The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/480355
Wolverines haven't risen from good to great, Hutchins asserted. At the same time, she's emphasizing the fact that Michigan won't shy away from Florida or anybody else. "I don't think there's a whole lot of difference between us," Hutchins said. "They've been one pitch tougher than us. We've seen them twice, and I hope we get to see them again. They've been tougher than us. "The key is, it doesn't matter who is better. You can look at us player for player, and most people would probably pick us over Kent State. They just beat us, because it's not about who is better. It's about who shows up to play and plays one-pitch tougher." That challenge, issued days be- fore Michigan's Big Ten opener, sets the stage for a hard-earned road for Oklahoma City. Just don't buy the tickets yet. ❑ Players To Watch For The Wolverines Head coach Carol Hutchins has fielded another extremely strong team, a top‑five squad with power, pitching and a very productive non‑conference season at 24‑4 through March 15. Here are the names to know, if you're among the uninitiated. • Sierra Romero, Jr., IF — Romero leads the Wolverines in a host of hitting cat‑ egories, including a hefty .516 batting average through mid‑March. She can con‑ nect for power, underscored by a team‑leading 10 home runs, and represents the Wolverines' most consistent run scorer and producer. She'll be in the running for all kinds of national honors, if her play holds up and Michigan advances like it should. • Megan Betsa, So., P — Betsa stepped up this season to give the Wolverines some of their best efforts in the pitching circle. At 11‑2 with a 1.61 ERA through March 15, she's poised to enjoy a monster second season in maize and blue. Bear‑ ing down even harder in clutch situations can make the difference between good and great here. • Kelsey Susalla, Jr., Utl. — Susalla also packs a punch for the Wolverines at the plate, with her .397 average, six home runs and 29 RBI through March 15. She has consistently delivered runs, posting an .808 slugging percentage and 59 total bases, just seven fewer than Romero. • Haylie Wagner, Sr., P — Wagner's 9‑2 record and 2.02 ERA are respectable enough. Hutchins is still seeking a fearlessness to take it to the next level in the most difficult of situations, and Wagner is included in that challenge. The left‑ hander will be a key performer in Michigan's effort to win the Big Ten and make it to the Women's College World Series. • Sierra Lawrence, Jr., OF — Michigan's second Sierra isn't a secondary performer at all, but a slugger who hit .367 with six home runs and 23 RBI through March 15. Her .622 slugging percentage and 29 runs scored were among the best on the team, and she'll be looking to maintain and enhance her production through the Big Ten season. — John Borton