Softball's impressive autumn
The Wolverines followed up a 5-0 run through the Traverse City Tournament over the weekend with a truly impressive upset of the NPF All-Star team (41-1 during their two year tour coming into the game against Michigan). Haylie Wagner played well in the circle for Michigan, only giving up one earned run, but the win went to fellow-sophomore Sara Driesenga, who pitched two innings of scoreless relief.
After falling behind 2-0, freshman shortstop Sierra Romero (who avid readers of the board may remember from MGoSoftball's "Hello" post some time back) jacked a 2-run shot in the 5th to tie the game, highlighting a 3 for 3 night. The Wolverines held off the All-Stars, and drew a bases loaded walk in the 7th for the walk-off win.
The team will welcome EMU to Alumni Field on Tuesday to wrap up the fall schedule.
October 5th, 2012 at 12:36 AM ^
October 5th, 2012 at 1:03 AM ^
Admittedly, I didn't know that softball was played in the fall, and thought that calling a collapse "impressive" seemed rather mean-spirited.
October 5th, 2012 at 1:29 AM ^
From everything I've seen, it's a lot like M hockey playing the USNTDP U18 squad and the Ontario Institute of Technology, with lots of freshman getting time, feeling out best fit at positions and what-not. As much as I follow softball, I haven't seen anything with Michigan's prior fall seasons, and I'd say a schedule of WMU, Ferris, CMU, NPF All-Stars (pro softball players; not quite playing an NHL Team North America or AP All-Pro NFL team, but still...professional players) and EMU is impressive and more competitive than a lot of teams are willing to schedule. An undefeated record is impressive.
Also, I thought I would add that Nikki Nemitz, NPF's starting pitcher, is actually a Michigan Softball assistant coach and All-American alumnae. Can you imagine lining up against your coach at (hockey) center, (football) line, or, more closely, (baseball) pitcher and batter? Strange, to say the least.
October 5th, 2012 at 1:19 AM ^
October 5th, 2012 at 1:07 AM ^
Maybe change "fall" to "Autumn". I don't really keep up with softball too much, but knew that in recent years Michigan had been really good, the title made me think they were suddenly terrible, like so terrible it is "impressive" that a team can go from so good to so bad in one year.
October 5th, 2012 at 1:42 AM ^
Suggestion taken. That didn't even occur to me when I was writing it, but now that I see folks commenting on it, yeah, I can see how it was confusing.
October 5th, 2012 at 1:43 AM ^
October 5th, 2012 at 7:17 AM ^
I agree, I like hearing about softball too! Thanks for posting.
October 5th, 2012 at 10:25 AM ^
I thought this was about a player named Autumn.
October 5th, 2012 at 9:04 PM ^
For those who think the Traverse City games were weak, this is pretty traditional. This is like the spring football game in football. It is a way to get some live competition and to try to fill the holes in the line-up from graduation and/or the influx of new players.
Romero, the new shortstop, is the real deal. She is excellent defensively - great range and a quick release. Every ball she hit against the pro team was hit hard. She's hitting in the 3-hole.
The game against the NFP was unusual. This was a real test - and UM won. They out-hit the NFP game and came through with the victory.