Unusual situation for 'M' softball - bouncing back

Everything was going so well for the Michigan softball team. Riding a 17-game win streak after Tuesday's victory over Michigan State in the first game of a doubleheader, the No. 2 Wolverines (35-4 overall, 12-1 Big Ten) looked unstoppable. They had swept both of their conference series against Ohio State and Minnesota, and hadn't lost a Big Ten game since April 13, 1997.

But it all came to an end in Tuesday's nightcap against the Spartans. In the 7-4 loss, the Wolverines committed five errors and managed just four hits.

"We did not play well," Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. "In the past, we've been able to get away with not playing our best and still win because we're a great team. But when you make so many mistakes and only get four hits, you can't expect to

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Tammy Mika - here digging her way out of the batter's box - and the rest of the Wolverines will try to improve today upon a four-hit offensive performance in Tuesday's loss to Michigan State.

win."

Now, the Wolverines look to begin another streak, as they take Western Michigan today in a 3 p.m. doubleheader at Alumni Field. Today marks just the third homestand since the start of the season for the Wolverines.

"I'm really happy to be home, and I know the kids feel the same way," Hutchins said. "Being on the road really takes its toll, both mentally and physically."

Playing at Alumni Field usually spells victory for the Wolverines- as they have a .732 winning percentage in the 16 years they have been playing there.

Despite the less-than-stellar performance in the loss to the Spartans, Hutchins has confidence that her team will bounce back.

"A sign of a good team is how it handles adversity," she said. "I think we'll handle this loss just fine and come out strong."

The real test for the Wolverines will be handling the Broncos without star pitcher Sara Griffin, who was recently named the NCAA Division I player of the week for her three-win, 17-strikeout performance against Minnesota last weekend. Griffin is the backbone of this Michigan team and has been a key player in all of its victories.

Hutchins, however, is opting to rest Griffin so she will be ready for the three-game series against Northwestern this weekend. Taking the mound today will be Jamie Gillies and Marie Barda, both of whom pitched in the loss to Michigan State.

While she is not overlooking today's games against Western, Hutchins said the conference games this weekend take precedence.

"We need to get ready for Northwestern, and I really feel that Griffin needs the rest," she said. "Also, giving Jamie and Marie some work will help them get ready for the weekend. We are going to need all three of them to pitch."

Gillies brings a 9-2 record to the mound while Barda is 4-2.

While not quite at the level of Griffin, both pitchers have ERAs under 3.00 and pitched well in the Wolverine's last non-conference games.

In the doubleheader against Central Michigan April 7, Gillies gave up one earned run while Barda shut out the Chippewas in a one-hit performance.

04-16-98