Michigan Softball begins Fall practice

Earlier today Fall practice began for the 40th team in Michigan Softball history.

Some new faces put on the Block M helmet for the first time today, and they were signed to fill the vacancies left by arguably the best senior class in Michigan history.

Let's go over those freshmen-

• #5 Abby Skvarce, Catcher from Clarkston, MI
• #7 Madison Uden, Middle Infielder from Glendale, AZ
• #22 Thais Gonzalez, Outfielder from Boca Raton, FL
• #32 Haley Hoogenraad, Outfielder from Zeeland, MI

The one most likely to see the field very early is Skvarce who is in a major position of need and question. Michigan went 52-7 last season, and in 4 of those losses our inability to throw out runners likely cost us the game. 

Skvarce has been described by local softball coach and poster MGoSoftball as having a "rocket arm", something we have lacked since all-world Lauren Sweet graduated in 2015. 

It's going to be a three-player race between Skvarce and sophomores Alex Sobczak and Katie Alexander. Aidan Falk started most of last season, yes. But her natural position is more 1B than C. She was likely only the starter last season because she usually didn't give up passed balls and was solid in her time stepping in for injured Sweet in her freshman season in 2015.

If Madison Uden has a familiar last name, it's because her sister Taylor is a Junior at Indiana and arguably their best player. Madison is a middle infielder and was a Top-100 recruit nationally per Flo Softball. 

She was signed to succeed (NOT replace) the absolute legend Sierra Romero. Romero was pretty good at softball in case you missed it. Given Abby Ramirez has played both SS and 2B in her career, Uden could be at either position.

After mulling it over recently, I personally don't expect her to start this year. I think sophomore Faith Canfield is the favorite to start in the vacant spot in the middle at 2B. She played a little bit at 3B last year when we were beating teams up, but she will not be starting over a senior Monte.

Our other two freshmen are preferred walk ons. Thais Gonzalez and Haley Hoogenraad are both outfielders who will probably be used as pinch runners. Hoogenraad especially, as she was a track star in high school and is reportedly a burner. Don't sleep on PWOs in this program, as one that just graduated *only* rose from PWO to scholarship starter to First Team All-B1G. 

There are two outfield spots up for grabs. Look for sophomore Natalie Peters to start for sure. The other OF is a bit of a mystery right now that is somewhat concerning. The only experienced true outfielder headed into Fall is Courtney Richardson. For some reason earlier I listed Amanda Vargas as an OF based on a fuzzy memory of her playing some LF in substitution last year but that was wrong. Christner sliding into CF makes sense since you generally want someone experienced at CF, leading the outfield.

Michigan lost 5th year senior and #2 pitcher Sara Driesenga, so now is the time for junior Tera Blanco to finally step up and be a starting pitcher that is under the spotlight. She was a big time recruit that was brought in to pitch, and has only seen PT in early season games or blowouts. IMO, it is the absolute KEY to this team for her to become a legit #2 pitcher. She has the tools to do it as we all saw her throw some pretty nasty Ks last year.

Life without Romero is gonna be interesting. Hopefully it's more of the same as it was prior to her arrival: World Series runs and B1G Championships.

SBW and MGoSoftball will have more in-depth previews as the season nears. I just thought I'd post a little primer since practice began today.

Here is MY projected starting lineup, pre-Fall games. 

P- Megan Betsa, SR; Tera Blanco, JR; Leah Crockett, SO
C: Abby Skvarce, FR
1B: Aidan Falk, JR*
2B: Faith Canfield, SO
SS: Abby Ramirez, SR
3B: Lindsey Montemarano, SR
OF: Natalie Peters, SO
CF: Kelly Christner, SR
OF: Courtney Richardson, SO
DP: Tera Blanco, JR*

*When Betsa/Crockett are starting, I expect Blanco to be at 1B and Falk to be at DP. Tera was only an All-American there. 

Michigan has fall games where we'll find out more about the lineup and just what this team looks like without the Sierras. 

Michigan will head up to Traverse City for the annual tournament later this month.