Ann Arbor — Michigan is among the favorites to win the national championship, and the Wolverines took their first step toward that goal with a dominating victory in their first game of the NCAA Regionals.
Michigan, bolstered by strong pitching from starter Megan Betsa and productive batting, routed Valparaiso, 8-0, in five innings at Alumni Field on Friday night in the NCAA Regional. The Wolverines entered the game leading the nation in scoring (8.41 average).
The second-ranked Wolverines (47-5) will face Mid-American Conference champion Miami (Ohio), which defeated Notre Dame, 3-2, in the first regional game, at noon Saturday.