Michigan softball returns to the NCAA Championship in search of the program’s first Women’s College World Series since the program.

Led by coach Bonnie Stoll, the Wolverines (38-19) won their second straight Big Ten Championship in a May 10 victory against UCLA. Now, they head to Austin for a panel hosted by No. 6 seed Texas (46-10).

The group also has 12 contenders UCF (33-22-1) and Ohio Valley Conference Champion Eastern Illinois Champion (34-20).

Wolverine will first balance with UCF at 2pm on May 16 and play the game on ESPN2. If the Wolverines win the game, they will face the Eastern Illinois-Texas East champion at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The zone round is in a double-phased format, which means the loser of the zone opener on May 16, then played on May 17, and the loser eliminates. The winner will then face the loser of the winner's match on May 17, which faces the champion in the regional final on May 18.

The winner of the Austin area will be promoted to the Super Region and face the winner of the Clemson area, which is Clemson, USC North, Northwest and Kentucky. The Super Region includes a Best Series, starting May 29, the winner advances to the Oklahoma City University World Series.

Here is the way to catch Wolverine in search of returning to the Women’s College World Series:

How to watch Michigan softball area round

Michigan played a regional match with UCF, and subsequent matches will be determined by the results of each game.

date: Friday, May 16

time: 2 pm

channel: ESPN2

stream: ESPN+, fubo

You can watch NCAA softball games on a group of networks on ESPN. Fubo provides streaming for ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and other ESPN affiliate channels so you can keep up with all softball games.

Watch ESPN2 on Fubo

NCAA Softball Austin Regional Timetable

Friday, May 16:

Game 1: UCF and Michigan, 2 p.m.

Game 2: Eastern Illinois and Texas, 4:30 pm

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner, first match with winner, second.

Game 4: Loser, first game against loser, game 2.

Game 5: Winner, Game 4 vs. Loser, Game 3.

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner, Game 3 vs. Winner, Game 5.

Game 7: Game 6 rematch (if necessary)

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn a membership fee. USA Today’s Network News Room operates independently, and this will not affect our coverage.

You can reach Christians cromo@freepress.com.