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Michigan Softball: Can Wolverines turn it on in NCAA Tournament?

By Chris Peterson

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Michigan Wolverines fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game against the Villanova Wildcats at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Michigan Wolverines fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game against the Villanova Wildcats at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Michigan softball team is back in the NCAA Tournament for the 23rd season in a row, but after faltering in the Big Ten Tournament, can UM make a run?

Over the years, the Michigan softball program has put together quite an impressive run. The Wolverines have racked up Big Ten championships and Sunday, were given an at-large berth the NCAA softball tournament.

Michigan softball was defeated in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals by Michigan State and overall, the Wolverines have lost four of their last eight games. However, the Wolverines were Big Ten champions for a reason. They also open with Notre Dame, another team that has been struggling.

The Irish were eliminated early from the ACC Tournament and will come in as the third seed in the Lexington Regional. Kentucky, the 16th overall seed in the tournament, is the top seed for the Regional. Michigan is the No. 2 and Illinois-Chicago is the fourth seed.

The action gets underway Friday and the teams will take part in a double-elimination tournament. By the time Sunday rolls around, only one team will advance to the Super Regional. Michigan softball may not be the favorite, but it certainly should have a decent chance to advance.

Michigan has only won four of its last eight games, but Notre Dame will have won just three of eight when the two teams meet on ESPN2 Friday at 12 PM EST. However, after winning the Big Ten regular season title, Michigan softball lost 10-1 to Ohio State to close the regular season. Then 7-0 to Michigan State in the conference tournament.

One thing that will make this go around different is the lack of Megan Betsa, the Wolverines former ace. This year, another Meghan will lead UM on the mound, as Meghan Beaubien will lead the way after posting a 32-4 record in the regular season.

Offensively, Tera Blanco has been huge for the Wolverines and fans should know her name. She has been a big part of the team in recent years and led the squad with 10 homers. She also led the team with 42 RBIs and is second in batting average, hitting .355. Faith Canfield is another to watch and she hit better than .400 for the Wolverines.

Notre Dame has a little more depth on the mound, but Alexis Holloway, the top pitcher, posted a record of 20-11. The Irish also have four girls batting better than .300, which should provide a challenge for the Wolverines defensively.

If Michigan advances past the Irish and faces off against Kentucky, it will face a lineup with six hitters batting over .300. The Wildcats also don’t have a true ace, but do have Grace Baalman, Erin Rethlake and Autumn Humes, who all won nine games or more this season.

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Illinois-Chicago could also be a threat, but if the Wolverines are going to advance, Kentucky and Notre Dame should be the biggest competition. It all starts Friday in Lexington. The winner of the regional will be decided Sunday.

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