The Rouser

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Nishanth Kavuru
March 01, 2026

March is finally here and I couldn’t be more excited! March Madness, Big Ten tournaments and WCHA playoffs are close to starting, or have started. And baseball! Gophers baseball and softball have had a good start (stories soon) and MLB spring training brings exciting news, along with the much-anticipated World Baseball Classic.

Happy Sunday,

Megan Davis | Sports Editor | [email protected]

In the Spotlight

Senior captain Nelli Laitinen was selected to play for Finland in the 2026 Olympics, but came back to the Gophers without a medal. | Photo courtesy of the University of Minnesota.

Back from Milan, Nelli Laitinen looks to lead Gophers women’s hockey into the postseason

by Samantha Roering | Published February 27, 2026

Finland’s women’s hockey team ended in heartbreak two weeks ago. Their tournament was cut short by a 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Switzerland.

Now, Finland alternate captain and Gophers senior captain Nelli Laitinen is back in Minnesota — preparing for a smaller stage than the Olympics, but one with a similar level of urgency.

“It’s a new season with the playoffs beginning,” Laitinen said. “Nothing is guaranteed.”

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From the Bullpen

Gophers men’s hockey split No. 2 Michigan series on the road

By Gabby Hanson | Junior Sports Reporter

Following the series loss against Penn State University, head coach Bob Motzko said the Gophers last three games have been the epitome of how the season has gone, moments of strong play mixed with missed opportunities.

Gophers men’s basketball knock down Rutgers with plenty of 3s

By Gabby Hanson | Junior Sports Reporter

Senior Langston Reynolds ended the game with 19 points. Reynolds built the momentum for the Gophers early in the game with his ability to drive to the basket, regardless of the Rutgers defense.