May 21, 2004

The University of Notre Dame softball team’s second round game vs. Michigan has been pushed back due to heavy storms in the Ann Arbor area. The Irish and Wolverines, slated to begin their contest at 3 p.m., will meet at approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday.

An extremely strong thunderstorm dumped approximately two inches of rain on Ann Arbor around 1:30 p.m. EST. Oregon State and Tennessee, with the Beavers ahead 2-0, saw their game suspended in the top of the sixth inning with two outs.

The schedule is developed in an effort to get the tournament back on track Saturday. Unfortunately, the loser of the Notre Dame – Michigan contest will be forced to play three complete games on Saturday to stay alive in the tournament.

Here is the updated Region VI Tournament schedule:

Saturday, May 22

Game Seven: Oregon State vs. Tennessee, 9 a.m. (game picked up in progress)

Game Eight: Notre Dame vs. Michigan, 10 a.m. (approx.)

Game Nine: UIC vs. Loser of game eight, 12:30 p.m. (approx.)

Game 10: DePaul vs. Loser of game seven, 3 p.m. (approx.)

Game 11: Winner of game seven vs. Winner of game eight, 5:30 p.m. (approx.)

Game 12: Winner of game nine vs. Winner of game 10, 8 p.m. (approx.)

Each game on Saturday will begin 30 minutes after the completion of the game before it. Therefore, a fast game will result in an early start time and a slow game will push the time back. For example, the Oregon State – Tennessee game could end in 15 minutes, meaning the Notre Dame – Michigan game would begin at 9:45 a.m.

Sunday, May 23

Game 13: Loser of game 11 vs. Winner of game 12, 9:30 a.m.

Game 14: Winner of game 11 vs. Winner of game 13, 12 noon

Game 15 (if necessary): Same teams as game 14, 2:30 p.m.

The weather report does not look good for the Ann Arbor region for Saturday’s game, with another strong thunderstorm expected Friday evening. Should Saturday’s game be delayed, Monday is a viable alternative for finishing the tournament to decide who should advance to the Women’s College World Series. There is also a formula to determine who should advance, should all the games not be played. Everyone involved in the tournament hopes that option does not have to be exercised.