The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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OLYMPIC SPORTS PROFILE lie Wagner was acclimating to the city of Ann Arbor just like every other out-of- state first-year U-M student. Today, col- legiate softball teams on U-M's schedule are attempting to adjust to the standout southpaw. Opponents looking forward to facing a Haylie Wagner Is Next In Line In The Pitcher's Circle For Michigan Six months ago, freshman pitcher Hay- U-M squad without the services of gradu- ated former ace Jordan Taylor have ex- perienced a rude awakening in the form of Wagner, who posted an 11-2 record and a sparkling 1.32 ERA in 18 appear- ances through March 13. Wagner had also struck out 50 batters and was allow- ing a .186 batting average in 741 "We don't ever talk about replacing anybody, we move forward," head coach ⁄3 innings. Carol Hutchins said. "Haylie has helped us move forward by continuing to get better every week since she came to campus. resonated far outside of Washtenaw County limits. Already twice named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, Wagner — who has yet to be unleashed on Big Ten op- ponents — has already recorded wins against programs hailing from Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, Mis- sissippi, Illinois, Virginia, Alabama and her home state of California. She made a name for herself as a And her continuous improvement has " Wagner posted an 11-2 record and a 1.32 ERA in 18 appearances through March 13. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS Golden State prep fireballer, striking out a combined 558 hitters during her junior and senior seasons at El Modena High School, and made her first big splash at the collegiate level in a state also known for its sunshine. "It was against Kentucky during our team's first trip to a tournament in Flor- ida, erything was working and something clicked for me. Everything I had been working so hard for over my first six months came together, and I knew I be- longed here. " Wagner said. "During that game, ev- tion in the Florida Atlantic Kickoff Clas- sic Feb. 17-19, Wagner hurled a six-hit complete-game gem in a 3-0 U-M vic- tory over No. 22 Kentucky in her second career start. In total, Wagner pitched two complete game shutouts during the tournament, yielding only eight hits in 14 innings pitched. Her performance, and moxy on the During the Maize and Blue's participa- " and started playing again, the butterflies went away and I knew what I was doing out there. "I was able to get into a comfortable " routine again, just like I was able to do before in high school and travel ball. Since finding her rhythm, Wagner has said. "I actually didn't pitch at all in the fall. I really had to work hard and focus on my mechanics so that when the season came around I knew that I could pitch at this level. "Once I started trusting my pitches and thrived in her newfound responsibilities as Michigan's go-to left arm. It is certainly a high-pressure role for a first-year player, but one the Wolverine coaching staff has no problem putting into the hands of their most talented players, regardless of class. "The game doesn't know if you are a freshman or a senior, and we need peo- ple to contribute, the freshman class every single year, 'We didn't bring you in here to be a freshman for a year, we brought you in here to help us win. " Hutchins said. "I tell mound, took off. "Of course, as a freshman, I was nervous my first time pitching," Wagner said. "But once I got into the game for the first time role in a number of Wolverine victories, but she didn't make a seamless transi- tion to the game at the next level. First came an arduous adjustment period in the months leading up to her debut for the Maize and Blue. "Coming into my first fall on campus, I didn't have the best mechanics," Wagner Wagner has already played a critical '" success for the Maize and Blue was never in doubt. "Haylie is a sponge, For Wagner's head coach, her future " gained my confidence back, I knew that I could pitch at this level and that I was at Michigan for a reason. has a great attitude, and has soaked up everything that we have given her. "She is simply doing her part, and her " Hutchins said. "She part is to keep us in the game, contain opposing offenses and give us a chance to win when she is on the mound. looks capable of that. But for the bud- ding star, it doesn't matter who carries the team, as long as the traditions and legacy of Michigan softball are held true throughout her four years in Ann Arbor. "For the rest of the year, I look forward For the foreseeable future, Wagner " " she said. — Kevin Minor to being with my team, being a part of Michigan and doing anything I can to help us win, APRIL 2012 THE WOLVERINE 99