A resolution commending the University of Michigan softball team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship on June 8, 2005.

Madam President, it is with great pride that I congratulate the University of Michigan Softball Team on winning the 2005 National Championship. The Wolverines completed an impressive season by defeating the two-time defending champion University of California-Los Angeles Bruins two games to one in thrilling fashion capped by a three run home run in the tenth inning of the final game of the 2005 College World Series. This victory marks the first time a team east of the Mississippi River has won this title and cements the University of Michigan program as a true national powerhouse in college softball. The Wolverines played with superb skill and dogged determination throughout the season and in the World Series to clinch their first championship, the second National Championship ever for a women's athletic program at the University of Michigan.

The top ranked Wolverines entered Wednesday night's game hungry for the final win that would secure their first National Championship trophy. The Wolverines and Bruins split the first two games of the best of three series and were locked in a fierce battle in the third and final game to determine the ultimate victor. The Wolverines and Bruins ended regulation with the score tied at one run each. The tenth inning would prove pivotal as Samantha Findlay seized this opportunity and hit a three run homer to provide the boost necessary to secure this extra innings win. This grand display of athleticism, coupled with her play throughout the postseason, helped earn Findlay the Women's College World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

That victory provided the perfect ending to a remarkable season for the

University of Michigan Softball Team. After a 32 game winning streak at the beginning of the season, the Wolverines became the Nation's top- ranked college softball program for the first time in school history, and they were able to maintain the top ranking for the rest of the season. The Wolverines ended the season with 65 wins and 7 losses, the best record in school history and was one of three schools in NCAA history to hit 100 home runs in a season.

Many members of the Wolverine team have been honored for their efforts both on and off of the field. Eight of the team's 19 members were named to the Big Ten all-conference team, including five on the Big Ten first team. Perhaps even more impressive is that six Wolverine players were named to the spring 2005 Academic All-Big Ten Conference team. The Wolverines' pitcher, Jennie Ritter, was honored with the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year title and was a finalist for the Amateur Softball Association's USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. A member of the Big Ten second team, Samantha Findlay, earned an award as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The 2005 University of Michigan Softball team included Stephanie Bercaw, Angie Danis, Samantha Findlay, Alessandra Giampaolo, Tiffany Haas, Lauren Holland, Jennifer Kreinbrink, Grace Leutele, Becky Marx, Jessica Merchant, Rebekah Milian, Nicole Motycka, Jennie Ritter, Lauren Talbot, Michelle Teschler, Michelle Weatherdon, Lorilyn Wilson, Stephanie Winter, and Tiffany Worthy.

This season proved to be an especially memorable one for Head Coach Carol Hutchins for several reasons. Coach Hutchins eclipsed the 900 career win mark during the season, and her 940th win resulted in a championship for the Wolverines. She currently enjoys the distinction of being the most victorious coach in University of Michigan history and currently ranks among the top ten Division I active coaches in career wins and winning percentage.

As we honor this impressive triumph, I am reminded of the many times I have had the pleasure of congratulating a strong Wolverine team. Michigan can be proud of this most recent success, their fifty-second National Championship in school history. I am proud to join Senator Stabenow in congratulating the University of Michigan Softball Team on winning the 2005 Softball National Championship. I know my Senate colleagues share my admiration of the poise, skill and hard work necessary to achieve this milestone.

Madam President, I rise today to congratualte the University of Michigan softball team on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship on June 8, 2005.

Coach Carol Hutchins's team completed a remarkable season last Wednesday on national television when Michigan took a 4-1 lead after freshman first baseman Samantha Findlay hit a three run homer in the 10th inning.

The 2005 University of Michigan softball team had a remarkable and historic season. They were recognized mid-season as the top ranked collegiate softball team in America. They went on to win both the Big Ten regular season championship and Big Ten Tournament title and then advanced to their eighth Women's College World Series to defeat the two-time defending champion UCLA Bruins in the three-game series finals.

I am very proud of the women on this University of Michigan team which finished with a school record of 65 wins and 7 losses. Several of Michigan's players received honors during the season for their spectacular play and at the end of the year for their consistent excellence during the season. In fact, the Women's College World Series Most Outstanding Player honors went to Samantha Findlay, the first freshman position player to be so recognized. In addition, three Michigan players were nominated for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, two of which are finalists for the award.

The 2005 University of Michigan softball team was also very exciting to watch because they hit a home run in 57 of 65 games during the 2005 season. They are just one of three schools in NCAA history to hit 100 home runs in a season. Michigan's fans recognized this and came out in support of their team all year, setting a single-season home attendance record and bringing in the top five crowds in program history.

Most importantly may be the honor given to six University of Michigan softball players that were named to the spring 2005 Academic All-Big Ten Conference team. I am a strong supporter of women's athletics and believe that through their participation and accomplishments the women of University of Michigan's 2005 national championship softball team, and all the other women involved in collegiate athletics, provide powerful and very positive message to girls and young women in our country.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 175 submitted earlier today.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate.