Sports briefs

Preds keep Tootoo in the fold

Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced Thursday the club has signed forward Jordin Tootoo, the team's fourth-round selection (98th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

In keeping with club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. Tootoo posted 74 points (35 goals, 39 assists) in 51 games this past season for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, tying him atop the team's scoring list.

The 5-9, 193-pound forward, who hails from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, also led the Wheat Kings in penalty minutes (216) and was named Brandon's Most Popular Player for the fourth consecutive year.

Tootoo is expected to attend the Nashville Predators' rookie conditioning camp, scheduled for June 24-29 in Nashville.

Vanderbilt golf eliminated from NCAAs

The Vanderbilt golf team failed to break into the top 18 Thursday, thus will not advance to the final round of the NCAA Golf Tournament hosted by Oklahoma State. Vandy finished the tournament 25th at 66-over par.

The cutoff for the top 18 was 55-over. It was the best day of the tournament for Vanderbilt, shooting a 9-over par 297 for the day. Brandt Snedeker, Mark Donnell and Lance Goodson all shot 1-over 73s. Craig Dunlap ended the day at 6-over, while Ben McClung finished the third round with an 81.

Dream one win from playoffs

The Nashville Dream (4-2) heads into the final two games of the season needing one win to assure a spot in the National Women