With Sunday’s 12-3 victory over Maryland, the No. 22 Michigan softball team clinched the outright 2019 Big Ten softball title.
Daniel Dash
Daily Sports Writer
Softball
Playing with a Big Ten regular season championship on the line, the No. 22 Michigan softball team decisively defeated Maryland 6-1 Friday.
Saturday and Sunday were no different.
COLLEGE PARK — In the first inning of the No. 22 Michigan softball team's first contest in College Park, Alex Sobczak cracked a line drive single to center field to bring home senior outfielder Natalie Peters and freshman outfielder Lexie Blair.
Down to its last strike, Penn State needed a miracle against Meghan Beaubien in Friday night’s series opener.
The Nittany Lions’ prayers were answered.
The most special part about this senior class isn’t where they are today. It’s how they got there.
Michigan softball’s seniors walked into Sunday’s game with their families. Honored by the program and Michigan coach Carol Hutchins, the five players received flowers, hats and recognition from their teammates and coaches.
The difference in the Wolverines’ momentum starting Friday and Saturday’s games showed in each’s respective score, and Michigan coach Carol Hutchins attributed the impact of those early innings on final outcome to relieving pressure.
Canfield’s eighth homer of the season gave the Wolverines an early jolt, eventually propelling them to an 8-0 run-rule victory over the Nittany Lions.
Michigan softball hasn’t lost to Penn State in twelve years. On Friday, that almost changed for the Wolverines. But capped off by a walk off home run from senior third basement Madison Uden, Michigan upheld its winning streak against the Nittany Lions.
Senior designated player Kenzie Nemitz kicked off her final homestand in style and powered the No. 22 Michigan softball team to a 16-1 run-rule victory over Michigan State.