Michigan softball player Nicole Sappingfield out this weekend due to injury
The Michigan softball team will play without one of its starters this weekend.
Freshman left fielder Nicole Sappingfield injured her leg during the final out of Sunday’s 8-1 win over Minnesota and will not be available for at least this weekend’s home-and-home regular-season finale against Michigan State.
“Out for the weekend,” Michigan softball coach Carol Hutchins said. “And very likely out for the year.
“There’s a small possibility we could get her back at a later time, but it is not likely.”
Sappingfield had to move out of the way to avoid colliding with shortstop Amy Knapp in the top of the seventh inning against the Gophers. When she moved, she also fell and landed awkwardly on her left leg. She had to be helped off the field by trainers.
Sappingfield, a Norco, Calif., native, has started every game this season for 49-4 Michigan. She is hitting .387 with four doubles and six stolen bases.
She usually occupied the No. 2 spot in the Michigan lineup, meaning the Wolverines will have to move pieces around to fill her void this weekend.
Michigan’s home finale is Friday at 7 p.m. against the Spartans. The Wolverines lead the Big Ten title race by one game over Indiana.
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan baseball and softball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by email at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein
Comments
Engineer
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
Nicole will be sorely missed but heres hoping her team mates step up to fill the void and carry this thing to Oklahoma. Also hope you have a speedy recovery and get to watch and cheer year team from the dugout at least.
Lorain Steelmen
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Bad break for 'Cole and for the the team. We'll need all hands on deck as the post season unfolds.
macjont
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 6:15 a.m.
Not good news --- for U of M softball or for Nicole, a truly fine softball player and athlete. Just hope she can recover and be around for the next three years. Good luck, Nicole.
Frank99
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
I guess a little hope is better than none.