Michigan softball out to 'prove people wrong' after squeezing in NCAAs

“I’m excited,” Putz said. “I think the regional part of the season is one of the most exciting because, as a lot of people say, those are the biggest chance for upsets. I feel like if we view them as just another team in our way, and not as like Oklahoma, I think it definitely can help us just stay in that neutral mindset and just play the game that we know how to play and not try to overthink who we’re playing.”

Tholl was pleased with how the team practiced earlier in the week and that they seem to be enjoying playing and not succumbing to pressure and overthinking. The players speak about their “intention” every day at practice, and the Wolverines were focused on being “joyful" to start the week.

“I believe we’ll be playing our best ball,” Tholl said.

The Wolverines will need big performances from Putz, the sophomore outfielder who has had a stellar season and is chasing Michigan Sierra Romero’s single-season records for home runs and RBI. Putz needs two home runs to tie Romero’s record of 23, and she needs six RBI to tie with 83. Her .442 batting average leads the team.

“I honestly haven’t thought about the records,” said Putz, whose mother, Kelsey Kollen Putz, was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection at Michigan, and whose father, J.J. played baseball at Michigan and then in the majors as a relief pitcher from 2003-14. “I’m just trying to do my own thing and trying to do what I’ve been doing all season. Keeping a neutral mindset — see ball, hit ball — and not trying to overthink anything. Just trying to keep that positive energy going across the team.”

Tholl said whenever Putz steps in the batter’s box, they all feel like something game-changing might happen. She praised her base running, as well as her hitting.

“Lauren’s a great competitor,” Tholl said. “She’s not ever satisfied with her work, and she knows that she can really make an impact in the game. She really knows and understands how to play the game, and it’s been exciting to watch her grow within our program.”

Putz may break records, but her goal now is to make an impact this week and help the Wolverines prove people wrong.

NCAA Softball Tournament

MICHIGAN VS. KANSAS

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Love's Field, Norman, Oklahoma

TV: ESPNU

Records: Michigan is 34-20; Kansas is 35-19

Format: Double-elimination. Host Oklahoma (48-8) and Binghamton (20-25) also are in Michigan's pod, squaring off at 3:30 p.m. Friday's winners will meet at 3 p.m. Saturday, while the losers will play an elimination game at 5:30 p.m. The regional championship is Sunday, with two games possible.

achengelis@detroitnews.com

@chengelis

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan softball out to 'prove people wrong' after squeezing in NCAAs