Driesenga's Walk-Off Double Propels U-M Past Wildcats in Regional

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Facing a 3-2 count with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, freshman RHP Sara Driesenga doubled down the left-field line to score two runs as the No. 21-ranked University of Michigan softball team rallied for a 3-2 win over Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Regional on Friday (May 18) at Ulmer Stadium.

Freshman LHP Haylie Wagner was the victorious pitcher, giving up two runs on six hits while striking out four. The U-M offense totaled seven hits, including a two-double effort from junior shortstop Amy Knapp Five other Wolverines tallied a hit in the contest.

After Kentucky scored two runs in the seventh to take a 2-1 lead, Michigan responded with two runs in the bottom half for the walk-off win. Sophomore outfielder Lyndsay Doyle led off the frame with a single up the middle and after a fielder's choice, sophomore outfielder Nicole Sappingfield hit a chopper up the middle to give Michigan two base runners with just one out. Senior first baseman Amanda Chidester fouled out in left field to bring Driesenga to the plate. After three straight balls, the freshman took two strikes for the full count. After fouling off the sixth pitch of the at-bat, Driesenga hit one down the left field line that landed just fair and rolled to the fence to score two runs for the victory.

Michigan Softball - GO BLUE!

Been following these gals most of the season when I could get them on TV. They are also on my Facebook, following them there. It has been a great season for them and now they head for the College World Series. Their first game is in Louisville this afternoon, May 18, 2012.

They have not only had a winning season, they have enjoyed it and I think, had a lot of fun, they are a great bunch. When they graduate, they are going to look back at their four years at Michigan with fond memories.

Coach "Hutch" is to be commended, she has stayed at Michigan, something coaches don't do any more and I am sure she has had a tremendous impact on many lives. GO BLUE!

Hutch and her program at Michigan

How lucky are these gals to have a coach and mentor like Hutch? what a wonderful college experience they are having. My guess is that they all have pretty good grades, and will graduate from Michigan, Hutch will see to that. I envy them.

Michigan softball, been watching them now for a few years, really enjoyable viewing, and the gals all seem to be enjoying it too. 

The glue that holds the Michigan Softball program together, Carol Hutchins.

Carol Hutchins recently completed her 27th season as head softball coach at the University of Michigan, where she has molded the Wolverines into one of the elite programs in college softball. On December 8, 2006, Hutchins was inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame in recognition of her coaching success and the indelible mark she has left on both Michigan and collegiate softball.

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Hutchins has led the Wolverines to the Women's College World Series in nine of the last 16 seasons, and, in 2005, the Maize and Blue became the first program east of the Mississippi River to claim the NCAA national championship when it defeated UCLA. Michigan's record-setting 2005 season was the culmination of two decades of dedication for Hutchins and her current and former players and coaches. In that magical season, Michigan set records in a number of categories.

Michigan softball, been watching them now for a few years, really enjoyable viewing, and the gals all seem to be enjoying it too. 

Really nice to see that there are some conscientious coaches who are dedicated to their programs, their teams and their Universities. I wish there were more coaches like Hutch. I have thoroughly enjoyed following them for the last few years, and wish them continued success.