Northwest Notes March 23, 2010

Maui Invite field strengthens

The EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, hosted by Chaminade University, furthered the tournament's reputation for perennial field strength as three teams that will play in Maui in November have advanced in to the Sweet 16: Kentucky, Michigan State and Washington.

Four of seven Division I teams in the Tournament's 2009 field, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt and Maryland, also received bids to the 2010 tournament, emphasizing the Maui Invitational's reputation as a barometer for postseason success. Overall, Maui Invitational participants comprise a remarkable 202 of 272 Final Four teams, 52 of 68 national runner-up spots and 52 of 68 NCAA champions.

Shock trim roster

The Spokane Shock announced that they have placed the following players on re-assignment: DB David Jones, WR Joey Hew-Len, OL Josh Leonard, QB Chris Crane, OL Mike Donato and OL Casey Bulyca. In another roster move, WR Aaron Fairooz - who was acquired in a trade from Dallas - was placed on Other League Exempt list after he signed a contract with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Shock will open the 2010 season on April 2 hosting the Milwaukee Iron on Spokane Tribe Field at 8 p.m. PST. Single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through TicketsWest. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 509 242 7462.