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| Wilpon Softball Complex |
Teams: Michigan, Notre Dame, Kentucky, Western Michigan
Location: Wilpon Complex (Ann Arbor, MI)
Players to watch:
Jordan Taylor, Michigan
Amanda Chidester, Michigan
Alexa Maldonado, Notre Dame
Meagan Aull, Kentucky
Rachel Riley, Kentucky
Gracie Barstad, Western Michigan
Interesting storyline: Michigan comes into this regional with just four losses on the year, yet they were given the 10th seed nationally due to RPI. Michigan's schedule could have been tougher, but they do not have control over how well their opponents play. This selection was a slight to Michigan, but unless they perform at regionals, they have nothing to gripe about.
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| Laura Winter |
Overview: Michigan is a balanced team with pitching, hitting, and defense and they are hungry to get back to the WCWS. Jordan Taylor is Michigan's senior pitcher and she has worked hard to prepare herself for this postseason. Taylor revamped her motion in the offseason to make it legal and she will be able to control the course of the game with her actions in the circle. On offense, the Wolverines are hitting .332 with 54 HR on the year. Leading the way for Michigan are Bree Evans and Amanda Chidester. Evans is one of the top slappers in the nation, while Chidester has racked up 72 RBI this year. The Wolverines offense also includes the powerful Dorian Shaw who can slam the ball. Notre Dame has been sent up to this regional for countless years and they haven't been able to pull through and win a regional at Michigan. This might be the year for the Fighting Irish to knock off Michigan. Laura Winter gives the Irish an impressive pitcher in the circle and Notre Dame doesn't lose often when she gets the start. Notre Dame has a talented offense as well, led by .420 hitter Alexa Maldonado and Heather Johnson with her 10 HR and 62 RBI. Notre Dame has all the pieces to do it, but can they overcome Michigan? Kentucky is the other team at this regional that has a shot at winning it. The Wildcats have depth in the circle and a talented offensive lineup. Chanda Bell and Rachel Riley have seen the most work in the circle, but Ellen Weaver and Lauren Cumbess have also shown that they can get the job done. At the plate, Kara Dill, Meagan Aull, and Riley are each hitting over .360 on a squad that is hitting .299 as a team. The Wildcats offense will be put to the test, but after going through SEC play, they should be ready for this regional. Western Michigan is the final team at this regional and they may be a bit overmatched. The Broncos come in with a 25-28 and they are in the category of "happy to be here". Western Michigan is led by Gracie Barstad and Lexi Jager at the plate, but they will need a lot more hitters to step up if they would like to win a game at this regional.
Winner: Michigan
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