As the University of Michigan men’s lacrosse team begins its first season as a varsity program, the Wolverines have partnered with Big Ten rivals Penn State and Ohio State to form the Creators Trophy.

The trophy will be awarded to the school that holds the best head-to-head record between the three teams. If the teams finish with the same head-to-head records, the trophy will remain with the team that held it in the previous season.

"As the new kid on the block I’m very thankful to coach Myers (OSU) and coach Tambroni (PSU) for waiting to include us in what we all think will become an incredible tradition," Michigan coach John Paul said.

The trophy was created to promote sportsmanship while encouraging competition between the three Big Ten schools. Also the schools want to acknowledge the history of the sport.

On Saturday, the Wolverines lost to Penn State, 16-9, in the first meeting between to the two schools as varsity programs.

Michigan and EMU athletes collect weekly awards

Two athletes from Michigan and one from EMU have been honored as weekly awards winners for their performances over the last week.

Michigan men’s gymnast Sam Mikulak has been selected as the Big Ten’s Gymnast of the Week for the second consecutive week. Mikulak earned the award after his performance at the Ohio State and SUNY-Brockport tri-meet on Feb. 18.

Mikulak dominated, taking first place in high bar (15.40), parallel bars (15.30), vault (15.30) and rings (15.10). Overall, Mikulak won the all-around title with a score of 90.00, marking the third time he has scored more than 90 points.

EMU women’s basketball player Tavelyn James was named the MAC West Player of the Week for the sixth time this season and the eighth time in her career.

James averaged 29.5 points per game lastweek as the Eagles defeated conference rivals Western Michigan and Northern Illinois. James has continued to climb the all-time scoring list in the MAC history. She is 98 points behind Ohio’s Caroline Mast for second all-time.

Finally, U-M freshman softball pitcher Haylie Wagner has been named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week and Freshman of the Week. Wagner went 2-0 last weekend and didn’t surrender a run in 14 innings. Wagner also had two hits, drove in two runs and scored the first run of her career.

Michigan women’s basketball to hold senior night Thursday

When the Michigan women’s basketball team takes the floor Thursday night to face Purdue, it could be the final time that seniors Courtney Boylan, Carmen Reynolds and Jamillya Hardley play in front of fans at Crisler Center.

A special ceremony will be conducted after the game to honor the trio for their time and effort during their four years at Michigan. The women will address the crowd after the game.

Upcoming home schedule:

Thursday:

Michigan women’s basketball - 6 p.m. vs. Purdue at Crisler Center

Saturday:

Eastern Michigan women’s basketball - 2 p.m. vs. Ball State at Convocation Center

Eastern Michigan men’s basketball - 4:30 p.m. vs. Ball State at Convocation Center

Michigan men’s basketball - 6 p.m. vs. Purdue at Crisler Center