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Michigan softball prepares for 25th straight trip to the NCAA tournament

Posted at 6:34 PM, May 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-17 18:34:45-04

There are only three guarantees in life. Death, taxes, and Michigan softball in the NCAA tournament. 

On Friday, the Wolverines 25th straight trip to the big dance begins, as head coach Carol Hutchins is hoping that an early exit from the Big Ten tournament vaults them towards a run. 

“They’re all in, they are all in, they represent Michigan so well, they have great passion and love for this university and they cherish their opportunity,” Michigan softball coach Carol Hutchins said. 

Anyone who’s ever been around a softball diamond knows there is plenty of chatter, but entering this tournament, Hutch is asking for more “pump.”

“She just loves the game so much and sometimes she gets caught up in the moment and I just love how passionate she can be for it,” junior second baseman Faith Canfield said. 

“The culture we preach, how strong it is here, to be apart of it is really awesome because you see all of the great people that have come through it before you and did it and how you’re here actually doing it, to be proud of that and really represent the Block M,” junior catcher Katie Alexander added. 

Coach Hutchins got an unexpected phone call before the team departed for their game, Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo gave her a ring wishing her well and asking her how she has so many championships to her name. 

The Wolverines take on Notre Dame in the first game of the regional on Friday at noon from Lexington, Kentucky.