Ann Arbor, Mich. – A first inning grand slam home run by Michigan freshman Maggie Viefhaus set the tone for the game as the No. 10 ranked Wolverines knocked off No. 15 ranked Oregon State by a 7-0 score in Sunday’s NCAA Regional Tournament championship game.
The Beavers finish the season with a 41-23 overall record after garnering their ninth consecutive NCAA postseason appearance. Michigan (46-11) advances to the Super Regional to face No. 8 ranked Baylor University.
OSU found itself at a disadvantage from the start, as UM posted a 5-0 lead in the opening inning after capitalizing on four hits – including Viefhaus’ bases clearing shot that sailed over the leaping attempt of Beaver center fielder .
“My hat is off to Michigan – they played a great game and will represent this region well,” said Oregon State head coach . “I’m disappointed in some of the things we didn’t do today, however we never gave up – we just had too large of a hill to climb.”
The Beaver offense was stymied throughout the game by Michigan ace and Salem, Ore., native Lorilyn Wilson (24-6).
Oregon State picked up singles from Johnson and fellow senior but the Beavers couldn’t get on the scoreboard.
Senior pitcher suffered the loss in the circle, but finished her career with 10 postseason victories – the most of any pitcher in Oregon State history. McGowan finishes her illustrious career as OSU’s all-time leader in wins (100), strikeouts (852), shutouts (36) and saves (13). The Reno, Nev., native also ranked second all-time in the Beaver record book for RBI (134) and home runs (35). Her team-leading 48 RBI on the year match the OSU single season record set by Shelly Prochaska in 2003.
Beaver senior pitcher allowed just three hits and struck out three batters in three innings of scoreless work. McElroy struck out the final Michigan batter of the game – Samantha Findley (the hero who hit the game-winning home run for the Wolverines to win the national championship in 2005). Fittingly, McElroy struck out Findley on a change-up – the Los Angeles native’s signature pitch.
Longfellow was a bright spot in the Beaver line-up over the entire tournament. The 5-1 shortstop went 7-for-11 from the plate for a .636 batting average and scored six runs.
Reflecting on her four-year career at Oregon State, a choked up Longfellow said, “It’s been a great experience. I love Oregon State University, my teammates and my coaches. This is the type of experience that you will love and cherish for a lifetime.”
Longfellow finishes her career as Oregon State’s all-time leader in hits (242), singles (192), stolen bases (57), and at-bats (775). The Ramona, Calif., native also tied ’s (2003-06) all-time record with 141 runs scored.
Oregon State’s senior class of McElroy, McGowan, Longfellow, Johnson and won a total of 171 career games and became just the second class in program history to record four straight 40-win seasons.
GAME RESULTS:
No. 10 Michigan – 510 100 0 – 7 11 0
No. 15 Oregon State – 000 000 0 – 0 2 3
McGowan, McElroy (5) and Ewing (OSU), Wilson and Worthy (UM). Win – Wilson (25-6). Loss – McGowan (25-14). HR – Viefhaus (UM). 2B – Bausher (UM).
