After falling to Alabama on Thursday night, Michigan needed two wins on Friday to advance to the Women's College World Series. Early on in Friday afternoon's game, Michigan appeared to be in pretty good shape, at least in their quest to force a third and deciding game in the Super Regional series. However, Alabama battled back and ended up winning by a score of 4-3, sending the Wolverines packing and ending their season.
Unlike Thursday's game, Michigan got off to a good start on Friday afternoon. The Wolverines picked up a run in the bottom of the first, and although Alabama tied things up in the top of the second, Michigan retook the lead with two runs in the bottom of the inning. At that point, Michigan was up 3-1 and in pretty good shape. Things fell apart in the fifth inning when a two-run homer tied the game. Alabama then took the lead with a run in the sixth, and Michigan was unable to make a comeback, losing 4-3.
The loss ends Michigan's season and quest to return to the WCWS for the first time in three years. On the flip side, Alabama is now off to the WCWS for the second year in a row.
You can check out the full 2012 NCAA softball tournament bracket right here.