5/9/06- Michigan Regular Season Recap

The Michigan Wolverines entered the 2006 season as defending national champions in college softball. Becoming the first team east of the Mississippi River was a big accomplishment last year. The Wolverines had big shoes and expectations to fill, and provided Michigan and softball fans with some excellent hitting, pitching, and coaching to lead to a second place finish in the Big Ten and a national ranking of 12.

The Michigan softball team began their season at GRU Classic in Gainesville, Florida on February 17-19. They exited Gainesville winning three of the five games, including a 10-2 mercy of #21 ranked DePaul Blue Demons. Next was the NFCA Leadoff Classic. The Lady Wolverines walked away from that experience with five wins; two of those at #13 Georgia Bulldogs and a 1-0 win over the #17 Auburn Tigers.

Michigan would then visit Tallahassee, Florida for the Sunshine State Tournament. They walked away with a first place finish in the event, beating Maryland once and Florida State twice. The next task for Coach Hutch’s team was the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, California. This featured a total of four teams ranked in the top 15. Michigan was able to beat Cat Osterman and #4 ranked Texas Longhorns which was the highlight of the trip.

The next excursion was into Louisville, Kentucky for the Louisville Classic. The Wolverines were able to win all four games which included victories over Eastern Michigan, #20 Louisville, Middle Tennessee State, and a 10-0 romp over Toledo. With an 18-9 record, Michigan entered the Big Ten season. Many nail bitters were in check. The Lady Wolverines began conference action with sweeps of Minnesota and Indiana. Michigan then played Purdue and Iowa, highlighted by a 14-0 romp of the Boilermakers. Michigan was able to tally four straight wins. That might have been the craziest four wins they could manage. In their second game with Central Michigan, the Chippewas battled the Wolverines for 18 innings. Michigan finally ended it as Stephanie Bercaw hit a two run shot in the bottom of the 18th. Michigan snatched two away from Ohio State in the following days and then was able to ride a three game winning streak into the all so important doubleheader with Big Ten leading Northwestern. They split that series, losing the first and winning the second.

The University of Michigan softball team, led by senior pitcher Jennie Ritter and timely hitting from Becky Marx, ended the regular season on a positive note; winning four straight. Michigan now plays the Big Ten Tournament this weekend (May 11-13) in Evanston, Illinois in hope of a NCAA Tournament bid. If they do indeed receive a bid to extend their season, they would play the NCAA regional on May 19-21. The NCAA Super Regional will be played over May 26 and May 27. Where Michigan ended their magical season last year, the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Don Porter ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma will be played through the dates of June 1st and June 7th.

Michigan Final Regular Season Record- 37-13 | Big Ten Record- 14-4

Go Blue!

Alex Brooks