With the weather finally starting to heat up, our sports teams have been trying to do the same. The men’s lacrosse team has continued their hot start to win four of five and begin conference play at 2-0. On the women’s side, the ladies got their first win of the year against Roger Williams last week and have two home conference games the weekend of April 7.

On the base paths, the guys began conference play against Colby-Sawyer in their home opening doubleheader with two defensive showdowns and outscoring their opponent seven to two. For softball, common opposition was a relief after their tough road trip to start the year. Back to back wins at Skidmore and home to Green Mountain has them ready for the long road ahead.

The turn from March to April signifies more than just the arrival of spring. The NCAA Tournament is in full gear as the Final Four is set for this weekend. The most ‘shocking’ team still in the running is Wichita State, who took out the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Elite Eight to reach Atlanta.

Although college athletes going to the NBA after a year or two needs to be changed, it has made the yearly betting bonanza called the NCAA Tournament more exciting. The compatibility between teams allowed 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast to make the Sweet 16 and 9 seed Wichita State make it all the way to the Final Four. There was still plenty of skill in this tournament and it always masks the bigger problems in college basketball.

April also means the boys of summer are back. Baseball began on Sunday with the Texas Rangers playing the American League rookie Houston Astros. Being a Yankee fan, this season could unfortunately be a long one. With all the injuries to start the year, I find it difficult for them to reach the playoffs. My pick in the American League is the Detroit Tigers. With Justin Verlander signing that massive extension and Victor Martinez returning from injury, they have a great mix of pitching and power to survive in October.

The National league is much more wide open. The Washington Nationals should have Stephen Strasberg for the entire season and Bryce Harper improving on an impressive rookie season. The Giants will also be in contention along with their division rival Dodgers. In the NL Central, I see no reason why the Reds will not reclaim their crown.

Finally, April means The Masters. Thoughts of pristine fairways, white bunkers, and Augusta National terminology such as ‘First Nine or patrons’ give me goose bumps. There is no better golf tournament. The Masters is four days you cannot miss. There is almost no way to describe the most prestigious and coveted Green Jacket you receive if you win. It may be one of the ugliest jackets, but I wouldn’t complain
if I won.