Michigan Softball Season Starts Tomorrow
Michigan Softball, ranked #19 in preseason polls, starts its season tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 8th). The Wolverines head to Tampa to play in the Wilson-Demarini Tournament against NC State and Arizona (#7) on Friday, followed by Florida (#5) and USF on Saturday. They wrap up on Sunday against Illinois State. It does not appear that games will be televised, but there may be live audio or video streams that pop up during the weekend. Tournament times and links are here --> https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/2/5/softball-wolverines-kick-off-2019-at-annual-wilson-demarini-tournament.aspx?path=softball
Next weekend the Wolverines travel to Baton Rouge for the Big 10/ACC Challenge, playing Louisville and North Carolina.
MGoBlue had a great Q&A with Coach Hutchens (35th year) today on the upcoming season. Link --> https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/2/7/hutch-q-a-what-to-look-for-in-2019-michigan-softball-season.aspx
There is also a nice profile on ace pitcher, Meghan Beaubien. Link --> https://mgoblue.com/news/2019/2/5/softball-placeholder-2.aspx?path=softball
If you can't find a broadcast or stream, the @umichsoftball Twitter page provides continuous updates through games, so you can keep track of how the game is going. Here's to a good start to the season! Good luck ladies. Bring back some nice warm weather. Go Blue!
February 7th, 2019 at 3:26 PM ^
19th!? Get it together, Hutch!
/s
February 7th, 2019 at 4:24 PM ^
That's about right, I'd say. With the lackluster offense last year and questions surrounding the pitching, they've got a lot to show in order to move up. Could easily be a 2-3 weekend with losses to Florida, USF, and Arizona. My prediction is 3-2 - I think they'll take care of USF.
February 7th, 2019 at 4:01 PM ^
Now why would the B1G/ACC Challenge be in Baton Rouge?
February 7th, 2019 at 4:08 PM ^
Yeah, I wondered that myself. They could have it Miami or Tallahassee. It's just as warm in those spots, probably.
February 7th, 2019 at 4:27 PM ^
The post is incorrect, next weekend the team is in Chapel Hill (logically). Interestingly enough, though, for the other poster that asked why they couldn't play at FSU or Miami, FSU is not in the challenge, and Miami doesn't have a softball team.
February 7th, 2019 at 5:08 PM ^
Thanks for the update. I looked at the week after, when they are in Baton Rouge for the LSU Invitational.
February 7th, 2019 at 4:02 PM ^
They are trying to sneak up on the competition, I guess.
February 7th, 2019 at 4:05 PM ^
WD you are falling down on the job!
February 7th, 2019 at 4:19 PM ^
When I think of softball season, I think of February. Yes, I know they play the games in warm states but still, February?
Good luck ladies.
February 7th, 2019 at 4:34 PM ^
Last year, my daughter got to play college Spring ball in Florida. I was sitting at home (in the UP), watching her on the mound while the palm trees swayed, and I was looking outside at the snow falling. Up here, we didn't get on a field until April or May. They have a distinct advantage down south.
February 7th, 2019 at 4:39 PM ^
Lacrosse is even worse off. Lacrosse's regular season started last week for roughly half the teams. Most of them will have finished a third of their games before March. And most of the teams are in the northeast. #SpringSport
February 7th, 2019 at 4:58 PM ^
Climate change will screw with the games!
February 7th, 2019 at 5:24 PM ^
The climate was so normal when they played softball in February 20 years ago lol!
February 7th, 2019 at 8:52 PM ^
Good luck on the season ladies
February 7th, 2019 at 8:59 PM ^
Here in Kansas the local colleges have home games scheduled this week...and postponed. But often, we can play here pretty much year-round. Since it has not been above freezing for a few days and the ground is very saturated, so when it does thaw, it is going to be a real mess. They are going to have a tough time getting their regularly scheduled games in this Spring.
February 7th, 2019 at 8:59 PM ^
Here in Kansas the local colleges have home games scheduled this week...and postponed. But often, we can play here pretty much year-round. Since it has not been above freezing for a few days and the ground is very saturated, so when it does thaw, it is going to be a real mess. They are going to have a tough time getting their regularly scheduled games in this Spring.