The Michigan softball team has encountered 35 different teams in making its run to the College World Series, which will start Thursday in Oklahoma City. With a 55-5 record and a No.2 national ranking, the Wolverines have had their way more times than not.
But as Michigan prepares for its biggest series of games of the year - perhaps even in the program's history - it starts off with one of the few teams that it was unable to solve this season- Texas.
The Wolverines have one of the most explosive lineups in the nation, but it was hard to tell that by looking at their game with the Longhorns on March 8. Flamethrower Christa Williams, a 1996 Olympian, struck out 11 batters and held the Wolverines to only one hit - a single by catcher Melissa Gentile - in the 2-0 victory. Her pitching has been a key component in Texas' 49-14 record and No. 8 ranking.
"We are going to have a short workout (Monday) and work on our swinging," Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. "We are going to work on taking shorter cuts at the plate."
Despite the setback in March, the Wolverines are confident and unfazed by the Longhorns, considering that every team that Michigan will face in the World Series will be a difficult matchup. Also, Texas is making its first World Series appearance in its second season as a varsity club.
"This time of year, every team is going to be a difficult test," Hutchins said. "You just have to pick your poison."
05-18-98
| Previous Article | Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |