The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1361683
MAY 2021 THE WOLVERINE 15 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS FIVE YEARS AGO, 2016: Michigan softball pulled off a dramatic four-run rally in the final inning to beat Missouri, 5-4, in an NCAA Super Regional at the Wilpon Complex in Ann Arbor. The May 29 triumph propelled head coach Carol Hutchins' crew into the Women's College World Series. The Wolverines took down the Tigers the day before, 5-3, and needed just one more victory to advance to the WCWS. But it looked like Missouri would force a decisive third game when Rylee Pierce blasted a three-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to stake the Tigers to a 4-1 lead. The No. 2-ranked Wolverines struck back fiercely. Lindsay Montemarano, whose second-inning home run had given the Wolverines their only run to that point, reached on a pop up that Missouri's shortstop lost in the sun. It opened the door, and the Wolverines loaded the bases with back-to-back singles. Sierra Romero pushed one run home on a sacrifice fly, then Kelly Christner ripped a single just fair down the right field line to score another. Kelsey Susalla tied the game with a double to left center. Missouri pitcher Paige Lowary then fired a wild pitch, allowing Christner to churn home with the winning run. Michigan ace Megan Betsa pitched most of the game, and returned in the bottom of the seventh to close it out, but Sara Driesenga (22-1) benefited from the rally to earn the win in relief. "I told my kids that's one of the very greatest victories ever in the history of Michigan softball," Hutchins said. "I told them, their hearts are so blue. The reason we're still playing is because of their heart. And whether we won this game or lost this game, or won this tournament or lost this tournament, I'd have loved it no matter what. "This Team 39 just fought really hard. Usually, they fight themselves first. We've had high expectations all year and had to work through the burden of it, and I'm looking forward to getting to Oklahoma City so we can just enjoy playing." 10 YEARS AGO, 2011: Softball senior pitcher Jordan Taylor closed out the Big Ten season in style, no-hitting Michigan State in a five-inning, 8-0 victory that clinched the outright conference title. Taylor's May 14 effort gave U-M its fourth consecutive conference crown, with an 18-2 Big Ten record (51-4 over- all). Taylor (29-3) struck out six in five innings, allowing only three base runners — two on walks, one on a fielding error. Meanwhile, her teammates were supplying everything needed to shorten the game. Amanda Chidester drove in two runs on a 3-for-3 day, allowing her to finish Big Ten play with a .492 batting average. Ashley Lane bombed a three-run homer, amid a six-run second inning that gave U-M a 7-0 lead. The way Taylor was pitching, that was that. Michigan used the no-no to improve to 73-27 against the Spartans all time in the sport. "Obviously, I want to be my best for the postseason, and I feel like I'm moving toward that direction," Taylor said. "I'm feeling pretty good right now and looking forward to next weekend." 25 YEARS AGO, 1996: Michigan men's track standout Neil Gardner won the NCAA championship in the 400-me- ter hurdles (outdoor) at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field, on May 31. Gardner set a school record with a clocking of 49.27. He later finished No. 8 in the nation in the 110-meter hurdles, becoming the only double finalist on hand. Gardner is depicted in an exultant photo after crossing the finish line with his arms and face tilted toward the heavens. He commented on the photo, posted on Face- book. "This moment is the most exhilarating moment of my life," Gardner exclaimed. "It is one of the best athletic pics I have seen — just so happens to be of me, but that's not why I think that." — John Borton THIS MONTH IN MICHIGAN ATHLETICS HISTORY Left fielder Kelly Christner hit a crucial RBI single down the right field line to help Michigan score four runs in the top of the seventh and final inning en route to a 5-4 comeback victory over Missouri and a spot in the 2016 Women's College World Series. PHOTO BY LARRY BLANKENSHIP