Softball Team 40 Wins Opener [Update: Wins Game 2 Also]
Team 40 opened their season today with a 7-0 thumping of an over-matched Delaware squad. Just missing out on a run-rule win, the Wolverines got production from all up & down the order. Newcomers to the line-up Natalie Peters & Courtney Richardson both impressed. Meanwhile, Megan Betsa was absolutely dazzling in the circle, getting 15 of her 21 outs via the strike-out. Game 2 against Illinois State just now getting underway.
Season preview will be up soon - technical difficulties with the photos have it delayed at the moment.
Update: Michigan wins game 2 over Illinois State 4-2 behind a solid performance from Tera Blanco. The offense was a bit sluggish, but Courtney Richardson's 3-run homer put Michigan up by multiple runs, and Blanco made it hold up. One mistake by Blanco turned into an ISU 2-run homer, but outside of that, she did an excellent job shutting down a tough line-up.
February 10th, 2017 at 2:17 PM ^
Wolverines load that bases and score 1 in the T1 against Illinois State, but Ramirez is thrown out trying to reach home. 1-0, B1.
February 10th, 2017 at 2:20 PM ^
Game 1:
1. Peters-RF
2. Ramirez-SS
3. Christner-CF
4. Blanco-1B
5. Falk-DP
6. Sobczak-C
7. Montemarano-3B
8. Richardson-LF
9. Canfield-2B
Betsa-P
Game 2:
1. Peters-RF
2. Ramirez-SS
3. Christner-CF
4. Blanco-P
5. Swearingen-1B
6. Sobczak-C
7. Montemarano-3B
8. Richardson-LF
9. Canfield-2B
Only change is Swearingen-1B for Falk-DP and Blanco from 1B to P.
February 10th, 2017 at 2:21 PM ^
Excited to see what Blanco can do here. The coaches have been talking her up, but there aren't a ton of options. We'll soon see how much of that is just coach talk and how much of it is Blanco growing into her potential.
February 10th, 2017 at 2:20 PM ^
Good luck in that second game.
February 10th, 2017 at 2:35 PM ^
If it is softball season, can spring be far away?
February 10th, 2017 at 2:43 PM ^
Blanco getting into some trouble early, but she's battled her way back out of it so far. Would like to see some more runs go up on the board as we head into our second trip through the order.
February 10th, 2017 at 3:01 PM ^
Offense still sluggish, but one bright spot is seeing Sobczak gun down another runner. Exciting to see her bring out the cannon in the early going.
February 10th, 2017 at 3:38 PM ^
in second game. Blanco appears to be settling in and pitching well. Illinois State a much better team then the Delaware team we bombed in game one.
February 10th, 2017 at 3:48 PM ^
Truth - they took USF right down to the wire earlier. Would still like to see us string a few more hits together.
February 10th, 2017 at 4:04 PM ^
Are you there? Or watching a stream of it somehow? Or just listening? I'd love to be able to watch these games if there is a feasible way to do it.
February 10th, 2017 at 4:38 PM ^
Wish I were there! Just listening to the student radio coverage, which was pretty good today, I must say. It's a pity that more of these games aren't available for easy viewing.
February 10th, 2017 at 4:25 PM ^
2 wins, 3 more to go (2 Saturday, 1 early Sunday morning).
February 10th, 2017 at 4:54 PM ^
To watch a baseball game (preferably little league) between teams coached by Harbaugh and Hutch. Holy hamburgers, I want this to happen in like the worst way.
February 10th, 2017 at 5:36 PM ^
Next up is #4 Florida tomorrow at 12:30. The Gators have had our number the past few years in opening season tourneys and have made an annoying habit of doing so by debuting their new, highly-touted freshman pitcher (the past 2 seasons at least). They may attempt to continue this trend tomorrow. Of course, they also beat us in the WCWS championship series in 2015. Needless to say, it's time for some revenge. We lead the all-time series narrowly at 9-8.
Live stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/florida/softball/
http://www.twitter.com/umichsoftball check here for live updates and a link to WCBN sports for live audio.
February 10th, 2017 at 5:37 PM ^
February 10th, 2017 at 5:58 PM ^
Women's sports are significantly newer to the college athletics framework. This shocks you?
February 10th, 2017 at 6:19 PM ^
February 10th, 2017 at 7:23 PM ^
Michigan wins 2nd game 4-2 over Illinois State.
February 11th, 2017 at 10:28 AM ^
Off to a good start.
February 11th, 2017 at 11:21 AM ^
St Johns is tied 2-2 with UF in the 5th. Probably won't last, but what an upset that would be.
Michigan plays UF right after.
February 11th, 2017 at 1:55 PM ^
UF is periscoping (streaming video) of the game here:
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1YqJDXvbrqQJV
1-1 heading to the 5th