The Alumni Field announcer was sure to forewarn the crowd of the relaxed nature of yesterday's Michigan softball team exhibition game against Eastern Michigan.

“This game will be played under scrimmage rules, folks — which is, pretty much anything goes,” he said.

But fall ball doesn’t mean relaxing for the players. The Wolverines are looking to improve in all aspects of the game, especially after being upset by No. 8 Georgia in the Women’s College World Series last season.

“The goal for fall season is for everyone to get better and ultimately play better than last spring,” Michigan coach Carol Hutchins said. “Being good last season doesn’t make you good this time around — you still need to earn it. You need to be hungry to do better.”

The team’s preparation for the 2010 spring season seems to be going well. Pitching changes, roster moves and pinch-runners were used at free will as the Wolverines cruised to a 12-0 win over the Eagles.

Sophomore third baseman Maggie Viefhaus’s two-run homer that nearly cleared the grandstand in right field highlighted an eight-run second inning for Michigan. Eastern Michigan never recovered from that blow, as the Eagles couldn’t find a rhythm at the plate.

The Wolverines tossed a no-hitter in a combined effort from freshman Stephanie Speierman and junior Jordan Taylor. Four innings of no-hit ball and eight strikeouts sums up an excellent home debut for Speierman.

“I felt good and comfortable out there,” Speierman said. “It felt nice to finally pitch on Alumni Field.”

But Speierman’s ability to baffle the Eagles’ hitters yesterday hasn’t given her false hopes about her role for the upcoming season.

Michigan possesses a lethal one-two punch in its pitching rotation between All-Americans Jordan Taylor and Nikki Nemitz. They combined for 47 wins and 591 strikeouts last year, including in Women’s College World Series play.

“Jordan and Nikki have been great with showing me the ropes,” Speierman said. “I look forward to learning a lot and playing behind two excellent pitchers this season.”

Michigan will be on the road this Saturday as the team wraps up fall play at Michigan State.