M Softball wins another, 5-0 for the season
The Michigan Softball team won the final game of the Houston Hilton Invitational Tourney today. They beat the Ohio Bobcats 16-3 in the 6 inning mercy rule game. Game time temperature was 72 F.
Stephanie Speierman was in the circle today and pitched 5 innings, allowed 5 hits and 2 earned runs. She struck out 5 and walked 2. JT came in the final inning in relief.
The offense scored 16 runs on 9 hits but took advantage of 17 Bobcat walks and had only 5 Ks. Dorian Shaw led the way going 2 for 3 with 2 BB and 4 RBIs and scoring both times she reached base. Ashley Lane went 1 for 2 with 3 BB and 2 RBIs while scoring 2 runs.
For the young, five game season, the Lady Wolverines have a batting average of .377, with an OBP of .643. They have 38 BB and have 23 Ks. They outscored their opponents 59-11, with 2 mercy rule wins.
The pitching has been dominating with Sophmore Stephanie Speierman doing a great job as JT's back up. SS has an ERA of 2.18, gave up 9 BB and has 16Ks in 17 innings of work. JT has an ERA of 1.23, gave up 2 BB and has 19Ks in 16 innings of work.
SS seems to be a slow starter due to 9 BB. Typically a great pitcher will have 1 BB to every 2 Ks or better. I think Carol is doing a great job with the pitching rotation. She is allowing SS enough innings to master her pitches, while saving JT.
Next up for the ladies is the FAU Kickoff Classic next weekend in Bocca Raton Florida.. They play #47 Long Island, #70 Florida Atlantic, #64 Tulsa and #26 UMass.
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/w-softbl/stats/021311aaa.html
February 13th, 2011 at 4:56 PM ^
Excellent start to the season for the ladies! I'm esp. happy to see Speierman getting some good innings out there, and it sure looks like our bats are swinging freely as well.
February 13th, 2011 at 5:06 PM ^
Two questions:
The rankings you mentioned for their upcoming opponents, is that an RPI type deal, or where do those numbers come from?
And of course, where's Michigan on that list?
February 13th, 2011 at 5:27 PM ^
Sorry that I forgot to include the link.
The rankings are Pre-season RPI from the NCAA,com. M is listed as #5. The other B1G are Illinois at #19, the school down south at #30, Neb at #53, NW at #54, PSU at #73, Iowa at #74, Purdue at #77, MSU at #149, Wiscky at #170, Indiana at #194 Minn at #197.
ESPN has us ranked at #8 and USAToday has us ranked at #11.
February 13th, 2011 at 5:28 PM ^
No big deal, I was just curious.
Thanks though; great post/response.
February 13th, 2011 at 9:30 PM ^
"Minnesota is #197"
Eeeeeew!
February 13th, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^
February 13th, 2011 at 5:33 PM ^
Very impressive numbers, and it's great to see the softball team getting off to a great start.
I don't like reading "Game time temperature was 72 F"
Even though it's been a little warmer in AA, that's just depressing..
February 13th, 2011 at 5:57 PM ^
some would like it. I am a little north and east of you in Michigan. So i am probably a few degrees colder. Anywho, it is nice to see the girls do well, albeit, un-ranked opponents.
In softball, its all about the pitching, the hitting will take care of itself. SS has really impressed me behind JT. Shaw is on fire and my sleeper favorite Ashley Lane is doing well.
February 13th, 2011 at 6:09 PM ^
"Shaw is on fire and my sleeper favorite Ashley Lane is doing well."
I follow softball as closely as I can while not living in A2, so I was obviously expecting Shaw to have a great year, but Ashley Lane I did not see coming. Good eye picking her out, looks like she'll be a key weapon for us this year!
February 13th, 2011 at 5:58 PM ^
February 13th, 2011 at 5:55 PM ^
Thanks for posting the updates. This is a program to truly be proud.
February 13th, 2011 at 5:56 PM ^
February 13th, 2011 at 5:58 PM ^
for the pics. It is nice to see the team mingle with the fans.
How many M fans were there?
February 13th, 2011 at 6:36 PM ^
February 14th, 2011 at 9:38 AM ^
Earlier this year at a U-M basketball game, we ended up sitting behind several softball players, including one whose family was there. I asked about their season and the dad reeled off the first dozen games (all in the south of course) and it was clear they were intending to be at all of them. I admired their support and dedication.
Intending to do my part when they're playing at home!
February 14th, 2011 at 12:19 PM ^
what better excuse does one need to take an extended spring break trip. My daughter played at the CC level then played Club ball. I enjoyed the week and a half trips to Florida. Nothing better.
The D1 varsity trips are a few weeks long so that is even better. I just hope that most of the parents have that much vacation. I always parlayed my trips into "business".