The Michigan Wolverines are heading back to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season—but this year, they had to earn their spot the hard way. After clinching automatic berths by winning the Big Ten Tournament in each of the last two years under head coach Bonnie Tholl, Michigan found itself squarely on the bubble for an at-large bid in 2024. The tension was palpable as the selection show unfolded, but when their name was finally called, the relief was immediate.
Michigan finished the regular season at 34-20 overall, with an 11-13 mark in Big Ten play. While those numbers might not jump off the page, a strength of schedule ranked No. 40 in the nation gave the selection committee enough reason to include the Wolverines. Now, they're heading to Norman, Oklahoma, for a double-elimination regional hosted by powerhouse No. 2 Oklahoma—a program that has won six national championships in the last decade and is hosting a regional for the 15th straight year.
Michigan opens against Kansas (35-19) on Friday at 6 p.m., marking the Jayhawks' first NCAA appearance since 2015. The Wolverines have already faced Kansas this season, earning a 4-2 victory back on Feb. 8 in Tampa. The other side of the regional features Oklahoma (48-8) taking on Binghamton (20-25).
“I like to be in control of our own destiny, as probably every coach you talk to will say that,” Tholl told reporters this week. “There are lessons learned throughout the season of how you play with a sense of urgency but without a sense of worry. You want to play true to who you are. Have we done it all season long? No, I think we’ve been a little inconsistent in that sense. We have at least another two games, and so there’s room for growth.”
The Wolverines are embracing their underdog status, especially after squeezing into the tournament as one of the last teams selected. Outfielder Lauren Putz, a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection, summed up the team's mindset: “It definitely kind of lights that fire in us, just trying to prove people wrong. Obviously, being the underdog is kind of easier than being the favorite team.”
With Oklahoma looming as the clear favorite in the region, Michigan knows the road won't be easy. But for a team that has already proven its resilience, the message is clear: they're ready to make some noise.