Lakeland College head baseball coach Michael Bachar has announced the program's 2012 spring training baseball camp dates. On Feb. 19, the Muskies will welcome all students, grades 7-12, to the Lakeland College campus to take part in their annual camp.

The day will consist of two sessions: A pitching/catching session from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and a hitting session from 1-4 p.m. The cost for each session, pitching or hitting, is $50, however, campers can participate in both sessions for $75 total.

The pitching/catching session provides campers with mechanics, throwing off a mound and proper arm care. The hitting session is designed for campers to work on their technique, drills and approach to hitting.

For those who choose to participate in both sessions, pizza will be available for lunch.

"I'm excited to host my sixth consecutive camp at Lakeland College," said Bachar. "We've had great turnouts in the past and I expect this year to be more of the same. My coaching staff enjoys working with the campers and teaching the same fundamentals that we instill in our players."
For more information or to register, contact Bachar at 920-565-1411 or email bacharma@lakeland.edu.

The Muskies will take nine athletes to compete in the one-day meet. Senior Joey Salazar will highlight a talented team of sprinters, while Ryan Graves will compete in the 3000- and 5000-meter races and freshman Dylan Grimsrud will compete in the 400- and 800-meter contests.

Lakeland returns to the track on Saturday, Feb. 18, as the Muskies take part in the UW-Stevens Point Eastbay Invitational in Stevens Point, Wis. Events are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

To see what Lakeland head coach Peter Hahm expects from the first meet, click here.

The Muskies will be led by senior sprinter Joey Salazar (Beaver Dam, Wis.), who will compete in the 55-meter dash as well as the 200 and the 4 x 200 meter relay, and junior distance runner Ryan Graves (Munising, Mich.), who hopes to make impact in the 3000- and 5000-meter races.

Lakeland will be asking newcomers Dylan Grimsrud (Sheboygan, Wis.), Yaphay Harvey (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Patrick Johnson (Pontiac, Mich.) to bring some added depth and experience from the high school ranks to help solidify the team.

The women's track team has no returners competing in the indoor season, so junior Vashia Gordon (Green Bay, Wis.) leads a young group of talented freshmen in Veronica Lau (Germantown, Wis.) and Danielle Holzer (Plymouth, Wis.).

The Muskies will have six athletes making their collegiate debut this season, and Hahm hopes that their high school experience will translate into collegiate success.

Lakeland opens the track season with a trip to Platteville, Wis., where the Muskies will compete in the UW-Platteville Indoor meet on Feb. 11. On Feb. 18, the Muskies will take part in the UW-Stevens Point Eastbay Invitational, before taking part in the Northern Athletics Conference Indoor Championships at Carthage College on Feb. 25. Lakeland will also take part in three outdoor meets in April before closing the season with the NAC Outdoor Championships at Concordia University Chicago, May 4-5.

To see what Hahm expects this season, click here.

Eighth-year head coach Chad Buchmann has the team working hard to earn its sixth-straight bid to the Northern Athletics Conference Tournament. Last year, Buchmann led the Muskies with a fifth-place finish in the NAC with a 14-10 record, 15-26 overall.

Four All-NAC players return to the lineup this season including senior Leah Sheahan, juniors Heather Haeflinger and Jenny LaLuzerne and sophomore Sammy Rieder. LaLuzerne returns as the team's leading hitter with a .424 batting average and a .586 slugging percentage.

Sheahan led the team in runs scored (31) and posted a .330 batting average, while Haeflinger led the team in stolen bases (13) and was second on the team in hitting (.355).

The Muskies were second in the NAC in in triples (11), third in doubles (80) and fourth in home runs (16).

Buchmann is nearing the college's all-time wins record and needs 19 wins to surpass the record of 164 wins set by former head coach and current director of athletics Jane Bouche.

See what Buchmann has the team working on in the early-season practices: http://youtu.be/7pSlsR037Kg

See what Sheahan has in store for her senior year: http://youtu.be/lEKt5R8xlGI

Concordia University Wisconsin, Knox College, Maranatha Baptist Bible College and the Milwaukee School of Engineering will venture to Lakeland and join the host Muskies in hopes of winning the team and individual NWA championship titles.

Lakeland has claimed the last four NWA team titles and has its sights set on earning its fifth straight. Last year, senior Miguel Luis and junior Ryan Renon earned individual titles at the 174- and 165-pound weight class, respectively.

Competition begins at 9 a.m. and doors open to the public at 8:15 a.m. Admission to the tournament is $5 for all ages.

Lakeland will be live streaming video of the championship matches starting at approximately 1 p.m. You can view it here: http://lakeland.edu/Athletics/muskies_live.asp .

Fans can also follow live updates throughout the day through Track Wrestling: http://www.trackwrestling.com/opentournaments/VerifyPassword.jsp?tournamentId=55076

With the win, the Muskies (16-6, 11-5 NAC) extend their win streak to a season-high seven games. The Muskies also clinched a spot in the NAC tournament, returning after a one-year hiatus.

It wasn't all smooth sailing for Lakeland as they were once again plagued by a slow start, trailing by eight points, 20-12, six minutes into the game. The Muskies chipped away at the deficit and a Becky Mayo (Gladstone, Mich.) layup with 28 seconds left in the half tied the game at 26, the halftime score. The key to the Crusaders first half dominance was on the glass where they held a plus eight rebounding margin, 25-17. They were also able to force 12 Lakeland turnovers, which Maranatha Baptist converted into eight points.

The Muskies shot 35.5 percent (11-for-31) from the floor, 20 percent (1-for-5) from the 3-point line and just 50 percent (3-for-6) from the charity stripe. Mayo had a game-high eight points and eight rebounds in the half, keeping the Muskies in the game.

The defense held the Crusaders to just 34.5 percent (10-for-29) from the floor and didn't allow a 3-point basket in six attempts. Their solid play down the stretch kept Maranatha Baptist from stretching their lead.

The Muskies carried their late first-half success into the second, tying the game twice before taking the lead for good on another Mayo layup. Lakeland would lead by as many as 10 points on three separate occasions. While the Crusaders would finish the game on a 4-0 run, they weren't able to complete the comeback as time ran out.

The Muskies bench led the way in the second half, outscoring Maranatha Baptist's reserves 19-2 in the period. Lakeland used a 40 percent (14-for-35) shooting performance, including three 3-point baskets to seal the victory. The defense also stepped up, holding Maranatha to just 30 percent (12-for-40) shooting in the second half, again holding them scoreless from behind the arc.

Sophomore Leah Eisner (Stevens Point, Wis.) led Lakeland with eight second half points, while senior Alyssa Schuttenhelm (Waterford, Wis.) added six points. The perimeter defense was the key to the game, as Lakeland was 4-for-15 from deep, while the Crusaders went 0-for-15.

Mayo finished with a team-high 12 points and nine rebounds, while reserves Schuttenhelm and Eisner finished with 11 and eight points respectively. Sophomore Dana Henrichs (Fall Creek, Wis.) added nine points and five rebounds.

Senior Becca Tilleman (Green Bay, Wis.) recorded her 201st steal in tonight's contest, placing her second all-time behind 2002 graduate Jill Dewane (252).

Lakeland will look to improve its spot in the NAC tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11, as the Muskies host NAC North Division rival Marian University. Lakeland will also be hosting a "Pink Out" in support of breast cancer awareness, as well as honoring its seniors on senior day.

The Muskies (4-7, 2-3 WVC) showed hints of brilliance, but failed to finish and ultimately couldn't overcome their mistakes.

Lakeland was led offensively by freshman outside hitter Alec Redlich (Wauwatosa, Wis.) who had a team-high 22 kills and six aces. Senior middle hitter Beau Bradshaw (Oak Lawn, Ill.) finished with 12 kills, while freshman setter Dayton Erickson tallied 42 assists and added three aces.

The Lakeland defense tallied a total 50 digs, but it wasn't enough to get the win.

"We still aren't finishing matches," said Lakeland head coach Joe Julkowski. "We are playing great when are at our best, however, our low is very low. We get timid when other teams get fired up. We have to learn to play hard 100 percent of the time, especially when it's 13-13 in the final game."

Lakeland returns to the court on Sunday, Feb. 12, as the Muskies travel to face WVC opponent UW-La Crosse. The match begins at 2 p.m.

After Lakeland dropped its first two matches of the night, the Muskies battled back and won five straight matches to take a 21-10 lead with only three matches left. The Falcons used two decisions and a pin fall to earn a 22-21 victory over Lakeland, their first since Jan. 12, 2005.

Senior Robby Frias (Oak Lawn, Ill.) and junior Ryan Renon (Wrightstown) led the Muskies battle, as Frias earned a 10-1 major decision over Tim Grimm at the 149-pound weight class. Renon gave Lakeland a huge five-point margin when he earned his sixth technical fall of the year, this time a 17-1 decision over Casey Kenealy at 165.

Sophomore Brent Steudel (Hortonville) and freshmen Juan Diaz (Park Ridge, Ill.) and David Galarno (New Holstein) also earned victories for the Muskies. Diaz earned a forfeit at 141, while Steudel earned a 9-5 decision over Ricky Burns at 157. At 174, Galarno came from behind to earn a 9-5 decision over Jordan Semevolos.

See what Renon says about his sixth tech fall here: http://youtu.be/dOXIxmMYU7E

See what Frias says about senior night here: http://youtu.be/9fegbnv965I

Lakeland returns to the mats on Feb. 18 as they host the sixth NWA Tournament. Competition begins at 9 a.m. at the Wehr Center Fieldhouse.

125: Sean Ambrocio (CUW) major decision Grant Franson (LC), 14-3

133: Marcus Lubner (CUW) won by pin Eduardo Orihuela (LC), 5:56

141: Juan Diaz (LC) won by forfeit

149: Robby Frias (LC) won by major decision Tim Grimm (CUW), 10-1

157: Brent Steudel (LC) decision Ricky Burns (CUW), 9-5

165: Ryan Renon (LC) won by technical fall Casey Kenealy (CUW), 5:00, 17-1

174: David Galarno (LC) decision Jordan Semevolos (CUW), 9-5

184: Jake Reuteler (CUW) won by pin Miguel Luis (LC), 2:51

197: Shane Brandl (CUW) decision Vince Cardarelle (LC), 9-4

285: Seth Kilkelly (CUW) decision Tom Phalin (LC) 5-3

The Muskies (16-6, 10-4) and the Falcons (17-5, 12-2) opened the game with five back-to-back 3-pointers and quickly ran up the score in the first two minutes of the game. Lakeland built an eight-point lead after a hot start, but Concordia, Wis., quickly answered and tied the game at 20. The score tied five times before the Muskies went on a 19-10 run late in the half to take a 51-42 advantage heading into the locker room.

Lakeland led the entire second half and into the first overtime, but Concordia, Wis., battled back each time, before eventually taking a five-point lead in the second overtime. Mitchell Schneider gave the Falcons their first lead since the 4:31 mark in the first half when he hit a 3-pointer. Lakeland went cold in the second overtime and dropped its second game to the Falcons this season.

The loss puts Lakeland in third place in the Northern Athletics Conference North Division, while the Falcons remain alone at the top.

Junior Jake Schwarz recorded his ninth double-double of the season with a game-high 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead Lakeland. Sophomore Justin Ward also posted a double-double, including 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Schneider led Concordia, Wis., with 25 points, while Doedens finished with 24.

Lakeland returns to NAC action on Saturday as they host Marian University as part of a "Pink Out" and senior day double header with the women's team. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. for the women and 4:15 p.m. for the men.

Vercauteren, who competed at the 242-pound weight class in the Teen Division, lifted a total of 1,480 pounds, including 600 pounds in squat, 501 pounds in the dead lift and a state-record 380 pounds in the bench press.

Distinct from weightlifting, a sport made up of two lifts, powerlifting consists of three lifts: the squat, bench press and deadlift. Competitors get three attempts at each discipline with the highest lift counting towards the total.

The USAPL is a drug-free powerlifting organization that is a member of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), the governing body of powerlifting internationally. The IPF is comprised of member federations from eighty-three countries on six continents.

Vercauteren became interested in the sport in high school after realizing the importance for strength and mass on the football field.

"I've always wanted to be strong," said Vercauteren. "I remember watching the 1998 World's Strongest Man competition and wanting to be like that, so I started to get active in the sport and its stuck with me ever since."

Vercauteren was a senior in high school at his first competition and by the time he was ready for his second, he had invested in a squat suit and knee wraps. While there, he met Matt Gunville, one of Wisconsin's best raw lifters at the 242-pound class and a 2002 Lakeland College graduate.

"It was by chance that I met Matt," said Vercauteren. "He's been helping me out ever since and spends a lot of his own personal time training me. If it wasn't for Matt, I wouldn't still be in powerlifting."

The 6-foot-1 powerlifter will compete in his last Teen Division meet this June at the Badger Open Meet in Neenah, Wis. Vercauteren hopes to break the teen squat record of 625 pounds, extend his bench record to well-over 400 pounds, break the total weight record and even take a shot at the dead lift record, all before he turns 20-years-old on July 13.

"I'm not concerned with where I place," said Vercauteren. "I look to break records and always strive for personal bests."

The Muskies (15-6, 10-5 NAC) jumped out to a large first half lead and were able to withstand numerous runs from the Falcons to pull out the victory.

Lakeland was ready to play from the tip as the Muskies went on a 9-0 run, holding the Falcons (14-8, 13-3 NAC) scoreless for the first 4.5 minutes of the game. The Muskies built on their momentum, taking their largest lead, 35-16, with 3:48 left in the half. Lakeland would allow two free throws before halftime, taking a 16 point, 35-19 lead heading into the locker room. The 19 points are the lowest total in one half for the Falcons all season, while the 19 point deficit was also a high water mark on the year.

The Muskies built their lead by limiting the Falcons to just 28.6 percent (8-for-28) shooting, including an 0-for-5 mark from the 3-point line. Lakeland also forced eight turnovers, out-rebounded the Falcons 20-14 and the Muskies' reserves held a 19-4 advantage.

As a team, Lakeland shot 46.2 percent (12-for-26) from the field, 71.4 percent (5-for-7) from behind the arc and hit all six free throws in the half. Sophomore Aimee Thrune (Prairie du Sac, Wis.) had a team-high six points while fellow sophomore Jessica Genke (Kiel, Wis.) had a game-high five rebounds.

The roles reversed in the second half as the Falcons opened on a 7-0 run, cutting the lead to nine points, 35-26. The Muskies were held scoreless for seven minutes before senior Alyssa Schuttenhelm (Waterford, Wis.) got a layup at the 13:08 mark. Concordia Wisconsin would make it close with a 13-2 run to close the Lakeland lead to two, 45-43, with 2:22 left in the game. The game remained in the balance until senior Becca Tilleman (Green Bay, Wis.) hit two free throws with five seconds left to give the Muskies a 54-50 lead they would not relinquish.

Concordia Wisconsin shot just 35.1 percent (13-for-37) in the second half, but the Falcons held the Muskies to just 19 points on 24 percent (6-for-25) shooting. The game was won at the free throw line as Lakeland went 7-for-9 from the charity stripe in the half while the Falcons attempted just four free throws, making three.

Lakeland failed to have a double figure scorer for the first time all season as Leah Eisner (Stevens Point, Wis.), Dana Henrichs (Fall Creek, Wis.) and Genke all finished with eight points, while Genke finished with a game-high 12 rebounds.

Lakeland returns to action on Thursday, Feb. 9, as the Muskies look to extend their win streak and avenge an early season loss against Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wis. Tip is 5 p.m.

To see what Becca Tilleman had to say about the team's huge victory, click here.

To see what Lakeland head coach Lindsey Vande Hoef thought about her team's toughness, click here.

Junior Jake Schwarz and junior Leah Eisner have been named the college's Muskies of the Week for their performances in action last week. Read about their success below.

Jake Schwarz

Junior Jake Schwarz garnered Muskie of the Week honors for the fourth time this season after helping the Lakeland College men's basketball team stay in the race for a Northern Athletics Conference North Division championship.

Schwarz averaged a double-double for the week, including 29 points per game on 18-for-34 shooting and 11 rebounds per game. He scored game-highs in both the Muskies' games last week, including 32 points and 12 rebounds in a 101-92 win over Benedictine University on Feb. 4.

On Jan. 31, the 6-foot-5 forward scored 26 points and recorded 10 rebounds in an 86-81 loss to rival Edgewood College. Schwarz, who leads the NAC in free throw percentage (88.9) and is 11th in the nation, hit 18-of-19 free throws.

The Sheboygan, Wis., has recorded eight double-doubles this season and leads the NAC in points per game (25.1), points (528) and defensive rebounds (147). Nationally, he ranks sixth in scoring and 3-point field goal percentage (48.3).

For his efforts last week, Schwarz was named NAC men's basketball student-athlete of the week for the fifth time this season.

See what Schwarz says about his performances last week: http://youtu.be/5BdUXhJ9HGo

Schwarz is majoring in business management and marketing and minoring in resort management.

Here's a look into Jake's personality:

Favorites:

TV: "Chappelle Show"
Movie: "Law Abiding Citizen"
Music: Rap

Q. What has been your proudest basketball moment?
A: Scoring over 1,000 career points.

Q: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?
A: Dwight Howard.

Q: It's almost NAC Tournament time, what's your favorite part about the tournament?
A: The upsets.

Q: What has been the best job you've ever had?
A: Working for the family business.

Leah Eisner

Sophomore Leah Eisner garnered Muskie of the Week honors for the second time this season after two solid performances in crucial Northern Athletics Conference games.

The 6-foot-1 center was one of four players to score in double figures against Wisconsin Lutheran College. Her 10 points and seven rebounds were a big reason the Muskies was able to hand the Warriors their first conference loss of the season. On Saturday against Benedictine, Eisner scored 10 points, all in the second half, including six consecutive points that gave the Muskies the lead.

The Stevens Point, Wis., native averaged 10 points and five rebounds in two games, while shooting 57.1 percent (8-for-14) from the field and hitting all four of her free throw attempts.

Eisner is majoring in criminal justice.

See what Eisner says about her performance: http://youtu.be/h0I2D0Gtf34

Here's a look into Leah's personality:

Favorites:
TV: "Law and Order"
Movie: "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry"
Music: Country and rap

Q: What's been your most memorable moment this season?
A: Beating the top competition in the conference and the Florida trip.

Q: What is the most exciting part about the NAC tournament?
A: The chance to make it to the NCAA tournament and play spoiler.

Q: Who has influenced your game the most in your life?
A: My grandpa.

Q: Which coach would win in a game of knockout and why?
A: Coach Fett, because she has the best shot and she shoots the most in practice.

Lakeland hosts the Falcons of Concordia University Wisconsin on Wednesday in a 7 p.m. dual. The team will honor its two seniors, Robby Frias and Miguel Luis, as well as junior Ryan Renon for their dedication to the wrestling program.

Lakeland dropped a 27-15 decision to the Milwaukee School of Engineering in NWA action on Feb. 3. Earning decisions for the Muskies were Frias, Luis, Renon and sophomore Grant Franson.

The Muskies hope to carry a NWA dual win over Concordia, Wis., as the team prepares to make a run at its fifth-straight team win at the NWA Tournament. This year's tournament is hosted by Lakeland.

Schwarz garnered the award after averaging a double-double, including 29 points per game on 18-for-34 shooting and 11 rebounds per game. He scored game-highs in both the Muskies' games last week, including 32 points and 12 rebounds in a 101-92 win over Benedictine University on Feb. 4.

The Sheboygan, Wis., native finished 18-for-19 from the free throw line and led the Lakeland College men's basketball team to a 1-1 mark in last week's play and will look to help lead the team past Concordia University Wisconsin on Wednesday night.

The 6-foot-5 forward has tallied eight double-doubles this season, which ranks 41st nationally. He is the nation's sixth leading scorer (25.1), is sixth in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage (48.3) and is 11th in free throw percentage (88.9).

Schwarz has scored 1,451 points and currently sits at 11th all-time on Lakeland's career scoring list.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with everyone at Lakeland and take the programs to the next step," said Galla. "I look forward to taking over both programs and establishing them as top contenders in Division III, as well as in the conference."

At Central Methodist, Galla helped established the women's program as a competitor, taking the Lady Eagles from a 3-12-3 overall mark in the 2010-11 season to a 14-3-2 record in the 2011-12 season. He led the Lady Eagles to a 4-2-1 record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and a No. 3 seed in the HAAC Tournament.

Galla brings seven years of coaching experience at various club soccer teams in Missouri. He served as head coach for the Columbia Pride U-18 Boys' team and an assistant coach for the 1996 Girl's Olympic Development Program (ODP) team. Gala holds his USSF "D" License, and in June 2010 he earned his NSCAA National Diploma.

A native of St. Charles, Mo., Gala was a four-year letter winner at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., and was the backbone of the Owls' defense.

"Adam has a great mix of collegiate and club experience that will serve him well as he leads our programs," said Lakeland athletic director Jane Bouche. "He helped turn the women's program around at Central Methodist, and now we give him the reins of our programs as we look to make a move in our conference."

At Lakeland, Galla inherits a women's program that has struggled over the past three seasons, including a 5-14 overall mark last season, including 4-8 in the Northern Athletics Conference. The Muskies haven't had a winning record since the 2008 season and haven't made post-season play since the NAC's inaugural season in 2006.

On the men's side, Galla takes over a team that is on the steady rise. The Muskies finished last season with a 5-4-2 NAC record, 8-7-5 overall and just missed post-season play. Lakeland looks to return to the NAC Tournament after a two-year hiatus.

Galla earned his master's degree of education from Central Methodist in 2011 and earned a bachelors in social work from William Woods in 2007.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Lakeland community and I am ready to get started," said Galla.

Last week, the Muskies extended their win streak to five games, going 2-0. On Wednesday, Lakeland handed Wisconsin Lutheran College its first conference loss of the season, 77-62. Lakeland was led offensively by Jessica Genke (Kiel, Wis.) who had 14 points and seven rebounds, while Dana Henrichs (Fall Creek, Wis.) added 13 points to pace the Muskies.

On Saturday, the Muskies erased a 19-point deficit to defeat Benedictine University, 57-55. Becca Tilleman (Green Bay, Wis.), Leah Eisner (Stevens Point, Wis.) and Henrichs each scored 10 points and Genke grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the team.

The Muskies enter the week two games ahead of Marian University for third place in the NAC North and will be looking to solidify that spot as teams begin to look toward the conference tournament in late February.

Lakeland's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be hosting a "Pink Out" on Saturday. To read about the Muskies effort to raise awareness for breast cancer, click here.

To see what head coach Lindsey Vande Hoef believes are the keys to victory this week, click here.

Last week, Lakeland traveled to Marquette University in Milwaukee to take part in the Midwest 10 play day. The Muskies finished the day 2-4, losing to No. 1 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, No. 22 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, No. 14 Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University. Their two victories came against Iowa State and Ball State.

Freshman Alec Redlich (Wauwatosa, Wis.) led the Muskies offense with a tournament-best 58 kills, while fellow freshman Braden Woods (Downers Grove, Ill.) added 39 kills. Senior Andrew Cheever (Greenfield, Wis.) led Lakeland's defense with 48 digs.

For full results, stats and a tournament recap, click here.

To see what Lakeland head coach Joe Julkowski believes his team needs to improve, click here.

The 16-5 Muskies used a 101-92 win in over Benedictine University in cross-division play on Feb. 4 to stay in the North Division race and now heads to North leader Concordia University Wisconsin on Wednesday for one of the biggest games of the season.

The Muskies and Falcons tipoff at 7 p.m. in the R. John Buuck Field House in Mequon, Wis. Live stats and video are available for Wednesday's game. Live stats can be found here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/46422793/XLIVE.HTM and video streaming can be found here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cuw-falcons .

In their first meeting this season, Concordia, Wis., pulled out a narrow 70-69 win over the Muskies.

On Saturday, Lakeland enters the Pink Zone and honors its seniors against rival Marian University in a double header with the women's team. Game times are 2 p.m. for the women and 4:15 for the men in the Moose and Dona Woltzen Gymnasium.

Lakeland College will be hosting a "Pink Out" on Saturday, Feb. 11, as the men's and women's basketball teams, in association with the Lakeland Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), join over 1,800 participants across the nation to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

The fans, players and officials will be donning pink as part of the "Play 4Kay" initiative, which is committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against women's cancers. Nationally, the 2012 "Play 4Kay" initiative is February 10-20. Kay Yow, a Hall of Fame women's basketball coach at North Carolina State for the U.S. Olympic team, was diagnosed with breast cancer and led a national campaign against the disease. She died in 2009.

At Lakeland, the "Pink Out" centers on the basketball doubleheader against Marian University at 2 and 4:15 p.m. in the Moose and Dona Woltzen Gymnasium.

SAAC has collected several raffle prizes, pink face paint will be available, along with pink t-shirts, pink cupcakes and information designed to increase breast cancer awareness.

SAAC members will also be asking for fans to join in the "3-point shoot for a cure" initiative. Fans are invited to pledge money for every 3-pointer made in the two games.

All proceeds from Lakeland's "Pink Out" will be donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, a charitable organization committed to raising money for scientific cancer research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.

Members of Lakeland's women's basketball team will wear pink t-shirts during pre-game warm-ups. Coaches will wear pink, and the game officials will use pink whistles.

The Lakeland College athletics website will also turn pink beginning Monday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 12. Lakeland has a team page set up so fans can make a donation to help support the cause. It can be accessed here.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on Dec. 3, 2007, and has raised more than $1.3 million for scientific research focused on women's cancers. Kay Yow's goal was to one day raise $5 million through the "Play 4Kay" initiative. This year's goal is $1 million and everyone can help.

Click here to see what SAAC faculty adviser Lindsey Vande Hoef has to say about this year's event.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with everyone at Lakeland and take the programs to the next step," said Galla. "I look forward to taking over both programs and establishing them as top contenders in Division III, as well as in the conference."

At Central Methodist, Galla helped established the women's program as a competitor, taking the Lady Eagles from a 3-12-3 overall mark in the 2010-11 season to a 14-3-2 record in the 2011-12 season. He led the Lady Eagles to a 4-2-1 record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and a No. 3 seed in the HAAC Tournament.

Galla brings seven years of coaching experience at various club soccer teams in Missouri. He served as head coach for the Columbia Pride U-18 Boys' team and an assistant coach for the 1996 Girl's Olympic Development Program (ODP) team. Gala holds his USSF "D" License, and in June 2010 he earned his NSCAA National Diploma.

A native of St. Charles, Mo., Gala was a four-year letter winner at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., and was the backbone of the Owls' defense.

"Adam has a great mix of collegiate and club experience that will serve him well as he leads our programs," said Lakeland athletic director Jane Bouche. "He helped turn the women's program around at Central Methodist, and now we give him the reins of our programs as we look to make a move in our conference."

At Lakeland, Galla inherits a women's program that has struggled over the past three seasons, including a 5-14 overall mark last season, including 4-8 in the Northern Athletics Conference. The Muskies haven't had a winning record since the 2008 season and haven't made post-season play since the NAC's inaugural season in 2006.

On the men's side, Galla takes over a team that is on the steady rise. The Muskies finished last season with a 5-4-2 NAC record, 8-7-5 overall and just missed post-season play. Lakeland looks to return to the NAC Tournament after a two-year hiatus.

Galla earned his master's degree of education from Central Methodist in 2011 and earned a bachelors in social work from William Woods in 2007.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Lakeland community and I am ready to get started," said Galla.

The Muskies (4-6 overall, 2-2 WVC) lost their first two matches of the day, falling to defending national champions and first-ranked UW-Oshkosh, 2-0 (23-25, 19-25), followed by a 2-0 (22-25, 24-26) loss to No. 22 UW-Milwaukee, both WVC members. In their second set of matches, Lakeland lost to No. 14 Northern Illinois University 2-0 (23-25, 22-25), then won their first match of the day, defeating Iowa St. 2-1 (26-24, 19-25, 15-7). In their final two matches the Muskies went 1-1, losing to Illinois St. 2-1 (20-25, 25-22, 11-15) before winning their final match over Ball St. 2-1 (19-25, 25-17, 15-10).

Against UW-Oshkosh freshman Alec Redlich (Wauwatosa, Wis.) led the Muskies with eight kills while senior libero Andrew Cheever (Greenfield, Wis.) had seven digs. In their second match against UW-Milwaukee, senior Beau Bradshaw (Oak Lawn, Ill.) and freshman Braden Woods (Downers Grove, Ill.) each recorded seven kills. Woods had a hitting percentage of .875, which would be a team record but he didn't record 15 attempts.

Against Northern Illinois Redlich led the team with 12 kills and Cheever led the defense with 12 digs. In the team's first win Redlich had another 12 kills and recorded six aces, two behind 2010 graduate, first-year head coach, Joe Julkowski for most aces in a match. Cheever added 11 digs.

In the loss to Illinois State Redlich again led the team with 13 kills, while Bradshaw and senior Dan Sheets-Poling (Plainfield, Ill.) each added seven kills. Freshman setter Dayton Erickson (Trevor, Wis.) had 35 assists. In the Muskies second win, sophomore Matt Bilinski (Batavia, Ill.) led the team with 11 kills, hitting .667. Redlich added 10 kills and Woods finished with eight kills. Sophomore Ralph Kokoszka (Palos Heights, Ill.) tallied seven kills.

"We made every match close today, we just couldn't finish," said Lakeland head coach Joe Julkowski. "If one aspect of our game was off, the others followed. We weren't able to pick each other up. We need to learn how to finish our matches and win games when we don't have our best game."

Redlich led the tournament with 58 kills, while Woods was second on the team with 39 kills. Cheever finished with 48 digs.

Lakeland returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 8, as the Muskies travel to Whitewater, Wis. to face Wisconsin Volleyball Conference foe, UW-Whitewater. The match begins at 8 p.m.

Lakeland was led by Junior Jake Schwarz (Sheboygan) who recorded his second double-double of the week with a game-high 32 points and 12 rebounds.

The Muskies (16-5, 10-3 NAC) controlled nearly the entire first half and used on a 20-5 run to take a 17-point lead, their largest of the half at the 4:02 mark. In the final seconds of the half, senior Eric Vandivier (Mt. Prospect, Ill.) drove to the lane and found Schwarz open under the basket to make it a 51-36 Lakeland advantaged at half.

Benedictine, who came into today's game as the South Division leader, used a 26-14 run to cut Lakeland's led to five with 2:06 remaining in the game. Vandivier iced the game for the Muskies when he converted on four free throw attempts to make the lead 10 with 17 seconds left.

Vandivier finished with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds, while sophomores Stan McKenzie (Racine) and Justin Ward (Wisconsin Dells) chipped in with 14 points apiece.

The Muskies shot an impressive 91.7 percent from the free throw line in a game that saw 51 fouls called.

The win puts Lakeland back into the race for a North Division championship as it moved into second place along with Edgewood College (16-5,10-3), who fell to Aurora University today.

See what Vandivier and McKenzie say about their performances tonight: http://youtu.be/6h5LKPThn-M

Lakeland returns to NAC action on Feb. 8 as they hit the road to take on the Falcons of Concordia University Wisconsin in another key NAC North game. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. in Mequon, Wis.

The Muskies (14-6, 9-5 NAC) trailed for most of the game, however, solid defense and aggressive post play enabled Lakeland to come away with the win.

Lakeland started slow, shooting just 25 percent (7-for-28) from the floor in the first half, while Benedictine was ready to play, taking an early 10-point lead that they would stretch to 19 on two separate occasions. Senior Becca Tilleman (Green Bay, Wis.) would score five of the teams seven points before the half to cut the lead to 12, 32-20, at halftime.

Benedictine took advantage of a poor defensive effort by the Muskies, shooting 52 percent (13-for-25) from the floor and 66.7 percent (4-for-6) from the 3-point line. The Eagle dominated inside, outscoring the Muskies 10-4 in the paint and holding a 24-to-11 rebounding edge.

The second half looked to be more of the same as the Lakeland offense continued to struggle and the defense lagged. The Eagles held a 14-point, 46-32, lead with 9:23 to play when Lakeland finally got in a groove. The Muskies used a 16-2 run over the next six minutes to tie the game at 48, with 3:25 to play. Lakeland hit three of their final four free throws to get the victory.

Sophomore Leah Eisner (Stevens Point, Wis.) led the Lakeland attack, scoring 10 points in the second half, including six straight to take the lead. Sophomore Jessica Genke (Kiel, Wis.) added seven points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

As a team Lakeland shot 50 percent (13-for-26) from the floor and 78.6 percent (11-for-14) from the free throw line and the defense stepped up, holding the Eagles to just 22 percent (7-for-32) shooting in the second half.

Junior Dana Henrichs (Fall Creek, Wis.), along with Tilleman and Eisner, finished with 10 points, while Genke added nine points and 12 rebounds.

"I'm really proud of how the girls came back and fought for the win," said Lakeland head coach Lindsey Vande Hoef. "I hope we can learn from today and be more mentally ready to play this season."

Lakeland returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 7, as the Muskies host rival Concordia University Wisconsin in a big NAC North division contest. Tip is 7 p.m.

To see what Eisner and Tilleman have to say about the win, click here.