Stellar pitching fuels Michigan softball

By Sam Duwe

Daily Sports Writer

Not unlike General Sherman's Union Army, the Michigan softball team is blazing through the south leaving a devastating path of destruction.

With a season record of 12-6, the Wolverines have utilized their last three tournaments to test their pitching staff, solidify their lineup and reaffirm their status as the "leaders and best" among the softball community.

The spring tournaments are a time to realize potential and see what works. The last few weeks have shown that the keystone of Michigan's program lies in the arms of its pitchers.

"The pitching staff is keeping us in the game," Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. "I'm very pleased with the depth we've established."

Two standouts on the staff are junior Marie Barda and freshman Marissa Young.

Barda threw her 11th career shutout on March 3rd against Louisiana State. She leads the Wolverines with a 0.13 ERA.

"Marie Barda is having a career year - one that the records don't necessarily reflect," Hutchins said. "She's throwing in the high 60s (and is) a key to our pitching staff."

Young is also a key player, Hutchins said. She earned all-tournament honors at the NCFA Leadoff Classic March 3 - 5, and leads the Wolverines at the plate with a batting average of .368.

But pitching is not the only thing that's been working for Michigan. The Wolverines have shuffled the batting order, notably taking Melissa Taylor out of the ninth position and placing her in the second spot.

The move has boosted Taylor's hit production to a team high of 21, scoring 12 runs with seven stolen bases. The junior veteran has also shown skill defensively.

"Melissa Taylor is a short game artist," Hutchins said. "She is also a leader in the outfield. During the drills, she knows what to expect. She shows the others the way."

As a team, Michigan is ranked 13th in the nation. Only one other Big Ten school, Iowa, made it into the top-25 NCFA Coaches Poll.

"The fun thing about rankings is that they don't matter," Hutchins said. "We have beaten the best in the country, UCLA and Arizona State.

"We have also shown that anyone can beat us. We have to come to play every game."

This season Hutchins said the Wolverines have immense promise.

"We have seen a lot of improvement in the last 18 games," Hutchins said. "Pitching has improved, defense is phenomenal, and offense is getting better."

As the Big Ten season looms in the near future, Michigan keeps its eyes on the prize. Last year the Wolverines took the regular-season championship.

"I don't look to defend anything," Hutchins said. "Things have changed - it's a new team. The present team has to go out and win the Big Ten for themselves."

On a more personal note, Hutchins has achieved milestones of her own. Establishing herself as a Michigan institution,

Hutchins recorded her 650th career win. In 900 games as Michigan's head coach, she has 625 Michigan victories.

The response to these numbers?

"I love Michigan," Hutchins said.