Softball finally comes home

By Sam Duwe

Daily Sports Writer

After months on the road, coming home never looked so sweet.

No, it's not a lonely trucker, but the Michigan softball team (4-0 Big Ten, 26-6 overall), that returns to Ann Arbor for its first home game of the season.

Tuesday's twinbill versus Bowling Green, which was the first scheduled opener, was canceled due to inclement weather.

So the first pitch to be cheered by fans at Alumni Field will be thrown in the first game of today's doubleheader against Wisconsin (23-16, 1-3 Big Ten).

"The most important thing about playing at home is the fans," Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. "Fan support has increased through the years with our success. It's important to the players that they do well for the spectators."

Not only will a home series bring an added boost of confidence, but it will also provide the Wolverines with a much needed weekend of no buses, planes and headaches.

"Travel is brutal," Hutchins said. "I don't think anyone appreciates what the kids go through. People say that we're so lucky to go to Tampa. But really, it's nice to be at home, wake up in your own bed, and be on your own schedule.

"This weekend can be summed up in one word - finally."

After today's games against Wisconsin, tomorrow and Sunday will yield single games against Minnesota (0-4, 22-16), last year's Big Ten Tournament champion.

Although the oppositions' records don't compare to Michigan's, Hutchins cautions against discounting them.

"Both are teams that have amazing field presence - both are loud and intense. We have to be prepared," Hutchins said.

And prepared they are. Pitching is at a high - junior Marie Barda sports an NCAA-best 0.23 ERA.

"We know our pitching needs to keep us in the game, and so far, it has," Hutchins said.

Offensively, Pam Kosanke has come on for Michigan as of late. Kosanke is ranked 39th among NCAA hitters, with a .409 batting average.

The Big Ten season is on, and the only thing that can stop it is the weather. This weekend's forecast looks cold and wet, the perfect mix for game cancellations.

But Hutchins and her team are a hardy bunch, as well as optimistic.

"The only way we'll cancel a game is if there is possibility of creating an injury or we are put at a disadvantage," Hutchins said. "We have a great ground crew so hopefully, we'll play."

Speaking of injuries, last week freshman Meghan Doe underwent surgery to correct a stress fracture in her right tibia. The operation will keep her out for the remainder of the season.

The good news for the Wolverines? Doe is eligible for a redshirt season, even though she has already played seven games.

"The decision was made for her own good," Hutchins said. "The fracture wasn't getting any better - in fact, it was getting worse. Her absence leaves us less deep in the outfield. But when she comes back here as a fifth-year senior, she'll be great. The decision is good for her, and good for us."

PETER CORNUE/Daily

After Tuesday's doubleheader with Bowling Green was cancelled due to cold weather, the Michigan softball team hopes to play its first home game today at 2 p.m.

Alumni Field

This weekend

Who: Today- Michigan (4-0, 26-6) vs. Wisconsin (1-3, 23-16)

Sat./Sun. - Michigan vs. Minnesota (0-4, 22-16)

When: 2 p.m. Friday (dh), 2 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday

Latest: After two months on the road, the Wolverines finally get to play their home opener today. Michigan is coming off of a flawless 4-0 swing last weekend at Indiana and Purdue to start the Big Ten season. If they can successfully defend their home field this weekend, the Wolverines will extend their winning streak to 20.