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Moline's Musings

Great Weekend on Campus

Posted by: Brian Moline

Friday, April 17, 2009 12:50 PM

There's certainly no shortage of things to do on the Illinois campus this weekend. The football team has an open practice tomorrow at Memorial Stadium followed by an autograph session. Plenty of games for the kids, as well.

We've heard about the Illinois men's tennis team for several years, and rightfully so with the outstanding program built by Craig Tiley and continued by current head coach Brad Dancer. Don't look now, but the women's tennis team is on the rise, too. Head coach Michelle Dasso is in her third season at the helm and has taken the program from the depths of a 1-9 Big Ten campaign in her first year to this year's 7-1 Big Ten mark with just two matches to play. Dasso will be my guest in the studio tonight on Sportstalk, and her Illini conclude the regular season with matches tomorrow and Sunday at Atkins Tennis Center. It's Michigan State tomorrow and #18 Michigan on Sunday. Both matches start at noon.

I had a nice conversation with softball coach Terri Sullivan on last night's Sportstalk program. The softball team hosts their sixth annual "World's Largest Softball Tailgate" at Eichelberger field tomorrow. Besides a great party, the softball should be exciting as well. The Michigan Wolverines are in town, and bring a top ten ranking with them. The Illini could use at least one win in the two-game series to solidify their NCAA Tournament chances. Tomorrow's game starts at 5 pm, with Sunday's first pitch scheduled for 2 pm. The gates open at 10 am for the tailgate.

Finally, the Illinois baseball team returns to Illinois Field this weekend for a three-game series against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota is ranked #23 this week in one of the national polls and is much improved over a season ago. The Illini are looking to bounce back after a pair of subpar efforts against in-state foes Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois.

No excuses for being bored this weekend! Get out and enjoy the warmer weather and support the Illini! Thanks for reading.

bmoline@wdws.com