The No. 6 Michigan softball team (18-5-1) might want to consider taking up residence in Florida. After returning to Ann Arbor Sunday night from the Speedline Invitational in Tampa, the Wolverines are returning to the Sunshine State.
Today the team leaves for Tallahassee to participate in the weekend's Lady Seminole Invitational. Competition begins tomorrow with games against Miami (Ohio), Southern Illinois and Florida Atlantic. Saturday brings Iowa State, Georgia State and the beginning of the tournament's playoffs.
Historically, Michigan has performed well at the Invitational. The Wolverines were the 1995 champions, and last year, the then No. 7 Wolverines finished second.
Pitcher and third baseman Sara Griffin, who recorded her 65th career victory last weekend, was named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association National Player of the Week. She pitched two shutouts during the team's spring trip, helping to lower the team's ERA to 1.19. One came against No. 16 Michigan State, while the other was against No. 14 South Florida. At the plate, Griffin hit a grand slam against Marshall.
Freshman pitcher Jamie Gillies is also having a strong season, with a 4-2 record and four complete games.
"Key for us has been pitching and defense," Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. "We're fielding .968 through the first three weeks of the season. I am most pleased with the consistency we have shown defensively. All three pitchers are throwing and each is doing a good job."
Putting together a strong offense, the team has a solid .304 batting average. Outfielder Lisa Kelley has improved on her 1996 average of .354 with a .387 clip this year. Likewise, outfielder Cathy Davie is hitting 72 points better at .375. Yet, Hutchins would like to see more uniformity.
"We still need to be consistent in our hitting, especially doing a better job versus the better pitchers we face," Hutchins said. "I am pleased with the improvements made by several of our players over their 1996 numbers, but I want to have everyone hitting more consistently."
With only a couple of weeks until the the Big Ten season, Michigan is concentrating on working out any kinks.
"We (are looking) to keep everyone sharp these next two weeks, and we do that by playing games and getting outside for practice," Hutchins said. "We'll continue to throw all three pitchers so no one is tired before the six-week grind of doubleheaders. And we will try to get consistent at the plate."
FILE PHOTO/Daily
The Michigan softball team will participate in this weekend's Lady Seminole Invitational in Tallahassee, Fla. The Wolverines are led by a dominant pitching staff with a team 1.19 ERA.