Michigan Ready for Fall Practice, Tourney Schedule Set
9/1/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. C The University of Michigan softball program, which is coming off its third Women's College World Series appearance in four years and seventh in the last 10, announced its fall tournament schedule today (Sept. 1). The Wolverines' fall practice schedule, which begins next week, concludes with the Maize and Blue participating in the ninth annual Elk Rapids Tournament Sept. 25-26 in Elk Rapids, Mich., as well as the Michigan Softball Fall Tournament Oct. 1-3, which is jointly hosted this year by Michigan (Alumni Field) and Eastern Michigan.
The Wolverines return just four starters among their everyday position players, but three of those starters comprise three-fourths of what could one of the best infields in the nation. Michigan's All-American keystone combination of shortstop Jessica Merchant (Wayland, Mich./Wayland HS) and second baseman Tiffany Haas (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill HS) will be back for their third straight year together while All-Big Ten third baseman Grace Leutele (Sierra Vista, Ariz./Buena HS) returns following a breakthrough sophomore campaign in 2004.
One of the top pitching staffs in America in 2004, the Wolverines could be even better in 2005 with the return of their top three hurlers including both primary starters. All-American and Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Nicole Motycka (Sarasota, Fla./Cardinal Mooney HS) is back for her senior campaign while Jennie Ritter (Dexter, Mich./Dexter HS) returns following a sophomore season in which she earned All-Big Ten third-team recognition.
2004 Michigan Softball Fall Schedule
Date Tournament/Opponent Site Time Elk Rapids Collegiate Softball Tournament Sept. 25 Michigan vs. Michigan State* Elk Rapids, Mich. 10:30 a.m. Michigan vs. Western Michigan* Elk Rapids, Mich. noon Michigan vs. Central Michigan* Elk Rapids, Mich. 2 p.m. *five-inning games Sept. 26 Semifinals Elk Rapids, Mich. 10:30 a.m. Finals/Consolation Elk Rapids, Mich. 12:30 p.m. Michigan Fall Softball Invitational Oct. 1 Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Alumni Field 5 p.m. Oct. 2 Michigan vs. Louisville Alumni Field 10:30 a.m. Eastern Michigan vs. Nebraska Ypsilanti, Mich. 10:30 a.m. Michigan vs. Nebraska Alumni Field 1 p.m. Eastern Michigan vs. Louisville Ypsilanti, Mich. 1 p.m. Central Michigan vs. Nebraska Alumni Field 3:30 p.m. Louisville vs. Central Michigan Alumni Field 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 Michigan vs. Louisville Alumni Field 10:30 a.m. Eastern Michigan vs. Nebraska Ypsilanti, Mich. 10:30 a.m. Michigan vs. Nebraska Alumni Field 1 p.m. Eastern Michigan vs. Louisville Ypsilanti, Mich. 1 p.m.
Contact: Rich Marion (734-763-4423)
