After A Decade Away, Gopher Softball Headed To NCAAs
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For the first time in 10 years the Gophers are going to the NCAA softball tournament.
The squad finished second in the conference and is en route to Seattle to face Hawaii on Friday night in the Regionals.
"It is whatever we make it," coach Jessica Allister said. "I think the Big Ten tournament for us was huge -- to play elimination games. I think we learned a lot from it. The girls are excited."
For this team, it's a balancing act this week -- finals and softball. It's a good dilemma.
"Finals is a lot, obviously right now, but everything's been worth it," third baseman Katie Richardson said. "This team is something special."
The key to winning is one great ace pitcher. Unlike baseball, your ace can pitch virtually every inning.
Sara Moulton is that person. She's the staff anchor, and has a competitor's mentality.
"My game plan is to go at every hitter, limit walks and have some fun," she said.
And maybe that's why they're not afraid to go in as the underdogs. They've got enough confidence to make some noise.
"We have a chance to shock a lot of people," Richardson said.
