2013 Softball World Series Ann Arbor Regional Breakdown
#6 Michigan, California, Central Michigan, Valparaiso
The No. 6 ranked University of Michigan softball team will host the NCAA Regional May 17-19 at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field. Michigan will open play on Friday against Valparaiso at 7 p.m. The game will be carried on ESPN3. The two other teams in the Ann Arbor regional, California and Central Michigan, will play earlier on Friday. The regional round is double elimination, with the victor moving on to a best-of-three Super Regional.
"Being selected for the NCAA Tournament is always an honor, and we look forward to competing for a national championship," said Michigan head coach Carol Hutchuns. "Hosting a regional is a reflection of the hard work we put in during the regular season. Michigan softball has the best fans in the world, and we are so fortunate to play in front of them at Alumni Field for another weekend. It is our mission every year to win the Big Ten title and compete for a national championship. We look forward to playing one pitch at a time." U-M is 3-0 all-time against Valparaiso (last: 2-1 win in 2011). Michigan has not played California since 2007 and carries a 1-7 against the Bears into the regional. The Wolverines hold a 48-30 edge over Central Michigan and defeated the Chippewas, 11-0, this season on April 23. Michigan went 10-7 this season against teams that were selected in the field of 64.
Michigan is appearing in its 19th consecutive NCAA Tournament and 21th in program history. This will mark the 16th time U-M has hosted a regional tournament. The Maize and Blue won its regional round in 2012 playing on the road in Louisville, its 13th regional championship. U-M won its sixth consecutive Big Ten title in 2013 while compiling a 45-10 record.
ANN ARBOR REGIONAL SCHEDULE
Friday, May 17
Game 1 -- Central Michigan vs. California, 4:30 p.m.
Game 2 -- MICHIGAN vs. Valparaiso, 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 18
Game 3 -- Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, Noon
Game 4 -- Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 -- Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner, 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 19
Game 6 -- Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 1 p.m.
Game 7 (if necessary) -- Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser, 3:30 p.m.
See All 2013 Softball World Series Regional Breakdowns
