This weekend is big. And not just for the players.

When asked what she is expecting out of this weekend’s home-opening doubleheader against Loyola-Chicago, Michigan junior third baseman Maggie Viefhaus was resolute.

“A lot of cheering, a lot of loudness,” the junior said. “It’s so cool because we actually get to pick our own walk-up song and hear our song. Everyone is there for you.”

After 29 away games so far this year, the 12th-ranked Wolverines (20-9, 0-2 Big Ten) are more than ready for their home debut against Loyola tomorrow. Fourteen of their 22 remaining regular-season games will be played at home.

Michigan has been touring the warmer parts of the country – Florida, California, Georgia and Nevada – patiently waiting for the weather back home to improve.

The team was finally able to move practice outside a week and a half ago when temperatures reached the 40s and 50s. While the cold causes the field to be a little bouncier than the warmer fields they are accustomed to, the Wolverines are confident in their ability to adjust.

“We’ve been playing for a couple months now and even though it’s home, it’s still dirt, still field, the same game,” freshman second baseman Stephanie Kirkpatrick said. “So either way, we’re going to play our best.”

And Michigan is eager to get on the field.

“The home opener is like opening day in Major League Baseball,” Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. “And you know, we get good crowds. We are definitely the best attendance in the Big Ten, so it’s an exciting place to play.”

Kirkpatrick, freshman first baseman Amanda Chidester and freshman outfielder Bree Evans will make their home debuts.

“Not so much nervous, more anxious,” Kirkpatrick mused about tomorrow’s opener. “I’m excited to play at home…I think our whole team is just pumped and ready to play, especially the other freshman.”

It has been an up-and-down season so far for Loyola (13-9). The Ramblers lost four games in a row, went on to win four straight and then lost two more until winning Thursday. Now, without clear momentum in either direction, the Ramblers could pose a challenge.

“They are bringing a team that pitches pretty well and looks like they have some speed,” Hutchins said. “I think it would be a big mistake for us to look past them or to think that we get to win because we have a bigger name on our chest.”

Distractions could be another variable during this weekend’s highly anticipated doubleheader. It will be the first game in months that the team is not constantly together before the game, on the bus and in the hotel room.

“Well, I think game-day atmosphere is actually the one thing that is a little different for our kids,” Hutchins said. “We don’t have as much control over them. We don’t go to a hotel like football does.”

Having won just three of its last six home openers, Michigan’s history provides no insurance for what might happen this weekend. The good news: all three of those wins were against non-conference teams.