Motycka, Ritter Combine to Shut Out No. 24 Notre Dame

Saturday, May 22

Ann Arbor, Mich.

3:00 PM

Michigan

52-10

Notre Dame

49-19

Notre Dame

Michigan

Motycka, Ritter Combine to Shut Out No. 24 Notre Dame

5/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Alumni Field)
Event: NCAA Regional Championship
Score: #6 Michigan 1, #24 Notre Dame 0
Records: U-M (52-10), Notre Dame (49-19)
Next U-M Event: Saturday, May 22 -- vs. Oregon State at NCAA Regional Championship (Alumni Field), 9:30 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The sixth-ranked University of Michigan softball team edged out Notre Dame 1-0 to advance to the winners bracket final of 2004 NCAA Regional 6 Tournament Saturday (May 22) at Alumni Field. The contest was hard-fought by both teams, highlighted by a stellar starting pitching performance by Nicole Motycka (Sarasota, Fla./Cardinal Mooney HS) with Jennie Ritter (Dexter, Mich./Dexter HS) coming on for the save with a cannon of an arm.

On the offensive end, Michigan was able to manage just four hits off Notre Dame's Steffany Steglein, but the Wolverines made them count. In the bottom of the fourth, the Maize and Blue put the game's only run on the board with an RBI fielder's choice from designated player Angie Churchill (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way HS) with runners on second and third.

Motycka rolled along smoothly, giving up just four hits in six innings along with four strikeouts for her 21st win of the season. The junior found herself in late-game trouble in the top of the sixth when a single with a runner at second brought Notre Dame centerfielder Megan Ciolli around third in an attempt to score. A powerful throw from Meghan Doe (Tucson, Ariz./Sabino HS) erased the runner for the final out of the inning.

Motycka again found herself in trouble in the top of the seventh when a leadoff double put the potential tying run in scoring position with nobody out. Head coach Carol Hutchins then went to her bullpen, bringing in Ritter to close out the game. The sophomore was phenomenal, striking out the next three batters in order to preserve the 1-0 victory.

Michigan will play again against Oregon State at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday night (May 22) at Alumni Field. The winner of the contest will advance to the championship game.

Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423