iowa, 2-1, in the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader at Duane Banks Field. The game lasted only 1:59. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. NORTHWESTERN, 9-7
Northwestern rallied from an early five-run deficit to take the lead but was edged by Purdue 9-7 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

NORTHWESTERN def. PURDUE, 14-1
Northwestern socked a season-high five home runs and Luke Farrell pitched eight shutout innings as the Wildcats rolled to a 14-1 rout of Purdue in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. PENN STATE, 5-1
PENN STATE def. OHIO STATE, 5-2
After dropping the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, 5-1, the Penn State baseball team rebounded in fine fashion as the Nittany Lions took the nightcap, 5-2, guided by another strong start from John Walter on a sunny afternoon at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. RECAPS & BOX SCORES

Four Big Ten football teams completed their spring schedule today as Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio State and Wisconsin each participated in annual spring games. Recaps for all four Big Ten spring games can be found below.

ILLINOIS

The Fighting Illini football team held its annual Orange and Blue Spring game Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium in front of an estimated crowd of over 6,000. The Illini offense (blue) came out ahead of the defense (orange)...

COMPLETE RECAP

MINNESOTA

The University of Minnesota football team wrapped up its 2011 set of spring practices with the Annual Spring Game Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium. While it wasn't your standard Spring Game, there was a reason for that...

COMPLETE RECAP

OHIO STATE

The Ohio State offense defeated the Buckeye defense, 59-27, Saturday in front of 44,276 fans at the 2011 Jesse Owens Spring Game at Ohio Stadium. The game was an offense vs. defense affair...

COMPLETE RECAP

WISCONSIN

Defense dominated the day as the Wisconsin football team closed out spring practice Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. The Badgers' defensive unit, playing as the White team, held the Cardinal squad...

COMPLETE RECAP

Saturday's slate of contests can be found below.

ILLINOIS at WISCONSIN, 1:00 PM ET
INDIANA (rv/-) at MICHIGAN STATE, 1:00 PM ET
OHIO STATE at NORTHWESTERN, 2:00 PM ET
MINNESOTA at PURDUE, 2:00 PM ET
IOWA at #1/1 MICHIGAN, 6:00 PM ET

MICHIGAN STATE at ILLINOIS - Postponed
Teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 12:05 p.m. CT.

MINNESOTA at INDIANA - Postponed
Teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at Noon ET.

MICHIGAN at IOWA - Postponed
Teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:05 p.m. CT.

PURDUE at NORTHWESTERN - Postponed
Teams will play two games on Saturday, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. CT.

OHIO STATE at PENN STATE - Postponed
Teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 2:05 p.m. ET.

MICHIGAN STATE (6-3) at ILLINOIS (4-5)
Michigan State Notes - Illinois Notes

Friday, April 22 - 6:05 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
Michigan State: RHP Kurt Wunderlich (6-1, 2.59 ERA)
Illinois: RHP Kevin Johnson (2-3, 3.34 ERA)

Saturday, April 23 - 3:05 p.m. CT
Michigan State: RHP Tony Bucciferro (6-1, 3.12 ERA)
Illinois: RHP John Anderson (3-5, 4.09 ERA)

Sunday, April 24 - 1:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Michigan State: RHP David Garner (3-4, 3.92 ERA)
Illinois: LHP Corey Kimes (1-4, 6.26 ERA)

MINNESOTA (3-6) at INDIANA (6-3)
Minnesota Notes - Indiana Notes

Friday, April 22 - 3:05 p.m. ET
Minnesota: RHP TJ Oakes (3-4, 3.83 ERA)
Indiana: LHP Blake Monar (3-2, 4.14 ERA)

Saturday, April 23 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Minnesota: LHP Phil Isaksson (1-4, 3.43 ERA)
Indiana: RHP Chad Martin (2-1, 2.41 ERA)

Sunday, April 24 - 12:05 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Minnesota: RHP Austin Lubinsky (2-3, 5.59 ERA)
Indiana: RHP Joey DeNato (5-1, 2.43 ERA)

MICHIGAN (4-5) at IOWA (3-6)
Michigan Notes - Iowa Notes

Friday, April 22 - 6:05 p.m. CT
Michigan: LHP Bobby Brosnahan (1-7, 6.99 ERA)
Iowa: LHP Jarred Hippen (1-4, 3.16 ERA)

Saturday, April 23 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Michigan: RHP Kyle Clark (1-4, 4.11 ERA)
Iowa: LHP Matt Dermody (4-3, 4.61 ERA)

Sunday, April 24 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Michigan: RHP Brandon Sinnery (1-2, 2.73 ERA)
Iowa: TBD

PURDUE (5-4) at NORTHWESTERN (4-5)
Purdue Notes - Northwestern Notes

Friday, April 22 - 3 p.m. CT
Purdue: RHP Matt Morgan (4-1, 2.65 ERA)
Northwestern: RHP Michael Jahns (1-3, 4.45 ERA)

Saturday, April 23 - 3 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
Purdue: RHP Brad Schreiber (4-0, 3.80 ERA)
Northwestern: RHP Luke Farrell (3-1, 3.83 ERA)

Sunday, April 24 - 1 p.m. CT
Purdue: RHP Joe Haase (4-1, 2.49 ERA)
Northwestern: LHP Dan Tyson (1-3, 5.95 ERA)

OHIO STATE (5-4) at PENN STATE (5-4)
Ohio State Notes - Penn State Notes

Friday, April 22 - 6:35 p.m. ET
Ohio State: RHP Drew Rucinski (3-1, 2.38 ERA)
Penn State: RHP Steven Hill (4-2, 2.38 ERA)

Saturday, April 23 - 2:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State: RHP Brett McKinney (1-2, 5.40 ERA)
Penn State: RHP John Walter (4-3, 2.45 ERA)

Sunday, April 24 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State: RHP Greg Greve (1-1, 6.03 ERA)
Penn State: TBD

Michigan State center fielder Brandon Eckerle has been named one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence - community, classroom, character and competition. COMPLETE RELEASE

APRIL 22

Jesse Owens Classic, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN/MICHIGAN STATE at Eastern Michigan Invitational, All Day

Musco Twilight, All Day [2]

Polytan Invitational, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at Triton Invitational, All Day [4]

WISCONSIN at John McDonnell Invitational, All Day [5]

APRIL 23

Jesse Owens Classic, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN/MICHIGAN STATE at Eastern Michigan Invitational, All Day

Musco Twilight, All Day [2]

Polytan Invitational, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at Triton Invitational, All Day [4]

WISCONSIN at John McDonnell Invitational, All Day [5]

[1] -- Columbus, Ohio

[2] -- Iowa City, Iowa

[3] -- Bloomington, Ind.

[4] -- San Diego, Calif.

[5] -- Fayetteville, Ark.

APRIL 22

Jesse Owens Classic, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN/MICHIGAN STATE at Eastern Michigan Invitational, All Day

MINNESOTA at LSU Tiger Alumni Open, All Day

Musco Twilight, All Day [2]

Polytan Invitational, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at Triton Invitational, All Day [4]

APRIL 23

Jesse Owens Classic, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN/MICHIGAN STATE at Eastern Michigan Invitational, All Day

MINNESOTA at LSU Tiger Alumni Open, All Day

Musco Twilight, All Day [2]

Polytan Invitational, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at Triton Invitational, All Day [4]

[1] -- Columbus, Ohio

[2] -- Iowa City, Iowa

[3] -- Bloomington, Ind.

[4] -- San Diego, Calif.

Minnesota 1, Wisconsin 0
The Minnesota softball team picked up its fifth-straight series opening win on Wednesday afternoon, picking up a 1-0 win over the Badgers in the first contest of a scheduled doubleheader. In the circle, Sara Moulton threw her 13th shutout of the season, moving her within one of tying Briana Hassett (2009) and Vicki Swanson (1978) for the most shutouts in a season at Minnesota. Moulton struck out seven and walked three in seven innings of work while the Badgers spread just three hits over the game. RECAP

Game 1: Michigan 5, Penn State 4, Game 2: Michigan 5, Penn State 4
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The No. 1-ranked University of Michigan softball team won its first test as the nation's top-ranked team, earning a pair of 5-4 decisions for the doubleheader sweep at Penn State on Wednesday evening (April 20) at the Nittany Lion Softball Park, home of Beard Field. Junior third baseman Amanda Chidester (Allen Park, Mich./Cabrini HS) went 5-for-8 with two runs scored and three runs batted in, including the game-winning, seventh-inning home run in the opener, while junior leftfielder Bree Evans (Bloomington, Calif./Rialto HS) similarly posted back-to-back multi-hit games with a 4-for-8, two-RBI performance. RECAP

Non-Conference results
Iowa 4, Iowa State 3
Indiana 3, Ball State 0

For complete NCAA stats, click here.

Team
Batting Average
11. Purdue, .336
15. Michigan, .331
24. Northwestern, .317

Earned Run Average
9. Michigan, 1.47
20. Indiana, 1.86
42. Penn State, 2.14

Scoring
11. Michigan, 6.74
21. Illinois, 6.06
32. Northwestern, 5.70
33. Purdue, 5.68

Triples Per Game
9. Purdue, 0.33
18. Illinois, 0.31
37. Michigan, 0.26
46. Michigan State, 0.24
49. Ohio State, 0.24

Stolen Bases
6. Purdue, 2.30
10. Northwestern, 2.15
19. Wisconsin, 1.88

Slugging Percentage
15. Michigan, .520
20. Purdue, .511
35. Michigan State, .473
43. Illinois, .462

Individual
Batting Average
6. Emily Allard, NU, .492
7. Adrienne Monka, NU, .487
12. Andie Varsho, PUR, .458
27. Malisa Barnes, MINN, .432
43. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, .420

Home Runs Per Game
14. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 0.360
24. Jessica Davis, ILL, 0.333
24. Ashley Lane, MICH, 0.333
44. Brett Williams, MSU, 0.310

Runs Batted in Per Game
12. Ashley Lane, MICH, 1.21
13. Brett Williams, MSU, 1.21
14. Amanda Chidester, MICH, 1.20
15. Adrienne Monka, NU, 1.18
23. Meredith Hackett, ILL, 1.14
34. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 1.10

Triples Per Game
6. Danielle Zymkowitz, ILL, 0.17
13. Andie Varsho, PUR, 0.13
38. Molly Garst, PUR, 0.10

Earned Run Average
22. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 1.36
45. Stephanie Speierman, MICH, 1.63

Stolen Bases Per Game
1. Emily Allard, NU, 1.03
4. Jennifer Krueger, WIS, 0.85
6. Andie Varsho, PUR, 0.78
7. Molly Garst, PUR, 0.75

Strikeouts Per Seven Innings
9. Morgan Melloh, IND, 10.9
19. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 9.5
41. Sara Moulton, MINN, 8.6

Victories
4. Suzie Rzegocki, PUR, 23
6. Morgan Melloh, IND, 22
6. Sara Moulton, MINN, 22
15. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 20
30. Stephanie Speierman, MICH, 18

The conference office announced on Wednesday the weekly women's outdoor track and field awards. Michigan's Jillian Smith was recognized as Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week, while Wisconsin's Jessica Flax garnered Field Athlete of the Week accolades.

2011 Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 23
T: Chimerem Okoroji, Jr., MINN
F: Allison Liske, Jr., MICH
March 30
T: Letecia Wright, Sr., OSU
F: Vera Neuenswander, Sr., IND
April 6
T: Letecia Wright, Sr., OSU
F: Karlee McQuillen, Sr., PSU
April 13
T: Kelsey McHugh, Sr., OSU
F: Vera Neuenswander, Sr., IND
April 20
T: Jillian Smith, So., MICH
F: Jessica Flax, Jr., WIS

For the complete release, click here.

The conference office announced on Wednesday the weekly men's outdoor track and field awards. Wisconsin's Elliot Krause received Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week accolades, while Minnesota's Brock Spandl and Penn State's Joe Kovacs are recognized as Co-Field Athlete of the Week honorees.

2011 Men's Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 23
T: No selection
F: Micah Hegerle, So., MINN
March 30
T: Thomas Murdaugh, Jr., OSU
F: Derek Drouin, Jr., IND
April 6
T: Chris DeSilva, Jr., ILL
F: Michael Hartfield, Jr., OSU
April 13
T: Erik Sowinski, Jr., IOWA
F: Cody Riffle, Fr., MICH
April 20
T: Elliot Krause, So., WIS
F: Brock Spandl, Sr., MINN
F: Joe Kovacs, Jr., PSU

Click here for the entire release.

The complete Wednesday Schedule can be found below.

#1/1 MICHIGAN at PENN STATE, 5:30 PM ET, Big Ten Network
#1/1 MICHIGAN at PENN STATE, 8:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network
MINNESOTA at WISCONSIN, 4:00 PM ET
MINNESOTA at WISCONSIN, 6:00 PM ET
Ball State at INDIANA (rv/-), 3:00 PM ET
Iowa State at IOWA, 6:00 PM ET, www.BigTenNetwork.com
OHIO STATE at Ohio (DH), 2:00 PM ET

In five games last week, Melloh went 4-0 and picked up a save to help the Hoosiers to a 5-0 record. In 29.1 innings of work, the senior struck out 58 batters, including 21 in an eight-inning affair in the series opener vs. Wisconsin and two other double-digit strikeout performances - 15 against Ohio Staten and 12 in the finale against the Badgers.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive this award and I am very grateful. Without the support of my family, coaches and teammates it would not have been possible," said Melloh. "My teammates made some outstanding plays in the field behind me so it was a total team effort. We had a lot of confidence coming into the week and came up with the hits when we needed them to keep that confidence going in Big Ten play."

To read the complete release from Indiana, click here.

Big Ten Among NCAA Leaders
Big Ten teams/players among NCAA top 25 through April 17
COMPLETE NCAA RANKINGS

TEAM LEADERS
Batting Average
   13. Michigan State (.316)
   15. Purdue (.315)
Runs Scored per Game
   17. Purdue (7.5)
Hits
   16. Purdue (402)
Doubles per Game
   22. Purdue (2.25)
Triples per Game
   24. Purdue (.42)
Sacrifice Bunts
   4. Iowa (56)
Hit by Pitch
   5. Purdue (68)
Sacrifice Flies
   11. Purdue (23)
Double Plays per Game
   3. Penn State (1.36)
   12. Northwestern (1.16)

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
   10. Brandon Eckerle, MSU (.430)
Hits
   18. Brandon Eckerle, MSU (58)
   24. Dustin DeMuth, IND (57)
   24. Cameron Perkins, PUR (57)
Doubles per Game
   19. Joey DeBernardis, PSU (.45)
Triples per Game
   11. Trevor Willis, IOWA (.18)
   19. Sean Deegan, PSU (.16)
RBI per Game
   14. Jordan Steranka, PSU (1.3)
Hit by Pitch
   24. Kevin Plawecki, PUR (12)
At-Bats per Strikeout (toughest to strike out)
   15. Casey McMurray, ILL (20.2)
Sacrifice Bunts per Game
   9. Zach McCool, IOWA (.36)
Sacrifice Flies
   6. Torsten Boss, MSU (6)
   25. Ryan Bridges, PUR (5)
Victories
   24. Tony Bucciferro, MSU (6)
   24. Kurt Wunderlich, MSU (6)
Saves
   20. Nick Wittgren, PUR (8)
Walks Allowed per 9.0 IP
   17. Steven Hill, PSU (.98)

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released week three national computer rankings for NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field on Tuesday. Reigning Big Ten Men's outdoor track and field champion Minnesota, ranks at No. 15 in this week's poll. The top five teams in the men's poll remained unchanged from a week ago, with Florida, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Florida State and LSU earning the top spots.

Click here for the current set of rankings.

Indiana is also receiving votes this week, appearing outside the USA Softball Top 25.

College Baseball Today's Eric Sorenson writes of good pitching, solid defense, awesome at-bat music and more following his recent trip to Iowa City.

Illinois' Lee Zerrusen talks about the Big Ten season and his favorite MLB team in the latest installment of Diamond Notes.

Catch up with Indiana's Dylan Swift and Wes Wilson.

Iowa catcher Tyson Blaser relishes the opportunity to play at Davenport's Modern Woodmen Park, writes Steve Batterson of the Quad-City Times.

Head Coach Jake Boss and the Michigan State Spartans are making a run at history, writes David Goricki of the Detroit News.

Troy Larson was named one of the top five male scholar-athletes at Minnesota's Golden Goldys/Scholar Athlete banquet.

Northwestern freshman Nick Linne is gaining confidence and picking up clutch hits, writes The Daily Northwestern's Jonah Rosenblum.

Be sure to stop by a special spring edition of Wildcat Alley before Saturday's Purdue at Northwestern game.

Ohio State has added a home game against Marshall on Tuesday, April 26, to its schedule.

The eighth-ranked Michigan State Second Varsity Eight boat claimed its first Boat of the Week honors after going 3-0 over the weekend on Lake Monticello in Charlottesville, Va. The second varsity eight consists of coxswain Alyse Egner, Nikki Bade, Michielle Sosa, Bree Walkowiak, Joscelyn Smith, Shelby Motoligin, Hannah Champ, Claire Vandelinder and Brianna Lakanen. The eight knocked off host No. 2 Virginia in 7:21.50, No. 3 USC in 6:54.4 and No. 18 Texas with a time of 6:31.60.

For the entire release on this week's honoree, click here.

Player of the Week
Liz Watkins, Iowa
Jr., C, Taylor Ridge, Ill./Rockridge

Watkins earns Big Ten Player of the Week honors for the second time in 2011 after hitting .625 and recording an OPS of 2.300 in leading Iowa to a 3-1 record last week. The junior catcher was 5-for-8 at the plate, also reaching base seven more times as she was hit four times and walked three more, drove in seven runs and scored four. She reached base safely in eight of nine plate appearances in the weekend series with Northwestern, recording six RBI and scoring four runs, while capping the weekend with a pair of homers in the series finale.

Last Iowa Player of the Week: Liz Watkins (March 28, 2011)

Pitcher of the Week
Morgan Melloh, Indiana
Sr., P, Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern

Melloh is named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for the third straight week after winning four games and saving another as Indiana went 5-0 last week. In 29.1 innings of work, the senior struck out 58 batters, allowing just seven earned runs for a 1.67 ERA. In a pair of victories over Ohio State, Melloh struck out 22 and surrendered just six hits in 12 innings. Picking up the save in 2.1 innings of relief against Indiana State, she then went the distance in both contests against Wisconsin, turning away 30 Badger batters to help the Hoosiers finish the week undefeated.

Last Indiana Pitcher of the Week: Morgan Melloh (April 18, 2011)

Freshman of the Week
Andie Varsho, Purdue
OF, Chili, Wis./Marshfield

Varsho wins Freshman of the Week accolades for the fourth time this season after finishing the week with a .455 average, six runs scored and three RBI. Her RBI in the second game against Illinois tied the contest, while her RBI in Game 1 against Ohio State drove in the game's winning run. Helping Purdue to a 3-1 mark against Big Ten competition, Varsho stole a base in each of the Boilermakers' five games last week to move into the program's top five on the single-season steals list.

Last Purdue Freshman of the Week: Andie Varsho (March 28, 2011)

"I am very honored to receive this award," Alexander said. "I would like to thank all the great Iowa fans who voted for me. Without their support, this wouldn't have been possible. I would also like to thank the people involved with Premier Players. The experience out here in Charlotte has been great. This is a great way to wrap up my four years as a Hawkeye. I had the opportunity to play with great teammates and had amazing coaches in my time at Iowa. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me."

To read the complete release from Iowa, click here.

IOWA def. INDIANA, 2-1
The Iowa baseball team defeated Indiana Sunday afternoon at Duane Banks Field, 2-1, in game one of a doubleheader. RECAP & BOX SCORE

INDIANA def. IOWA, 6-0
The Iowa baseball team dropped the nightcap of today's doubleheader against Indiana at Duane Banks Field, 6-0. With the win, the Hoosiers captured the series winning two of the three games. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN def. ILLINOIS, 3-0
MICHIGAN def. ILLINOIS, 7-6
Junior Brandon Sinnery tossed a four-hit, nine-strikeout shutout in game one to highlight the University of Michigan baseball team's 3-0, 7-6 doubleheader sweep of Illinois on Sunday afternoon at the Wilpon Complex, home of Ray Fisher Stadium. RECAPS & BOX SCORES

NORTHWESTERN def. MINNESOTA, 4-3
Minnesota (11-15, 3-6) fell to Northwestern (11-21, 4-5) 4-3 in the series finale at Target Field on Sunday, Apr. 17. With the loss, the Gophers ended up dropping two of the three games in the series. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. MICHIGAN STATE, 10-5
Ohio State defeated Big Ten Conference-leading Michigan State, 10-5, Sunday to win the series and climb to within a game of the league leaders heading to the midpoint of the conference season next week. Ohio State evened its overall record at 15-15 and improved to 5-4 in the Big Ten. Michigan State is now 22-10 and 6-3. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PENN STATE def. PURDUE, 4-3
PURDUE def. PENN STATE, 15-4
The Penn State baseball team split its Big Ten doubleheader with Purdue on a windy Sunday afternoon as the Nittany Lions captured the opener, 4-3, before dropping the second game, 15-4, at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. RECAPS & BOX SCORES

Purdue 10, Ohio State 8
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Boilermaker softball team pulled off its second Big Ten sweep of the season, topping Ohio State 10-8 on Sunday, following a 7-0 victory on Saturday. Purdue scored seven runs in the fifth and held off a late-rallying Buckeye team en route to the win. RECAP

Penn State 2, Minnesota 0
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Nittany Lion softball team used two first-inning runs and a Jackie Hill (San Jose, Calif.) shutout to defeat Minnesota, 2-0, on Sunday at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium. Hill scattered eight Gopher hits for her sixth shutout of the season, while Cassidy Bell (Bakersfield, Calif.) went 2-for-3. RECAP

Iowa 9, Northwestern 7
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa softball team used an eight run fourth inning to rally for a 9-7 victory over Northwestern Sunday afternoon at Pearl Field. The win propelled the Hawkeyes to the series sweep over the Wildcats and improves the team's record to 24-16 overall and 7-3 in the Big Ten Conference. RECAP

Indiana 6, Wisconsin 3
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - For the second time in as many days, the Indiana Hoosiers (27-15, 8-2 Big Ten) needed a walk-off hit to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers (22-17, 2-6 Big Ten). On Sunday, it was Amanda Wagner who came through with a grand slam to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning to extend the Hoosiers winning streak to seven games with a final score of 6-3. It is Wagner's third game-winning hit of the season. RECAP

The complete Sunday schedule can be found below.

WISCONSIN at INDIANA, 12:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network
PENN STATE at MINNESOTA, 12:00 PM ET
PURDUE at OHIO STATE, 2:00 PM ET
NORTHWESTERN at IOWA, 2:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network
MICHIGAN at ILLINOIS, 12:00 PM ET
MICHIGAN at ILLINOIS, 3:00 PM ET

Iowa 10, Northwestern 8
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Johnnie Dowling's two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the University of Iowa softball team to a 10-8 victory over Northwestern Saturday afternoon at Pearl Field. The Hawkeyes rallied from an 8-6 deficit with two runs in the seventh before the long ball lifted the squad to the extra inning victory. RECAP

Minnesota 1, Penn State 0
Sara Moulton threw her 12th shutout of the season and Sara DuPaul doubled in the game's only run in the third inning as Minnesota topped Penn State 1-0 on Saturday at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium. The low-scoring affair remained scoreless until the third inning when Minnesota (25-17 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) capitalized on a pair of lead-off base runners to score the sole run of the afternoon. RECAP

Indiana 4, Wisconsin 3
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana Hoosiers (26-15, 7-2 Big Ten) extended to a six game winning streak with a 4-3 win in eight innings over the Wisconsin Badgers (22-16, 2-5 Big Ten) at the IU Softball Field. The Hoosiers scored the game-winning run in the eighth inning on a single by Sara Olson and an error in left field by the Badgers. RECAP

INDIANA def. IOWA, 2-1
The Iowa baseball team lost to Indiana Saturday afternoon at Duane Banks Field, 2-1, in game one of a three-game series. RECAP & BOX SCORE

ILLINOIS at MICHIGAN - Postponed
Teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at Noon ET.

NORTHWESTERN def. MINNESOTA, 4-1
Minnesota (11-14, 3-5) dropped a 4-1 loss to Northwestern (10-21, 3-5) in the second game of the series at Target Field on Saturday, Apr. 16. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. MICHIGAN STATE, 9-8
Tim Wetzel drove in Tyler Engle for the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth and Ohio State evened the series with Michigan State at a game apiece with a 9-8 win on a rainy and windy Saturday afternoon at Bill Davis Stadium. With the win, the Buckeyes improve to 14-15 overall and 4-4 in the Big Ten while Michigan State drops to 22-9, 6-2 in conference play. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE at PENN STATE - Postponed
Two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

Six Big Ten football teams competed in spring games or controlled scrimmages on Saturday. Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern and Penn State played their annual spring games, while Iowa took part in a controlled scrimmage. Recaps for today's five Big Ten spring games can be found below.

INDIANA

Spring football continues in the Big Ten with Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern and Penn State playing spring games or controlled scrimmages today. The Hoosiers will play the Cream vs. Crimson Spring Game at 11 a.m. ET, while the Hawkeyes will take part in the annual Iowa Football Coca-Cola Spring Practice. The Wolverines' spring game will kick off at noon ET, while the Huskers' Red-White Spring Game will begin at 1 p.m. CT. The Wildcats' Spring Exhibition will kick off at noon CT, with Penn State's Blue-White game concluding the day's action at 2 p.m. ET.

INDIANA at IOWA - Postponed
Indiana and Iowa will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:05 p.m. CT.

ILLINOIS def. MICHIGAN, 9-2
Illinois' Kevin Johnson threw a complete game and the Fighting Illini scored three times in the third inning and six in the fourth to defeat the University of Michigan baseball team, 9-2, in the opener of a three-game Big Ten series on a windy Friday afternoon at the Wilpon Complex. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MINNESOTA def. NORTHWESTERN, 7-3
The Minnesota baseball team (11-13, 3-4) rallied from an early 3-0 deficit as it came from behind to defeat Northwestern (9-21, 2-5) 7-3 at Target Field on Friday, Apr. 15. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN STATE def. OHIO STATE, 5-4 (10)
Ohio State could not produce the tying score in the bottom of the 10th inning despite having runners on the corners with nobody out and as a result dropped a 5-4 decision to Big Ten Conference-leading Michigan State Friday before 758 fans at Bill Davis Stadium. Jordan Keur's solo home run to left to lead off the 10th inning was the game-winning run for the Spartans.  RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. PENN STATE, 5-3
Despite a valiant effort in the later innings, the Penn State baseball team could not overcome its early deficit as the Nittany Lions fell to Purdue, 5-3, during a Big Ten battle on a windy Friday evening at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

Elsewhere, Indiana hosts Wisconsin, Minnesota welcomes Penn State, Ohio State entertains Purdue, and Iowa hosts Northwestern in the first games of their respective series.

The full Saturday schedule can be found below.

WISCONSIN at INDIANA, 1:00 PM ET
PENN STATE at MINNESOTA, 2:00 PM ET
PURDUE at OHIO STATE, 2:00 PM ET
MICHIGAN at ILLINOIS, 3:00 PM ET
NORTHWESTERN at IOWA, 3:00 PM ET

The Big Ten Conference was well represented at the 2011 NCAA Championships, hosted by the University of Texas at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas. The Golden Gophers led all Big Ten teams competing at the national event, tallying 192 points to earn ninth place, collecting their best finish and scoring the most team points at the national meet in Gopher history.

Wisconsin senior Maggie Meyer highlighted the final day of competition with a winning performance in the 200- yard backstroke. Minnesota's Kelci Bryant was the first of three Gophers to claim a national title at this year's championships. Bryant, a product of Chatham, Ill., compiled 349.65 points to win the one-meter title. Gopher senior Jillian Tyler collected her first national title in the 100-yard breaststroke.Teammate Haley Spencer captured the NCAA title in the 200-yard breaststroke, giving the Gophers their third individual title of the championships. Spencer won the event in a career-best time of 2:06.12 seconds.

Penn State newcomer Chelsea Weedman was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Meyer earned the nod as Big Ten Swimmer of the Year. Tyler was named the Swimmer of the Championships while Bryant received Big Ten Diver of the Year and Diver of the Championships laurels after sweeping the springboard events at the conference meet for the second consecutive year. Indiana head general Ray Looze was voted Big Ten Swimming Coach of the Year by his peers after guiding the Hoosiers to their third-straight Big Ten Championship and fourth in the past five seasons. Hawkeye mentor Rob Rydze received Diving Coach of the Year recognition from his peers.

Click here for the complete release.

Three Big Ten programs earned top-15 finishes at the 2011 NCAA Championships at the University Aquatic Center hosted by the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Michigan led all Big Ten squads with 181 team points to finish in ninth place for the third consecutive season. The top-10 finish marked the 11th consecutive for the Wolverines at the national meet.

Purdue's David Boudia collected a pair of national titles in the diving well at the 2011 event.Boudia scored 472.30 points from the 3-meter springboard to win his third consecutive title in the event.

A few weeks before the NCAA Championships, Michigan captured its 35th Big Ten Championship. The Wolverines totaled 678 points to earn the conference title to outdistance Indiana, which finished second with 604 points. Ohio State was third with 593 while Minnesota tallied 505.5 points for fourth place. Purdue collected 343.5 points to round out the top five in the final team standings.

Wolverine coach Mike Bottom earned Coach of the Year honors while Purdue's Adam Soldati picked up his third straight Diving Coach of the Year award. For their efforts, Minnesota's Michael Richards and Purdue's David Boudia earn Swimmer and Diver of the Championships, respectively. Michigan newcomer Kyle Whitaker earned the nod as Freshman of the Year. Indiana's Eric Ress captured Swimmer of the Year honors while Boudia was a unanimous pick for Diver of the Year after winning the past two seasons.

Click here for the entire release.

ILLINOIS (3-3) at MICHIGAN (2-4)
Illinois Notes - Michigan Notes

Friday, April 15 - 4:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Illinois: RHP Kevin Johnson (1-3, 3.58 ERA)
Michigan: LHP Bobby Brosnahan (1-6, 6.34 ERA)

Saturday, April 16 - 3:05 p.m. ET
Illinois: RHP John Anderson (3-4, 4.22 ERA)
Michigan: RHP Kyle Clark (1-4, 4.36 ERA)

Sunday, April 17 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Illinois: RHP Corey Kimes (1-3, 5.86 ERA)
Michigan: TBA

INDIANA (4-2) at IOWA (2-4)
Indiana Notes - Iowa Notes

Friday, April 15 - 6:05 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
Indiana: LHP Blake Monar (3-2, 4.14 ERA)
Iowa: LHP Jarred Hippen (1-3, 3.38 ERA)

Saturday, April 16 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Indiana: RHP Chad Martin (2-1, 2.31 ERA)
Iowa: LHP Matt Dermody (3-3, 5.36 ERA)

Sunday, April 17 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Indiana: TBA
Iowa: TBA

MICHIGAN STATE (5-1) at OHIO STATE (3-3)
Michigan State Notes - Ohio State Notes

Friday, April 15 - 6:35 p.m. - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Michigan State: RHP Kurt Wunderlich (6-1, 2.29 ERA)
Ohio State: RHP Drew Rucinski (3-1, 1.83 ERA)

Saturday, April 16 - 2:05 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Michigan State: RHP tony Bucciferro (6-1, 2.05 ERA)
Ohio State: RHP Brett McKinney (1-2, 4.63 ERA)

Sunday, April 17 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Michigan State: RHP David Garner (3-3, 2.89 ERA)
Ohio State: RHP Greg Greve (1-1, 6.14 ERA)

NORTHWESTERN (2-4) at MINNESOTA (2-4)
Northwestern Notes - Minnesota Notes

Friday, April 15 - 3:05 p.m. CT
Northwestern: RHP Michael Jahns (1-3, 4.62 ERA)
Minnesota: RHP TJ Oakes (2-4, 4.17 ERA)

Saturday, April 16 - 3:05 p.m. CT
Northwestern: RHP Luke Farrell (2-1, 4.30 ERA)
Minnesota: LHP Phil Isaksson (1-3, 3.63 ERA)

Sunday, April 17 - 1:05 p.m. CT
Northwestern: LHP Dan Tyson (1-3, 6.42 ERA)
Minnesota: RHP Austin Lubinsky (2-3, 6.23 ERA)

PURDUE (3-3) at PENN STATE (4-2)
Purdue Notes - Penn State Notes

Friday, April 15 - 6:35 p.m. ET
Purdue: RHP Matt Morgan (3-1, 2.59 ERA)
Penn State: RHP Steven Hill (4-1, 2.20 ERA)

Saturday, April 16 - 5 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Purdue: RHP Brad Schreiber (4-0, 3.64 ERA)
Penn State: RHP John Walter (4-3, 2.38 ERA)

Sunday, April 17 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Purdue: RHP Joe Haase (3-1, 2.59 ERA)
Penn State: TBA

APRIL 16

INDIANA vs. Oklahoma, Buffalo, Grand Valley, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN vs. INDIANA, Oklahoma, All Day

MICHIGAN STATE at Virginia, USC, Texas, All Day [2]

OHIO STATE at Princeton, Yale, All Day [3]

WISCONSIN at Lake Natoma Invitational, All Day [4]

APRIL 17

MINNESOTA/OHIO STATE at Charles River Challenge, All Day [5]

WISCONSIN at Lake Natoma Invitational, All Day [4]

[1] -- Ann Arbor, Mich.

[2] -- Charlottesville, Va.

[3] -- New Haven, Conn.

[4] -- Gold River, Calif.

[5] -- Boston, Mass.

APRIL 15

Dave Rankin Invitational, All Day [1]

INDIANA Invitational, All Day

Mt. SAC Relays, All Day [2]

PENN STATE at Auburn War Eagle Invitational, All Day

Sea Ray Relays, All Day [3]

APRIL 16

Dave Rankin Invitational, All Day [1]

INDIANA Invitational, All Day

MICHIGAN at Tom Jones Invitational, All Day [4]

Mt. SAC Relays, All Day [2]

PENN STATE at Auburn War Eagle Invitational, All Day

Sea Ray Relays, All Day [3]

APRIL 17

INDIANA Invitational, All Day

Mt. SAC Relays, All Day [2]

[1] -- West Lafayette, Ind.

[2] -- Walnut, Calif.

[3] -- Knoxville, Tenn.

[4] -- Gainesville, Fla.

APRIL 15

Dave Rankin Invitational, All Day [1]

ILLINOIS at Sea Ray Relays, All Day [2]

INDIANA Invitational, All Day

MINNESOTA at Holst Invitational, All Day [3]

Mt. Sac Relays, All Day [4]

MICHIGAN STATE at Eastern Michigan Twilight, All Day

PENN STATE at Auburn War Eagle Invitational, All Day

APRIL 16

Dave Rankin Invitational, All Day [1]

ILLINOIS at Sea Ray Relays, All Day [2]

INDIANA Invitational, All Day

MICHIGAN STATE at Eastern Michigan Twilight, All Day

Mt. Sac Relays, All Day [4]

PENN STATE at Auburn War Eagle Invitational, All Day

APRIL 17

INDIANA Invitational, All Day

OHIO STATE at MICHIGAN, All Day

[1] -- West Lafayette, Ind.

[2] -- Knoxville, Tenn.

[3] -- St. Paul, Minn.

[4] -- Walnut, Calif.

All-Tournament and group tickets for the 2011 Big Ten Baseball Tournament go on sale Friday.

Head Coach Tracy Smith talks about the past, present and future of Indiana baseball in the most recent edition of "Skip's Scoop."

Take an in-depth look at Iowa baseball with IU-Mag.

Michigan assistant coach Matt Husted has made a difference across the globe through baseball.

Spend a few moments with Ohio State freshman utility player Josh Dezse.

Penn State's bullpen has played a major role in the team's success this season.

Read up on the nine former Purdue players that recently began their Minor League seasons.

The Big Ten Conference has announced the home and away designations for the 2011 Big Ten/ACC Men's Basketball Challenge. Complete matchup information will be available in May. The Big Ten won the 2010 Challenge, 6-5.

Big Ten Home Teams: Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, Purdue
Big Ten Away Teams: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Northwestern, Penn State, Wisconsin

Three Big Ten softball players were selected as finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honor, it was announced by USA Softball. Michigan's Dorian Shaw and Jordan Taylor, and Northwestern's Emily Allard earned spots on the list of 25 finalists, which will be trimmed to 10 prior to the start of postseason play.

The award, now it its 10th year, recognizes the most outstanding player in collegiate softball annually. It will be presented at the opening of the 2011 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.

To view the complete release, click here.

Illinois 9, Purdue 3
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Illinois Softball split its doubleheader at Purdue on Wednesday, claiming the victory in game one, 9-3, before falling in the finale, 11-6. Danielle Zymkowitz led the Illini at the plate, going 5-for-7 (.714) over both contests with four runs scored, three RBIs and two walks. Hackett Meredith also found success on offense during both games, securing five hits in eight at bats (.625) with two doubles and a home run to go with four RBIs and two runs scored. RECAP

Northwestern 4, Michigan State 2
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Junior Adrienne Monka (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) broke a 1-1 tie with a fifth-inning home run in the second game of a Wednesday doubleheader against Michigan State at Sharon J. Drysdale Field, putting Northwestern in the lead for good during a 4-2 win for the Wildcats. RECAP

Michigan State 13, Northwestern 4
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Michigan State softball team (21-18, 3-7 Big Ten) split its doubleheader with Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., on Wednesday, April 13. The Spartans made quick work of the Wildcats in game one, winning in five innings by a score of 13-4. NU rebounded with a 4-2 victory to close out the doubleheader. Both senior Lindsey Hansen and junior Brett Williams ended the day going 3-of-5 at the plate with a double, a home run and seven total bases. RECAP

Iowa 2, Minnesota 1
The Hawkeyes used an exceptional pitching effort from sophomore Chelsea Lyon in the night cap to run out 2-1 winners. The Oklahoma native allowed a single hit in the contest and finished with three strikeouts. Iowa pushed both of its runs across the plate in the top of the third inning. Sophomore Ashley Akers reached on an error to lead off the frame before moving to second base on a Carmody groundout. Ochoa then followed with an infield single to put two runners on with one out. RECAP

Minnesota 4, Iowa 2
Behind a 2-for-2 performance from the plate by freshman Bree Blanchette and a 10 strikeout performance from freshman Sara Moulton on the mound, the Minnesota softball team extended its winning streak to five games in Wednesday's opening battle with Iowa, beating the Hawkeyes 4-2 in the first of two games. RECAP

Indiana 9, Ohio State 0; Indiana 3, Ohio State 2 BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana completed the doubleheader sweep of Ohio State with 9-0 win in five innings in game two. Junior catcher Cassie Gogreve hit a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning to cap off the win for the Hoosiers (24-15, 6-2 Big Ten). It marks the best start to a Big Ten season and the best overall start to a season since 1996. RECAP

Non-Conference Results
Michigan 3, Central Michigan 0
Penn State 4, Kent State 2
Penn State 9, Kent State 1
Wisconsin 7, South Dakota State 0
Wisconsin 4, South Dakota State 0

The conference office announced on Wednesday the weekly women's outdoor track and field awards. Ohio State's Kelsey McHugh earns the nod as Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week, while Indiana's Vera Neuenswander was tabbed Field Athlete of the Week.

2011 Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 23 T: Chimerem Okoroji, Jr., MINN; F: Allison Liske, Jr., MICH
March 30 T: Letecia Wright, Sr., OSU; F: Vera Neuenswander, Sr., IND
April 6     T: Letecia Wright, Sr., OSU; F: Karlee McQuillen, Sr., PSU
April 13   T: Kelsey McHugh, Sr., OSU; F: Vera Neuenswander, Sr., IND

To read the entire release, click here.

The conference office announced on Wednesday the weekly men's outdoor track and field awards. Iowa's Erik Sowinski earned Big Ten Track Athlete of the Week honors, while Michigan's Cody Riffle received Field Athlete of the Week accolades.

2011 Men's Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 23 T: No selection; F: Micah Hegerle, So., MINN
March 30  T: Thomas Murdaugh, Jr., OSU; F: Derek Drouin, Jr., IND
April 6 T: Chris DeSilva, Jr., ILL; F: Michael Hartfield, Jr., OSU
April 13 T: Erik Sowinski, Jr., IOWA; F: Cody Riffle, Fr., MICH

Click here for the full release.

Eight Big Ten standouts have been named to the preseason watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, honoring the top collegiate defensive player in the country. The Big Ten's total of eight honorees was tied for second among all conferences with the SEC, while the ACC boasted 11 players on the preseason watch list. Big Ten players on the Lott Trophy watch list are Iowa linebacker Tyler Nielsen, Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs, Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, the Nebraska duo of defensive lineman Jared Crick and linebacker Lavonte David, Ohio State defensive tackle John Simon, Purdue linebacker Joe Holland and Wisconsin defensive back Aaron Henry. Big Ten standouts have claimed two of the last three Lott Trophies, including the Badgers' J.J. Watt last season and the Buckeyes' James Laurinaitis in 2008. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, characteristics that Ronnie Lott exhibited throughout his brilliant Hall of Fame career both in college and in the National Football League.

University of Minnesota Director of Athletics Joel Maturi announce today the promotion of Kelly Kremer  as the new men's and women's swimming and diving coach of the Gophers. Kremer is a 13-year veteran of the Minnesota staff.

"I'm very excited about the direction that this decision will take our Minnesota swimming and diving program, " said Kremer. "Ultimately, this will give our program a common focus and I truly believe this is best for our student-athletes and their swimming or diving experience here at Minnesota."

The combining of the Gopher swimming and diving programs comes after successful campaigns for both the men and the women during the past season, including the Gopher women's ninth-place finish at the 2011 NCAA Championships. Kremer also guided the Gopher men to a 15th place in the national meet, extending the streak to 19 seasons with Minnesota placing in the top 15 at the national event.

Click here for Minnesota's announcement on coach Kremer.

University of Minnesota Director of Athletics Joel Maturi announce today the promotion of Kelly Kremer  as the new men's and women's swimming and diving coach of the Gophers. Kremer is a 13-year veteran of the Minnesota staff.

"I'm very excited about the direction that this decision will take our Minnesota swimming and diving program, " said Kremer. "Ultimately, this will give our program a common focus and I truly believe this is best for our student-athletes and their swimming or diving experience here at Minnesota."

The combining of the Gopher swimming and diving programs comes after successful campaigns for both the men and the women during the past season, including the Gopher women's ninth-place finish at the 2011 NCAA Championships. Kremer also guided the Gopher men to a 15th place in the national meet, extending the streak to 19 seasons with Minnesota placing in the top 15 at the national event.

Click here for Minnesota's announcement on coach Kremer.

Team
Batting Average
16. Purdue, .335
18. Michigan, .328
33. Northwestern, .310

Home Runs Per Game
28. Michigan, 1.08
41. Michigan State, 0.95

Stolen Bases Per Game
7. Purdue, 2.31
9. Northwestern, 2.24
22. Wisconsin, 1.78

Runs Per Game
13. Michigan, 6.76
27. Illinois, 5.94
36. Northwestern, 5.69
41. Purdue, 5.51

Earned Run Average
5. Michigan, 1.30
24. Indiana, 1.86

Individual
Earned Run Average
16. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 1.17
49. Stephanie Speierman, MICH, 1.58

Strikeouts
1. Morgan Melloh, IND, 303
8. Sara Moulton, MINN, 236
14. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 198

Batting Average
2. Emily Allard, NU, .527
11. Adrienne Monka, NU, .470
17. Andie Varsho, PUR, .459
35. Malisa Barnes, MINN, .430
36. Molly Garst, PUR, .429
42. Stephanie Ochoa, IOWA, .422

Home Runs Per Game
17. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 0.35
21. Ashley Lane, MICH, 0.34
41. Jessica Davis, ILL, 0.31
49. Brett Williams, MSU, 0.30

Runs Per Game
12. Emily Allard, NU, 1.17
26. Danielle Zymkowitz, ILL, 1.09
30. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 1.05
32. Bree Evans, MICH, 1.05

Runs Batted in Per Game
14. Amanda Chidester, MICH, 1.22
16. Ashley Lane, MICH, 1.21
23. Adrienne Monka, NU, 1.17
24. Brett Williams, MSU, 1.16
33. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 1.11
42. Meredith Hackett, ILL, 1.06

Walks Per Game
1. Adrienne Monka, NU, 1.28
4. Dorian Shaw, MICH, 1.11
17. Malisa Barnes, MINN, 0.82
34. Meredith Hackett, ILL, 0.72

Slugging Percentage
15. Adrienne Monka, NU, 0.894
28. Dorian Shaw, MICH, 0.835
29. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 0.833
34. Ashley Lane, MICH, 0.809
41. Brett Williams, MSU, 0.786

On Base Percentage
1. Adrienne Monka, NU, 0.685
6. Dorian Shaw, MICH, 0.610
18. Malisa Barnes, MINN, 0.554
25. Emily Allard, NU, 0.544
46. Alicia Herron, OSU, 0.517

Stolen Bases Per Game
1. Emily Allard, NU, 1.07
4. Jennifer Krueger, WIS, 0.83
8. Molly Garst, PUR, 0.74
8. Andie Varsho, PUR, 0.74

ESPN Regional Television (ERT), Inc., a subsidiary of ESPN, and Meineke Car Care Centers announce a three year title sponsorship deal of the Texas Bowl, beginning for the 2011 event. The Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas will be played in December on an ESPN network at Reliant Stadium in Houston - home to the NFL's Houston Texans. The annual game will match up the Big 12 versus the Big Ten. In 2010, Illinois beat Baylor 38-14 on Dec. 29 at Reliant Stadium, and with 68,211 fans had its second-highest attended game in bowl history.

Big Ten Among NCAA Leaders
Big Ten teams/players among NCAA top 25 through April 10
COMPLETE NCAA RANKINGS

TEAM LEADERS
Batting Average
   11. Purdue (.323)
   12. Michigan State (.320)
Runs Scored per Game
   19. Purdue (7.6)
Hits
   16. Purdue (312)
Doubles per Game
   13. Purdue (2.44)
Slugging Percentage
   19. Purdue (.467)
Sacrifice Bunts
   5. Iowa (44)
Hit by Pitch
   5. Purdue (56)
Sacrifice Flies
   14. Purdue (18)
Earned Run Average
   21. Michigan State (2.83)
Walks Allowed per 9.0 IP
   20. Michigan State (2.61)
   21. Purdue (2.63)
Double Plays Turned per Game
   4. Northwestern (1.33)
   10. Penn State (1.28)
   20. Ohio State (1.14)

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Batting Average
   10. Brandon Eckerle, MSU (.431)
Hits
   23. Dustin DeMuth, IND (45)
Doubles per Game
   13. Joey DeBernardis, PSU (.52)
Triples per Game
   9. Trevor Willis, IOWA (.20)
   20. Sean Deegan, PSU (.17)
RBI per Game
   23. Jordan Steranka, PSU (1.24)
Stolen Bases per Game
   14. Micah Johnson, IND (.63)
Hit by Pitch per Game
   14. Trevor Stevens, NU (.42)
At-Bats per Strikeout (toughest to strike out)
   12. Kevin Plawecki, PUR (26.0)
   20. Ryan Cypret, OSU (21.0)
   22. Casey McMurray, ILL (20.5)
Sacrifice Bunts per Game
   15. Zach McCool, IOWA (.36)
Victories
   20. Tony Bucciferro, MSU (5)
   20. Dave Walkling, PSU (5)
   20. Kurt Wunderlich, MSU (5)
Walks Allowed per 9.0 IP
   12. Steven Hill, PSU (.75)

The Michigan State first varsity eight boat claimed Boat of the Week honors for the second consecutive week after going 2-0 over the weekend at the Big Ten Double Duals on Lake Ovid in Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg, Mich. Members included coxswain Amanda McGeachie, Laura Cowal, Kellie Lapointe, Michelle Neuder, BreeAnn Breton, Michelle Sosa, Alex Maibusch, Stephanie Bochenek, and Nikki Bade. In its race against Wisconsin, the boat topped the Badgers in a time of 6:37.27, finishing in open water and by a margin of 6.23 seconds. Against Minnesota in the second session, the Spartan boat recorded a time of 6:34.12, marking the fastest time of any boat last weekend.

For the complete release, click here.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released week two national computer rankings for NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field on Tuesday. After winning multiple events at the Sun Angel Classic and Falcon Invitational, the Minnesota men's track and field team lands at No. 13 in this week's poll. On the women's side, the Penn State Nittany Lions sit at No. 23 after taking several titles last weekend at the Patriot Open.

For more information on this week's rankings, click here.

"I am thrilled to be able to welcome Bobbie to the Badger family," Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said. "Her record of success everywhere she has been speaks for itself. I was obviously very impressed with her resume and was convinced she was the right person for the job once I got the chance to meet with her in person. She has a definite plan for how to bring success to our women's basketball team and the knowledge and enthusiasm to execute that plan."

In four seasons at Stanford, Kelsey helped the Cardinal to a 137-14 record and a Final Four appearance each year. A former national champion with the Cardinal in 1992, Kelsey helped guide Stanford to three Final Four appearances as a student-athlete (1992, 1995, 1996) and served as co-captain in 1995 and 1996.

Click here for Wisconsin's announcement on coach Kelsey.

Click here to read the full release.

Co-Player of the Week
Jessica Davis, Illinois
So., OF, Zephyrhills, Fla./Zephyrhills

Davis earns her first career Player of the Week distinction after belting four home runs in leading Illinois to a sweep of Ohio State last week. The sophomore went 4-for-5 in two games against the Buckeyes, hitting a pair of long balls in each game of the series. She drove in eight runs, scored six more and finished with a 4.075 OPS in the series. Davis also went 2-for-4 in a midweek contest against Illinois State to bring her weekly batting average to .667.

Last Illinois Player of the Week: Hope Howell (May 17, 2010)

Amanda Chidester, Michigan
Jr., 3B, Allen Park, Mich./Cabrini

Chidester wins Big Ten Player of the Week honors for the second time in her career after a 3-for-4 effort in Michigan's two-game sweep of Purdue last week. The junior drove in eight runs against the Boilermakers, including seven in the series opener on the strength of two home runs. In addition, she scored three runs in the first game of the series before adding a run and an RBI in the finale on Sunday as she finished the week with a 2.250 slugging percentage.

Last Michigan Player of the Week: Dorian Shaw (Feb. 14, 2011)

Pitcher of the Week
Morgan Melloh, Indiana
Sr., P, Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern

Melloh allowed three hits and struck out 19 in Indiana's series sweep of Penn State last weekend en route to earning Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. Hurling complete game shutouts in both ends of the series, Melloh allowed just one hit in eight innings and struck out 12 in Indiana's 3-0 win in the opener. In Game 2, she followed up with a two-hit outing, striking out seven and walking one in a 1-0 victory. In non-conference action, Melloh did not allow an earned run against Louisville and finished the week with a 0.00 ERA.

Last Indiana Pitcher of the Week: Morgan Melloh (April 4, 2011)

Freshman of the Week
Sara Moulton, Minnesota
P, Eagan, Minn./Eagan

In two appearances last week, Moulton allowed just eight hits in 17 scoreless innings of work and struck out 28 batters to clinch Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades for the third time this season. In 10 frames against Iowa State, Moulton surrendered seven hits, but struck out 15 as Minnesota held on for a 1-0 win. Against South Dakota, the freshman gave up just one hit while striking out 13 batters in the Gophers' 3-0 victory.

Last Minnesota Freshman of the Week: Sara Moulton (March 21, 2011)

The draft begins at 3 p.m. ET with the first round being televised live on ESPN. The draft's second and third rounds will be carried by ESNPU and NBA TV. The entire WBB Draft can be seen live on ESPN3.com.

ILLINOIS def. IOWA, 11-7
Illinois scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning after giving up the lead in the top half and held on for an 11-7 victory and a series win over Iowa in front of 1,221 fans at Illinois Field on Sunday. Catcher Adam Davis knocked in the go-ahead run in the eighth and first baseman Matt Dittman added some breathing room with a three-run home run, one of three Illini homers on the day and the second time this season that Illinois has notched three dingers in a game. RECAP & BOX SCORE

INDIANA def. OHIO STATE, 10-9
The Indiana University baseball team (20-11, 4-2 Big Ten) erased a six-run deficit on Sunday, culminating with a four-run bottom of the ninth, to top Ohio State (11-14, 3-3) in walk-off fashion, 10-9. The Hoosiers have now taken each of the first two conference series during the 2011 season. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN STATE def. MINNESOTA, 6-4
For the first time in school history, the Michigan State baseball team swept Minnesota in a series of three games or more after defeating the Gophers, 6-4, Sunday afternoon before a crowd of 1,327 at McLane Baseball Stadium. With the score tied at 4 in the bottom of the seventh, senior first baseman Jeff Holm hit a two-run homer to right field to give the Spartans the victory, their 20th of the season. RECAP & BOX SCORE

NORTHWESTERN def. PENN STATE, 9-8
Jack Havey drove in five runs, including a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the eighth that gave Northwestern the lead as the Wildcats came back to defeat Penn State 9-8 Sunday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN def. PURDUE, 6-5 (10)
Purdue baseball scored five times in the second inning and led for much of the game, but a pair of errors in the eighth inning helped Michigan tie it and the Wolverines went on to win in 10 innings, 6-5, Sunday afternoon at Lambert Field. RECAP & BOX SCORE

Illinois 13, Ohio State 4
URBANA, Ill. - Playing live on the Big Ten Network for the first time this season, Jessica Davis and Kelley Wedel powered Illinois Softball to a 13-4 victory over Ohio State. Davis drilled two more home runs, her third and fourth of the weekend, while Wedel added a three-run shot during the nine-run sixth inning for the Illini. Davis finished the weekend batting .800 with an outstanding 3.200 slugging percentage, tallying four homers, six runs scored and eight RBIs. RECAP

Michigan 10, Purdue 0
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Following a similar script as yesterday's explosive win, the No. 4-ranked University of Michigan softball team recorded a pair of home runs and scored in every frame en route to a 10-1, five-inning decision over Purdue on Sunday afternoon (April 10) in front of 1,361 fans at the Wilpon Softball Complex, home of Alumni Field. RECAP

Iowa 9, Michigan State 8
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa softball team completed the series sweep over Michigan State, winning the offensive-minded finale, 9-8, Sunday afternoon at Pearl Field. The two teams combined for 29 hits in the contest with the Hawkeyes' 17 hits being the most for the squad since late February and the second most this season. RECAP

Sunday's complete schedule can be found below.

MICHIGAN STATE at IOWA, 12:00 PM ET, www.BigTenNetwork.com
INDIANA at PENN STATE, 1:00 PM ET
PURDUE at MICHIGAN, 2:00 PM ET
ILLINOIS at OHIO STATE, 3:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network

Wisconsin 9, Northwestern 8
MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin softball team couldn't have asked for a more thrilling Big Ten home-opener. Securing their second Big Ten victory in true comeback fashion, Wisconsin (20-14, 2-3 Big Ten) rallied back from an 8-2 deficit in the fifth inning to top Northwestern (18-10, 0-3 Big Ten), 9-8, in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at Goodman Diamond. RECAP

Indiana 3, Penn State 0
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Senior left-handed pitcher Morgan Melloh tossed a one-hitter and the Hoosiers (21-15, 3-2 Big Ten) got three RBI singles in the top of the eighth inning en route to a 3-0 win at Beard Field on the campus of Penn State University (18-15, 4-3 Big Ten). Sara Olson was 3-for-4 in the game and had one of the RBI singles in the decisive inning. RECAP

Illinois 8, Ohio State 0
URBANA, Ill. - The University of Illinois softball team earned a convincing win over Ohio State in the opening game of the weekend series in Columbus, Ohio, downing the Buckeyes, 8-0 in five innings. Jessica Davis totaled two homers on the day to go with five RBIs, while Ashley Conrad added a three-run homer as part of a six-run third inning. RECAP

Michigan 13, Purdue 1
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 4-ranked University of Michigan softball team recorded 11 hits, including four home runs, en route to a 13-1, five-inning rout against Purdue on Saturday afternoon (April 9) in front of 1,468 fans at the Wilpon Softball Complex, home of Alumni Field. The win moved the Wolverines back to the top of the Big Ten Conference standings. RECAP

Iowa 5, Michigan State 3
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa softball team posted a 5-3 victory over Michigan State in its Big Ten home opener Saturday afternoon at Pearl Field. Massey scattered five hits in the complete game victory, finishing with three strikeouts. The win improved her record to 10-5 on the year. Zoeller paced the team at the plate, going 2-for-3 to collect two of the team's five hits. Watkins finished 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored to go along with two walks. RECAP

Non-Conference Results
Minnesota 5, South Dakota 0
Minnesota 3, South Dakota 0

IOWA def. ILLINOIS, 7-4
Illinois gave up four runs in the first two innings and wasn't able to put together a comeback as Iowa took a 7-4 win in front of a season-high 1,326 fans at Illinois Field on Saturday. Third baseman Brandon Hohl went 3-for-3 with a homer and drove in all four of Illinois' runs, and second baseman Justin Parr was 2-for-3 with a run as Illinois fell to 10-15 overall, 2-3 in the Big Ten. RECAP & BOX SCORE

INDIANA def. OHIO STATE, 5-3
Behind the strength of eight strong, if not spectacular, innings by starting pitcher Chad Martin, the Hoosier baseball team (19-11, 3-2 Big Ten) forced a rubber game on Sunday by defeating Ohio State, 5-3, and evening the weekend series at one game apiece. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN STATE def. MINNESOTA, 2-0
Junior right-hander Tony Bucciferro threw his third career complete-game shutout as the Michigan State baseball team beat Minnesota, 2-0, Saturday afternoon at McLane Baseball Stadium. The Spartans, who have won the first two games of the series, improve to 19-7 (4-1 Big Ten) for the season, while Minnesota falls to 10-11 (2-3). RECAP & BOX SCORE

PENN STATE def. NORTHWESTERN, 12-0
Penn State took advantage of eight walks by Northwestern pitchers in taking the first game of a doubleheader, 12-0, Saturday at Rocky Miller Park. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PENN STATE def. NORTHWESTERN, 7-3
Freshman Ethan Bramschreiber allowed just one hit while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings of relief, but Northwestern was undone by six errors in dropping the second game of a doubleheader to Penn State 7-3 Saturday afternoon. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. MICHIGAN, 4-2
Purdue baseball scored four times in the seventh inning thanks to seven consecutive productive plate appearances, rallying to defeat Michigan, 4-2, Saturday afternoon and in the process post its first series victory against the Wolverines since 2004. RECAP & BOX SCORE

Rob Henry and Caleb TerBush each threw a touchdown pass on Saturday to lead the Gold team to a 14-3 victory over the Black sqaud in Purdue's annual Black and Gold Game at Ross-Ade Stadium.  Henry led the Gold team with 27 rushing yards, completed 8-of-12 passes for 76 yards, one score and one interception. TerBush competed on both teams and finished with 172 yards, a score and a pick on 16-of-27 passing. The Boilermakers open their 2011 season on Sep. 3 at home against Middle Tennessee State.

The remaining schools will take the field on April 16, 23, or 30.

For the full recap and stats on todays Purdue's spring football game, click here.

Big Ten spring football is underway as the Purdue Boilermakers stage its annual Black & Gold Game beginning at 1 p.m. ET with the stadium gates opening at noon. The remaining 11 schools will take the field on April 16, 23, or 30.

The Big Ten Network is the ultimate destination for Big Ten spring football coverage, with studio shows twice each week beginning April 13 and telecasts of nine Big Ten spring games. In all, the network will dedicate more than 26 hours to Big Ten spring football, with every team receiving live television or streaming coverage. The network opens its spring slate with the Purdue Black and Gold Spring Game today from West Lafayette. The game will be streamed live at 1 PM ET on BigTenNetwork.com and will air on the television network at 10 PM ET. The network will produce seven episodes of Spring Football Report on Wednesday and Saturday nights from April 13 through May 4. Dave Revsine will host the shows alongside analysts Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith.

For more information on Purdue's spring game, click here.

ILLINOIS def. IOWA, 4-3
Pinch hitter Thomas Shelton tied the game with a base hit to left in the bottom of the eighth and right fielder Davis Hendrickson drove him in with a single up the middle as Illinois scored three runs in its final two at bats to beat Iowa 4-3 at Illinois Field on Friday. It is the Illini's fifth win in their last at bat, the seventh comeback win this year and snaps a four-game losing streak. RECAP & BOX SCORE

OHIO STATE def. INDIANA, 6-1
Clutch situational hitting elevated the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-11, 3-1 Big Ten) past the Hoosiers, 6-1, in IU's Big Ten home opener on Friday. Indiana (18-11, 2-2) matched OSU with eight hits each, but struggled to drive in runs when needed. RECAP & BOX SCORE

MICHIGAN STATE def. MINNESOTA, 4-2
Behind strong pitching and stellar defense, the Michigan State baseball team defeated Minnesota, 4-2, in the Big Ten home opener for the Spartans Friday afternoon at McLane Baseball Stadium. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PURDUE def. MICHIGAN, 8-0
Matt Morgan and Nick Wittgren teamed up to strike out 14 batters in a combined shutout effort, leading Purdue baseball to an 8-0 win against Michigan in the Big Ten home opener for the Boilermakers Friday afternoon at Lambert Field. RECAP & BOX SCORE

PENN STATE at NORTHWESTERN
Postponed - Doubleheader Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. CT.

Other action around the conference this week includes Illinois visiting Ohio State, Michigan State traveling to Iowa and Indiana heading to Penn State. In non-conference action, Minnesota hosts South Dakota in doubleheader action on Saturday.

Below is Saturday's schedule.

NORTHWESTERN at WISCONSIN, 1:00 PM ET, www.BigTenNetwork.com
ILLINOIS at OHIO STATE, 2:00 PM ET
PURDUE at MICHIGAN, 3:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network
MICHIGAN STATE at IOWA, 3:00 PM ET
NORTHWESTERN at WISCONSIN, 3:00 PM ET, www.BigTenNetwork.com
INDIANA at PENN STATE, 5:00 PM ET
South Dakota at MINNESOTA (DH), 2:00 PM ET

IOWA at ILLINOIS
Iowa Notes - Illinois Notes

Friday, April 8- 6:05 p.m. CT
Iowa: LHP Jarred Hippen (1-3, 3.51 ERA)
Illinois: RHP Kevin Johnson (1-3, 3.56 ERA)

Saturday, April 9 - 6:05 p.m. CT - Big Ten Network
Iowa: RHP Nick Brown (3-2, 2.85 ERA)
Illinois: RHP John Anderson (3-2, 3.41 ERA)

Sunday, April 10 - 1:05 p.m. CT - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Iowa: RHP Matt Dermody (2-3, 5.89 ERA)
Illinois: RHP Corey Kimes (1-3, 6.67 ERA)

OHIO STATE at INDIANA
Ohio State Notes - Indiana Notes

Friday, April 8 - 3:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Ohio State: RHP Drew Rucinski (2-1, 2.30 ERA)
Indiana: LHP Blake Monar (3-1, 3.82 ERA)

Saturday, April 9 - 1:05 p.m. ET - www.BigTenNetwork.com
Ohio State: RHP Brett McKinney (1-1, 4.08 ERA)
Indiana: Chad Martin (1-1, 2.09 ERA)

Sunday, April 10 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Ohio State: RHP Greg Greve (1-1, 6.39 ERA)
Indiana: RHP Matt Dearden (2-1, 4.35 ERA)

MICHIGAN at PURDUE
Michigan Notes - Purdue Notes

Friday, April 8 - 4 p.m. ET
Michigan: RHP Kyle Clark (1-3, 3.45 ERA)
Purdue: RHP Matt Morgan (2-1, 3.20 ERA)

Saturday, April 9 - Noon ET - Big Ten Network
Michigan: LHP Bobby Brosnahan (1-5, 6.63 ERA)
Purdue: RHP Joe Haase (3-1, 2.86 ERA)

Sunday, April 10 - 1 p.m. ET
Michigan: RHP Tyler Mills (1-3, 5.66 ERA)
Purdue: LHP Brad Schreiber (4-0, 3.75 ERA)

MINNESOTA at MICHIGAN STATE
Minnesota Notes - Michigan State Notes

Friday, April 8 - 3:05 p.m. ET
Minnesota: RHP TJ Oakes (2-3, 3.97 ERA)
Michigan State: RHP Kurt Wunderlich (5-1, 2.23 ERA)

Saturday, April 9 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Minnesota: LHP Phil Isaksson (1-2, 3.68 ERA)
Michigan State: RHP Tony Bucciferro (5-1, 2.44 ERA)

Sunday, April 10 - 1:05 p.m. ET
Minnesota: RHP Austin Lubinsky (2-3, 6.75 ERA)
Michigan State: RHP David Garner (3-3, 2.87 ERA)

PENN STATE at NORTHWESTERN
Penn State Notes - Northwestern Notes

Friday, April 8 - 3 p.m. CT
Penn State: RHP Steven Hill (3-1, 2.61 ERA)
Northwestern: RHP Michael Jahns (1-2, 3.63 ERA)

Saturday, April 9 - 1 p.m. CT
Penn State: RHP John Walter (3-3, 2.27 ERA)
Northwestern: LHP Dan Tyson (1-2, 6.07 ERA)

Sunday, April 10 - 1 p.m. CT
Penn State: RHP Heath Johnson (1-1, 4.91 ERA)
Northwestern: RHP Luke Farrell (2-1, 4.19 ERA)

The Big Ten was the No. 1 conference according to the final ESPN  Stats & Information conference power rankings which was released on Friday.

Click here to read the entire article.

APRIL 9

INDIANA at Big Ten Double Dual, All Day [1]

IOWA at Big Ten Double Dual, All Day [1]

MICHIGAN at Big Ten Double Dual, All Day [2]

OHIO STATE at Big Ten Double Dual, All Day [1]

WISCONSIN at Big Ten Double Dual, All Day [3]

APRIL 10

MICHIGAN STATE at Big Ten Double Dual, All Day [4]

[1] -- Columbus, Ohio

[2] -- East Lansing, Mich.

[3] -- Laingsburg, Mich.

[4] -- East Lansing, Mich.

APRIL 8

MICHIGAN at Joyner/Johnson Invitational, All Day [1]

Sun Angel Classic, All Day [2]

APRIL 9

INDIANA at Border Battle "Kentuckiana", All Day

MICHIGAN at Joyner/Johnson Invitational, All Day [1]

Sun Angel Classic [2]

[1] -- Westwood, Calif.

[2] -- Tempe, Ariz.

APRIL 8

MICHIGAN at UCLA/Rafer Johnson Invitational, All Day [1]

MINNESOTA at UWRF Falcon Invitational, All Day [2]

Sun Angel Classic, All Day [3]

APRIL 9

INDIANA at Border Battle "Kentuckiana", All Day

MICHIGAN at UCLA/Rafer Johnson Invitational, All Day [1]

MINNESOTA at UWRF Falcon Invitational, All Day [2]

[1] -- Los Angeles, Calif.

[2] -- River Falls, Wis.

[3] -- Tempe, Ariz.

Batting Average
4. Emily Allard, NU, .511 (48-94)
15. Andie Varsho, PUR, .467 (42-90)
16. Adrienne Monka, NU, .466 (27-48)
28. Malisa Barnes, MINN, .446 (45-101)
48. Stephanie Ochoa, IOWA, .430 (34-79)

Home Runs
T14. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 12
T20. Ashley Lane, MICH, 11
T20. Dorian Shaw, MICH, 11

RBI per game (total)
T28. Ashley Lane, MICH, 1.14 (41)
31. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 1.12 (37)
32. Adrienne Monka, NU, 1.12 (28)
T46. Amanda Chidester, MICH, 1.06 (37)

Runs per game (total)
26. Danielle Zymkowitz, ILL, 1.10 (32)
31. Emily Allard, NU, 1.08 (27)
40. Bree Evans, MICH, 1.06 (38)
T47. Lindsey Hansen, MSU, 1.00 (33)

On-Base Percentage
1. Adrienne Monka, NU, .674
7. Dorian Shaw, MICH, .600
14. Malisa Barnes, MINN, .568
24. Alicia Herron, OSU, .543
41. Emily Allard, NU, .526

Stolen Bases per game (steals-attempts)
1. Emily Allard, NU, 1.08 (27-28)
4. Jennifer Krueger, WIS, 0.87 (26-31)
T9. Molly Garst, PUR, 0.72 (21-24)
T9. Andie Varsho, PUR, 0.72 (21-24)

Earned Run Average
19. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 1.18
42. Lisa Akamine, PSU, 1.45

Strikeouts
2. Morgan Melloh, IND, 278
9. Sara Moulton, MINN, 208
12. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 188

Wins
T7. Suzie Rzegocki, PUR, 18
T7. Sara Moulton, MINN, 18
T12. Jordan Taylor, MICH, 17
T16. Morgan Melloh, IND, 16
T22. Stephanie Speierman, MICH, 15

Spring football continues in the Big Ten Conference with all 12 conference teams continuing spring practice. Purdue will be the first Big Ten squad to play a spring game on Saturday, April 9, while the remaining 11 schools will take the field on April 16, 23 or 30.

The Big Ten Network is the ultimate destination for Big Ten spring football coverage, with studio shows twice each week beginning April 13 and telecasts of nine Big Ten spring games. In all, the network will dedicate more than 26 hours to Big Ten spring football, with every team receiving live television or streaming coverage. The network opens its spring slate with the Purdue Black and Gold Spring Game on Saturday from West Lafayette. The game will be streamed live at 1 PM ET on BigTenNetwork.com and will air on the television network at 10 PM ET. The network will produce seven episodes of Spring Football Report on Wednesday and Saturday nights from April 13 through May 4. Dave Revsine will host the shows alongside analysts Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith.

Below are links to the spring football updates for all 12 schools, along with the dates of their spring games or controlled scrimmages.

LEGENDS DIVISION

Iowa - April 16 (controlled scrimmage)

Michigan - April 16 (spring game)

Michigan State - April 30 (spring game)

Minnesota - April 23 (spring game)

Nebraska - April 16 (spring game)

Northwestern - April 16 (spring game)

LEADERS DIVISION

Illinois - April 23 (spring game)

Indiana - April 16 (spring game - final practice is April 19)

Ohio State - April 23 (spring game)

Penn State - April 16 (spring game)

Purdue - April 9 (spring game)

Wisconsin - April 23 (spring game)

Penn State 8, Michigan State 6
The Nittany Lions won its fourth straight comeback game in Big Ten play with an 8-6 victory, which was highlighted by 11 PSU hits and a grand slam by Bell. Penn State (18-13, 4-1 Big Ten) trailed 3-1 with two outs in the top of the fourth inning as the bases were loaded following for Bell. The sophomore belted an opposite field shot off the leftfield foul pole to give the Nittany Lions a crucial 5-3 lead. The grand slam was Penn State's first since Desi Giordano (West Caldwell, N.J.) hit one at Illinois (Mar. 22, 2009), the homer was Bell's fifth of the season as she went 2-for-5 in the game with a first-inning triple. Penn State got on the board in the third inning to tie the game at one when Kailyn Johnson (Yorba Linda, Calif.) singled home Alyssa Renwick (Laurens, S.C.) with two outs.

Non-conference results
Purdue 18, IUPUI 5
Purdue 11, IUPUI 1
Pittsburgh 5, Ohio State 2
Ohio State 4, Pittsburgh 3
Northwestern 8, Northern Illinois 2
Drake 2, Iowa 1
Louisville 1, Indiana 0
Illinois State 10, Illinois 6