Now that National Signing Day is over, it is time to start thinking of another National Championship for Michigan. That quest started today for the Softball Team. The team started the "Spring Training" tour with a Tournament at USF Bulls in Florida.
Michigan played Marshall today and came away with a 6-1 victory. We scored 6 runs on 8 hits with 5 RBIs along with 6 BB and 10Ks. Sara Pitched all 7 innings giving up 1 ER off 3 hits; she walked 1 and struck out 10.
Now Marshall is not a softball powerhouse so let's make that perfectly clear. We should not be buying airfare to Oklahoma City just yet. But a win is a win especially from a team that had no identity last year. UCF is a Top 10 team so lets see how we do against them.
The starting line up was;
1. Lyndsay Doyle CF 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored
2. Nicole Sappingfield RF 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI
3. Sierra Romero SS 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs
4. Sara Driesenga P 0 for 1 with 3BB
5. Ashley Lane 2B 0 for 4
6. Taylor Hasselbach 1B 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs
7. Sierra Lawerence LF 1 for 3
8. Lauren Sweet C 1for 2 with 1 run scored.
9. Amy Knapp 3B 0 for 3
It is good to see Sara starting off on the right foot. She is starting off better this year compared to last year. Coach Hutch used her "magic powers" with Sara in the off season.
What can we say about Amy? You just have to love this kid; all heart. Thanks Amy.
It is also nice to see the girls taking some good hacks. Now 10Ks did not exactly excite Coach Hutch, I'm sure; but timely hits are always welcomed. Lets keep an eye on the bats the remainder of the tournament.
We continued our traditional model of aggressive base-running with a couple of steals today. It led to a run in the first inning when Lyndsay was able to reach 3B and scored on an illegal pitch. Lyndsay and Nicole, back-to-back, will generate plenty of runs this year. Lyndsay can flat-out fly.
It is refreshing to see the Freshmen Sierra's doing well in their first game. They both got a hit today. Welcome to Michigan Ladies.
In other news of note: Mandy Gardner transferred to Maryland this year. She was the logical choice to start at 1B. I certainly had high hopes for her. Taylor now gets that honor. Taylor is one of those kids that can play just about anywhere (ala Chiddy). Taylor should start at 1B most of the season. She certainly deserves it.
Go Blue.
Pretty exciting season it looks to be with 3 game weekend series in B1G play and the return of the B1G Tournament. Only downside is that it is predetermined hosts. The B1G Champion should host it.
When the ADept sells special jerseys and gear, you'll see my picture next to the targeted customer crowd. A sheep.....but a Blue one.....