2015-16 Season Previews -- Baseball, Softball, Rowing, Lacrosse
1/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | General
Jan. 27, 2016
On periodic Wednesdays throughout the season, MGoBlue.com will release season previews for upcoming sport seasons. The final five sports are in the spotlight today -- softball, baseball, men's and women's lacrosse and rowing.
BASEBALL
• Ticket Information
• Social Media: Twitter (@umichbaseball) | Facebook
2016 OUTLOOK
Fourth-year coach Erik Bakich hopes to build off the momentum from last year and make a run at the coveted NCAA College World Series this year. The Maize and Blue finished tied for third place in the Big Ten Conference in 2015, capping off the season with an impressive 39-25 overall record.
Coming off a Big Ten Tournament title and an appearance in the Louisville Regional championship game, the Wolverines return 19 letterwinners and five everyday starters to this year's squad, along with three starting pitchers. Despite losing key players to graduation and the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, the future looks bright for Michigan's oldest athletic program, which celebrates its 150th season this year.
So far this preseason, the Wolverines have earned recognition in multiple preseason polls, and numerous baseball organizations across the nation have predicted Michigan to finish atop the competitive Big Ten Conference
STUDENT-ATHLETE TO WATCH
Carmen Benedetti -- After strong freshman and sophomore seasons, junior Carmen Benedetti will return to the field for the 2016 season with numerous preseason honors under his belt. The infield/outfield/pitcher earned selections to the All-Big Ten first team and the All-NCAA Louisville Regional team last year after leading the Wolverines and the Big Ten in doubles (25) and runs batted in (71). He also finished second in the conference in batting average (.352), recording 82 hits on the season with 37 runs scored, while slugging at a .541 clip with a .418 on-base percentage. In his first year on the mound, Benedetti finished the 2015 campaign with a 1.84 earned-run average, striking out 23 batters and picking up three saves in just 14.2 innings.
From left: Jake Bivens, Brett Adcock, Carmen Benedetti
KEY COMPETITION
Fri-Sun., March 18-20 -- at Oklahoma State (Stillwater, Okla.)
After 16 straight road contests, Michigan will cap off a 19-game road stand with a three-game series at top-ranked Oklahoma State in March. So far this preseason, the Cowboys have been ranked in the top-10 in multiple preseason polls, and will represent one of Michigan's toughest opponents of the regular season. Oklahoma State is coming off a 38-20 season in which they advanced to an NCAA Regional for the third-straight season, hosting their regional tournament for the second-straight year as the region's No. 1 seed. Michigan and Oklahoma State met for the first time in history last season, when the Cowboys took home two of three games in the series.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Erik Bakich
On what the team needs to do to keep the momentum going from last year's Big Ten Tournament Title and NCAA Regional appearance ... "We need to keep making positive strides. The program is ascending, and in order for the program to ascend, we have to make daily improvement. We're looking to get the program better than we were last year by being better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we were today."
2015 RECAP
U-M finished the 2015 season with a 39-25 overall record and a 14-10 mark in the competitive Big Ten Conference. Throughout the Big Ten Conference portion of the schedule, Michigan clinched series wins over opponents Maryland, Indiana, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota, and Northwestern. Additionally, the Wolverines defeated Indiana as well as top-ranked opponents Iowa and Illinois to make their first Big Ten Conference Tournament appearance since 2008. In the Big Ten Tournament title contest, Michigan defeated Maryland by a 4-3 score en route to its ninth Big Ten Tournament title and its 22nd NCAA Tournament berth in school history. After advancing to the NCAA Louisville Regional, the Maize and Blue defeated Bradley twice before eventually falling to Louisville in the championship game. Despite the loss and the end of a magical NCAA run, Michigan ended the season atop the Big Ten Conference with a team .296 batting average, while MLB Draft Pick Jacob Cronenworth led the conference in hits (91) and runs (62), and Carmen Benedetti led the Big Ten in RBI (71) and doubles (25).
• Full Preview (detailed season preview, quotes, student-athletes to watch and more)
MEN'S LACROSSE
• Ticket Information
• Social Media: Twitter @umichlacrosse | Facebook
2016 OUTLOOK
In Michigan's fifth season of varsity lacrosse under head coach John Paul, U-M boasts its first full recruiting cycle and returns its top three point-getters from a year ago in junior Ian King, senior Kyle Jackson and junior Mikie Schlosser, as well as starting goalie in senior/junior Gerald Logan, who was a 2015 All-Big Ten honorable mention.
U-M will also play a top-15 schedule that includes seven home games, six NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago and two Final Four teams at Michigan Stadium in Maryland and Johns Hopkins.
The Wolverines are ranked No. 5 in the preseason Big Ten Poll and are No. 35 in the Inside Lacrosse Face-off Yearbook.
STUDENT-ATHLETES TO WATCH
Kyle Jackson - A - Senior
Jackson, a three-year starter at midfield, will feature at the lefty attack spot as a senior in offensive coordinator Conor Ford's offense. The Sarnia, Ontario, native enters his final campaign as U-M's all-time leading scorer with 58 career goals and 18 assists (76 points).
Ian King - A - Junior
King, a 2015 All-Big Ten Honorable mention, earned the honor after leading the team in goals with 23 and tallying 11 assists and 34 points even after missing nearly all of March and four games due to injury. Additionally, he ranked No. 2 in the conference in goals per game (2.56), fourth in points per game (3.78) and second in shots per game (8.56).
Gerald Logan - G - Senior/Junior
Logan owns the Michigan career goalkeeping record in nearly every category heading into his redshirt junior season. Last year, he started every game in between the pipes for the Wolverines, stopping 54 percent of shots faced and totaling an 11.60 goals-against-average. Logan also ranked in the NCAA top 10 in saves per game (12.84) and is a two-time team MVP (2013, 2015), an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2015 and 2013 ECAC All-Freshman Team selection.
From left: Kyle Jackson, Gerald Logan, Ian King
KEY COMPETITION
Saturday, April 23 -- vs. Johns Hopkins (Michigan Stadium), 7 p.m.
U-M will close out its regular season with a matchup against the preseason No. 5 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays under the lights at Michigan Stadium. Hopkins treks to U-M for the first time, and Big Ten Tournament positing will be on the line in the penultimate Big Ten regular-season content for both teams. U-M has previously taken on the Blue Jays on three occasions, with all the games being contested in Baltimore.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach John Paul
On moving Kyle Jackson, the program's all-time leading scorer, to attack ... "We were reluctant to move him to attack the last three years partly because we needed him on our first-line midfield. We had some tougher personnel decisions to make these last few seasons, but with Will Meter graduating last year, we had an obvious void at our lefty attack spot, and we wanted to give it a try. We then realized in the first week of fall practice that it would be a great move for our team and for Kyle in general. We are all excited to see how it plays out this season with a great attack unit."
2015 RECAP
Michigan wrapped up its fourth season of varsity lacrosse with a 10-9 loss to Penn State on April 28. U-M equaled its program record of five wins from a year ago and set team records in caused turnovers per game (8.92) and goals-against-average (11.32). Michigan compiled a 5-8 record on the season and 1-4 conference mark in the first season of Big Ten lacrosse. The team also set the new program standard for winning percentage in a season. Additionally, U-M went 4-5 in home games, doubling the previous high of two wins, and started the season with a 2-0 record and was 3-1 after four games.
Kyle Jackson set the school record for goals in a career. Jackson's three goals against the Scarlet Knights (April 5) broke Thomas Paras' (2012-14) career points record of 72. His 58 career goals are also No. 1 in program annals and are trailed by Ian King with 53. Additionally, King and Gerald Logan were tabbed All-B1G Honorable Mention for the 2015 season.
• Full Preview (detailed season preview, quotes, student-athletes to watch and more)
WOMEN'S LACROSSE
• Ticket Information
• Social Media: Twitter (@umichwlax) | Facebook | Instagram: @umichwlax
2016 OUTLOOK
Under the direction of third-year head coach Jennifer Ulehla, the Michigan women's lacrosse team will embark on its third season as a varsity program in 2016. The Maize and Blue will enter the 2016 campaign with 31 of its 35 letterwinners from the 2015 roster, including all starters and 100 percent of its goal scoring from a year ago. Now in their third season, the Wolverines boast three classes -- with 19 juniors, 12 sophomores and a 13-person freshman class that will add talent and depth to the roster.
In 2015, Michigan was led by junior Jess Angerman with 48 points, on 33 goals and 15 assists, and Anna junior Anna Schueler with 34 goals and seven assists. Schueler has also led U-M in draw controls in each of the last two season, recording 46 in 2015. This season, junior midfielder Kim Coughlan will be U-M's go-to draw specialist, while Schueler will use her explosiveness off the draw circle. Coughlan notched 31 goals a year ago despite being shifted to a more defensive role in the latter half of the season.
With another year of experience under their belt, the Wolverines have skill, speed and depth at every position and are ready to kick off their season against first-year program Central Michigan on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m. inside Oosterbaan Field House. In total, 11 of U-M's 17 games will be played at home, including four out of the first five at Oosterbaan.
STUDENT-ATHLETE TO WATCH
Anna Schueler -- Schueler has been Michigan's top goal scorer in each of the last two seasons, tallying 34 in 2015 and 32 in 2014. She is one of U-M's most explosive and influential players on the offensive and defensive sides of the field, as well as in the midfield transition. Schueler has also led the Wolverines in draw controls in each of the last two seasons, pulling down 46 in 2015 and 54 in 2014.
From left: Anna Schueler, Kim Coughlan, Jess Angerman
KEY COMPETITION
Date TBA -- vs. Ohio State // April 17 -- vs. Penn State // April 23 -- vs. Maryland
Michigan's 2016 Big Ten home schedule will bring three conference opponents to Michigan Stadium that each finished in the top 25 nationally in 2015 -- Ohio State, Penn State and defending national champion Maryland. Fans will have the opportunity to see some of the best lacrosse in the nation played right here in Ann Arbor.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Jennifer Ulehla
On the next step she's looking for the program to take in year three ... "One of our main focuses has always been consistency, and more consistency leads to winning. You want to take care of the little things consistently, which we've been doing, and when we continue to do that at a different level, good things will come. The name of the game is winning, we want to pull out these one-goal games and we want to compete against these Big Ten teams and keep working towards becoming champions."
2015 RECAP
In 2015, head coach Jennifer Ulehla led the University of Michigan women's lacrosse team into its second year as a varsity program with a roster consisting of 23 sophomores and 12 freshmen. Despite the 2014 season being known as the "season of firsts," 2015 brought another first for the program, as the Big Ten Conference sponsored its first season of women's lacrosse. Michigan finished with a 5-12 overall record, including a 0-5 mark in Big Ten play, but was competitive in nearly every game, losing five games by one goal, including two in overtime and one in double overtime. Sophomore Anna Schueler was selected to the inaugural Big Ten All-Tournament Team following a three-goal performance in U-M's first-round matchup with No. 9 Northwestern (L, 13-9).
• Full Preview (detailed season preview, quotes, student-athletes to watch and more)
ROWING
• Social Media: Twitter (@umichrowing) | Facebook (MichiganRowing)
2015-16 OUTLOOK
The University of Michigan rowing team enters its 20th season of existence in 2016, all under the guidance of head coach Mark Rothstein. A young Wolverines squad qualified for the NCAA Rowing Championships for the 16th time in Rothstein's tenure in 2015, finishing 10th overall -- Michigan's 15th top-10 at the NCAA regatta. Michigan's NCAA finish followed a second-place showing at the Big Ten Rowing Championships, highlighted by the 2V8's individual boat title. With just four seniors gone from last year's roster, the Wolverines are poised for a big year this season, led by another small senior class of two: captain Adena Coste and coxswain Emma Knorps. Eighteen of 23 student-athletes who competed at the 2015 NCAA Rowing Championships will return in 2016, and a talented freshman class will be in the mix for spots on the Wolverines' competition boat rosters. Michigan is looking to make another run as one of the elite programs in Division I rowing.
STUDENT-ATHLETE TO WATCH
Adena Coste, Senior -- Senior Adena Coste, a native of Woodbridge, Connecticut, will serve as Michigan's lone captain this season, a rarity in Coach Rothstein's tenure at U-M. Coste, a member of U-M's winning 2V8 crew at the 2015 Big Ten Rowing Championships, rowed mainly on fours in her two seasons at Michigan before solidifying a spot on the 2V8 crew in 2014-15.
"It's really been a positive for her as she's been able to set an excellent tone. It's really helped with our team's development to have her leadership," Rothstein said.
KEY COMPETITION
Saturday, April 2 -- vs. Virginia, Clemson (Columbus, Ohio)
Michigan gets an early look two of the ACC's best crews in Virginia and Clemson at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge dual on April 2. Virginia finished fifth at the 2015 NCAA Rowing Championships, while Clemson took fifth place at the ACC Rowing Championships. Michigan raced against both crews in 2015 in Charlottesville, Virginia, with its 1V8 crew earning wins in both races, including an exciting .13-second margin against the Cavaliers. The Wolverines will also keep an eye on dual partner Ohio State, the reigning Big Ten and NCAA Rowing champion.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Mark Rothstein
On having a young team that has experienced Big Ten and NCAA Tournament success ... "It's nice having a bunch of athletes that have raced a couple of times at NCAAs. I think that definitely helps when we're working to get back there and hoping to do well."
2014-15 RECAP
A young Wolverines squad qualified for the NCAA Rowing Championships for the 16th time in Rothstein's tenure in 2015, finishing 10th overall -- Michigan's 15th top-10 at the NCAA regatta. Michigan's NCAA finish followed a second place showing at the Big Ten Rowing Championships, highlighted by the 2V8's individual boat title. Michigan finished the season with two Pocock All-Americans (Jessica Eiffert, first team; Alex Spaulding, second team) and four All-Big Ten selections (Jessica Eiffert, Alex Spaulding - first team; Hannah Sherman, Louisa Freeman - second team).
• Full Preview (detailed season preview, quotes, student-athletes to watch and more)
SOFTBALL
• Ticket Information
• Social Media: Twitter (@umichsoftball) | Facebook
2016 OUTLOOK
Under the direction of 32nd-year head coach Carol Hutchins, Michigan enters the 2016 season with the No. 2 ranking in the preseason polls -- its highest preseason ranking in 10 years -- and with the bulk of last season's NCAA runner-up squad back, including four All-Americans, the Wolverines have enough talent and experience for another successful season.
STUDENT-ATHLETE TO WATCH
Sierra Romero -- Already the program's record holder in numerous career hitting categories, including batting average, run scored, home runs and RBI, Romero is arguably the best player in the country. She is a three-time All-American -- twice a first-team selection -- and was named the inaugural espnW Softball Player of the Year last season. She will look to take her game to another level in 2016.
Left: Sierra Romero // Right: Megan Betsa
KEY COMPETITION
Saturday, Feb. 13 -- vs. Florida (Tampa, Fla.)
The Wolverines will not have to wait long for a rematch against No. 1 Florida, facing the Gators on the just second day of the season at the USF-Wilson DeMarini Tournament. Michigan faced Florida five times in 2015, including last year's season opener, and while U-M claimed just one meeting, all five games were close, including three decided by one run.
QUOTABLE
Head Coach Carol Hutchins
On the leadership of the upperclassmen ... "I think they've set a good tone. Our leadership has come back strong. They understand hard work. To their credit, this team works really hard. Now it's time to see the rising sophomores step up, because we need them to fill in some of the gaps."
2015 RECAP
Michigan boasted one of the best seasons in its storied program history, registering a 60-8 record en route to its eighth straight Big Ten title, a Big Ten Tournament title and a runner-up finish at the Women's College World Series. The Wolverines combined powerful hitting with shutdown pitching, leading the nation with 118 home runs and setting school records in runs scored (540) and RBI (504) while combining for a stout 1.66 ERA and 18 shutout victories. U-M also boasted a program-best five All-Americans -- Kelly Christner, Sierra Romero, Megan Betsa, Sierra Lawrence and Haylie Wagner.
• Full Preview (detailed season preview, quotes, student-athletes to watch and more)
